Kenya Approves Key Treaty to Speed Up Goods Clearance at Borders

Nairobi — Kenya’s National Assembly has approved the ratification of an amendment to Article 24(2)(a) of the Protocol on the Establishment of the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union, paving the way for the inclusion of new EAC member states in the regional Trade Remedies Committee.

With this approval, Kenya joins other partner states in the process of ratifying the amendment. Once all nine EAC members complete ratification, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia will each nominate three representatives to the Trade Remedies Committee.

The expanded committee will be responsible for handling key trade matters, including rules of origin, anti-dumping measures, subsidies and countervailing measures, safeguard mechanisms, and dispute resolution within the EAC Customs Union.

Currently, the Protocol limits the Trade Remedies Committee to nine members—three each from Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Moving the motion, the Chairperson of the Regional Integration Committee, Hon. Irene Mayaka, explained that the delay in ratification was due to procedural requirements following the submission of the memorandum to the Committee on Regional Integration.

Supporting the motion, the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, urged EAC partner states to open their borders and embrace deeper cooperation to unlock regional and continental economic potential.

“As we accommodate our new neighbours, those restrictive to open borders must embrace the spirit of East African cooperation and the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said. “A larger market brings bigger opportunities and drives economic growth.”

Eldas MP, Hon. Adan Keynan, lauded Kenya’s leadership role within the EAC, emphasising the need for the country to lead by example. “Kenya is a leading nation. We should aspire to the standards of developed nations and not align with struggling ones. Let us demonstrate leadership, especially in fulfilling our commitments, for other partner states to emulate,” said Hon. Keynan.

Mombasa County MP, Hon. Mohammed Zamzam, called for equitable treatment of Kenyan traders across the region. “Kenyan businessmen sometimes face unfair treatment in other EAC countries, yet Kenya remains open and welcoming. Our neighbours should also allow Kenyans to move and trade freely,” she said.

Kathiani MP, Hon. Robert Mbui, underscored that the amendment represents a step toward the EAC’s ultimate goal of full political federation. “This marks the beginning of a long journey. We must look forward to a political federation and a unified market. Partner states should uphold fairness and respect for human rights as we integrate further,” he said.

Once fully ratified and implemented, the expanded Trade Remedies Committee is expected to strengthen mechanisms for resolving trade disputes, promote fair competition, and deepen economic integration among East African Community partner states.