Kenya vows to remove trade barriers by January

Dar es Salaam. Plans are underway by the government of Kenya to resolve outstanding trade barriers with Tanzania before the end of January, Kenyan envoy to Tanzania said yesterday. The latest decision, according to Kenya’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mr Isaac Njenga, is intended to increase trade volume between the two nations.

Mr Njenga stated that President William Ruto’s recent state visit aided in the removal of over 50 non-tariff obstacles, hence stimulating bilateral trade. He made the remark during the Jamhuri Day celebrations in Dar es Salaam.

“Our commitment to resolve Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) has significantly contributed to the growth in trade between our two countries,” he said, adding that Kenya’s exports to Tanzania increased to Ksh45.6 billion in 2021 from Ksh 31.4 billion in 2020.

According to him, imports from Tanzania virtually doubled to Ksh50.1 billion in 2021 from Ksh27.2 billion in 2020, while total trade climbed from Ksh58.6 billion in 2020 to 95.7 billion in 2021.

He added that progress had also been made in other areas of cooperation, including security, agriculture, energy, tourism, transport and infrastructure among others.

Gracing the event, the minister for Constitutional and Legal Affair, Dr Damas Ndumbaro said the two countries have long-standing diplomatic ties because they share ecosystems such as tribes, culture, and tourism.

“Our regional bodies serve as the foundation for increased integration of our countries into continental and worldwide institutions. As a result, we are committed to continuing our collaboration,” he said.

He went on to say that there is a need to enhance trade between the two countries so that their citizens can reap greater benefits from the many opportunities that exist.