Nairobi WTO outcome close to ‘a miracle’

Kenya’s diplomatic might was unmistakable during the historic World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting that concluded in Nairobi last weekend. The behind-the-scenes story of tough negotiations that delivered the Nairobi Declaration is one of solid determination, immense ambition and great compromises.

Cabinet Secretary Foreign Affairs's Amina Mohammed, right, and Director General WTO Brazil's Roberto Azevedo display a copy of the WTO Draft Nairobi Declaration during Tenth Ministerial Conference at Kenyatta International Convention Center. PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO.

The negotiations teetered on the brink of collapse mid-week, but in the end the delegates delivered one of the most momentous trade packages since the founding of WTO 20 years ago. The result was as close as it gets to a miracle.