Following the conclusion of the fifth round of negotiations within the framework of the United States – Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), there was a reaffirmation of dedication to finalizing an agreement by the year’s end by United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry Rebecca Miano.
They underscored the convergence of their objectives and principles.
CS Miano underscored notable advancements across various fronts, such as anti-corruption initiatives, support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), domestic service regulations, and initial agricultural trade terms.
These endeavors are geared towards facilitating agricultural trade, fortifying food security, combating corruption, empowering MSMEs, and ensuring equitable treatment for service providers.
Both parties also reached a consensus to persist in negotiations concerning other pertinent subjects aimed at fostering investment, nurturing sustainable and inclusive economic progress, safeguarding workers, and bolstering African regional economic integration.
These discussions revolve around simplifying customs processes, bolstering enforcement collaboration, advocating for workers’ rights and protections, endorsing environmental and climate objectives, enhancing regulatory transparency, and promoting sustainable agricultural methods.
Moreover, they jointly concluded preliminary discussions on advancing inclusive participation in global trade and investment for women, youth, individuals with disabilities, marginalized communities, and the African Diaspora.
Assistant United States Trade Representative Constance Hamilton and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Trade Alfred K’Ombudo, leading the negotiation teams, co-chaired a public consultation session.
Since the initiation of STIP negotiations in July 2022, the United States and Kenya have progressed from initial dialogues in Washington, DC, in February 2023 to substantive negotiations in April 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The following rounds of negotiations have been held alternately by both sides, including an in-person session in Washington, DC, from April 2-12, 2024. The forthcoming round is slated for June 2024.
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