The House has approved the ratification of the amendment to article 24(2)a on the establishment of East African Community (EAC) Customs Union, paving way for the accommodation of the EAC new entrants to the Trade Remedies Committee.

Kenya now becomes the second partner states after Burundi to ratify 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.

The expanded membership will all take part in handling matters pertaining rules of origin, anti-dumping measures, subsidies and countervailing measures, safeguard measures and the dispute settlement within the Customs Union.

Currently, the protocol has capped the membership of the Trade Remedies Committee to nine (9) comprising three representatives from Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.

Moving the motion, the Regional Integration Committee Chairperson, Hon. Irene Mayaka explained the reason for the delay in the ratification of the Protocol despite the memorandum requesting for the same having been submitted to the National Assembly and committed to the Committee on Regional Integration.

Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. 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,” Hon. Ichung’wah said.

Eldas MP. Hon. Adan Keynan underscored Kenya’s leadership role in the EAC bloc. “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 Hon. Keynan.

Mombasa County MP Hon. Mohammed Zamzam called for fair treatment of Kenyan businessmen across the region.

“At times, Kenyan businessmen face challenges in other East African Community partner states yet Kenya is welcoming. The other EAC countries should allow Kenyans to move freely and do business with ease,” said Hon. Zamzam.

Kathiani MP, Hon. Robert Mbui underscored the ultimate goal of the East African Community, noting that border passport checks remain an encumbrance to regional integration.

“This is a beginning of a long journey. The EAC countries look forward for a political federation, which is the ultimate goal. It’s important to note that ones we finalize, political federation and a bigger market. Partner states must be fair and respect human rights,” said Hon. Mbui.

Upon the full ratification and operationalization of the Protocol, the expanded Trade Remedies Committee is expected to strengthen regional mechanisms for addressing trade disputes, enhance fair competition and deepen economic integration among the EAC partner states.