Nairobi, March 1 -- Kenya has inched closer to concluding a preferential trade deal with European Union (EU), preserving a long-term tax-free access of exports to the 27 countries in the bloc while gradually opening up her market for duty-free imports and investments from Europe.

The European Parliament on Thursday endorsed the pact, paving the way for heads of State and government to give final approval and complete the ratification process on the EU side.

Kenyan lawmakers have also to debate and approve the document for it to become enforceable.

Read: Kenya inches closer to 'historic' deal with EU

"It is the first agreement with a developing country in which the EU's new approach to trade and sustainable development is reflected," t...