AGOA Extension appreciated
The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), the apex body of the private sector in Kenya, has issued a statement commending the United States (US) Congress for passing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension Act for three years. Subsequently, Congress has moved the current deadline for duty-free treatment to December 31, 2028, with the number of African countries eligible under the program increasing from 21 to 24, it was reported on January 14th, 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
“We welcome this move by the U.S. Congress and appreciate its continued commitment to strengthening U.S.–Africa trade relations. The industry remains committed to working with the Kenyan and U.S. governments to leverage AGOA fully and to advance long-term, sustainable trade frameworks that will support economic transformation for both countries beyond the three years,” appreciated Carole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO.
This positive outcome comes after an intensified, coordinated advocacy campaign involving the Government of Kenya, the private sector led by KEPSA, and regional partners to renew AGOA after its previous deadline expired on September 30, 2025. The apex body also recognized the tireless efforts of all stakeholders who engaged policymakers to highlight the role of AGOA in promoting inclusive growth, decent jobs, and economic stability.
If approved and passed by the Senate and the President, the extension will safeguard over 65,000 Kenyan jobs, particularly in the apparel, textile, agribusiness, and manufacturing sectors that rely heavily on preferential access to the U.S. market. It will also ensure investor confidence and deepen U.S.-Kenya ties beyond the Act.
On his part, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, EGH, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, issued a ministry statement on January 14, 2026 explaining that more discussions on a bilateral trade agreement are ongoing. “The discussions will cover other key sectors, and cement Kenya’s long-standing partnership with the United States,” Hon Kinyanjui affirmed.
In 2024, Kenya exported Sh 60.866 billion (B) ($470 million) worth of apparel to the U.S.A. Notably, AGOA saves K sh 25.9 B – 32.375 B ($200–250 million) for the USA annually on consumer costs for products such as jeans and uniforms, in addition to promoting stability in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by reducing conflict and extremism. Further, AGOA creates jobs in logistics, retail, and distribution of African imports.
FYI: The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) is the apex body of the private sector in Kenya. The body gathers business associations, trade associations, corporates, multinational companies, SMEs and start-ups from all sectors of the economy under one umbrella to enable them to speak with one voice when engaging Government and other stakeholders on cross-cutting policy issues affecting private sector development, supporting businesses on training, opportunities to network for business, financial linkages, mentoring, access to markets, value chains and access to investment opportunities. The membership categories have been developed to meet the size of all businesses.
For more information, please visit: http://www.kepsa.or.ke
