Kenya is intensifying efforts to revive stalled trade negotiations with the United States, aiming to secure favorable export tariffs and finalize the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). A U.S. delegation, led by Ambassador Jamieson Greer, is scheduled to arrive in Nairobi next week to engage in discussions with Kenyan officials. Principal Secretary for Industry, Juma Mukhwana, emphasized Kenya’s commitment to removing the recently imposed 10% tariff on Kenyan exports to the U.S., which was temporarily paused for 90 days. He expressed optimism about reaching an agreement that would extend the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beyond its September 2025 expiration and finalize the STIP.

The STIP negotiations, which commenced in July 2024, cover various sectors, including agriculture, digital economy, environmental protection, and the integration of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into international trade. Despite progress in these areas, some stakeholders, such as the Kenya Small Scale Farmers Forum, have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and stakeholder engagement in the negotiation process.

As the U.S. delegation prepares for the upcoming talks, both nations are hopeful that the discussions will lead to a mutually beneficial agreement, strengthening bilateral trade relations and providing Kenyan exporters with enhanced access to the U.S. market.