NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan entrepreneurs have a reason to smile after the government moved to strengthen trade relations and support sustainable development.
This is after local products were granted duty-free access to all 27 European Union (EU) member countries.
Cabinet Secretary Investments, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya said the move aimed to foster economic cooperation between Kenya and the European Union.
CS Mvurya made the remarks when he was hosted on TV 47 alongside the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger.
“I had the pleasure of joining Hibaq Said to unpack the benefits of the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). This agreement grants Kenyan products duty-free access to all 27 EU member countries,” said Mvurya.
What is Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement
The agreement was signed in December 2023 and came into force in July 2024.
Y News has established that EPA allows all Kenyan goods, except arms, to enter the EU market without tariffs and quotas.
Kenya has committed to gradually reducing tariffs on EU imports over a maximum period of 25 years.
According to the CS, the new development will open up vast opportunities for local producers and businesses to expand their reach in European markets.
“The Ministry has just completed grassroots sensitisation, a critical step toward empowering value chain producers, and committed to addressing the emerging challenges,” he added.
The empowerment CS Mvurya revealed focuses on promoting value addition, establishing aggregation points, implementing standardisation procedures, and improving market accessibility.
“These measures aim to enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan products in Europe, increasing productivity across key sectors,” CS Mvurya further said.
What the European market means for Kenyan products
The CS observed that the positive response from European countries in showing interest in Kenya’s offerings is both encouraging and commendable.
“The Kenya – EU EPA provides a significant platform for local businesses to tap into the 13 trillion euros European market, fostering economic growth and expanding trade opportunities for Kenyan enterprises,” said the CS.
Y News understands that Kenya’s main exports to the EU are agricultural products, including tea, Kenya’s top export, earning over €1 billion annually; flowers, Kenya exports more than 130,000 tonnes of flowers, earning around €500 million annually; and fruits and vegetables. The EU is the leading market for Kenya’s fruits and vegetables, accounting for over 70% of exports.
Kenya’s other exports include coffee, titanium ore, and tropical fruits. Its main trading partner is the EU, which accounts for 21% of its exports.
“The Ministry remains committed to empowering local aggregators by highlighting the vast opportunities available through this partnership. Through continued collaboration, Kenya aims to maximise its potential in the European market, solidifying its position as a competitive global trading partner,” CS Mvurya explained.
