For this to happen, Kenya and the United States must make considerable progress towards a bilateral trade deal under the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) framework. These are in negotiations around agriculture, good regulatory practices, workers’ rights and environmental sustainability. In agriculture, Kenya should ensure its bilateral trade deals with US do not undermine broader African trade interests in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC) or the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Corporations have a social and legal responsibility to protect workers’ rights and the environment. Of concern is the glaring absence of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) and workers’ representatives in the negotiations around workers’ rights.

Source: Standard Digital November 04, 2023 21:23 UTC