Calls intensify for EAC partner states to abolish transport barriers

SADIK HASSAN- KNA

The East African Community’s (EAC) eight partner states have been urged to eliminate all physical and non-physical barriers to transportation to boost cross-border trade and enhance economic growth in the region. 

Speaking in Mombasa during the Ministerial Session of the 19th EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications and Meteorology, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir underscored the role of transportation in facilitating the movement of people, goods, services, and resources as well as improving access to local and international markets. 

“Transport, communication, and meteorology, these sectors are the key drivers of our economies, the channels through which the heart of trade, information, and services flow, connecting our nations and our people,” CS Chirchir stated. 

He added that re moving physical and non-physical barriers to effective transportation would directly impact the economic and social development of EAC countries. 

Chirchir emphasized the critical role of digitalization in promoting connectivity and eco nomic growth, noting that in the contemporary digital age, communication is the bridge that connects all nations and entities, transcending geographical boundaries. 

“It is through effective communication systems that we can share knowledge, foster innovation and build a cohesive community,” the CS said. He stated that accurate and timely meteorological data are essential for planning and protecting infrastructure, agriculture, and communities. 

“This Council provides an excellent platform for us to discuss and devise strategies to enhance our communication net works, ensuring that no corner of our region re mains isolated. 

“Consequently, let us use this forum to strengthen our meteorological cooperation and build resilience against the challenges posed by climate change,” he said. 

CS Chirchir reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to developing and maintaining relevant and robust infrastructure, laws and regulations, that enable effective communication, mitigate climate change, foster trade and facilitate seamless movement across EAC borders. 

The EAC Deputy Secretary General (DSG), in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Andrea Malueth, said the main purpose of investing in infrastructure development along the Northern and Central Transport Corridors is to facilitate people’s movement. 

The investment will also enhance intra-regional trade, which is still low and currently stands at 15 per cent. “Intra-regional trade in Europe, Asia and Latin America ranges at over 60 per cent. 

Intra-regional trade can promote economic integration and development within a regional economic community, as well as increase trade flows and reduce dependence on external markets,” Malueth said. 

He disclosed that Partner States are pushing on with projects to actualize the East African Rail ways Network connected through the Standard Gauge Railway.

“A total of 1,120 kilometers of SGR is operational in Kenya and Tanzania, a further 1,100 kilometers is under construction in Tanzania and about 4,000 kilometers is under project preparation in all partner states. 

The EAC will harmonize the standards to ensure seamless operations across the regional net work,” Malueth said.

To achieve seamless connectivity of the rail way system, synergy must be built in joint resource mobilization to ensure there are no gaps that would render the programme ineffective, he added. 

For East Africa to cope with climate change and improve the safety of air transport, the DSG stated that it must equip itself with automatic weather stations and adopt qual ity management systems for aeronautical meteorological services. 

“So far, five radar stations and over 30 automatic weather stations have been added to the regional network,” he said.

Also present at the meeting that was con ducted in a hybrid man ner was Dieuconne Dukundane, Minister for Infrastructure, Equip ment and Social Housing (Burundi); Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Minister of In frastructure (Rwanda); among others.