International Trade Law Practice

Globalized Trade and Legal Compliance

In our increasingly globalized world, trade and commerce are significantly influenced by various bilateral,
regional, continental, and multilateral trade agreements or treaties. These international laws are integral
to Kenyan law as per Article 2(6) of the Constitution of Kenya, making it essential for businesses to comply
with both domestic and international legal standards.

 
Kenya’s Trade Agreements

Kenya is a signatory to several regional and multilateral trade agreements, including the World Trade
Organization (WTO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), East African Community (EAC), and
the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Kenya has also established various
bilateral trade agreements and entered into Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the European
Union and the United Kingdom. Additionally, Kenya ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area
(AfCFTA), which came into effect on 30 May 2019.

 
Objectives of AfCFTA

The AfCFTA aims to create a unified continental market for goods and services, enabling the free
movement of businesses, individuals, and investments. It seeks to accelerate the establishment of the
Continental Customs Union, enhance intra-African trade through harmonization of trade policies, and
address issues of overlapping memberships within Africa’s Regional Economic Communities (RECs). The
AfCFTA also aims to boost industry competitiveness and resource allocation by exploiting opportunities
for large-scale production and market access.

 
Services Offered by KK WAWERU Advocates LLP

Our International Trade Law Practice helps businesses navigate and leverage the benefits of various trade
agreements.

Our services include:

• Trade and Commerce Opportunities – Assisting businesses in capitalizing on trade opportunities
presented by various agreements.

• Regulatory Navigation – Helping businesses understand and comply with regulations and policies
arising from trade agreements.
• Taxation and Customs Law – Advising on classification, valuation, country-of-origin marking,
substantial transformation, preferential duty, and drawback issues.
• Environmental and SPS Measures – Providing advice on compliance with environmental and
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
• Regional Competition Law Compliance – Handling compliance approvals or filings related to
regional competition laws for businesses operating in multiple countries.
• Dispute Resolution – Advising on dispute resolution mechanisms provided under trade
agreements.