Thousands of Kenyans employed in the apparel and textile industry can now relax after the U.S. government extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

AGOA is a trade pact between the United States and Sub-Saharan African nations that grants 32 countries duty-free access to the U.S. market.

Speaking in Vihiga County on Saturday, October 4, President William Ruto announced that President Donald Trump’s administration had approved a one-year extension of the deal.

The move ensures Kenyan exporters will continue enjoying tax-free entry into the vast U.S. market — a major boost for workers and businesses in the country’s textile sector.

“You witnessed the other day, when I was in the United States, I talked to Trump’s government, and now they have given us an extension of AGOA, and for the next one year, Kenyans will continue to export their products into the American market,” Ruto stated.

President Ruto further revealed that his government has initiated new negotiations with the United States for a bilateral trade deal aimed at providing stability and predictability for Kenyan exporters.

He explained that the proposed agreement would strengthen Kenya’s economy and protect it from potential disruptions like those experienced following the expiry of AGOA.

“We have begun talks with the US so that we can have a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries, so that we can use the American market to lift our economy,” said Ruto.

“Through the bilateral trade agreement, we will be able to get a market for our coffee, tea, horticulture, textile and apparel.

President Ruto’s announcement of the AGOA extension comes just four days after the 25-year trade agreement officially expired on September 30.

The deal has been instrumental in driving Kenya’s economic growth — boosting foreign exchange earnings through exports and creating over 50,000 jobs.