Details of High-Level 10-Day US-Kenya Meeting Journalists Can’t Access
A delegation of Kenyan officials, headed by Trade Principal Secretary Alfred K’Ombudo, is scheduled to journey to the United States for approximately ten days to engage in a top-level conference with their American counterparts.
A statement released by the US Trade Representative’s Office disclosed that a meeting is scheduled to take place from April 2 to April 12. Constance Hamilton, Assistant United States Trade Representative, will head the US delegation.
“The United States and Kenya will hold a fourth in-person negotiating round under the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) in Washington, DC, from April 2-12, 2024,” read part of the statement.
This meeting will address three main topics: agriculture, labor rights, and environmental concerns.
According to the statement, authorities will also keep engaging in conceptual talks regarding customs and trade facilitation, as well as inclusiveness.
Nevertheless, the Trade Representative declared that the press would be excluded from the meeting for 10 days.
The most recent STIP gathering took place in Nairobi in January 2024. These sessions focus on advancing, enhancing mutual comprehension, and settling disagreements between the involved nations.
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STIP commenced operations on July 14, 2022, with both nations declaring their intent to set forth rigorous agreements across various domains through their respective governments.
“The goal of the Partnership is to increase 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,” read part of the statement.
On July 17th, Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative, was present in the nation for trade talks with high-ranking representatives from the Kenyan Ministry of Trade.
She conducted meetings until July 19th but did not manage to have a meeting with Moses Kuria, who was then serving as the Trade Cabinet Secretary under the Public Service.
Tai stated that she declined a meeting with the CS, labeling him as an extremist due to his social media posts and other public outbursts. Additionally, she canceled two scheduled meetings with Kuria.
Ambassador Tai opted to engage in conversations with President William Ruto and other high-ranking officials instead.
Details of High-Level 10-Day US-Kenya Meeting Journalists Can’t Access