The United States House of Representatives has passed a Bill to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a further three years, marking a significant milestone in U.S. Africa trade relations and providing renewed certainty for key export sectors in Kenya.
In Kenya, the textile and apparel industries operating within Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are among the biggest beneficiaries of AGOA.
The sector currently employs more than 80,000 people directly and supports an estimated 250,000 jobs indirectly.
The extension is expected to ease the uncertainty that had previously clouded the industry, paving the way for increased investment, expansion, and job creation.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said the government is now focused on maximizing the benefits of the AGOA framework by expanding Kenya’s export portfolio beyond textiles and apparel. The strategy aims to ensure that the country fully leverages preferential access to the U.S. market to stimulate economic growth and generate wealth.
ALSO READ:
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 14, the CS said Kenya is engaged in discussions with the United States on a potential bilateral trade agreement that would cover additional sectors and further strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
The extension of AGOA and broader trade relations were among the issues discussed during President William Ruto’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., where Kenya formally sought enhanced market access to the U.S. Kenya’s major exports to the American market currently include textiles and apparel, coffee, tea, horticultural products, and tourism services.
According to the Ministry, expanding the country’s export basket remains a key national priority and is closely aligned with Kenya’s broader strategic economic agenda.
By Obegi Malack
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
