Groups seek public hearings on new deal with the UK

Two local organisations have moved to court seeking orders to compel Parliament and Cabinet Sectretary for Trade to conduct adequate public participation before the ratification of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the United Kingdom.

Kenya Small Scale Farmers Forum and Econews Africa accuse Industrialisation and Trade CS Betty Maina and Parliament of rushing to approve and ratify the agreement without adequate public participation.

The two argue that there is danger that the agreement will be ratified before stakeholders and the general public get reasonable opportunity to study, understand and give their views on it.

“The impugned Agreement has far- reaching consequences on the economy of the Kenya and even more adverse and serious impacts on small-scale agricultural and fishing communities within the country whose mainstay and livelihood will be greatly impacted by proposed activities under the agreement,”argued Mr Davies Nyanchieng’a, an economist working for Econews.

The trade deal, which is awaiting approval from lawmakers of both countries, will eventually see duty on 82.6 per cent of products originating from the UK abolished after 25 years.

The document shows the 10 per cent duty on intermediate goods will start reducing after seven years from the time the trade pact is ratified, leading up to its abolishment eight years later.

Kenya will, on the other hand, start phasing down the duty on finished products (currently billed from 25 per cent) after 12 years, leading to its elimination 13 years later.

“The moratorium (of seven years), together with the phased reduction of duties, is considered necessary to protect Kenya’s industry,” Ms Maina said in a statement.

Parliament published a notice in two national newspapers, inviting views before it is tabled in the House for debate. The agreement is also posted in Parliament website.

Mr Nyanchieng’a however, said the website is not widely accessible to the public given the low computer literacy levels and internet connectivity.