Kenya has ratified a key East African Community (EAC) treaty aimed at speeding up trade clearance at borders and enhancing cross-border business across the region.
The National Assembly has approved the amendment to Article 24(2)a on the establishment of the EAC Customs Union, paving the way for new member states to join the Trade Remedies Committee.
Under the treaty, traders and nations under the East African Community will be able to benefit from a better resolution of trade disputes, anti-dumping measures to ensure that only quality goods move within the regional block.
Additionally, the traders will be able to benefit from subsidies, countervailing actions and safeguard measures that will be instituted by the EAC member states.
Upon completion of the ratification process by all member states, each state will nominate three members to handle matters related to rules of origin, anti-dumping measures, among many other measures instituted.
With the approval, Kenya becomes the second partner state after Burundi to ratify the amendment, with other representatives expected to include representatives from Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC Congo, and Somalia.
Currently, the committee comprises nine members from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with the expansion expected to strengthen regional mechanisms for addressing trade disputes and ensuring fair competition.
Once operational, the expanded Trade Remedies Committee is expected to enhance transparency, reduce trade disputes, and facilitate faster customs clearance, allowing goods and services to move more efficiently across East African borders.
Reacting to the developments, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah urged partner states to embrace open borders, noting that a larger market will drive regional economic growth and benefit businesses across East Africa.
On the other hand, Eldas MP Adan Keynan highlighted Kenya’s leadership role in the bloc, emphasizing the need for Nairobi to set high standards that other partner states can emulate in trade and governance.
At the same time, Mombasa County MP Mohammed Zamzam called for fair treatment of Kenyan traders operating in other EAC countries, stressing that cross-border business should be as seamless as possible.
Trade between the East African nations has often been hampered by political and perceived differences, despite the potential economic stimulation that the countries can achieve through integration and eased regulations on movement.
In the second quarter of 2025, trade within the East African Community surged, with total merchandise volumes reaching US$38.2 billion (Ksh4.94 trillion), driven by a 40.5 per cent rise in exports to US$18.6 billion (Ksh2.40 trillion) and an 18.8 per cent increase in imports to US$19.6 billion (Ksh2.53 trillion).
