NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has appointed Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui as the co-chairperson of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Council between Kenya and the European Union, a move aimed at strengthening Kenya’s economic ties with the EU.
The appointment, made through a Gazette Notice dated April 11, places Kinyanjui at the helm of the council, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the EPA framework.
The EPA council is the highest governing body under the agreement, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of the trade deal between Kenya and the EU.
The agreement itself secures long-term, duty-free, and quota-free access to EU markets for Kenyan goods, providing significant opportunities for Kenyan exporters and businesses.
In addition to Kinyanjui, President Ruto has designated four other Cabinet Secretaries as members of the EPA Council.
These include Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as the Foreign Affairs CS; John Mbadi, the CS for Treasury; Mutahi Kagwe, the CS for Agriculture; and Aden Duale, the CS for Health.
The formation of this team underscores the government’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations and boosting Kenya’s trade relations with the EU.
The EPA framework, signed by President Ruto in May 2024, is set to provide a platform for job creation, economic growth, and enhanced cooperation between Kenya and the EU.
The agreement is expected to open up the EU market fully for Kenyan products, creating new opportunities for local businesses and exporters.
Additionally, the deal will encourage more EU investment in Kenya, thanks to the increased legal certainty and stability the agreement provides.
In 2022, the EU was Kenya’s top export destination and second-largest trading partner, with €3.3 billion in bilateral trade—a 27% increase compared to 2018.
The EPA is poised to further deepen these trade relations, benefiting both parties and ensuring a sustainable and equitable partnership.
The EPA is also the most ambitious trade deal ever signed by the EU with a developing country, incorporating provisions that focus on sustainability, including climate and environmental protection, labor rights, and gender equality.
These elements of the deal reflect a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for both Kenya and the European Union.
