Kenya says Moyale one-stop border post to boost trade with Ethiopia

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 16- Kenya has expressed confidence in stronger trade ties with Ethiopia during the signing of a procedure manual to guide the two nations in the implementation of the Moyale One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) in Addis Ababa.

The Kenyan delegation led by officials from the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government and those from key government agencies active in the borders, trade, and logistics expressed optimism on the successful implementation of the Moyale OSBP.

The signing of the Moyale OSBP Procedure Manual marks another joint commitment between the two neighboring countries to boost their long-standing relations.

Both governments officials and private sector stakeholders present during the signing of the document expressed optimism on stronger economic growth resulting from the full implementation of the facility.

Wilson Njenga, Internal Security Secretary, who led the Kenyan delegation, said the signing of the Moyale OSBP Procedure Manual is a step towards enhanced cross-border trade and movement of persons between the two countries.

He noted that the OSBP is highly dependent on the Lamu Port- South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Project as it will ensure growth arising from better services and improved infrastructures.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner for Customs and Border Control Lilian Nyawanda, on her part, emphasized the need to simplify trade to ensure goods flow seamlessly and within the confines of the customs laws.

Commissioner Nyawanda urged the private sector to utilize the Moyale OSBP.

On his part, Ethiopian Commissioner for Customs Debele Kebeta who led the Ethiopian delegation noted that the trade situation of the Etho-Kenya trade is changing and the volume and diversity of goods traded between them are growing at a higher rate.

He added that the operationalization of Moyale OSBP will be a breakthrough to boost the trade relations and free movement of people between Ethiopia and Kenya.

“The OSBP is majorly to facilitate trade by easing the movement of people and goods across the border. It will also reduce transport and shipping costs of goods between the two countries and improve people-to-people relations,” Kebeta said.

The signing of the Manual comes months after President Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, inaugurated the facility on December  9, 2020.

During the inauguration, the President said that with the completion of the Moyale OSBP, the two countries demonstrated the political goodwill to address the challenges and impediments facing businesses from both sides.

Other Kenyan government agencies involved include the East African Community, LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority, and Kenya Ports Authority.

The private sector was represented by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Kenya Association of Manufacturers among others.