The National Assembly has ratified the amendment to Article 24(2)(a) of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, paving the way for the expansion of the Trade Remedies Committee and enhancing regional economic integration.
With the amendment, EAC member states will be able to nominate new representatives to handle trade-related issues, including anti-dumping measures, rules of origin, and safeguard actions. These mechanisms are designed to protect regional traders, ensure quality goods circulate within the bloc, and provide fair competition for businesses across East Africa.
Kenya has become the second country, after Burundi, to ratify the amendment. Other member states, including Rwanda, South Sudan, DRC Congo, and Somalia, are expected to complete the ratification process soon. Once operational, each country will nominate three members to the expanded Trade Remedies Committee, significantly increasing the committee’s capacity to manage trade disputes and monitor regional trade practices.
Currently, the committee comprises nine members from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The expansion is anticipated to enhance transparency, facilitate faster customs clearance, and ensure seamless movement of goods and services across East African borders.
Reacting to the development, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah encouraged partner states to embrace open borders, stressing that a larger, integrated market would drive economic growth and benefit regional businesses. Eldas MP Adan Keynan emphasized Kenya’s leadership role in setting high trade and governance standards, while Mombasa County MP Mohammed Zamzam called for fair treatment of Kenyan traders operating in other EAC countries.
Trade within the East African Community has steadily grown despite political and operational challenges. In the second quarter of 2025, EAC trade surged to US$38.2 billion (Ksh4.94 trillion), driven by a 40.5 per cent rise in exports to US$18.6 billion (Ksh2.40 trillion) and an 18.8 per cent increase in imports to US$19.6 billion (Ksh2.53 trillion).
The ratification of this treaty amendment is expected to further stimulate cross-border trade, strengthen regional integration, and unlock economic potential for the entire East African Community.
