December 4, 2025
Kenya announced plans to appeal a recent ruling by the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) which suspended the implementation of its Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU).
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui emphasized that the move aims to protect Kenya’s $1.56 billion annual exports to the EU, which form a lifeline for many Kenyans engaged in agriculture and trade.
The suspension, ordered by the Arusha-based court, came after a petition from a regional non-governmental organization, the Centre for Law Economics and Policy, which argues that Kenya’s unilateral signing of the agreement violates provisions of the East African Community (EAC) treaty governing regional integration. Kenya contends that the EPA is vital for maintaining duty- and quota-free access for its largely farm produce exports to the 27-nation EU market while also setting a phased timeline for the gradual opening of Kenyan markets to European imports over 25 years.
Minister Kinyanjui reassured exporters and business stakeholders that Kenya will continue trading with the EU under existing commercial arrangements during the appeal process. The government has already engaged the Attorney-General’s office to initiate “appropriate appellate steps” to have the suspension overturned and ensure stability and predictability in trade relations with the EU.
The EPA, fully enforced since July 2024, is regarded as key to Kenya’s export growth and foreign exchange earnings, ensuring market access firm amidst rising protectionism globally, including recently heightened tariffs by the U.S. Kenya recorded $1.56 billion worth of exports and $2.09 billion in imports with the EU last year, underscoring the significance of the deal.
The court’s suspension has sparked concerns about potential strains on the East African Community integration efforts as other members have not yet signed the pact. The legal battle ahead is expected to test the balance between national trade priorities and regional treaty obligations.
Kenya’s firm stance highlights the critical strategic importance of the EPA in sustaining its export revenues, creating employment, and bolstering the agricultural sector amid evolving global trade dynamics.