The European Union has donated Sh207 million in equipment to facilitate effective connectivity and operationalise the One-Stop Border Post in Moyale.
Trade PS Alfred K’ombudo said the equipment are essential to securing and facilitating cross-border trade across the region’s key corridors.
“This equipment worth approximately Sh207 million will ensure safe and smart trading experience at the border,” he said.
He added that the donation marks a significant milestone in advancing regional integration under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) framework.
“Our gathering here today reaffirms the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Comesa in realising its ultimate goal: the free movement of people, goods, and services across the region,” he added.
Present at the event at his office was a delegation from the EU and Comesa. Kenya signed a sub-delegation agreement with COMESA on May 16, 2023, which focuses on upgrading trade facilitation infrastructure and equipment at the Moyale border post.
K’ombudo noted that with the strong support of member States, Comesa is working to achieve this by reducing the costs and delays associated with imports and exports at key border posts and throughout the region.
“Central to this effort is the reduction of Non-Tariff Barriers, the implementation of the Comesa Digital Free Trade Area, the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, and improvements in Coordinated Border Management, alongside the liberalisation of trade in services and the movement of persons,” he added.
The PS noted that the EU-funded Trade Facilitation Programme, with a budget of Shh7.4 billion (53 million Euros) is an important step toward a broader and more ambitious goal; the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“As the largest Regional Economic Community, Comesa plays a central role in this vision,” he added.