Kenya sees no conflict in pursuing and concluding the ongoing negotiations with the United States of America and sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Tuesday afternoon when he bade farewell to outgoing US Ambassador to Kenya, Kyle McCarter who paid him a courtesy visit at State House, Nairobi.
The President reiterated Kenya’s willpower to accomplish a deal in the negotiations Since the FTA will build on the successes achieved under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by ushering in better and bigger trade opportunities and prospects for Kenya.
“We appreciate what has been achieved through AGOA, but it is time we moved to much closer trade arrangements that are mutually beneficial. We will not lose focus on concluding the FTA,” the President said.
Kenya and the US launched trade negotiations on 8th July 2020 with the aim of crafting a comprehensive FTA that will serve as a model for similar pacts across Africa.
President Kenyatta thanked the US Government for the support Kenya continues to receive in the security sector especially the fight against terrorism and the response against Covid-19.
Ambassador McCarter thanked President Kenyatta and the people of Kenya for making his two-year tour of duty in the country a success.
“I am a fortunate man to have served Kenya as US ambassador. I will be visiting Kenya from time to time and I hope I will be able to bring more investors,” The statement read.
The meeting was also attended by Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua and Foreign Affairs CS Ambassador Raychelle Omamo.
The President wished the outgoing US envoy success in his future endeavours.
With a new administration set to take over the reigns of power in Washington USA the East African nation will look at boosting its exports to create jobs at home for millions of young people and bolster hard currency earnings.
