Kenya ratifies EAC Customs Union amendment paving way for new bloc members
The amendment is part of efforts to accommodate the EAC’s new entrants and ensure all partner states have a voice in trade governance and dispute resolution.
The National Assembly has ratified an amendment to Article 24(2)(a) of the Protocol on the Establishment of the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union, paving the way for new partner states to join the bloc’s Trade Remedies Committee and strengthen regional trade integration.
Kenya now joins states that are in the process of ratifying the amendment. Once all the nine partner states complete the process, the Republic of Rwanda, Burundi, Southern Sudan, DRC Congo and Somalia will each nominate three members to the Trade Remedies Committee.
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The expanded membership will participate in handling matters related to rules of origin, anti-dumping measures, subsidies, countervailing measures, safeguard measures, and dispute settlement under the Customs Union framework.
Currently, the committee comprises nine members from the original three states: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The amendment is part of efforts to accommodate the EAC’s new entrants and ensure all partner states have a voice in trade governance and dispute resolution.
Moving the motion, Regional Integration Committee Chairperson Irene Mayaka explained that delays in ratification were caused by procedural bottlenecks, despite a memorandum requesting that the process be submitted to the National Assembly earlier.
Leader of the Majority Party Kimani Ichung’wah supported the motion, urging partner states to open their borders to unlock regional and continental economic growth.
“As we accommodate all these good neighbours, those restrictive to open the borders must embrace the spirit of East African Cooperation and African Free Trade Area because bigger numbers come with a bigger market and will help drive economic growth,” Ichung’wah said.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan highlighted Kenya’s leadership role in the bloc, emphasising the need to set a standard for other partner states to follow.
“Kenya is a leading nation. We should be aspiring to the standards of developed nations and not in the league of struggling nations. Let us demonstrate leadership in terms of payments for other partner states to emulate,” said Adan.
Mombasa County MP Mohammed Zamzam called for fair treatment of Kenyan businessmen across the region, noting that challenges persist despite Kenya’s openness.
Kathiani MP Robert Mbui underlined the ultimate goal of a political federation in the EAC and said that fair treatment and respect for human rights among partner states are essential for integration.
“This is the beginning of a long journey. The EAC countries look forward to a political federation, which is the ultimate goal. It’s important to note that once we finalise, political federation and a bigger market. Partner states must be fair and respect human rights,” he said.
Once the amendment is fully ratified, the expanded Trade Remedies Committee is expected to resolve trade disputes more effectively and strengthen economic ties within the bloc.
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