Lead image for State welcomes US Senate's approval of Agoa extension up to December 2028.
The government has welcomed the United States Senate's approval of the extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (Agoa) for two years and four months.
The green light follows President Donald Trump's signing of a one-year extension of the Agoa on February 3, 2026, after its expiry on September 30, 2025.
It will now allow duty-free access for eligible Sub-Saharan African exports to the United States market through December 31, 2028.
“This extension will be a highly significant development for Kenya’s economy as well as the eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, in providing predictability for our manufacturers,” said the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui in a statement to newsrooms.
“For Kenya in particular, the apparel sector constitutes 70 per cent of Kenya’s total exports to the United States. The provision for the continuation of the third-country fabric provision protects our booming apparel sector.”
Kinyanjui said this crucial rule allows firms within Kenya’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs) to competitively source raw materials, such as yarns and fabrics, from non-Agoa countries, add substantial value through local manufacturing, and export the finished garments duty-free.
“The Act’s provision for retroactive duty refunds is highly encouraging. Exporters who shipped goods to the US during the gap between the programmes' previous expiration on September 30, 2025, and the enactment of this Bill will not face financial penalties,” said Kinyanjui.