The United States and Kenya are set to convene for a second round of in-person discussions under the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) from October 4 to 7, 2023.
Leading the U.S. delegation will be Assistant United States Trade Representative Constance Hamilton, accompanied by representatives from various government agencies.
The U.S.-Kenya STIP was officially launched on July 14, 2022, with a shared commitment to achieving high-standard commitments across various areas. The primary objectives of this partnership are to increase investment, foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth, benefit workers, consumers, and businesses (including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises), and promote African regional economic integration.
This latest round of negotiations follows the previous in-person meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2023. Since then, both parties have made significant progress in deepening their mutual understanding and resolving differences. In July 2023, Ambassador Tai visited Nairobi, engaging in productive discussions with President Ruto and senior Kenyan officials. During this visit, they discussed the positive feedback received from stakeholders regarding the STIP and emphasized the continued momentum of the ongoing negotiations.
The upcoming discussions will center around four key topics within the U.S.-Kenya STIP:Agriculture,Anti-Corruption,Inclusivity and Services Domestic Regulation
In an initial joint statement, the United States and Kenya identified key issues of focus for negotiating high-standard commitments. These include agriculture, anti-corruption, digital trade, environment and climate action, good regulatory practices, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, worker’s rights and protections, support for the participation of women, youth, and others in trade, standards collaboration, trade facilitation, and customs procedures, as well as services domestic regulation.
The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office sought public input on objectives for these areas, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement in the STIP negotiations.
The second in-person round of discussions in Washington, DC, marks another step in advancing this strategic partnership between the United States and Kenya, with the aim of fostering economic growth and cooperation for the benefit of both nations and their people.
