info@businessghana.com
His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto yesterday, 2nd October 2025, held a high-level engagement meeting with leaders of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry to finalize a proactive strategy for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), with a particular focus on its critical role in supporting Kenya’s textile and apparel industry.
The KEPSA team included KEPSA CEO Carole Kariuki, Chair Jas Bedi, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) CEO Tobias Alando, KAM Chair of the Apparel Manufacturers and Exporters Association Pankaj Bedi, and KAM Head of Policy and Regulatory Advocacy Miriam Biwott.
The government delegation included the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan, KenInvest CEO John Mwenda, and the President’s team of economic advisors, led by Dr David Ndii, among other senior technical officials.
The government reiterated its commitment to fostering the sector’s growth, safeguarding jobs, and ensuring Kenya remains competitive in global trade.
Both parties agreed to continue lobbying for AGOA renewal with emphasis on a transition period as Kenya works on a trade deal with the U.S. to be completed by end of this year. Other issues discussed were how to grow the textile and apparel sector to increase jobs beyond the current 66,000. Further, the president will be meeting the team in another two weeks.
