The EU flag. [Photo/mediamax.co.ke]
Kenya has been assured that trade arrangements with the European Union (EU) will not be interrupted despite the ongoing Brexit realignment.
Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo has stated that the country exports to the EU market worth more than Sh140 billion.
He aid the exports will continue being handled under the current trade terms until the two issues are fully concluded.
“We are hopeful three EAC countries yet to append their signature to the EPAs will do so after their disputed issues are handled fully by the European Commission (EC) . Equally, Kenya will continue trading under the EU terms of trade with United Kingdom (UK) up to March 2019 when UK will officially leave EU, “said Dr Kiptoo.
He explained that President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, who is currently the EAC Chair, two months ago presented to the EC president Jean-Claude Junker a copy of issues the three EAC partner states want addressed before they sign the trade framework.
Kenya and Rwanda signed EPAs last year though Rwanda is yet to ratify the same like Kenya. Burundi demands that EU withdraw sanctions it imposed two years ago following political unrest. While Tanzania demands a number of issues it wants addressed , Uganda wants all the countries to be on board before signing it. “The EU presidency promised to act on the issues.