The US, which is seeking to replace “unfair” agreements like the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with free trade deals, wants its firms to enjoy unfettered entry into nearly all segments of Kenya’s economy. The 2015 Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) law, under which the Trump administration seeks to conduct the free trade agreement, signals that the US is not seeking a “mini-deal” or a phased negotiation. Kenya is obviously keen to protect the modest but relatively significant free market entry gains that the trade agreement has given its products. First, its commitments to the regional block trade protocols restricts its freedom to sign off on unilateral trade deals. It must therefore be prepared to delicately handle the inevitable push back from the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) that comes into effect on July 1.

Source: Daily Nation June 07, 2020 06:52 UTC