Nandi Senator Samson Cherarkey has sought a statement from the Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism regarding the impact of the 10% tariff imposed on Kenyan exports by the United States of America (USA).
In his request, Cherarkey asked the Committee to outline the projected impact of the tariff on key export sectors such as tea, coffee, horticulture, textiles and others that significantly contribute to Kenya’s trade with the U.S.
He emphasised the need to assess the broader consequences on the national economy.
The legislator also urged the Committee to disclose the measures the Government is implementing to cushion farmers and traders affected by the tariff revealing whether efforts have been made to secure alternative markets for Kenya’s exports.
In addition, the Committee chaired by Kwale Senator Issa Juma Boy has been tasked with explaining the steps taken by the Government to engage the U.S. in reviewing or scrapping the tariff and to report on the progress of ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement between Kenya and the United States, especially as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is set to expire in September 2025.
