The United States and Kenya are poised to enter the sixth round of negotiations under the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), scheduled to take place in Mombasa, Kenya, from June 3 to June 7.
This in-person meeting follows the latest round held earlier this month in Washington, D.C., and aims to build on the progress made so far.
The U.S. delegation will be led by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Constance Hamilton and will include representatives from multiple U.S. government agencies. The Kenyan team will be headed by Principal Secretary for Trade Alfred K’Ombudo.
Negotiations will focus on five key areas: agriculture; customs, trade facilitation, and enforcement; environment; good regulatory practices; and workers’ rights and protections. These sessions will be closed to the press.
The United States and Kenya initiated the STIP on July 14, 2022, with the objective of fostering enhanced economic cooperation.
The partnership aims to boost investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, benefit workers, consumers, and businesses (including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises), and support African regional economic integration.
Following the fifth round of talks in Washington, D.C., U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry Rebecca Miano reiterated their commitment to finalising a high-standard, ambitious agreement by the end of the year, reflecting the shared goals and values of both nations.