Friday 05th June, 2026 03:22 PM|
Kenya has intensified diplomatic and trade consultations ahead of President William Ruto’s upcoming visit to Brussels, as the government seeks to resolve an emerging tariff dispute involving alcoholic beverage imports under trade agreements with the European Union.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, in a statement shared via his official X account on Friday, June 5, 2026, said the government remains committed to protecting Kenya’s trade interests while maintaining strong relations with the European Union and the United Kingdom under existing Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).
Mudavadi also revealed that he had chaired a high-level multi-agency working session focused on addressing disparities between the Kenya-European Union bilateral trade framework and the East African Community’s Common External Tariff structure on imported alcoholic beverages.
“As we prepare for President William Ruto’s upcoming visit to Brussels, ensuring alignment on key trade and investment priorities remains essential to advancing our engagement with the European Union,” Mudavadi stated.
“Chaired a multi-agency working session focused on resolving the tariff disparity between the Kenya–EU bilateral trade framework and the East African Community’s Common External Tariff on imported alcoholic beverages.”
The discussions come amid growing concerns over inconsistencies between Kenya’s commitments under the EPA arrangements and regional tariff obligations within the East African Community (EAC), particularly affecting imported alcoholic products.
Kenya signed the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union to facilitate market access, boost exports, and strengthen investment ties. However, differences in tariff application within the EAC customs framework have triggered fresh negotiations aimed at harmonising the trade regimes without undermining regional integration commitments.
Mudavadi emphasised that Kenya is pursuing dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation.
“Kenya remains committed to upholding both the letter and spirit of the Economic Partnership Agreements signed with the European Union and the United Kingdom. We are equally committed to constructive dialogue aimed at finding an amicable and mutually beneficial solution that strengthens trade, investment, and economic cooperation,” he stated.
The meeting brought together senior government officials involved in trade, legal affairs, and regional integration.
Among those present were Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development Beatrice Askul Moe, as well as senior technical officers from the National Treasury, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Trade.
President Ruto’s Brussels visit is expected to focus on expanding economic cooperation, investment opportunities, trade facilitation, climate financing, and strengthening Kenya’s strategic partnership with the European Union.
Ruto is scheduled to hold talks with King Philippe at the Royal Palace in Brussels on June 8, 2026.
The June 8 visit marks a continued effort to strengthen ties with Belgium and the broader European Union. The discussions are expected to build upon the momentum of previous high-level visits in 2023, where Kenya and the European Union focused on strategic dialogues.