Kenya and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment relations.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam, the U.S. Embassy ’s Economic Counsellor James H. Potts acknowledged Kenya’s strategic role as an economic hub in East Africa and expressed the United States’ interest in expanding commercial partnerships.
In response, PS Ombam emphasized the importance of predictable trade frameworks and stronger private sector engagement to fully unlock bilateral trade potential.
Both sides agreed on the need to align trade and investment policies to drive inclusive economic growth.
Highlighting Kenya’s development priorities, PS Ombam outlined the country’s shift from a raw material export model to a value-added export economy. She called for enhanced technical support and capacity building in trade negotiations, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, and services.
Potts welcomed the shift and noted that U.S. development agencies could offer advisory and technical expertise to strengthen Kenya’s trade negotiating capabilities.
The two officials also reviewed the progress of the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), launched in July 2022. The STIP focuses on critical areas including digital trade, agriculture, labor rights, anti-corruption, and trade facilitation.
With the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) set to expire in 2025, the discussions underscored the urgency of ensuring a seamless transition and exploring avenues for renewal. Ombam reiterated Kenya’s leadership in AGOA utilization—particularly in apparel exports—and advocated for an extension that offers long-term stability for exporters.
Potts expressed optimism about bipartisan support in Washington for AGOA’s renewal, while encouraging Kenya to prepare for a more reciprocal trade arrangement in the long term.
The meeting reinforced both countries’ commitment to advancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation and creating sustainable trade opportunities.
— Balance of Trade —
The United States is Kenya’s fifth-largest single export market, accounting for 6% of Kenya’s exports. In the year 2024, U.S. total goods trade with Kenya stood at $1.5 billion out of which U.S. goods exports to Kenya were $782.5 million, up 61.4 percent ($297.8 million) from 2023.
On the other hand, the U.S. goods imports from Kenya in 2024 were $737.3 million, down 17.5 percent ($156.7 million) from 2023. The U.S. goods trade surplus with Kenya was $45.2 million in 2024, representing a 111.0 percent increase ($454.6 million) over 2023.
