President Uhuru Kenyatta's Cabinet has approved the commencement of talks with the United States on the establishment of a free trade agreement between the two countries.
Held at State House, Nairobi on January 30, the Executive acknowledged that the negotiations would facilitate smooth access of Kenyan goods to the expansive US consumer market, especially as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) pact comes to an end.
The Cabinet also received a progress report on the ongoing 100 per cent transition of students from primary to secondary school.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had on January 29, issued an ultimatum for all relevant authorities to ensure that all 2019 KCPE candidates join secondary school.
In its report, the Ministry of Education indicated that the affirmative action had so far achieved an enrolment rate of 93 per cent and efforts have been stepped up to ensure that the 100 per cent target is achieved by the admissions deadline.
A progress report from the Ministry of Agriculture on the ongoing efforts to deal with the desert locust invasion in parts of the country was also presented.
While acknowledging the magnitude of the threat to Kenya's food security, the Cabinet approved a proposal to engage in government-to-government arrangements with countries that produce fast-acting pesticides for quick importation and application in the affected areas.
The Cabinet further received a brief from the Ministry of Health on proactive measures being taken to safeguard the country from the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
The Executive adopted measures that included a screening of passengers before they disembarking aircraft from affected areas.
The CSs also directed that measures be put in place to manage the movement of those transiting through Kenya from affected regions.
