The trade barriers are unacceptable eight years since the formation of the EAC bloc.
News that Tanzania and Uganda are restricting entry of Kenya made ice cream, biscuits and sweets does not augur well for East Africa’s common market.
A common market basically allows for free movement of locally manufactured goods, services and people.
Kenyan businesses accuse neighbouring States of holding up people and goods, frustrating the goals of the common market that includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi.
The latest spat has seen Tanzania and Uganda accuse Kenyan manufacturers of tilting competition in their favour by using imported raw materials.
The trade barriers are unacceptable eight years since the formation of the EAC bloc. Tanzania and Uganda have been quick to impose restrictions on Kenya goods instead of giving negotiations a chance to ease the trade wars.
The ambition of the region of more than 150 million people to draw foreign investment and wean EAC countries off external aid should not be allowed to die at the altar of suspicions.
It should not be lost that the community collapsed in 1977 amid economic and political disagreements.
Because the continent is on course to create a mega trading bloc, EAC member countries should give priority to negotiations over grand-standing for its survival.
PAYE Tax Calculator
Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.
