President William Ruto has announced that the United States government has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) deal by one more year, securing duty-free access for Kenyan exporters to the US market.
Speaking in Vihiga County on Saturday, October 4, Ruto revealed that the extension followed discussions he held with President Donald Trump’s administration during his recent trip to the US.
“You witnessed the other day, when I was in the United States, I talked to Trump’s government, and now they have given us an extension of AGOA. For the next one year, Kenyans will continue to export their products into the American market,” Ruto told worshippers at Nyang’ori PAG Church Centenary.
What the Extension Means
The extension allows Kenyan exporters, particularly those in the textile and apparel industry, to continue enjoying tax-free access to one of the world’s largest markets. This move provides relief and renewed optimism for workers whose livelihoods depend on exports to the US.
AGOA, which was first signed into law in 2000, grants eligible Sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the US for more than 1,800 products, including textiles, agricultural goods, and manufactured items.
Push for a Bilateral Trade Agreement
While welcoming the one-year extension, President Ruto stressed the importance of a long-term solution. He disclosed that Kenya has already begun fresh talks with the US for a bilateral trade agreement that will provide stability and predictability for exporters.
“Through the bilateral trade agreement, we will be able to get a market for our coffee, tea, horticulture, textile and apparel,” Ruto said, adding that such an agreement would help strengthen Kenya’s economy and reduce risks tied to temporary extensions.
The announcement comes at a crucial time as Kenya seeks to expand its global trade footprint and create more opportunities for its citizens.
