President Uhuru addresses unease over trade deal with US

NAIROBI, KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday sought to dispel fears that the ongoing trade talks between Kenya and the United States will undermine the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

The President said Kenya's trade deal with the US will instead assist the continent by creating a reference upon which other African nations will negotiate bilateral arrangements within the AfCFTA framework going forward.

"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.

He spoke in Nairobi during a webinar hosted by the Atlantic Council under the theme," strengthening US-Africa ties through trade".

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

The President said an FTA between the US and Kenya would reposition Kenya as a gateway of American investments into Africa.

"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," the Head of State said.

In negotiating the FTA, the President said Kenya is going for a win-win arrangement that will benefit both Kenya and the US.

"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 said.

Commenting on Africa's response to the Covid-19 health crisis and the recent China-Africa Summit, the President said Africa's foremost concern is to protect its population from the virus.

On the revitalization of the East African Community, the President regretted the slow pace at which the integration process is unfolding and assured of his commitment to see a more cohesive and prosperous region.

He warned against historical suspicions and barriers which he said serves to derail the EAC integration process.