Uhuru Defends the Proposed Trade Pact Between Kenya and the US

President Kenyatta has defended the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between Kenya and the United States.

Speaking on Thursday during a webinar hosted by the Atlantic Council, Kenyatta played down claims that Kenya’s trade pact with the US will undermine the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

On the contrary, Uhuru pointed out that the trade deal will set a precedent for other African nations seeking to negotiate bilateral arrangements within the AfCFTA framework.

"Kenya will be the first under the new AfCTA so we are going to be trailblazers in this and we hope that others will also follow-through," Uhuru said.

Uhuru added that through the agreement, Kenya will reposition itself as a gateway to American investments on the continent.

"The essence of an FTA is an investment. Ultimately, I believe, Americans themselves will be able to say, why can't we just invest in Kenya and not only take advantage of Kenya but the region," he noted.

Kenya is seeking a win-win arrangement where both countries will benefit, according to Uhuru.

"We believe that all trade negotiations are based on a win-win. We believe that's the intention of the United States just as much as it is our intention," he stated.

On the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), Uhuru stressed that the process is aimed at creating national cohesion and ending the country's perennial acrimonious elections.

"We want to transform our politics and make our politics much more inclusive," President Kenyatta said.

The webinar was moderated by former Nairobi-based Financial Times East African Correspondent Katrina Manson.

The Atlantic Council is an American think-tank whose mission is to promote constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs. The think-tank hosts various world leaders to discuss subjects of public interest.