Kenya and the EU are undertaking various engagements to ensure the successful implementation of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement.
The agreement became active on July 1 after years of negotiations, and a team from the EU led by Directorate-General for Trade Dora Correia arrived in Nairobi on September 4 to participate in putting together the implementation mechanism for the Kenya—EU EPA.
Trade Principal Secretary Alfred K’Ombudo says Kenya continues to expand market access for exports, stimulate investment and deepen development cooperation as part of its export-led economic development strategy.
“The Kenya—UK Economic Partnership Agreement is a key instrument for fulfilling that strategy,” he said on X.
He added that Kenya is rapidly advancing implementation of the EPA after co-chairing an implementation session with Correia.
“We advanced several areas of implementation of the EPA, including on matters connected to rules of origin, sustainable and inclusive trade and pathways for expanding the scope of the agreement to advance trade. We further reviewed a number of trade—related measures from both sides with a view to resolving any emerging challenges to effective implementation of the agreement,” he added.
According to the PS, implementing the Kenya—EU EPA requires a whole-of-government approach and in this regard, the meeting with the EU team drew attendance of PS Abdi Dubat (EAC), Geoffrey Kaituko (Shipping, Maritime), Roseline Njogu (Diaspora Affairs), DrJuma Mukhwana (Industry), Jonathan Mueke (Livestock Development), Anne Wang’ombe (Gender) and Betsy Njagi (Blue Economy and Fisheries)
Senior European Commission officials and technical teams from the two EPA partners also attended.
“We are keen to utilize the EPA to accelerate trade, investment and development cooperation between Kenya and the 27–country, €13 trillion market,” K’Ombudo said.
On her part, EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said both parties see EPA’s potential as one that will positively impact the lives and livelihoods of the two peoples.
The sides also held the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) sensitization workshop at Strathmore University Business School in Nairobi.
The event opened by Investments, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya, and graced by EU Ambassador Geiger, provided an opportunity for the unpacking of the contents of the agreement as well as engage the team involved in the negotiations, the business and civil society for more insights.
The discussions focused on ensuring a robust framework to facilitate communication and cooperation between the Kenya and EU.
The meeting also centered on trade and sustainable development, immense opportunities the EPA will open up for Kenyans both in the country and in the diaspora as well as enhance people-to-people connections.
