Kenya has launched negotiations on a free-trade agreement with the United States.

The agreement is expected serve "as a model for additional agreements across Africa," a joint statement between the two countries said.
Kenya is seeking to expand its export market that "requires a trade arrangement that is predictable and guarantees preferential market access for Kenyan products", Trade Minister Betty Maina said.

Her ministry tweeted photos from the talks:

The launch of the negotiations comes before the expiry in 2025 of the preferential trade agreement now in place, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).

“Kenya is a recognised leader across the continent, an important strategic partner of the United States, and there is enormous potential for us to deepen our economic and commercial ties,” US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in the statement.