Yesterday, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and other partners, launched the EPA-Kenya Sensitization Forum in Nakuru, aimed at equipping Kenyan businesses with the knowledge and tools to take full advantage of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Kenya and the EU. The forum is part of a national effort to ensure local businesses are well-prepared to access the EU’s extensive market following the EPA’s entry into force on July 1, 2024.
The EU remains Kenya’s largest export destination, accounting for 13.6% of the country’s total exports in 2023. Under the EPA, Kenyan businesses now benefit from duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market, providing a major competitive advantage for key sectors, including apparel and textiles, value-added tea, processed avocados, pharmaceuticals, leather, and frozen fish.
This sensitization forum is a critical step in addressing the trade imbalance between Kenya and the EU, which saw total trade hit €3 billion in 2023, with the EU enjoying a surplus of €466 million. By empowering local businesses with information on market access, compliance with EU standards, and export strategies, the forum aims to boost Kenya’s exports to the EU and promote sustainable, export-led growth.
Key Benefits for Kenyan Businesses include:
✅Market Access: Duty-free and quota-free entry to the EU market for sectors like textiles, agriculture, and leather.
✅Investment Opportunities: Attracts EU investments by fostering a predictable and stable trade environment.
✅Standards and Quality: Encourages adherence to EU standards, improving the competitiveness of Kenyan exports.
✅Capacity Building: Offers technical assistance to help businesses meet EU market requirements and enhance export readiness.
With the EPA-Kenya agreement now in effect, this forum in Nakuru now marked the beginning of a new chapter for Kenyan exporters, granting them access to one of the world’s largest and most affluent markets.
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