Kenya has begun high-level trade talks with the United States ahead of President William Ruto’s upcoming visit, with a delegation from the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry currently in Washington, D.C.
The team, led by Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam, is on a three-day working tour aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations.
In a statement on Monday, August 18, CS Kinyanjui said the discussions focus on securing Kenya’s long-term trade and investment interests, including safeguarding exports beyond the expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
“Currently in the U.S. for strategic trade engagements aimed at strengthening Kenya–U.S. investment relations and securing new opportunities for our exporters,” he said.
Lee Kinyanjui Leads Kenya in US Trade Talks Ahead of Ruto Visit
The CS added that the talks will also address tariff measures affecting Kenya’s broader export portfolio.
According to Kinyanjui, the program includes high-level meetings with senior U.S. trade officials and targeted discussions with the American private sector through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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He noted that interest from U.S. companies in Kenya continues to grow, reflecting confidence in the country’s economy as a strategic gateway to Africa.
“Kenya and the United States enjoy historic relations built on mutual benefit. This visit provides an important opportunity to deepen those ties while creating new pathways for business and investment on both sides,” Kinyanjui added.
Kenya-US Trade Agreements and Summary
Data from the U.S. Trade Representative shows that Kenya remains eligible for the AGOA this year. The country also qualifies for textile and apparel benefits under the agreement.
The United States signed Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFA) with the East African Community (EAC) in 2008 and with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in 2001. Kenya is a member of both regional blocs.
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U.S. goods and services trade with Kenya totaled an estimated $3.3 billion (Ksh 426.5 billion) in 2024, an increase of $498 million (Ksh 64.4 billion) from 2023.
- Goods trade: U.S. total goods trade with Kenya was an estimated $1.5 billion (Ksh 193.9 billion) in 2024.
- U.S. goods exports to Kenya were $771.3 million (Ksh 99.7 billion), up $290.6 million (Ksh 37.6 billion) from 2023.
- U.S. goods imports from Kenya were $737.1 million (Ksh 95.3 billion), up $40.4 million (Ksh 5.2 billion) from 2023.
- The U.S. recorded a goods trade surplus of $34.2 million (Ksh 4.4 billion) in 2024, compared to a deficit of $215.9 million (Ksh 27.9 billion) in 2023.
- The U.S. total services trade with Kenya was an estimated $1.8 billion (Ksh 232.6 billion) in 2024.
- U.S. services exports to Kenya reached $781 million (Ksh 100.9 billion), up $123 million (Ksh 15.9 billion) from 2023.
- U.S. services imports from Kenya were $972 million (Ksh 125.6 billion), up $44 million (Ksh 5.7 billion) from 2023.
- The U.S. posted a services trade deficit of $192 million (Ksh 24.8 billion) in 2024, a decrease of $79 million (Ksh 10.2 billion) compared to 2023.
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