Policy Brief No. 4 of 2004 on Role of Trade Policy and Trade Reforms in Poverty Reduction in Kenya

Abstract

Kenya’s economic development strategy has often used trade policy as part of an assortment of policies towards achieving economic growth and poverty reduction. More recent trade liberalization efforts have aimed at improving resource allocation, which in turn would lead to growth and therefore to poverty reduction. This policy brief aims to demonstrate that the linkage between trade and poverty may not be one way and more needs to be done to ensure that poverty reduction occurs from increased trade opportunities. The study highlights the implications of Kenya’s trade policy for economic growth and poverty reduction and identifies supporting policies.