The European Union Council has approved the implementation of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Kenya's long-term tax-free export access to the 27 EU member states will be maintained under the EPA agreement, which will also progressively open Kenya's market to duty-free imports and investments from Europe.

As soon as the agreement goes into effect from July 1st, 2024, all exports from Kenya (except from weapons) will have duty-free, quota-free access to the EU market. The Kenyan market will also gradually and partially open to EU imports.

In addition to a fair dispute settlement process, the agreement contains legally binding rules on commerce and sustainable development, including labour rights and the protection of the environment and climate. In terms of sustainability provisions, this is the most ambitious economic cooperation agreement that the EU will have with a poor nation.

In addition to a fair dispute settlement process, the agreement contains legally binding rules on commerce and sustainable development, including labour rights and the protection of the environment and climate. In terms of sustainability provisions, this is the most ambitious economic cooperation agreement that the EU will have with a poor nation.
Kenya's second-biggest commercial partner and top export destination, the EU, will trade €3.3 billion with Kenya in 2022, up 27% from the previous year.

The Kenya-European Union Agreement is the most ambitious EU deal with an African country in terms of climate protection and labour rights. 

The agreement will:

1. Foresee immediate full liberalisation of the EU market for Kenyan products.
2. Incentivise EU investment to Kenya, thanks to increased legal certainty and stability.
3. Contain strong trade and sustainability commitments, including binding provisions on labour matters, gender equality, environment, and the fight against climate change.
4. Include a dedicated chapter on economic and development cooperation, to enhancing the competitiveness of the Kenyan economy.

Kenya is a dependable ally in the battle against climate change and plays a leading role in sustainability initiatives across the African continent. Along with the EU, Ecuador, and New Zealand, it co-leads the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate initiative, which was started in 2023. Building on this successful history, the EU-Kenya EPA is the first deal with a developing nation to incorporate the EU's new trade and sustainable development policies. Strong trade and sustainability pledges are included in the agreement, along with legally enforceable clauses pertaining to gender equality, labour, the environment, and the fight against climate change.

This is a fair deal that takes into consideration Kenya's demands for development by giving it more time to gradually open its market, protecting Kenya's burgeoning industries, and providing protection for farmers. To increase Kenya's economy's competitiveness, a special chapter on economic and development cooperation has been added. This will enable local farmers in reaching EU standards and taking advantage of the benefits this agreement offers, while also helping Kenya implement the EPA smoothly in conjunction with EU development aid.