Ruto Appoints Lee Kinyanjui to Lead Kenya-EU Trade Council Under Landmark EPA Deal
President William Ruto has appointed Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui as co-chairperson of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Council, a critical body tasked with overseeing trade relations between Kenya and the European Union (EU). The announcement was made official through a Gazette Notice dated April 11.
This strategic move marks a new phase in Kenya’s international trade ambitions, as the country looks to deepen its commercial ties with the EU—its largest export market and second-biggest overall trade partner.
The EPA Council is the top decision-making organ under the agreement and is responsible for guiding the implementation of its wide-ranging provisions. The council’s formation comes months after President Ruto led the official signing of the EPA in May 2024.
Alongside Kinyanjui, President Ruto named four other Cabinet Secretaries to serve on the council. These include Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, Treasury CS John Mbadi, Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe, and Environment CS Aden Duale.
Their appointments are in line with Article 132(5) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to assign relevant Cabinet members to implement international agreements.
A Game-Changer for Kenyan Trade
The EPA agreement guarantees duty-free and quota-free access for Kenyan exports to all 27 EU member states. This is expected to significantly boost Kenya’s trade volume, attract foreign investment, and support job creation in key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
In 2022, trade between Kenya and the EU hit €3.3 billion, a 27% increase from 2018. Analysts believe the EPA will unlock even greater potential by offering legal certainty and enhanced market access for Kenyan businesses.
“This is more than just a trade deal,” said Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui during a recent press briefing. “It’s a long-term partnership that will position Kenya as a competitive player in global markets.”
A Focus on Sustainability and Inclusion
Beyond trade, the EPA is being hailed as one of the most progressive agreements the EU has ever signed with a developing country. It includes strong commitments to environmental protection, workers’ rights, and gender equality.
The agreement also outlines collaborative efforts to address climate change, improve sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance value addition in Kenya’s export sectors.
Looking Ahead
With the new council in place, Kenya is expected to begin the full implementation of the EPA, ensuring all regulatory frameworks are aligned to maximize the benefits of the deal.
The government has pledged to involve private sector players, small businesses, and farmers to ensure that the gains from the EPA are widely shared.
As Kenya strengthens its role on the international trade stage, the country is betting on the EPA to fuel inclusive economic growth and transform it into a regional trade powerhouse.
In other news:President Ruto Attends Burial of Raila Odinga’s Longtime Aide George Oduor in Siaya
Ruto Appoints Lee Kinyanjui to Lead Kenya-EU Trade Council Under Landmark EPA Deal