A waiting game for Kenya over stalled EAC-EU trade deal

The European Union is Kenya’s biggest export destination for cut flowers, French beans, fruits, fish, textiles, coffee and tea. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Kenya was last week putting up a brave face after the European Union rebuffed its plan for a variable geometry in the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement with the East African Community.

Nairobi has the biggest stake in the EPA because it is a middle-income country and, without the protection of the deal, it would have to start paying duty for its exports to Europe. Kenya exports mainly cut flowers and vegetables to the EU.