The United States government has published proposals it made to Kenya during the negotiations for the US-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership.
In a statement by the Office of the US Trade Representative dated Friday, May 31, it was noted that the US was pushing for various reforms in the handling of imports and exports between the two countries.
Particularly, the US is pushing for Kenya to adopt a paperless customs system for traders.
The US explained that the paperless system would enhance efficiency and transparency for business individuals who move goods between the two countries.
On the other hand, the US also proposed that the government implement a single window system to see business individuals submit all required customs documents at once instead of undertaking many processes.
"For example, the proposed text requires customs authorities to provide, allow, and accept electronic forms and supporting documents, and to maintain a single window that enables the electronic submission of these documents.
"Additionally, it commits customs authorities to adopt and maintain procedures to allow for the immediate release of goods prior to a final determination of duties if all requirements and procedures have been fulfilled or conditioned on a security, and to provide an option for electronic payment," read the statement in part.
Additionally, the US also proposed the adoption of policies that will guarantee the return of goods that the citizens purchase through e-commerce platforms.
"Furthermore, the proposal includes provisions focused on making trade across borders a fair and reliable experience.
"It sets out a number of obligations on penalties designed to ensure transparency and fairness, standards of conduct for officials engaged in trade, and protection of confidential business information," the office of the trade representative revealed.
On the other hand, Kenya was also asked to undertake various environmental reforms alongside the US.
Some of the measures proposed in the negotiations are the mitigation of water and land pollution. The government was also called upon to adopt green energy
In the trade deal, Kenya will also have to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Kenya and the US have been negotiating a trade deal since 2020. This followed a meeting between former President Donald Trump and Uhuru Kenyatta.
