Kenya and the United States have renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations, signaling a strategic partnership aimed at unlocking new economic opportunities for both nations.
During a recent meeting in Nairobi, the U.S. Embassy’s Economic Counsellor James H. Potts paid a courtesy call on Principal Secretary for Trade, Regina Ombam. Potts acknowledged Kenya’s pivotal role as a regional economic hub in East Africa and affirmed the United States’ interest in deepening commercial partnerships. In turn, PS Ombam underscored the need for predictable trade frameworks and a more robust private sector collaboration to fully harness the potential of Kenya-U.S. trade.
Central to the discussions was the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), launched in 2022, which focuses on key areas such as digital trade, agriculture, labor rights, anti-corruption measures, and trade facilitation. The two officials reviewed progress on STIP, while emphasizing the importance of aligning investment policies to foster inclusive economic growth.
PS Ombam highlighted Kenya’s shift from raw material exports to a value-added export economy, calling for enhanced technical support and capacity building—especially in agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, and services. Potts welcomed the initiative, noting that U.S. development agencies are ready to offer advisory and technical expertise to bolster Kenya’s trade negotiating capabilities.
The meeting also touched on the looming expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2025. Ombam reiterated Kenya’s leading role in AGOA, particularly in apparel exports, and advocated for its renewal to provide long-term market stability for exporters. Potts expressed optimism over bipartisan support for AGOA’s extension, while encouraging Kenya to prepare for a more reciprocal trade arrangement in the future.
Trade data from 2024 shows growing commercial ties, with total goods trade reaching $1.5 billion. U.S. exports to Kenya rose by 61.4% to $782.5 million, while imports from Kenya dropped by 17.5% to $737.3 million, resulting in a U.S. goods trade surplus of $45.2 million.
This renewed cooperation marks a significant step towards sustainable and mutually beneficial trade between the two countries.
