Alfred K’Ombudo, Principal Secretary State Department for trade
Principal Secretary Alfred K’ombudo of the State Department for Trade welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the European Union (EU) to Kenya.
The delegation’s visit, aimed at reviewing key projects under the COMESA European Development Fund (EDF11) Programme, underscores Kenya’s commitment to enhancing cross-border trade and regional integration.
K’ombudo expressed pride in hosting the delegation, noting the significant strides made through the EDF11 Programme, which focuses on reducing trade costs, increasing private sector participation in value chains, and enhancing national capacity for regional integration. “We are excited to explore future strategic partnerships that can amplify the benefits of these initiatives,” he said.
The COMESA EDF11 Programme is pivotal in transforming the trade landscape, targeting internal barriers that hinder the free movement of goods and services. It includes crucial projects such as the Moyale Border Upgrading Project, which aims to modernize trade infrastructure between Kenya and Ethiopia. “Despite being the last COMESA member to sign the Sub-delegation Agreement, we are exceeding expectations and nearing completion in record time,” K’ombudo noted, highlighting the dedication of local stakeholders.
Recent developments at the Moyale One Stop Border Post (OSBP) include significant upgrades in infrastructure and technology. The project, which is set to run until December 2024, features smart gates for customs, advanced medical testing facilities, and the introduction of an electronic Certificate of Origin system. Training sessions for border officials are also in progress, ensuring that personnel are well-equipped to handle the new systems.
Ms. Christine Haziyo, Project Manager for the EU Delegation to Zambia and COMESA, emphasized the EU’s commitment to fostering regional integration. “Our collective goal is to achieve the free movement of people, goods, and services across the region,” she stated, reaffirming the importance of the EU-funded Trade Facilitation Programme, which allocates €53 million towards this vision.
Haziyo commended the Kenyan government for its proactive approach, particularly with the recent signing of the sub-delegation agreement. “Tomorrow, we will witness firsthand the progress made at the Moyale border post,” she added, expressing optimism about overcoming challenges encountered during project implementation.
As the delegation prepares for a visit to the Moyale site, K’ombudo highlighted the community’s involvement in project design, ensuring that local traders and administration play a critical role in shaping the future of cross-border trade. This inclusive approach aims to foster a seamless trading experience, particularly for small-scale traders who are essential to Kenya’s economic landscape.
The economic implications of these initiatives are profound, with the potential to create income opportunities for Kenyans, especially youth and women. Aligning with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the project seeks to uplift communities by enhancing their capacity to participate in regional trade.
The broader context of this collaboration is the recently ratified Tripartite Agreement between COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This agreement lays the groundwork for the African Continental Free Trade Area, a vision that could redefine trade dynamics across the continent.
As the partnership between Kenya, COMESA, and the EU deepens, stakeholders remain focused on addressing non-tariff barriers and enhancing digital trade capabilities. The successful implementation of the COMESA Digital Free Trade Area and improvements in Coordinated Border Management are expected to further streamline trade processes, benefiting economies across the region.
PS K’ombudo expressed gratitude to COMESA and the EU for their unwavering support. “Together, we can continue to build a prosperous future for the Kenyan people and contribute to the broader vision of a united and economically vibrant COMESA region,” he said, setting a hopeful tone for ongoing collaborations.
The visit by the COMESA-EU delegation not only signifies a commitment to regional integration but also represents a step towards unlocking the full potential of trade in Eastern and Southern Africa. With ambitious projects underway, the future of cross-border trade looks brighter than ever.