Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria was on Wednesday missing as President William Ruto led a section of his cabinet in holding trade talks with Principal Trade Advisor and Spokesperson on US trade policy Katherine Tai.

In a statement after the meeting, Ruto termed the US as a key trade and investment partner for Kenya, contributing to employment opportunities for Kenyans.

“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 stated.

“We will stretch our ties beyond AGOA — in the wake of advanced technology and climate change — for the full exploitation of our trade potential.”

Enacted in May 2000, AGOA is aimed at significantly enhancing market access to the US for qualifying Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. 

Kuria’s absence

Kuria‘s absence from the meeting comes moments after reports that Tai had cancelled two meetings with the CS over his controversial posts on social media.

Tai has been in the country since Monday to attend US-East Africa Community Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa) council.

During the council, attended by East Africa Community and Arid and Send-Arid Lands Cabinet Secretary Rebbeca Miano, Kuria was also absent despite having been scheduled to attend.