Govt Reacts to Trump Tariffs, Assures Kenyans that the Law is on Their Side

Kenya has reacted to the new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government under President Donald Trump, signaling its intention to lobby for their removal through diplomatic channels. 

Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei expressed relief that Kenya’s exports were subject to one of the lowest tariff rates but emphasized that it would advocate vigorously for a waiver.

“While the tariffs may be one of the lowest, we shall be vigorously advocating for their waiver. Additionally, as AGOA is a Congressional framework for market access to the US by African exporters, it is our considered view that until the law lapses end of September 2025 or unless repealed earlier by Congress, the new tariffs imposed by President Trump will in any event still not be immediately applicable,” Sing’oei

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While some countries have strongly opposed the U.S. tariffs—going as far as threatening retaliatory measures—Kenya has taken a different approach. Nations such as China and Japan, which were hit with steeper tariff increases, have openly condemned the move and hinted at potential trade countermeasures. 

Kenya, on the other hand, has chosen a diplomatic path, prioritizing negotiations over confrontation. 

Sing’oei assured Kenyan businesses that the new tariffs may not be immediately applicable to Kenya due to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a US law that allows duty-free access to the U.S. market for qualifying African nations. 

Since AGOA remains in effect until September 2025—unless repealed earlier by Congress—the tariffs imposed by President Trump would not override this existing agreement. 

However, AGOA’s future remains uncertain. As its expiration date approaches, discussions around its renewal have been met with mixed signals from the US, raising concerns for African exporters. If AGOA is not renewed, Kenya and other African nations may face new trade barriers that could affect exports. 

AGOA has been instrumental in boosting Kenya's textile and apparel sectors, facilitating exports worth approximately Ksh4.5 billion per month in 2022. The program has significantly contributed to economic development and job creation in Kenya. 

The potential non-renewal of AGOA poses significant risks to Kenya's textile industry. For example, the United Aryan factory in Nairobi, a major textile producer, relies heavily on AGOA's duty-free access to the U.S. market. With AGOA's future uncertain, over 150,000 Kenyan jobs are on the line. 

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