Kenya and Uganda Agree to Eliminate Existing Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers to Facilitate Trade

Kenya and Uganda have taken a significant step towards enhancing trade cooperation between the two countries.

Following a ministerial meeting held in Mbale City, Uganda, the two nations agreed to eliminate all tariff and non-tariff barriers hindering trade.

The agreement was reached between Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui and Uganda's Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Wilson Mbasu.

In the agreement all products originating from Kenya and Uganda will be treated as transfers and not imports eliminating discriminatory excise duties, levies and charges.

The ministers also agreed to clear congestion of trucks at the Malaba and Busia borders to allow smooth flow of goods, services and people.

Other resolutions include upgrading of critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges and border facilities at Suam and Lwakhakha and establishment of Joint Border Committees and a standing technical committee to monitor progress and resolve disputes.

The agreement is a result of a directive by Presidents William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni who met in Nairobi in July and tasked the ministers with resolving long-standing trade barriers.

The ministers reaffirmed their countries' commitment in facilitating trade for mutual economic growth and regional integration.

"As Kenya we are committed to ensuring that our borders with our neighbours are seamless to ensure free flow of goods, services and people,” said CS Kinyanjui.

On his part minister Mbasu pledged Uganda's commitment in eliminating trade barriers between the two countries in the spirit of EAC integration.