This week saw the entry into force of the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) which will ensure that all companies operating in Kenya can continue to benefit from duty-free access to the UK market.
The Prime Minister’s trade envoy to Kenya, Theo Clarke, said it would support jobs and economic development in Kenya, as well as avoid possible disruption to UK businesses who would be able to continue to import Kenyan products duty and quota free, such as fresh vegetables and flowers.
The deal, which was signed in London by international trade minister Ranil Jayawardena and cabinet secretary for trade Betty Maina in December 2020, guarantees permanent duty-free, quota-free access to UK markets for Kenya from day one, and gradually improved access for UK exports over time, while protecting sensitive goods.
It will benefit many of the approximately 2 500 UK businesses exporting goods to Kenya each year, including many UK suppliers of machinery, electronics and technical equipment, where continued tariff-free access will be guaranteed.
The UK market accounts for 43% of total exports of vegetables from Kenya, as well as at least 9% of cut flowers. Top goods imports to the UK from Kenya last year were in tea, coffee and spices, vegetables, and cut flowers.
“This deal recognises the importance of the wider region, and the agreement is open for other members of the East African Community to join,” said the signatories.
In under two years, the UK government has signed, or agreed in principle, trade agreements with 55 countries. Total UK trade with these countries was worth £170 billion in 2019
“This agreement is the sixth we have secured in Africa, covering 14 countries,” said Clarke.
