The trade agreement between the EU and Kenya entered into force on 1 July 2024. Through this agreement, the EU and Kenya will implement bilaterally the regional Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and the East African Community (EAC).
As part of this Agreement, two spaces allowing for cross-border dialogue are established through the Domestic Advisory Groups and the Consultative Committee.
The European Union Domestic Advisory Group
Annex V of this Agreement on Trade and Sustainable Development foresees that each Party shall create a Domestic Advisory Group to advise the Party concerned on issues covered by this Agreement. The group shall consist of a balanced representation of independent civil society organizations, including non-governmental organizations, business and employers' organizations, and trade unions. Each Party shall meet with its Domestic Consultative Group at least once a year to consider views or recommendations submitted by its Domestic Advisory Group on the implementation of this Agreement.
As a Party to this Agreement, the European Union therefore has to establish an EU-Domestic Consultative Group. This group brings together organizations from different EU Member States.
The Agreement also requests the parties to promote an interaction between the Domestic Consultative Groups and their participation in the Consultative Committee.
The Consultative Committee
The Agreement also provides for a Consultative Committee, where civil society representatives from the EU and Kenya will meet regularly. Members of the Domestic Advisory Groups should participate in this Committee.