Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui highlighted key ways Kenyans would benefit from the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) following the United States Senate's approval of its extension.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, CS Kinyanjui stated that the extension of the Act to December 31, 2028, opens up free access for eligible Sub-Saharan exports to the USA.
He explained that Kenya exports apparel to America, an industry that has created more than 66,000 jobs, which will continue to be supported.
"The apparel sector under AGOA supports over 66,000 direct jobs in Kenya and generated approximately Ksh60.6 billion in 2024 alone.
"The extension assures that the factories, equipment and training invested in these EPZs continue to yield returns rather than remain idle," the statement read in part.
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The trade boss explained that 70 percent of the country's total textile and apparel exports were destined for the US, making it the largest beneficiary of AGOA in the garment sector.
CS Kinyanjui added that Kenyan farmers who export their premium produce to America will continue earning following the extension of the act.
He further disclosed that exporters who shipped goods to the US during the gap between the program's previous expiration on September 30, 2025, and the bill's enactment would not face financial penalties.
The CS noted that the renewed trade predictability to 2028 aligns with Kenya's commitment to supporting local manufacturers to increase their production and diversify the country's export portfolio under the 6,000 eligible product lines.
"Beyond apparel, AGOA also boosts Kenya's agricultural exports by providing traffic-free access to the US market for premium Kenyan products including cut flowers, tea, coffee and macadamia nuts," he wrote.
The Trade Boss added that the extension will be a highly significant development for Kenya's economy and other Sub-Saharan countries, in providing predictability for manufacturers.
