By Eddah Waithaka
The State Department of Trade on Tuesday hosted a visiting delegation from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the European Union (EU). The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress made in the implementation of the COMESA European Development Fund (EDF11) program in Kenya.
Ms. Christine Haziyo, the EU Project Manager for Zambia and COMESA, together with Ms. Mshuka Kamwela, who serves as the COMESA EDF Program Manager, led a delegation to visit KENTRADE, a beneficiary of the program.
During the visit, the team engaged in dialogues to assess progress and brainstorm strategies to accelerate the completion of outstanding project elements.
Among the core objectives of the COMESA EDF11 Programme, one pivotal aim is the reduction of Cross-Border Trade Costs. This is pursued through initiatives such as the Small-Scale Cross Border Trade Programme and the Trade Facilitation Programme.
An additional objective is to enhance Private Sector Competitiveness, achieved by enhancing the business landscape and involvement in global value chains via the Regional Enterprise Competitiveness & Access to Markets Programme.
The final objective entails developing Capacity for Regional Integration through the COMESA Institutional Capacity Building Programme for member states and the private sector.
Key initiatives within this Program, including the Moyale Border Upgrading Project, EARFISH project, and Simplified Trade Regime for small-scale traders, have notably benefitted Kenya.
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The talks centered on the enhancement of the Moyale One Stop Border Post (OSBP). On May 16, 2023, Kenya entered into a Sub-delegation Agreement with COMESA to improve infrastructure and connectivity in Moyale. This includes upgrades in ICT, laboratory equipment, customs facilities, and the adoption of the COMESA electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO).
The delegation plans to visit Moyale to evaluate the advancement of the projects, which serve as a benchmark for enhancing cross-border trade in the region.
These endeavors aspire to enhance trade processes for small-scale traders, fostering avenues for Kenyan youth and women within the framework of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
At a press briefing, Trade Principal Secretary Alfred K’ombudo emphasized the significance of the donated equipment in enhancing and streamlining cross-border trade along pivotal regional routes.
“This equipment worth approximately Sh207 million will ensure safe and smart trading experiences at the border,” the PS said.
The donation, he noted is a significant step forward in promoting regional integration within the framework of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa).
“Our gathering here today reaffirms the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting COMESA in realizing its ultimate goal — the free movement of people, goods, and services across the region,” K’ombudo said.
The equipment handover event at K’ombudo’s office was attended by representatives from the EU and COMESA.
K’ombudo underscored COMESA’s diligent efforts, with robust member state support, to decrease expenses and diminish delays linked to imports and exports at critical border points and across the region.
