Kenya pushes for 16-year AGOA extension to protect thousands of jobs and exports
Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri called on the Kenyan government, in collaboration with the United States, to pursue a 16-year extension of the programme until 2041 to safeguard livelihoods, protect economic gains, and promote long-term prosperity.
Members of Parliament have urged the government to fast-track negotiations with the United States for an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), warning that its expiry this month could disrupt thousands of jobs and undermine Kenya’s export sector.
During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, legislators stressed the urgency of protecting livelihoods, particularly for women, who account for about 75 per cent of direct beneficiaries.
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Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, who sponsored the motion, highlighted the risks to Kenya’s economy if AGOA is not renewed.
“The current extension of the AGOA programme, granted in 2015, is set to expire in September 2025, posing a serious risk of economic disruption, job losses of approximately 66,000 Kenyans and many other related indirect job losses, with increased poverty across AGOA-dependent sectors in the Sub-Saharan region,” she said.
Safeguard livelihoods
Kagiri called on the Kenyan government, in collaboration with the United States, to pursue a 16-year extension of the programme until 2041 to safeguard livelihoods, protect economic gains, and promote long-term prosperity.
She also proposed a two-year transition period if renewal is delayed, allowing time to develop a new trade framework to secure businesses and jobs in both countries.
“AGOA has significantly boosted African exports to the United States, including coffee, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, amounting to over USD 500 million in 2020, while also enhancing local textile and cotton industries that have created thousands of jobs,” Kagiri added.
Supply chain diversification
She further noted that AGOA has benefited the United States by supporting supply chain diversification, strengthening bilateral trade ties, and connecting American businesses to opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Other MPs echoed the call for urgent action. Kilifi North MP Owen Baya said the legislation was introduced to assist Kenya and other African countries in creating jobs for young people who would otherwise be unemployed.
“The expiration of AGOA would trigger market uncertainty, deter investment, disrupt supply chains, and adversely impact both African and American businesses that rely on AGOA-linked trade,” he said.
Tharaka MP George Murugara emphasised the programme’s regional importance, noting that its termination would affect not just Kenya but the entire Sub-Saharan region.
“Bilateral agreements must be strengthened to ensure continuity and address trade imbalances between our economies,” he said.
Sirisia MP John Waluke directly appealed to the U.S. leadership, stating, “We plead with the President of the United States to consider the extension so that Kenya does not suffer.”
Other legislators highlighted AGOA’s transformative impact since its enactment in 2000, pointing to expanded trade, increased investment, governance improvements, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods.
They described the extension as a win-win for both Kenya and the United States, securing jobs while reinforcing bilateral trade relations.
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