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Ruto Pushes for Historic U.S. Trade Pact by 2025

9/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

William Ruto aims to sign a trade pact by end-2025 and press U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to extend AGOA.
AGOA provides duty-free access for African nations and expires soon.
A successful deal would be first bilateral trade pact with a sub-Saharan African country.
Ruto cited Kenya's security missions in Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo, urging support.

History

Historical Context

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), enacted in May 2000, allows 39 sub-Saharan African countries, including Kenya, duty-free access to U.S. markets, facilitating over $1.5 billion in annual trade. As Kenya seeks a trade pact, its strategic role in regional security, particularly in Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscores the potential impact on U.S.-Africa relations.

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Story summary

William Ruto aims to sign a trade pact by end-2025 and press U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to extend AGOA.
AGOA provides duty-free access for African nations and expires soon.
A successful deal would be first bilateral trade pact with a sub-Saharan African country.
Ruto cited Kenya's security missions in Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo, urging support.

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