US Trade Representative Katherine Tai has revealed that the Kenyan Government knows why she snubbed Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria during her visit to Kenya.
Addressing a delegation shortly after a meeting with President William Ruto on Wednesday, July 19, the representative, however, declined to publicly disclose the reason for her decision to shun the outspoken CS, instead directing journalists to the Kenyan government.
“My visit here is very much about advancing, deepening, and broadening the USA-Kenya relationship in economics as well as the USA trade relationship with East Africa.
“I did not meet with CS Kuria, in terms of why I did not meet with him I’d have to refer you to the Kenyan government,” she stated.
A few hours earlier, Tai held talks with Ruto at State House where the Trade CS was conspicuously missing.
The Head of State noted that the two countries were close trade partners with upcoming opportunities primed to open up employment opportunities.
“America is our key trade and investment partner. Under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, Kenya has developed its value chains, expanded and diversified its exports, creating thousands of employment opportunities,” Ruto explained.
An earlier media report indicated that the representative declined to meet the CS on two occasions.
The reports claimed that Tai was not comfortable holding a meeting with the former Gatundu south MP over his ‘foul’ language.
She jetted into the country on Monday, July 17, and was expected to hold a meeting touching on the Investment Framework Agreement Council and the US-East Africa Community Trade.
Kuria’s predecessor Betty Maina enjoyed a close relationship with Tai and even launched the US-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership.
At the time, the duo signed 10 deals touching on Agriculture, Anti-Corruption, Digital Trade, Environment and Climate Change Action, Good Regulatory Practices, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Workers’ Rights and Protections, Supporting Participation of Women, Youth, and Others in Trade, Standards Collaboration, and Trade Facilitation and Customs Procedures.
“The US-Kenya relationship is critical to addressing key regional and global challenges – and this initiative represents an opportunity to work together on shared priorities including labour, environment, digital trade, trade facilitation, and good regulatory practices.
“I look forward to working with the Kenyan government over the next few months to build out this partnership and grow our trade and investment relationship in a way that promotes resilience and facilitates sustainable and inclusive economic growth that benefits our workers and our planet,” Tai stated at the time.
