Activists: Nairobi deal will kill companies and jobs

President Uhuru Kenyatta, his Liberian counterpart Ellen Sirleaf Johnson (on his left) and other leaders pose for a photograph after the opening ceremony of the 10th Session of the Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation at KICC, Nairobi, Tuesday. [Photo: Jacob Otieno/Standard]

NAIROBI: Activists and private sector players are warning that the conclusion of the Doha Development Round in Nairobi would kill 17 industries in Kenya and condemn over 700 million Africans to extreme poverty.

More than half of Kenyans could be plunged into joblessness after the collapse of domestic manufacturing if the deal is reached because it would encourage dumping of goods manufactured in low-cost jurisdictions.