Trade Principal Secretary (PS) Alfred K'Ombudo on Sunday, July 23, clarified media reports that the United States has made new demands before signing a free trade deal that has been in negotiations since 2020. He further stated that the trade negotiations were not one-way as reported but it was a deal between two equals. The free trade deal seeks to do away with the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which allows Kenya to export goods to the US duty-free. The free trade deal, expected to be signed by April 2024, focuses on non-tariff partnerships, which will boost labour and production standards in Kenya. On her visit to Kenya, Tai promised to enhance economic integration and expansion in the East African Community (EAC).

Source: Daily Nation July 23, 2023 13:25 UTC