ISDS Case Map
Kenya
Kenya’s negotiations with the United States while the African Union is in ongoing negotiations on a future agreement between African countries makes this a transitional moment in Africa’s trading relationship with the West.
US-Kenya trade talks are due to start in the next couple of weeks, US Trade Representative, as Kenya President announced discussions have been delayed until the Africa free-trade deal comes into force.
A membership network comprising civil society organizations, trade unions and farmer groups strongly opposed the proposed Kenya-US FTA, as Kenyan President announced a delay in talks.
The US aims to establish commitments to ensure Kenya refrains from imposing measures that restrict cross-border data flows and does not require the use of installation of local computing facilities.
AGOA doesn’t expire until 2025, but the industry looks for certainty to the region in the face of the pandemic and upcoming US trade talks with Kenya.
The agreement portends the danger of crippling sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing and disintegration of its economy in Kenya.
Through the reciprocal trade deal, the US government is seeking unfettered entry for its companies into nearly all segments of Kenya’s economy including the heavily guarded ones.
By harmonizing Kenya’s trade policies in accordance with the US trade policies and domestic laws, Nairobi seems ready to surrender its policy space once and for all.
