By Bradley Shahenza
President William Ruto held a consultative meeting with key players in Kenya’s apparel and textile sector to discuss the future of the industry amid growing concerns over the potential expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
This piece of legislation is a trade agreement that was approved by the United States Congress in May 2000 to support the economies of sub-Saharan Africa and enhance economic relations between the U.S. and the region.
The deal has proved very valuable for countries such as Kenya and Lesotho, and its expiry leaves the fate of thousands of workers in uncertainty.
Ruto, in a statement on Thursday, October 2, reassured stakeholders in the apparel and textile sector of his administration’s commitment to securing a favorable outcome as the AGOA agreement nears expiration.
Briefing the industry on his recent meeting with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, the President assured stakeholders that the government is working closely with the United States to secure both the extension of AGOA and the establishment of a more permanent trade framework that would guarantee stable and predictable market access for Kenyan exports.
“I briefed stakeholders on my recent discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, where we explored not only the extension of AGOA but also the establishment of a long-term framework to guarantee stable and predictable market access for our products,” The president said.
“This will go a long way in strengthening our apparel industry, which remains vital to our economy and the livelihoods of thousands of families.”
The Head of State assured them that operations in the industry will continue without disruption “as talks with the U.S. Government proceed with the urgency they deserve.”
