Kenya calls for speedy passage of EAC laws on integration to resolve trade barriers

Kenya’s EAC and Regional development Ministry has called for a speedy enactment of regional integration laws to address the issue toxic trade barriers given numerous emerging challenges faced by Kenyan products in accessing the regional market.

The apparent slow-down in the implementation of EAC common market protocol decisions has been seen to be hampering investments and capital flows to the region.

According to EAC and Regional development Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed, the National Assembly should redirect legislative focus towards harmonizing EAC laws in the context of various domestic laws to ensure they strengthen regional integration efforts.

He was speaking yesterday when he met members from National Assembly Select Committee on Regional Integration.

“We must guard against the constantly changing regional dynamics in the East and Horn of Africa which greatly impact on strategic regional interests,” said Mohamed, who urged the legislators to probe the various Bills, Reports and Protocols in the context of emerging regional dynamics.

Lauding East African Community’s  Contribution to Kenya’s export trade, which stands at a 25 per cent of Kenya’s global trade volumes, he  reiterated that Kenya need-to continue pursuing engagements with her neighbors to resolve outstanding issues and protect her economic interests.

“We shall as a Ministry be hosting the private sector next week to distill all the issues and develop a common approach to address them. Shortly after we are going to convene an inter-ministerial session to ensure alignment within Government,” he said.