Kenya and the European Union (E.U) have signed a long-negotiated trade agreement to increase the flow of goods between the two markets.

According to President WILLIAM RUTO of Kenya, Brussels pursues stronger economic ties with Africa and the agreement gives Kenya duty-free and quota-free access to the EU, its biggest export market, while European goods will receive progressive tariff reductions.

The Kenyan President stated today in Nairobi, calling it a monumental promise and the beginning of a historic partnership for great transformation of the East African nation.

EU Chief VON DER LEYEN on her part said the partnership was a “win-win situation on both sides” and called on other nations to join the pact, which came after years of negotiations that concluded in June.

Meanwhile, the European Council earlier in a statement last week said the deal was “the most ambitious economic partnership” it had with a developing country with commitments to sustainable development in areas such as labour rights and environmental protection.