Thousands of Kenyans working in the textile and apparel industry have received welcome news after the United States government agreed to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by another year.
AGOA is a major trade pact between the U.S. and several Sub-Saharan African nations. It allows 32 African countries to export goods to the United States without paying import duty, making it easier and cheaper for their products to compete in the American market.
While speaking to residents in Vihiga County on Saturday, October 4, President William Ruto confirmed that the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump had approved the one-year extension.
This move ensures Kenyan businesses can still access the vast U.S. market without taxes, easing fears for thousands of workers in the country’s textile sector.
The President made the announcement at the Nyang’ori PAG Church Centenary celebration. He explained that the extension followed his recent trip to the U.S., where he held discussions with Trump’s team specifically about AGOA.
“You all saw when I travelled to the United States. I spoke to Trump’s government, and they have now given us a one-year extension of AGOA. For the next year, Kenyans will continue exporting their products to the American market,” Ruto said.
President Ruto also revealed that his government has started fresh negotiations with the U.S. toward a long-term bilateral trade agreement. He said the goal is to create predictability for exporters and protect Kenya from uncertainty when agreements like AGOA come to an end.
According to him, a bilateral deal would open stable markets for key Kenyan products and help grow the economy.
“We have begun talks with the US so that we can have a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. We want to use the American market to uplift our economy,” he explained.
He stressed that such a deal would benefit multiple sectors, including coffee, tea, horticulture, textiles, and apparel.
The announcement comes just days after AGOA officially expired on September 30, marking the end of its initial 25-year run. The program has been a major driver of Kenya’s economic growth over the years.
Apart from boosting exports and generating foreign exchange, AGOA has supported the creation of over 50,000 jobs—particularly in manufacturing hubs like Athi River and Export Processing Zones.
The temporary extension now buys Kenya time as it looks for a more permanent and secure trade arrangement with the United States.
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