On 1st July 2024, The European Union – Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) came into effect. This EPA offers Kenyan exporters duty free and quota free access to the EU Market of 27 member states. This agreement remains open for other member states of the East African Community (EAC) to join, in line with the shared vision of the EU and Kenya to promote regional integration in Africa at both regional and continental levels. The EU is Kenya’s second-largest trading partner, and therefore provides a significant export market. Total trade for instance between the EU and Kenya reached €3 billion in 2023, with an increase of 16% compared to 2018. The EU- EPA agreement therefore provides a pivotal opportunity particularly in the agricultural sector.

This roundtable organized by the Mashariki Research and Policy Centre (MRPC), Trade and Development Program is convened with several objectives. One is to sensitize on the opportunities the EPA creates for Kenya’s agricultural sector. Two is to explore the policy and regulatory environment and related interventions that would enhance Kenya’s agricultural exports to the EU Market. Third, is to situate the role that private sector can play in leveraging the opportunities afforded by the EPA. This EPA presents excellent potential to boost agricultural development and in turn foster job creation and economic growth.