President Ruto in the US for a state visit with US leaders

Kenya-US Trade Talks Enter Sixth Round with Public Participation

Focus on Public Input

The Kenya-US trade talks have entered their sixth round, shifting focus to public input as negotiators aim to conclude by the end of December. Talks have moved from Nairobi to Mombasa, with a virtual stakeholder listening session facilitating public participation. This step allows civil society, individuals, and the private sector to critique and propose ideas, addressing concerns about the deal favoring the US.

Key Negotiators and Objectives

Trade Principal Secretary Alfred K’Ombudo and Assistant United States Trade Representative Constance Hamilton lead the negotiations. They focus on high-standard commitments to boost investment, promote sustainable economic growth, benefit workers, and support African regional economic integration.

Concerns About Agricultural Impact

There are concerns the deal might open the Kenyan market to more US agricultural products, potentially harming Kenya’s agricultural sector. Critics argue this could disadvantage small-scale Kenyan farmers while benefiting large US agribusinesses. Kenya’s agriculture sector is still developing value-addition chains, making it vulnerable to increased competition.

Criticism from Advocacy Groups

Econews Africa and the Kenya Small Scale Farmers Forum (KESSFF) have highlighted the potential negative impact on Kenya’s agriculture. Key chapters being negotiated include digital trade, anti-corruption, good regulatory practices, environment, climate action, and workers’ rights and protections. Public participation will provide an opportunity to address these concerns.

Trade Deal Objectives

Despite the concerns, the trade deal aims to promote workers’ rights, support environmental and climate change objectives, and enhance regulatory transparency. It also seeks to improve customs procedures and foster cooperation on sanitary and phytosanitary measures and sustainable agricultural practices.

Progress in Negotiations

The US and Kenya have made progress in areas such as anti-corruption, support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and domestic regulation of services. They have also drafted the agriculture text. These efforts aim to facilitate agricultural trade, combat corruption, empower MSMEs, and ensure fair treatment of service suppliers. This is crucial for economic growth and stability.

Trade Balance and Public Participation

Trade currently favors the US, with Kenya’s earnings from exports to the US dropping to Sh64.4 billion last year, while imports from the US increased to Sh112.8 billion. Public participation will be opened on Thursday, allowing for greater input and transparency in the ongoing negotiations.

Conclusion

The Kenya-US trade talks are at a crucial stage, with public input playing a significant role. The negotiations aim to balance various interests, promote sustainable growth, and address key concerns. The involvement of diverse stakeholders is expected to contribute to a more equitable and beneficial trade agreement. For more updates on the negotiations, visit our trade news section.