Kenya is a leading country in East Africa when it comes to trade, with a reputation for having a business-friendly environment. Over the years, it has signed several free trade agreements (FTAs) with various economies around the world, including Europe, America, and Asia.

Free trade agreements are international treaties that eliminate or reduce barriers to trade between two or more countries. Kenya has been keen to sign such agreements to increase its international trade and investment opportunities by opening new markets for its goods and services.

Here is a list of some of the free trade agreements that Kenya has signed:

1. The East African Community (EAC)

Kenya is part of this regional economic bloc consisting of six countries, including Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. The EAC aims to promote economic integration by simplifying trade procedures, harmonizing policies, and removing barriers to the free movement of goods, services, and people within the region.

2. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

The AfCFTA is a trade agreement among 54 African Union (AU) member countries, including Kenya. The agreement aims to create a single market for goods and services, with free movement of people and investments across the continent. The AfCFTA is expected to boost intra-African trade by reducing tariffs, increasing competition, and enhancing regulatory mechanisms.

3. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

Kenya is part of this regional economic bloc consisting of 21 countries, including Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The COMESA agreement aims to promote economic cooperation by eliminating trade barriers, harmonizing policies, and creating a common market for goods, services, and investments within the bloc.

4. The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU)

In 2014, Kenya signed this agreement with the EU, providing duty-free access to Kenyan exports to the EU market, while eliminating tariffs on most European products entering Kenya. The EPA is expected to increase trade flows, enhance regional integration, and boost economic growth in Kenya.

5. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa-European Union (COMESA-EU)

Kenya is part of this regional trade agreement between COMESA and the EU. The agreement aims to promote trade and investment flows between the two regions by reducing trade barriers, harmonizing policies, and creating a conducive business environment.

6. The United States-Kenya Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

In 2020, the United States and Kenya started negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement. If concluded successfully, the FTA would reduce tariffs, increase exports, and deepen economic ties between the two countries.

In conclusion, signing free trade agreements is a crucial strategy for Kenya to promote economic growth, boost trade flows, and attract foreign investment. These agreements have provided opportunities for Kenyan businesses to expand into new markets and increase their competitiveness. As Kenya continues to open up its economy, more FTAs are expected to be signed in the future, creating new opportunities for businesses and investors.