Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated the country’s determination to conclude ongoing negotiations with the United States of America and sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The FTA commitment was made on Tuesday afternoon when Kenyatta bade farewell to outgoing US Ambassador to Kenya, Kyle McCarter.
The leader of East Africa’s biggest economy said the FTA will build on the successes achieved under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by ushering in better and bigger trade opportunities and prospects for Kenya.
“We appreciate what has been achieved through AGOA, but it is time we moved to much more closer trade arrangements that are mutually beneficial. We will not lose focus on concluding the FTA,” the President said.
Trade negotiations were launched by the two countries on 8th July 2020 with the aim of crafting a comprehensive FTA that will serve as a model for similar pacts across Africa.
According to the President, Kenya remains grateful to the US Government for the support Kenya continues to receive in the security sector especially the fight against terrorism and the response against Covid-19.
The outgoing ambassador was thankful to President Kenyatta and the people of Kenya for making his two-year tour of duty in the country successful.
“I am a fortunate man to have served Kenya as US ambassador. I will be visiting Kenya from time to time and I hope I will be able to bring more investors,” Amb McCarter said in a statement.
