Kenya, Rwanda pen duty free market deal with EU

Rwanda and Kenya have signed the EAC-EU economic partnership agreement EPA in Brussels, Belgium signaling the start of EAC partner states securing the duty free quota free markets in Europe.

Trade CS Aden Mohammed is leading a delegation to Brussels in a concerted effort to prevent Kenya produce from being locked out of Europe duty free markets.

Kenya is in the last ditch to push for the signing and ratification of the EPA by EAC states before 30th September where efforts to reach into an agreement with them has been facing headwinds.

Whereas Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania have an option to rely on Everything But Arms (EBA) trade arrangement where they have a duty free access to the European market, Kenya faces a tough choice as the clock ticks to the deadline.

Wednesday, the CS assured EU Parliament of the EAC states commitment to the EPA that had 4million relying on it in the areas of Floriculture , horticulture , Agro-processing and fisheries exports to the market.

Speaking Tuesday on his way to Brussels the CS said the aim of their visit was to make sure Kenya’s products continue to access the European markets on duty free quota basis.

“This development poses a great risk to Kenya unless it is addressed before the deadline of 1^st October 2016 that the EU put for EAC to sign and ratify the EPA in order for EAC products to continue accessing the EU market on duty free quota basis,” said the CS.

Kenya will be using the next east African heads of state summit slated on September to convince other partner states to append their signatures on the new joint EPA before the current one expires on 1st October.

Kenya delegation in Bruseels is composed of CS Adan Mohammed, Dr Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary state department of trade, Betty Maina, Principal Secretary state department of East Africa Affairs as well as private sector members represented by Phylis Wakiaga, CEO KAM and Jane Ngige CEO Kenya Flower Council.