UK, Kenya agree on landmark trade deal
By Tanko Mohammed
Kenya and the UK have reached a decisive consensus on a new trade agreement, nearly 55 days before expiry of existing privileges as London formally exits the European Union protocols.
The new deal, which includes clauses from the old Economic Partnership Agreements under the European Union, will now be made formal upon signing of the agreed texts by the two sides.
“The agreement will provide continuity for businesses, investors and supply chains besides setting foundations for further economic development,” Kenya’s Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Betty Maina said on Tuesday.
In the virtual meeting between senior government officials of the two countries, the two governments agreed to work on modalities before the end of this year to protect products from the two countries from the eight per cent duty which will be charged once the UK fully leaves the European Union in January.
Kenya’s Trade CS Betty Maina and Interior’s Fred Matiang’i led talks with UK Minister for Africa James Duddridge, International Trade Minister Ranil Jayawardena and the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Kenya Theo Clarke.
The officials signed the draft documents, which indicates that negotiations on the agreement have been completed and will await the formal signing ceremony.
More