President William Samoei Ruto, and her Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan have affirmed the importance of strong trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
After a State Visit to Tanzania by President Ruto, the two heads of states directed their trade Ministers to address all issues that affect trade with a view of enhancing Kenya-Tanzania trade relations.
To this effect, the 8th Bilateral Trade meeting was convened as a follow up to address the outstanding issues presented at the 7th Meeting held from 9th-12th March, 2022 in Zanzibar.
The meeting’s objective was to address issues that hinder trade.
Issues resolved in the bilateral trade meeting
Held in Kisumu, the meeting co-chaired by Trade Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and her Tanzanian counterpart underscored the importance of ensuring compliance with the commitments made during the talks between President Ruto and Suluhu.
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As part of the resolutions, both parties agreed to expedite clearance of spirit (Konyagi) at Namanga from the United Republic of Tanzania that had been detained by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
In addition, the bilateral talks agreed to allow the Clearance of timber from Tanzania at Lunga Lunga/Horohoro that had been detained.
In return, Kenya will resume its tea exports to Tanzania in what is expected to be a major boost for farmers and the economy at large.
Both parties also agreed on the need for a holistic harmonization of levies, fees, charges and other conditions affecting trade between the two countries and on several issues that will be dealt with administratively.
The meeting came up with a strategy to enhance monitoring and reporting mechanisms on the agreed areas of commitment.
The next meeting, according to a joint statement from the Trade Ministry, will be held in July 2024 in the United Republic of Tanzania.
Members present
The Meeting was co-chaired Trade CS Rebecca Miano, and Hon. Adv. Stephen Byabato MP, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation, of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Other present from Kenya included Hon. Peninah Malonza, EGH, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East Africa Community, Arid and Semi-arid Lands and Regional Development and Mr. Alfred K’Ombudo.
Mr. Abdi Dubat, CBS, Principal Secretary, Ministry of East Africa Community, Arid and Semi-arid Lands and Regional Development; Amb. Isaac Njenga, the Kenyan High Commissioner to Dar es Salaam and senior officials were also in attendance.
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Members who represented Tanzania were Dr. Hashil T. Abdallah, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Trade and Amb. Stephen P. Mbundi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation.
Others present included Amb. Dr. Bernard Y. Kibese, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to the Republic of Kenya and senior officials.
