The Government of South Sudan has called on Kenya to lower trade-related costs in order to boost bilateral commerce and strengthen economic ties between the two East African Community (EAC) member states.
According to Eye Radio, the South Sudanese Ambassador to Kenya Anthony Louis Kon during a meeting with Regina Ombam, the Principal Secretary at Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, highlighted several key challenges affecting bilateral trade.
Ambassador Kon was particularly vocal about a fee that traders must pay to guarantee goods passing through Kenya reach South Sudan. He emphasized that the cost is “just too high” and is one of the biggest challenges facing South Sudanese businesses.
READ: Africa: South Sudan’s Trade Gaps Lead to Costly Cargo Losses, Says Corridor Authority Chief
“We talked about the trade imbalance,” Kon told Eye Radio, noting that while Kenya exports a lot of goods to South Sudan, little goes the other way. “I believe this needs to change. We must support our South Sudanese businesses to grow, produce, and access the market, including right here in Kenya.”
The ambassador also raised concerns about long delays, high charges, and complicated paperwork, all of which are serious issues for South Sudanese businesspeople operating in Kenya. He proposed a formal Memorandum of Understanding to help both countries better coordinate business forums and trade fairs. Ambassador Kon stressed the vital role Kenya plays as a trade partner, stating that the Port of Mombasa and the Northern Corridor are “not just transporting roads. They are lifelines for our economy and our people.” He has asked the principal secretary to help find “real solutions to make things easier for our people.”
