President Ruto says Kenya aims to sign a US trade pact by December and is urging Washington to extend AGOA for five more years.

Kenya Eyes US Trade Deal and AGOA Renewal Amid UN Meetings

NEW YORK — Kenya is seeking to finalize a landmark bilateral trade agreement with the United States by the end of 2025, while simultaneously pressing Washington to extend the expiring African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for at least five more years. President William Ruto made the announcement on September 24, 2025, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. (Reuters)

AGOA, which provides duty-free access for African exports into the U.S., is set to expire this month, raising uncertainty for Kenya’s exporters of textiles, coffee, and agricultural goods.

Ruto’s Push in Washington

Ruto confirmed he would meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later on Wednesday to discuss both the bilateral trade deal and AGOA’s renewal. He stressed that Kenya has made “good progress” in negotiations and expects a final agreement by December.

“We have made significant progress and are confident a deal can be signed before year end,” Ruto said in an interview. “At the same time, we are urging the U.S. to extend AGOA for at least five years to safeguard African economies.” (Reuters)

What AGOA Means for Kenya

Kenya exports over $700 million in goods to the United States annually, with apparel and textiles accounting for the bulk of the trade. Without AGOA, those exports would face tariffs as high as 10%, threatening jobs in the country’s garment industry.

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers has warned that any lapse in AGOA could result in thousands of job losses and reduced foreign exchange earnings.

According to the World Bank, AGOA has supported industrial growth across sub-Saharan Africa, but its expiration could significantly reduce the continent’s share of U.S. imports. (World Bank)

U.S. Politics Complicate Renewal

Despite Ruto’s optimism, AGOA’s extension is far from guaranteed. Congressional approval is required, and recent trade policy debates in Washington have leaned toward protectionism.

A bipartisan effort to renew AGOA in 2024 failed, with lawmakers divided over whether to extend or replace the pact. Analysts say Ruto’s push for a five-year extension is ambitious given the political climate.

“African countries are facing a U.S. Congress increasingly skeptical of broad trade deals,” said Amaka Anku, Africa director at Eurasia Group. “Kenya is trying to balance between securing a bilateral deal and protecting the broader African access provided by AGOA.”

African Manufacturers Lobbying Washington

Kenya is not alone in pressing for renewal. African manufacturers and trade associations launched a coordinated lobbying effort in Washington earlier this month, urging lawmakers to approve at least a temporary extension.

“Even a one- or two-year extension would be critical to protect ongoing contracts,” said a joint statement by industry leaders. (Reuters)

The Financial Times reported that without AGOA, African clothing exports to the U.S. could fall by as much as 29%, hitting economies in East Africa especially hard. (FT)

Why the Bilateral Deal Matters

If signed, the Kenya–U.S. trade agreement would be the first such pact between Washington and a sub-Saharan African nation. Observers say it would set a precedent for other African countries and potentially replace some of AGOA’s benefits with a more tailored framework.

Kenya’s Trade Minister, Rebecca Miano, has argued that a bilateral deal could cover new areas, including digital trade, investment in green energy, and agricultural standards.

“This would not only secure jobs in Kenya but also attract U.S. investment into sectors that AGOA does not fully address,” Miano said.

Global Implications

The outcome of Ruto’s talks could shape U.S.–Africa trade relations for the next decade. For Washington, striking a deal with Kenya could demonstrate commitment to African markets at a time when China is expanding its footprint on the continent.

For Nairobi, success would reassure investors worried about policy uncertainty. It could also support Ruto’s broader agenda of positioning Kenya as East Africa’s financial and logistics hub.

Next Steps

The High-stakes discussions continue this week in New York, with Ruto pushing for AGOA renewal while finalizing Kenya’s bilateral trade pact. Whether Congress acts in time remains uncertain, but the pressure from African governments and manufacturers is intensifying.

“Kenya cannot afford a trade gap,” Ruto said. “Our exporters need continuity, and our workers need protection.”