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].
In a recent development, President William Ruto contacted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on January 27, 2025, to discuss the STIP agreement, which was initiated under Joe Biden's administration. This outreach comes in the wake of Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, and reflects Ruto's concerns over Trump's executive orders that could affect Kenya, including the suspension of foreign assistance programs and potential impacts on AGOA. Ruto emphasized the urgency of finalizing the STIP to enhance investment and economic growth between the US and Kenya [04a6c154].
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 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 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 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 STIP is expected to be concluded by the end of the year. The USTR's office has highlighted challenges in enforcing labour laws, restrictions on free expression and media, lack of accountability for gender-based violence, and laws criminalizing 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].