Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned that Kenya should prepare for difficult economic times ahead following the United States’ decision to impose a 10 percent reciprocal tariff on imports.
Speaking on Monday during the opening session of the inaugural Africa Xchange Meeting, Mudavadi emphasized the need for Kenya and the broader African continent to realign with shifting global trade dynamics and political trends.
“Just looking at the events that are unfolding, democracy is key. It is important,” said Mudavadi. “But we are also seeing that it is becoming difficult by the day for one to imagine that you can get an absolute majority in the democratic space, whether we are looking at what is happening in the African continent or in the United States. It is going to become extremely difficult.”
He added:
“So what may be happening in the United States today or in other parts of the world, I think we must brace ourselves for the long haul.”
The warning comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s announcement of a 10 percent tariff on imports from over 180 countries — a move that has sparked global concern, particularly among African nations that depend on access to the American market.
Kenya is among the key beneficiaries of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a U.S. Congressional trade framework that allows select African nations to export goods to the U.S. duty-free. AGOA is set to expire in September 2025.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei noted that Kenya will continue to enjoy tariff-free trade under AGOA for now, even as diplomatic efforts to secure a waiver are ongoing.
“While the tariffs may be one of the lowest, we shall be vigorously advocating for their waiver,” said Sing’oei. “Additionally, as AGOA is a Congressional framework for market access to the U.S. by African exporters, it is our considered view that until the law lapses at the end of September 2025 — or unless repealed earlier by Congress — the new tariffs imposed by President Trump will in any event still not be immediately applicable.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade has committed to mobilizing efforts toward export diversification to cushion the economy from over-reliance on U.S. markets.
Kenya remains hopeful that diplomatic channels will protect its exports, especially apparel, coffee, tea, and horticultural products, from the looming tariff measures.
Other African nations affected by the new tariff include Rwanda, Burundi, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
