The governments of Kenya and Uganda have reached an agreement to remove all existing tariff and non-tariff barriers that previously hindered trade between the two countries.
In a statement on Saturday afternoon, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui announced the full implementation of all trade-related commitments under the East African Community (EAC) treaty and protocols.
Kinyajui and his Ugandan counterpart Wilson Mbasu also agreed to clear the congestion of trucks along key cross-border points, including Malaba, Busia, Suam, and Lwakhakha to ensure free flow of goods, services and people.
The move follows a directive by President William Ruto and his Ugandan Counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, during their bilateral engagement held in Nairobi, Kenya on July 30 and July 31 this year.
During the bilateral engagement, the two Heads of State directed their respective trade ministers to urgently convene a meeting to resolve the trade barriers.
In the State House meeting, leaders acknowledged the trade barriers between the EAC member states, which they noted immensely hindered the region's economic progress.
In a joint presser released on July 31, 2025, Ruto and Museveni voiced concerns over the reluctance by member states to fully implement the open market agreement.
The two leaders went ahead to sign eight agreements to boost bilateral cooperation. Ruto said the agreements would foster people-to-people and ensure the relationship between the two countries is of benefit.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covered various areas, including Trade, tourism, mining, agriculture, fisheries and the development of the Greater Busia metro.
"We are united in our commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and delivering shared prosperity, while working together towards a stronger and integrated region,” Ruto said.
Ruto also briefed Museveni on the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railways from Naivasha to Malaba through to Uganda, as well as the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit highway, which is expected to reach Malaba.
Kenya's Head of State added that the MoU on agriculture and livestock would deepen cooperation in veterinary services and support food security.
