The Visiting British Prime Minister Theresa May has assured Kenya of continued access to the UK’s markets under the current duty free arrangement, even after Brexit which takes effect on March 29th 2019.
The Prime minister said that talks between Kenya and the UK are underway to come up with a new framework of trade.
“Britain and Kenya have have a long trade and investment partnership which will be enhanced under the post-Brexit arrangement.” She said.
PM May who led a strong 29-member delegation of business executives said trade links between the UK and Nairobi will continue to be strengthened to enhance economic partnerships adding that many investors from her country have an appetite for investing in Kenya.
President Kenyatta said Kenya is looking forward for more investments from both its traditional and new partners to meet its socio-economic agenda.
“We are not going out there with a begging bowl. But to partner with those who are willing to come along with us,” said President Kenyatta.
Kenya exports flowers to the EU worth Ksh46.3 billion ($537 million) and vegetables worth more than Ksh26.5 billion ($307 million) annually. The EU takes about 40 per cent of Kenya’s fresh produce exports.
The Head of State said Kenya firmly believes in multi-lateral business dealings with all parties across the globe.
“Kenya has an attractive business and trade environment for both local and foreign investments,” said the President.
The President asked Britain to support Kenya’s blue economy initiatives as it is central to the country’s sustainable resource use both for the current generation and for posterity.
He thanked the UK for accepting to participate in the Blue Economy Conference scheduled for Nairobi in November by committing to contribute an estimated Sh35 million ($347,859).
The president said British businessmen have great opportunities to invest in the Kenya’s emerging blue economy sector by putting up landing facilities for deep sea fishing, ship building facilities, fish processing and packaging facilities in Kisumu, Homabay, Lamu, Malindi, Msambweni and Mombasa- which will also enhance the Big-4 agenda through job creation.
