The trade relations between Kenya and the European Union (EU) have reached a significant milestone with the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), an official announcement revealed on Monday.
Rebecca Miano, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, confirmed in a statement from Nairobi that the EPA now ensures all Kenyan exports to the EU market are duty-free and quota-free. This development is expected to enhance bilateral trade in goods and boost investment flows between the two regions.
“The EU-Kenya EPA is one of the most ambitious agreements negotiated between the EU and an African country in terms of promoting economic sustainability,” Miano stated. She added that the agreement could serve as a template for other African nations aiming to foster similar economic collaborations.
Miano highlighted the agreement’s potential to unlock significant economic opportunities, noting that the EU is Kenya’s top destination for exports and its second-largest trading partner. In 2023, the total trade between Kenya and the EU amounted to approximately 3.2 billion USD, marking a 16 percent increase compared to 2018 figures.
Kenya’s principal exports to the EU comprise horticultural products, including fruits, cut flowers, vegetables, tea, and coffee. These goods are anticipated to benefit significantly from the newly established duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market.
The EPA between Kenya and the EU was finalised in June 2023 and officially signed in December of the same year. This agreement represents a strategic step towards strengthening economic ties and enhancing trade dynamics between Kenya and the EU.
