Trade CS Moses Kuria Misses a Key US Meeting Involving His Docket, Raises Questions

Once again, Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has been conspicuously absent from a crucial United States-Kenya trade event, fueling ongoing inquiries into his lack of participation in such critical trade discussions. 

This occurrence is not an isolated one, as Kuria had previously been notably absent on July 19 during a trade negotiation between Kenya and the United States.

During that event, Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative, was leading a delegation from the North American nation.

Following these talks, Tai raised eyebrows by suggesting that journalists inquire about Kuria's absence, sparking speculation that the CS's prior statements might have played a role in his exclusion.

Adding to the intrigue, former Trade CS Adan Mohamed, who currently serves as an Economic Advisor to President William Ruto, recently led a trade delegation at an event attended by US Ambassador Meg Whitman. This event was the US-Africa Trade and Investment Roundtable held in Chicago, USA, on September 14, 2023.

Kuria, since assuming his role as Cabinet Secretary, has actively engaged with foreign nations and businesses in trade negotiations, frequently announcing these engagements on his social media platforms.

However, his conspicuous absence from US-led discussions remains unexplained by the Kenyan government.

Kuria stands out among the current Cabinet Secretaries as one of the most well-travelled, claiming at times to represent the President and help secure favorable deals to boost local manufacturing in Kenya.

His outspoken nature and occasional controversial remarks have, according to insiders, potentially strained relations with the United States.

It's worth noting that the United States represents one of Kenya's most significant export markets, particularly in the realm of garments produced in the country's leading Export Processing Zones (EPZs).

These goods constitute a substantial portion of Kenya's exports to the world's largest economy.

Kuria's continued exclusion from key trade events coincides with Kenya's ongoing negotiations for a free-trade agreement with the United States, a significant development given the impending expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) in 2025.