The US has indicated in its objectives that the FTA should discourage politically motivated actions to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel.
The ongoing FTA discussions between the US and Kenya have encountered a roadblock with the US putting support to Israel’s political and commercial interests, as a precondition to advance the Free trade deal (FTA).
Lobby groups in Kenya view the inclusion of a third party, Israel, in the negotiation agenda, as a risky proposal
The US has indicated in its objectives that the FTA should “discourage politically motivated actions to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel.”
Additionally, the US has sought the elimination of politically motivated, non-tariff barriers on Israeli goods, services, or other commerce along with the elimination of State-sponsored, unsanctioned foreign boycotts of Israel, or compliance with the Arab League Boycott of Israel.
Lobby groups in Kenya view the inclusion of a third party, Israel, in the negotiation agenda, as a risky proposal. The East African Tax and Governance Network (EATGN) and East African Trade Network (EATN), viewed the development as Nairobi being ‘‘entrapped’’ in the Palestine-Israeli conflict and cautioned that such political connotations in the USFTA would undercut Kenya’s reputation. Kenya‘s position on Israel has been so far very diplomatic
without endorsing one side or the other. On its part, Kenya’s published objectives indicate the agreement must be discussed within the limits of the EAC and the World Trade Organisation regulations. There are some other controversial points too such as US insistence that Kenya must exempt digital products like e-books or music, from tax.
