Kenyan delegation holds urgent talks in U.S. before AGOA expiry deadline. Image: Business Insider Africa.
(The Post News)-Kenya’s economy faces a major test as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) nears its September 30 expiry. The end of this duty-free trade pact with the United States could disrupt a vital lifeline.
AGOA Powers Jobs and Investment
It has attracted billions of shillings in investment and turned Kenya into a leading garment exporter to the US. The program sustains 66,000 direct jobs in the garment industry and supports nearly 660,000 livelihoods across supply chains. Without it, Kenya risks losing ground to competitors such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Egypt, which already enjoy lower production costs.
The government has acted fast. Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui is in Washington to push for its renewal. Kenya must intensify its diplomatic efforts, as renewal would protect jobs, sustain factories, and keep investor confidence strong. If it ends, Kenya must act quickly. A Kenya–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could give investors the stability they need and secure Kenya’s place in global supply chains.
Kenya also needs a safety net. A support package could cushion industries from new tariffs, protect manufacturing capacity, and prevent mass layoffs during the transition. Additionally, Kenya must reduce its heavy reliance on textiles. Agriculture offers strong growth opportunities. Products such as macadamia nuts, avocados, and processed horticultural goods already enjoy high demand in the US market. Expanding this sector could create new jobs while boosting exports.
This moment is a turning point. With bold diplomacy, smart trade policy, and stronger diversification, Kenya can turn a looming AGOA crisis into an opportunity. The country has the chance to strengthen its industrial base while unlocking new agricultural growth.
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