The Place of Economic Partnership Agreements in Kenya’s Trade Arena : Assessing the Concept of Globalisation and Good Governance

The place of EPA’s in integrating Kenya’s economy globally cannot be underrated. Viewed objectively, EPA’s should be an efficient tool for the development of Kenya and Africa as well, however, we cannot alienate ourselves from the fact that for the same to be effective as originally intended, good governance must be the cornerstone. The onus does not necessarily lie in good governance from a national level, but most importantly from the global platform. This paper seeks to examine the place of EPA negotiations in Kenya’s trade arena and the opportunities and costs that same will provide vis a’ vis globalisation. The paper further points out the importance of developing good governance structures covering Kenya socially, politically and economically. It is in view of the above that Kenya should look out for the possible mechanisms to vouch its competitiveness in the EPA arena with the aim of gaining access to the international economy through trade, foreign direct investment, and services (GATS) and further assess its present governance structures to identify possible loopholes and recommend best practices based on well recognized international principles and customs