Kenya-Tanzania trade ties strengthened as key exports resume at Namanga border

Business
By David Njaaga | Mar 22, 2024
Investments, Trade and Industry, Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano (centre) with her Tanzanian counterpart Stephen Byabato and other officials in Kisumu.[Standard, File]

Kenya and Tanzania have announced the resumption of key exports and the clearance of previously detained goods at the Namanga border.

The breakthrough was achieved during the Eighth Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting, which began on March 18 and concluded today, March 22, in Kisumu.

The meeting was co-chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Rebecca Miano and her Tanzanian counterpart, Stephen Byabato.

The leaders agreed on the resumption of tea exports to Tanzania, the clearance of Konyagi spirit at Namanga, and the clearance of timber at the Lunga Lunga/Horohoro border point.

The meeting addressed a total of 14 issues, six pertaining to Tanzania and eight to Kenya.

Among the issues discussed were the holistic harmonisation of levies, fees, charges and other conditions affecting trade between the two countries.

The meeting also resolved to enhance the monitoring and reporting mechanisms for the agreed areas of commitment.

The next meeting is scheduled for July 2024 in Tanzania.

Miano said Presidents William Ruto and Samia Suluhu had reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen trade, investment and economic cooperation.

"They have directed their respective trade ministers to address all issues that affect trade with a view to enhancing trade between the two nations," said Miano.

Share this story
All you need to know about DeepSeek's new AI model
Chinese startup DeepSeek released a new artificial intelligence model with "drastically reduced" costs.
Why Cofek is seeking impeachment of receivers in Transcentury tax arrears
A receivership dispute between Transcentury PLC and Equity Bank over a Sh6 billion debt has taken a new turn, with a fresh case seeking the removal of the appointed receiver managers.
Kenya, Uganda to build oil refinery in Tanzania
Kenya and Uganda are in discussions to build a refinery in Tanzania that will serve oil-producing countries in the East African Community (EAC)
Infrastructure Fund gets Sh103b seed money from KPC sale
The National Infrastructure Fund has received the first seed money of Sh103 billion the National Treasury has earned from the sale of the 65 per cent stake in the Kenya Pipeline Company. 
Nicholas Bodo named acting Civil Aviation Authority DG as Arao exits
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority appoints Nicholas Bodo as acting director-general after Emile Arao's tenure ended April 22, pending structured recruitment.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS