In July 2022, Kenya and the United States (US) launched the US-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). The agreement’s objective is to negotiate an ambitious and comprehensive agreement that will contribute to inclusive growth and development and empower businesses. The US-Kenya STIP marks a crucial turning point in the US’ African trade policy and holds numerous opportunities for the Kenyan economy. However, the lack of preferential market access may prove a bone of contention. So far, the initial announcement of the trade deal makes no mention of tariff reductions. If tariff concessions are not granted under this partnership, it could also hinder the opportunities for other African countries to obtain such concessions in future negotiations. There is, thus, a lot at stake for the successful negotiation of this agreement.

This article in Inc.Africa, by our CEO, Paul Baker and Policy Researcher, Zahraa Beeharry, analyses the United States-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) agreement and its impact on the rest of Africa.