Kenya Seeks Direct U.S. Market Access for Agricultural Exports

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-04 18:15 EAT. Kenya is negotiating direct access to the U.S. market for key agricultural products to raise farmer incomes and export revenues.

The Latest

Trade Ministry officials said Thursday that talks with U.S. agencies aim to eliminate intermediaries and streamline compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary rules. This would allow products like tea, coffee, fruits, and flowers to reach American retailers without passing through third-party countries. Negotiations are ongoing, with technical assessments expected this quarter.

Context in Brief

Currently, most Kenyan exports face complex certification processes or re-routing through other countries before reaching the U.S. market. Successes such as the direct export of Kenyan avocados and mangoes in 2023 after meeting safety standards show the potential of removing trade barriers. The push aligns with Kenya’s efforts under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and bilateral trade frameworks.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Trade Frameworks: AGOA provides duty-free access for eligible African products to the U.S. market.

• Mandates: Kenya’s Trade and Agriculture ministries lead export negotiations; U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees product safety standards.

• Required steps: Bilateral agreements on sanitary and phytosanitary measures plus technical assistance to Kenyan producers.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Government: “Direct market access will ensure farmers get better prices by removing unnecessary intermediaries,” said a senior Trade Ministry official, Nairobi, 2025-09-04.

• Agriculture sector: “Compliance support is key so small-scale farmers can meet U.S. standards,” said Kenya National Farmers Federation chair, 2025-09-04.

• Trade experts: “AGOA extension talks should factor in agricultural diversification,” said Dr. Peter Karanja, Trade Analyst, 2025-09-04.

Evidence & Data

• Numbers: Kenya exported $756M worth of agricultural goods to the U.S. in 2024 (Trade Ministry data).

• Documents: AGOA eligibility reports; bilateral trade MoUs.

• Verification: Ministry statements; U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) records.

Risks and Implications

• Economy: Higher farmer incomes; potential forex gains.

• Governance: Need for regulatory capacity to meet export standards.

• Trade relations: Stronger Kenya–U.S. ties; competition with other African exporters.

What We Don’t Know

• Final timelines for U.S. regulatory approvals.

• Whether tariff-free access will extend beyond AGOA’s 2025 expiry.

• Funding sources for farmer training and certification.

Timeline

• 2023-08: Kenya begins direct avocado exports to China & UAE.

• 2025-09-04: Trade Ministry confirms U.S. negotiations ongoing.

• 2025-Q4: Technical assessments expected to conclude.

What to Watch

• Outcome of AGOA renewal discussions in Washington.

• U.S. FDA site inspections in Kenyan farms & packhouses.

• Bilateral trade agreements on horticulture by end-2025.