Kenya’s President William Ruto has appointed five cabinet secretaries (CSs) to oversee the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Kenya and the European Union (EU). This strategic move underscores Kenya’s commitment to maximizing the benefits of the trade agreement, which promises to open up a wide range of opportunities for Kenyan businesses in the EU market.
The EPA, which was signed in December 2023 during a high-profile ceremony in Nairobi, is expected to significantly enhance trade relations between Kenya and the EU. The agreement guarantees Kenyan exporters tariff-free access to the 27-nation EU market, valued at a staggering €13 trillion. It also provides a framework for improving trade in goods, services, and investments, as well as fostering sustainable development.
The five-member Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Council will be responsible for the implementation of the agreement. The Council will act as the highest decision-making body for the EPA, ensuring that the agreement’s terms are executed effectively. Among the appointees is Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, who will co-chair the Council alongside Investment, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. The two will lead the charge in managing the overall EPA implementation process, coordinating efforts across multiple sectors to ensure Kenya maximizes its trade and investment potential with the EU.
Other members of the Council include National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja, and Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale. Each of these cabinet secretaries brings a wealth of expertise to the table, which will be critical in navigating the complex landscape of international trade agreements and ensuring that Kenya’s economic interests are protected and promoted.
The EPA Council’s primary task will be to establish the various organs necessary for the agreement’s successful implementation. This includes the development of systems for trade facilitation, dispute resolution, and sustainable development. Additionally, the Council will oversee the operationalization of measures that will drive two-way trade and investments between Kenya and the EU, strengthening supply chain relationships and promoting innovations in trade finance. The agreement also emphasizes the importance of advancing trade in green goods and services, aligning with global sustainability goals.
In addition to the Kenyan government’s efforts, the European Commission, based in Brussels, will also appoint its own co-chair and members to the EPA Council, ensuring a balanced and collaborative approach to managing the agreement. The collaborative nature of the EPA ensures that both Kenya and the EU can benefit from a mutually advantageous trade environment, with the opportunity to resolve challenges and seize opportunities as they arise.
The EPA’s significance lies not only in its immediate economic benefits but also in its long-term potential to transform Kenya’s economy. By gaining unfettered access to the EU market, Kenyan exporters will be able to tap into one of the world’s most lucrative trade zones, facilitating the growth of key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Additionally, the agreement provides a platform for deepening economic ties with other East African Community (EAC) countries, promoting regional integration and collaboration.
Since the agreement’s ratification by both Kenya’s National Assembly and the European Parliament, it has been viewed as a vital step in bolstering Kenya’s international trade position. The ongoing work of the EPA Council will be critical in ensuring that the promises of the agreement are realized and that the Kenyan economy can fully leverage the vast opportunities the EU market provides.
As the EPA enters its implementation phase, all eyes will be on how the appointed cabinet secretaries coordinate and drive efforts to integrate the agreement’s provisions into Kenya’s trade strategy. With a strong team now in place, Kenya is well-positioned to capitalize on its new trade relationship with the EU, setting the stage for enhanced economic growth and regional influence.
