The European Union yesterday signed a KSh 599Million (€ 5 Million) grant with Trademark East Africa (TMEA) for safe trade. The deal will help key borders open while preventing the spread of COVID-19, with support from the Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, and Denmark.
Funds from the initiative will support border agencies in promoting the safe and seamless movement of goods across borders. This will include setting up tracking systems for truck drivers.
Earlier in June, TMEA signed a deal with members of the EAC to develop and operate a driver and cargo surveillance system. The system will reduce the need for screening at every border point, making ports, borders and other critical supply chain areas safe for trade.
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The program will also help provide adequate, relevant information to facilitate the cross-border movement of goods during the pandemic.
“We designed the contract to keep trade flowing. We put a particular focus on Kenya because it is the dynamic beating heart of the EAC. Mombasa Port, in many ways, is the entry point for trade into the whole of the East African Community.”
EU Ambassador to Kenya Simon Mordue
Trade CS Betty Maina also noted that the grant would help maintain the flow of inventory. Therefore, the grant will bolster government efforts to cushion enterprises who rely on the regional supply chain.