Poultry farmers in Kenya are protesting against the alleged push by the US to open up the Kenyan market to finished agricultural products as part of the US-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), according to a report by Nation [44678383]. The Poultry Breeders Association of Kenya (PBAK) has criticized the lack of transparency and public participation in the negotiations, as well as the failure of the Trade Department to provide the draft texts of the US proposals. The US Trade Representative Office (USTR) states that their proposals aim to facilitate trade, advance food security, promote sustainable production, and encourage cooperation in innovation and technology. The negotiations between Kenya and the US began in July 2022 to replace the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) deal [44678383].
The protests by poultry farmers highlight concerns over the potential impact of the US push to open the Kenyan market to finished agricultural products. The Poultry Breeders Association of Kenya (PBAK) has raised issues of transparency and public participation in the negotiations, as well as the lack of access to the draft texts of the US proposals. The US Trade Representative Office (USTR) has stated that their proposals aim to promote trade, food security, sustainable production, and cooperation in innovation and technology. The negotiations between Kenya and the US, which began in July 2022, seek to replace the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) deal [44678383].
In addition to the concerns raised by poultry farmers, the US is increasing scrutiny on Kenya's record of protecting international human and labour rights as the two countries work towards a bilateral trade deal. The US-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) is expected to be concluded by the end of the year. The US Trade Representative's office has highlighted challenges in enforcing labour laws, restrictions on free expression and media, lack of accountability for gender-based violence, and laws criminalising consensual same-sex conduct. Kenyan authorities have faced criticism for using excessive force in quelling anti-government protests, with reports of live bullets being used on unarmed demonstrators and increased cases of abductions and torture of youth. The protests led to President William Ruto firing almost his entire Cabinet [6d7a3c74].