Kenya welcomes the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by two years, until the end of 2028. The government is urging exporters and manufacturers to leverage this extension to diversify beyond the apparel sector and boost industrialization.

• The extension provides continued preferential access to the US market for Kenyan exports.
• Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui highlighted the extension's importance for businesses and job creation.
• Kenya aims to increase exports of value-added agricultural products, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, and manufactured items.

Kenyan farmers in drought-hit regions are hesitant to replant maize for the upcoming short rains season, despite government subsidies on crucial inputs.

• Sh78.79 billion has been invested by the government in a fertilizer subsidy program since 2022.
• Farmers, like William Kosgei and Kipkorir Menjo, cite concerns beyond input costs, including unpredictable weather, high fuel prices, and existing loan burdens.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has reduced fertilizer prices to Sh2,000 per 50kg bag and subsidizes certified maize seed by 50%.