Kenya and Uganda have agreed to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers that have slowed the flow of goods between the two nations — www.naijnaira.com reports.
The deal stems from a directive by Presidents William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni, who in July tasked their ministers with urgently resolving disputes that caused congestion along major trade corridors, the Star reported.
Trade ministers Wilson Mbadi of Uganda and Lee Kinyanjui of Kenya exchanged lists of affected goods, which were later reviewed at a technical meeting in Mbale.
Border assessments at Suam, Busia, Malaba, and Lwakhakha highlighted delays caused by poor infrastructure, multiple checkpoints, and weighbridge inefficiencies.
A joint communiqué confirmed that discriminatory excise duties, levies, and similar charges would be scrapped to allow products from both sides to move as transfers.
Ministers ordered border agencies to operate round-the-clock, clear Malaba traffic within 24 hours, and reduce truck queues at Busia to under 500 meters.
Uganda pledged immediate fixes at the Malaba weighbridge, while Kenya committed to complete the Suam One Stop Border Post and install scanners at Lwakhakha.
The two sides will also mobilize resources for new roads and bridges, while activating Joint Border Committees to address daily trade challenges.
Uganda remains Kenya’s largest trading partner, with 2024 exports valued at Sh125.9 billion and imports at Sh37.7 billion, underscoring the significance of smoother border trade.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
