A high-level Kenyan delegation led by Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam is in Washington D.C. for a three-day working visit aimed at deepening trade and investment relations with the United States.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Trade on Monday, August 18, 2025, the officials will hold a series of meetings with U.S. government representatives, business leaders, and the private sector to explore long-term opportunities for Kenyan exports and foreign investment.

The visit comes at a time when global trade is unsettled by new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. On July 31, he signed an executive order slapping import duties of between 10 and 41 per cent on goods from 69 countries, including major economies such as India, Brazil, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Several African countries were also hit, with South Africa and Algeria facing 30 per cent tariffs, while Uganda, Ghana, and Angola were subjected to 15 per cent duties.

Kenya, however, was spared from the harsher measures and continues to benefit from a 10 per cent import duty rate, making its exports more competitive compared to regional peers.

The Ministry described this exemption as a unique advantage for Kenya, especially in the apparel, horticulture, and coffee sectors where the U.S. remains a top market.

Still, uncertainty looms as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has for years given Kenya duty-free access to the American market, is set to expire on September 30, 2025. Without a replacement framework, exporters could face steep costs, making the Washington talks crucial.

The delegation is also meeting U.S. businesses under the umbrella of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. American investors continue to show strong interest in Kenya, viewing it as a stable entry point into Africa and a growing hub for trade and technology.

The talks are expected to address trade barriers, open new investment pipelines, and explore possibilities for a post-AGOA trade deal.

“Kenya and the United States enjoy historic relations built on mutual benefit,” the Ministry’s statement read, adding that Kenya’s exemption from the steep tariffs presents an opportunity to expand its share of the U.S. market.

The outcome of these talks will likely influence Kenya’s export future at a critical moment when Africa–U.S. trade relations are being reshaped.