Kenya is intensifying calls for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), with legislators warning that the looming expiry of the trade pact at the end of September could destabilise the export sector and threaten tens of thousands of jobs.
During a parliamentary debate on Wednesday, members urged the government to move quickly in negotiations with Washington to secure an extension. They stressed that the livelihoods of many Kenyans, especially women who make up about three-quarters of direct beneficiaries, were at stake.
Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, who sponsored the motion, underscored the risks of inaction, noting that the programme’s current extension granted in 2015 was nearing its deadline.
“The current extension of the AGOA programme, granted in 2015, is set to expire in September 2025, posing a serious risk of economic disruption, job losses of approximately 66,000 Kenyans and many other related indirect job losses, with increased poverty across AGOA-dependent sectors in the Sub-Saharan region,” she said.
Kagiri called for a 16-year renewal running to 2041 to secure long-term stability and protect the gains made under the pact. She also suggested that in the event of delays, a two-year transition framework should be put in place to allow businesses on both sides to adjust.
“AGOA has significantly boosted African exports to the United States, including coffee, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, amounting to over USD 500 million in 2020, while also enhancing local textile and cotton industries that have created thousands of jobs,” she added.
She further observed that the programme has not only benefited Kenya but also the United States by strengthening supply chain diversification, expanding trade opportunities, and connecting American businesses to markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Other lawmakers echoed her concerns. Kilifi North MP Owen Baya said the legislation was initially designed to create employment opportunities for young people in Africa who face limited prospects.
“The expiration of AGOA would trigger market uncertainty, deter investment, disrupt supply chains, and adversely impact both African and American businesses that rely on AGOA-linked trade,” he said.
Tharaka MP George Murugara reminded the House that the programme was of regional importance, warning that its lapse would ripple across Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Bilateral agreements must be strengthened to ensure continuity and address trade imbalances between our economies,” he said.
Sirisia MP John Waluke directly appealed to Washington, stating, “We plead with the President of the United States to consider the extension so that Kenya does not suffer.”
Other legislators pointed to AGOA’s broader achievements since its introduction in 2000, citing improved trade flows, investment growth, better governance practices, and the creation of lasting livelihoods.
They described its renewal as critical for both sides, calling it a win-win arrangement that secures employment while strengthening trade ties between Kenya and the U.S.