Economy

Small scale traders seek incentives on exports to EAC

mkt

Traders sell imported apples and oranges in Nakuru town. Small scale traders in Kenya want incentives that would help them to export more to East Africa Community partners. Photo/FILE

Small scale traders in Kenya want incentives that would help them to export more to East Africa Community partners.

The traders who are mainly from the North Rift said their involvement in trade with Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi was being hampered by low volumes.

“The government must address the insufficient quantities in view of the growing international demand for Kenyan products,” said Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Uasin Gishu Branch chairman Charles Mose said.

Uasin Gishu, whose business hub is Eldoret produces wheat, maize, milk, livestock, and horticultural products which have a ready market both locally and abroad.

It is also located along the Northern Transport Corridor, which links Kenya to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which together with the Eldoret International Airport, make it an ideal trade and tourism hub.

Mr Mose said locals should be sensitised about the existing opportunities for trade and investment ahead of the take-off plan for the devolved governments.

“Eldoret is a transit point to other tourist attractions in the North Rift Tourist Circuit, which include sports tourism that has proved to be a great show to tap into the foreign income,” he said.

He said government agencies, cooperative societies, farmers’ organisations and the private sector should work together to ensure the opportunities are exploited for the benefit of residents.

Some traders said integration benefits were yet to trickle down to ordinary Kenyans in terms of investments and job creation because of ignorance.

“The ministry of trade should empower Kenyans with pertinent information to spur economic growth,” said the Chamber’s Turkana Branch Chairman Peter Ejole.

He said the implementation of the constitution should avoid coming up with legislations that compromise the gains so far made towards the integration process.

Mr Mose said the government should avoid policies that put traders at a disadvantage compared to those from other East African Community member states.