The Council has decided to conclude the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). This agreement aims to boost trade in goods and create new economic opportunities, with targeted cooperation to enhance Kenya’s economic development. The EU is Kenya’s first export destination and second-largest trading partner, with a total trade of €3.3 billion in 2022, a 27% increase compared to 2018.
The agreement will provide duty-free, quota-free EU market access to all exports from Kenya (except arms) as soon as it enters into force. Additionally, it will gradually open the Kenyan market to imports from the EU. The agreement includes binding trade and sustainable development provisions, such as climate and environmental protection, labour rights, and a transparent dispute resolution mechanism. This is the most ambitious economic partnership agreement the EU will have with a developing country regarding sustainability provisions.
The East African Community and the EU concluded negotiations for the Economic Partnership Agreement in 2014. Kenya signed and ratified the Agreement in September 2016. However, implementation was delayed because not all EAC partner countries signed and ratified it. In February 2021, the EAC Summit allowed individual EAC states to implement the EPA. In May 2021, Kenya requested to engage with the EU for bilateral implementation. Discussions concluded in June 2023, and the EU and Kenya signed the agreement in December 2023. The agreement will enter into force after the completion of internal procedures.
“Excellent news that the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement is concluded today. This will enhance our already flourishing trade partnership with Kenya and contribute to sustainable economic growth,” Charles Michel, President of the European Council, posted on X.
