Boost for exports as US lawmakers vote to extend AGOA by 3 years

Kenya has welcomed the decision by the United States House of Representatives to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a further three years, terming the move a major boost for exports, jobs and investor confidence.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, the government said the extension marks a critical milestone in US–Africa trade relations and provides renewed certainty for Kenyan exporters who depend on preferential access to the American market.

The ministry noted that the textile and apparel sector, largely operating within Export Processing Zones (EPZs), is among the biggest beneficiaries of the extension.

The sector currently employs more than 80,000 people directly and an additional 250,000 indirectly.

“The uncertainty that had previously engulfed the sector will now give way to renewed confidence and expansion,” the ministry said, noting that the AGOA extension is expected to stabilise jobs and encourage further investment in export-oriented industries.

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said the government plans to leverage the renewed AGOA window to diversify Kenya’s exports beyond textiles and apparel.

“As a Ministry, we aim to grow exports of additional products under the AGOA framework beyond textiles, ensuring that Kenya fully leverages this opportunity to create jobs and generate wealth,” Kinyanjui said.

The ministry further disclosed that Kenya is engaged in discussions with the United States on a bilateral trade agreement that would cover other key sectors and strengthen the long-standing economic partnership between the two countries.

“We are in discussions on a bilateral trade agreement that will cover other key sectors and further cement Kenya’s long-standing partnership with the United States,” the statement said.

The AGOA extension follows recent high-level engagements between Nairobi and Washington. During President William Ruto’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., Kenya’s request for enhanced market access to the US market was among the issues discussed.

“During the recent visit by H.E. President William Ruto to Washington, D.C., Kenya’s request for enhanced market access to the US was discussed,” the ministry said.

Kenya’s major exports to the US include textiles and apparel, coffee, tea, horticultural products and tourism services.

The government said expanding the export basket remains a key priority aligned with the country’s broader strategic economic agenda.

The ministry added that the AGOA extension is expected to restore confidence among manufacturers and investors who had expressed concern over uncertainty surrounding the programme’s future.

The legislation now awaits consideration by the US Senate before final enactment.