Kenya and the United States Hold First Round of Talks on Reciprocal Trade Framework

Kenya and the United States have concluded the First Round of Consultations to develop a Framework for a Reciprocal Trade Agreement, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations.

The consultations conducted in Washington DC covered a range of priority areas, including trade in goods; tariffs and addressing non-tariff barriers; trade in agricultural commodities; trade in services; digital trade; intellectual property; investment; economic security and commercial cooperation.

The Kenyan delegation was led by Regina Ombam, Principal Secretary for Trade, while the U.S delegation was headed by Osvaldo Gómez-Martínez, Acting Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa.

The Parties reaffirmed their strong strategic political, diplomatic and economic partnership, supported by steady growth in bilateral trade over the past five years and increasing flows of high-impact U.S. investments into Kenya.

In 2025, the U.S. was Kenya’s second-largest export destination globally, while Kenya remained the U. S’s eighth trading partner in Africa.

Total trade in goods and services between the two countries reached an estimated USD 3.3 billion in 2024, representing an 18 percent increase from 2023. Kenyan exports to the United States stood at USD 737.1 million, while U.S. exports to Kenya rose to USD 771.3 million.

Key drivers of this growth included apparel and accessories, high-value agricultural and horticultural products such as coffee, macadamia nuts, tea and cut flowers.

The meeting also noted the continued expansion of trade in services across sectors including tourism, digital services, transport, and financial services.

Total services trade was valued at USD 1.8 billion, with Kenya exporting USD 972 million in services to the United States against USD 781 million in imports, resulting in a USD 192 million services trade surplus for Kenya.

The Parties exchanged views on securing the gains made under AGOA, which has been extended up to the end of 2026. They underscored the importance of formalizing a new agreement that will provide certainty and predictability for businesses and investors, while ensuring long-term economic stability and growth.

Both countries expressed satisfaction with the deliberations over the three days and look forward to a continued engagement.