EU MPs Endorse Trading With Kenya in First Ever Deal

The European Parliament has given its green light to a new trade agreement between the EU and Kenya, which will boost economic ties and promote sustainable development.

The EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is the first of its kind with a developing country.

It includes binding and enforceable provisions on labour, gender equality, climate and the environment.

“It will provide duty-free, quota-free EU market access to all exports from Kenya as soon as it enters into force, as well as partial and gradual opening of the Kenyan market to imports from the EU,” said EU on its website.

The deal also prevents both parties from lowering their standards in these areas and sets up a dispute resolution mechanism to address any issues.

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The EPA will grant duty-free, quota-free access to the EU market for all Kenyan exports, as well as partial and gradual opening of the Kenyan market for EU imports. This will create new opportunities for trade and investment, as well as support economic growth and job creation in both regions.

“By promoting trade and investment, the EPA contributes to economic growth and development in Kenya. Increased exports and investments can lead to job creation, income generation, and overall improvement in living standards,” said rapporteur for the agreement, Alessandra Mussolini.

Kenya is the EU’s key trading partner among the East African Community (EAC) countries, accounting for nearly half of EU imports from the EAC and more than half of its exports to the EAC.

The main products traded are vegetables, fruits, flowers, mineral and chemical products and machinery.

The EPA will enter into force once ratified by Kenya and the other EAC countries that have signed it (Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania). The agreement is also open to other EAC members that wish to join in the future (Burundi and South Sudan).