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
Why this is the best time to own a house
Josea Cheruiyot's as the acting Head of Research and Strategy at KMRC is to ensure projections, policies, and planning for Kenya’s mortgage market are viable and sustainable.
Why Freight costs at Mombasa Port have increased by 50pc
The cost of freight has shot up by 50 per cent after shipping lines imposed an Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS) on Mombasa and other regional ports due to the US-Israel war against Iran.
How affordable housing is reshaping Kisumu property market
Fresh paint, paved roads, and streetlights are slowly changing the look of the lakeside town as an affordable housing program begins to transform everyday life for many families.
Mbadi's double speak: CS now says NIF a Fund, not limited company
Treasury boss has tried to defend his lie by claiming he was going ahead of cheeky Kenyans. The IPO was oversubscribed by 5% and government will refund the Sh5 billion.
Afreximbank tops Bloomberg's Africa borrower loan league tables for 2025
The rankings underscore the multilateral institution's growing dominance in mobilising large-scale capital from within and outside Africa to finance the continent's critical sectors.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS