KAM statement on AGOA extension

By KAM Chief executive Tobias Alando

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) welcomes the 16-month retrospective extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which will grant Kenyan products preferential access to the United States under the trade partnership.

The renewal supports business continuity for both Kenyan and American businesses, as they realign and strengthen their economic, political, and social ties. Through AGOA, Kenya and the US created a mutually beneficial relationship for the American and Kenyan people.

The United States of America is one of Kenya’s most important trading partners, accounting for about 9% of our external market. Kenya’s exports to the USA stood at $788.6 million in 2025, compared to imports of $930.8 million. Since 2000, the United States has had a cumulative trade surplus of $ 1.7 billion, exporting goods worth $ 13.3 billion to Kenya while importing goods worth $11.6 billion. Through AGOA, Sub-Saharan countries have undergone significant economic development, created opportunities for employment, earned forex exchange, reduced poverty and integrated good governance and political systems within their respective countries.

 In Kenya, AGOA has led to socio-economic growth, through employment of approximately 68,000 people supporting close to 700,000 dependents.

AGOA’s extension has been granted in accordance with the Act’s conditions, requiring compliance with AGOA’s eligibility standards, including the establishment or continued progress toward a market-based economy, the rule of law, political pluralism, and respect for due process. Additionally, countries are required to eliminate barriers to US trade and investment, enact policies to reduce poverty, combat corruption, and protect human rights.

To compound on the gains made through AGOA and provide a long-term and sustainable framework, we urge the governments of the United States of America and Kenya to conclude negotiations for the Kenya-US bilateral agreement.

KAM has been front and center in advocating for AGOA’s extension, consistently leading private sector engagements with the Government of Kenya, private sector and our partners in the United States.

 The Association appreciates the Kenyan Government led by H.E President William Ruto in advancing negotiations on AGOA extension and Kenya-US trade agreement.

We look forward to continued collaboration that will ensure sustained mutual benefits for the Kenyan and American people through AGOA and broader bilateral cooperation frameworks.