The new EPA is expected to expand opportunities for Kenyan businesses and exporters by fully opening the EU market for Kenyan products. The agreement also encourages EU investment in Kenya, providing increased legal certainty and stability, the European Commission said in a media release.

A leading figure in sustainability initiatives in Africa, Kenya is recognised as a crucial ally in combating climate change. It also co-leads the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate initiative, launched earlier this year, alongside the EU, Ecuador and New Zealand. The EU-Kenya EPA consolidates this track record by integrating the EU's new approach to trade and sustainable development. Notably, it features robust trade and sustainability commitments, including binding provisions on labour rights, gender equality, environmental protection, and combating climate change.

The agreement provides Kenya with a longer timeframe to gradually open its market, safeguards for agriculture, and protection for its developing industries. The agreement includes a dedicated chapter on economic and development cooperation, intended to enhance Kenya's economic competitiveness. Coupled with EU development assistance, this cooperation aims to assist Kenya in implementing the EPA efficiently and help local farmers meet EU standards, thereby maximising the opportunities provided by the agreement, the release added.

Negotiations concluded during a ceremony in Nairobi, led by the European Commission executive vice-president and commissioner for trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, and Kenya's cabinet secretary of the ministry of investments, trade and industry, Moses Kuria. Kenyan President Dr. William Samoei Ruto was also in attendance.

“Concluding negotiations for an agreement with Kenya—the economic hub of East Africa—is a historic moment. It puts us firmly on the path towards a privileged relationship based on trust, rules and opportunity. It will bring our regions closer, and unlock new areas of cooperation and mutual benefit for our workers, businesses and traders. This agreement enshrines a shared commitment to sustainable development, including labour rights, the environment and climate action. We now look forward to quick ratification so we can make this deepened cooperation a reality,” said Dombrovskis.

The next steps for the EPA include a legal revision (legal scrubbing), followed by translation before the Commission submits it for signature and conclusion to the Council. After adoption by the Council, the EU and Kenya can sign the agreement. Subsequently, the text will be presented to the European Parliament for consent. The parties may choose to provisionally apply sections of the agreement, but the EPA will only fully come into force after ratification by both Kenya and the EU member states.

The EU is currently Kenya's premier export destination and its second-largest trading partner, with trade totalling €3.3 billion in 2022—a 27 per cent increase since 2018.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)