Parliament Approves EAC Customs Union Amendment to Accommodate New Member States

The National Assembly has approved the ratification of an amendment to Article 24(2)(a) of the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union Protocol, paving the way for new member states to join the bloc’s Trade Remedies Committee.

With this move, Kenya becomes the second EAC member state, after Burundi, to ratify the amendment. Once all nine partner states complete the process, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Somalia will each nominate three representatives to the committee.

The expanded Trade Remedies Committee will handle issues such as rules of origin, anti-dumping measures, subsidies, safeguard measures, and dispute resolution within the Customs Union.

Currently, the committee is made up of nine members — three each from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

While moving the motion in Parliament, the Chairperson of the Regional Integration Committee, Irene Mayaka, explained that the ratification had been delayed despite the necessary memorandum already being submitted to the National Assembly.

Leader of the Majority Party, Kimani Ichung’wah, supported the motion, urging EAC partner states to open their borders to promote regional and continental trade.

“As we accommodate our neighbors, those who are still restrictive should embrace the spirit of the East African Cooperation and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Bigger numbers mean a bigger market, which will drive economic growth,” said Ichung’wah.

Eldas MP Adan Keynan emphasized Kenya’s leadership role in the region, saying the country should continue setting the pace for other member states.

“Kenya is a leading nation. We should aspire to the standards of developed countries and not remain in the league of struggling ones. Let us demonstrate leadership so that others can emulate us,” said Keynan.

Mombasa Woman Representative Mohammed Zamzam called for fair treatment of Kenyan traders across the EAC region.

“Kenyan businesspeople often face challenges in other EAC countries, yet Kenya remains welcoming. Partner states should allow Kenyans to move freely and do business with ease,” she said.

Kathiani MP Robert Mbui noted that the amendment is a step toward achieving the EAC’s ultimate goal of deeper integration and, eventually, political federation.

“This is the beginning of a long journey. The EAC looks forward to a political federation and a larger, fairer market. Partner states must uphold fairness and respect for human rights,” Mbui said.