KAM, KEPSA welcome AGOA extension to 2026, cite jobs and export gains
U.S. President Donald Trump signed the legislation reauthorising AGOA with retroactive effect from September 30, 2025, restoring continuity after the previous framework lapsed. Kenya breaking news | Kenya news today |..
✨ Key Highlights
Kenyan business lobby groups, including KAM and KEPSA, have welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to December 31, 2026, following its reauthorization by U.S. President Donald Trump. This move is expected to alleviate uncertainty for exporters, protect numerous jobs, and enhance Kenya’s access to the U.S. market, despite the extension being shorter than initially hoped.
- The AGOA extension safeguards over 66,000 jobs, particularly in the apparel, textile, and agribusiness sectors.
- KEPSA Chief Executive Officer Carole Kariuki highlighted the immediate certainty this act provides for investor confidence and job protection.
- In 2024, Kenya exported approximately $470 million (Sh61 billion) worth of apparel to the U.S. under AGOA, supporting nearly 800,000 livelihoods.
- KAM Chief Executive Tobias Alando urged both governments to conclude negotiations for a long-term Kenya–U.S. bilateral trade agreement to build on these gains.
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AGOA Extension Welcomed Amidst Kenyan Hiring Slowdown, New Logistics Venture, and Livestock Market Expansion - February 2026
Kenyan business lobby groups, including KAM and KEPSA, have welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to December 31, 2026, which is expected to protect jobs and enhance U.S. market access. Despite this, Kenyan private sector companies scaled back new hiring in January, attributing the slowdown to rising staff expenses and subdued demand. In a sign of new investment, Yusen Logistics and Africa Global Logistics (AGL) launched a new joint venture, Yusen Africa (East Africa) Limited, headquartered in Nairobi. Additionally, Kenya is expanding its livestock and livestock product markets through the De-risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement (DRIVE) Project to boost jobs and exports.
