The comprehensive review of the Common External Tariff is one of the key agendas of the Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development, according to Trade and Industrialization CS Peter Munya. Munya, who is the former EAC Cabinet Secretary, said during his tenure at the helm, adoption and review of CETs was critical. Common External Tariffs are vital and a positive revision process is set to improve the trade sector in the East African region. The CS said the CET is critical for the country because we’ll be able to increase our share of trade in EAC once the issue of request for stay of application is addressed, “We’ve concluded regional consultations to come up with the CETs,” he said.
Speaking to the press during an official hand over of office to the incoming EAC CS Adan Mohammed, Munya said the report on the process has already been submitted. The Trade CS said his successor will have a wonderful team to work with to achieve the set targets of the Ministry, “Many of the people here are experienced in regional integration and regional development matters,” he said. He said the Trade and EAC dockets are closely related and the two leaders will be working together.
The leaders were keen to highlight other key areas targeted by the EAC ministry during Munya’s tenure including starting negotiations to develop a Kenya Centre in Rwanda which will serve as a one-stop shop for Kenyans who want to engage in EAC Trade. Furthermore, partners have been identified to support the construction of a Physical Shared Jumuiya Market in Busia to further reach the people at the grassroots and ensure the EAC common market is not an abstract.