President William Ruto held talks with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington, D.C., focusing on deepening economic ties between Kenya and the United States.
The discussions centred on developing a bilateral trade framework aimed at enhancing investment predictability and opening new export opportunities.
The President highlighted key sectors with high potential for growth, including apparel and textiles, agriculture, leather and footwear, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and ICT and digital services.
These industries, he said, could contribute significantly to job creation, increase export earnings, and strengthen domestic value chains.
Ambassador Greer informed President Ruto that the current US administration supports a one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The proposed extension, currently awaiting US Congressional approval, is expected to provide Kenya with additional time to design a more comprehensive trade programme that benefits both nations.
Kenya has historically relied on AGOA to access preferential US markets, particularly in textiles and agricultural exports.
The programme has played a significant role in supporting Kenyan exporters and manufacturing, and its continuation is considered vital for maintaining trade stability.
The proposed bilateral trade framework is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to diversify markets and attract foreign investment.
By identifying growth sectors and improving the business environment, the government aims to strengthen economic resilience while creating employment opportunities for Kenyans.
Officials on both sides emphasized the need for a structured and predictable trade relationship.
The talks reflect ongoing efforts to position Kenya as a competitive trade partner in Africa, amid regional economic integration initiatives under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Ruto and Ambassador Greer concluded the meeting acknowledging the importance of sustained collaboration, noting that the framework would be further refined to balance export growth with long-term economic development.