Kenya and the UK on Tuesday signed a strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) after conclusion of recent negotiations between the two countries that have traditionally enjoyed close relations. 

The deal, to secure the mutual interests of Kenya and UK after Brexit, copies the East African Community EPA with European Union (EU) that facilitates EAC exports, free of duties and quotas to EU countries.

Once ratified and in full implementation, the trade deal is expected to deliver significant benefits to Kenya and its partner countries in the EAC.

This comes after a meeting between President Uhuru Kenyatta and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this year in which they agreed to negotiate a framework to enhance trade and development.

“We have agreed on a comprehensive package of benefits that will ensure a secure, long term and predictable market access for exports originating from the EAC free trade area,” said Betty Maina, the Industrialisation, Trade and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary.

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She added, “We have a great opportunity ahead of us, to realize the mutual benefits that our two leaders, envisaged when they agreed on the need for a post-Brexit partnership framework.”

Kenya is leading the process due to her strategic trade and economic position in EAC and stressed during the second Economic Development Forum held on November 13 and co-hosted by Ms Maina and Hon James Duddridge, the MP and Minister for Africa in the UK Commonwealth and Development Office.


Manoah Esipisu (L), Betty Maina (C) and James Duddridge. PHOTO/COURTESY

The agreement is expected to deepen EAC integration by ensuring that exports from the region continue to enjoy duty and quota free access to the UK and the EU markets, when UK leaves EU on December 31.

The trade pact is also set to enhance privileges for agricultural goods and confer originating status to EAC exports, including Kenya’s key flowers and fresh produce, even if they pass through any of the 27 EU countries.

"This is about securing and protecting Kenya's annual £2 billion ecosystem of trade with the UK on which hundreds of thousands of jobs and millions of livelihoods depend. Delivery of this was our primary objective for the year and we are thrilled to be over the finishing line," said Kenyan High Commissioner to the UK Manoah Esipisu.

Under the agreement, the United Kingdom has undertaken to enhance its development cooperation support to the EAC countries to realise their development agenda, including support for the Big Four agenda and Kenya’s Vision 2030 development programs.

CS Maina was accompanied to the signing by Trade PS Amb Johnson Weru, who was Kenya's chief negotiator, and Leah Aywah Barasa, a Chief State Counsel in the Attorney-General's Chambers.