Trade logistics and the investment climate gets a major boost

Kenya Private Sector Alliance gets 38M to improve Kenyan trade logistics and the investment climate

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), signed a Grant Agreement TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) Kenya Country Programme on July 14, 2011
Numerous problems, barriers and impediments were identified as the biggest Non-Tarrif Barriers (NTBs) to smooth and efficient trade not only within Kenya, but in the larger East African market. KEPSA was mandated to act as a facilitator of the process to address these impediments, while ensuring full consultation and inputs from all the relevant Government Ministries Departments and Agencies (MSAs) and Private Sector players.

Through TMEA financial support, KEPSA will provide leadership in the development of National Investment Master Plan (NIMP). A supportive communication strategy will also be developed to ensure that the public is sufficiently informed. KEPSA will also engage stakeholders in addressing bottlenecks at the port of Mombasa and the persistent delays at weighbridges. To provide leadership in driving the EAC integration process on behalf of its members, KEPSA will identify bottlenecks Kenyan businesses encounter in regional trade activities. This work will be coordinated with Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) to ensure synergy.
TMEA seeks to support East African integration by unlocking economic potential through:
• Reducing costs of transport along key corridors on East Africa;
• Supporting EAC institutions to develop a comprehensive framework for regional integration;
• Supporting partner states to substantially increase the implementation of a comprehensive framework for regional integration; and
• Engaging private sector and civil society to positively influence regional integration policies and practices for growth in trade.