Author: ANTHONY KITIMO

Low quality teas and mismanagement have led to over 100 million kilos of tea stockpiled at the Mombasa Tea Auction, far above international requirements. The auction, second only to Colombo in Sri Lanka, is struggling to sell off tea from previous years, with traders and government pointing fingers at market mismanagement and industry cartels. Kenya’s Deputy President has accused the Kenya Tea Development Agency of mishandling funds meant for farmers, leading to poor returns. Excessive foreign travel expenses by the agency have raised concerns about fiscal responsibility. With an oversupply of low-quality tea, Kenya suspended the minimum reserve price, causing…

Revival of Kisumu Port: Uganda Pledges to Boost Trade Through the Facility Photo by Anthony Kitimo Kenya is making strides in reviving the Kisumu port as a key multimodal transport hub to serve East and Central Africa. Uganda has pledged to utilize the facility for oil and loose cargo, enhancing trade opportunities. The port, which is part of the EAC infrastructure plan, aims to increase its cargo handling capacity to generate significant trade value annually. The port’s efficiency has been boosted by critical upgrades and equipment acquisitions, leading to increased cargo throughput and improved trade relations with neighboring countries. With…

By ANTHONY KITIMO African countries are coming together to combat money laundering which fuels organized crime like terrorism and human trafficking across borders. At the ESAAMLG Conference, officials emphasized the need for interconnected legal frameworks to address the issue. Money laundering involves concealing proceeds from illegal activities by converting them into legitimate businesses.The challenges posed by money laundering are significant in the Eastern and Southern Africa regions, with Kenya acknowledging the need for tailored solutions. The 2023 Tax Transparency Report highlighted progress in tackling illicit financial flows in Africa. Still, countries face difficulties in combating money laundering, particularly with changing…

By ANTHONY KITIMO The infrastructure development along the main transport routes in the East African Community could impact business along the Northern Corridor, a vital supply route for countries in the region. With the Northern Corridor facing competition from the Central Corridor, authorities are focusing on upgrading facilities to maintain clientele amidst threats of losing business. The new incoming executive secretary of the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority, John Deng Diar Diing, aims to prioritize road safety, infrastructure development, and address challenges such as insecurity and non-tariff barriers. As the region witnesses advancements in the Central Corridor, the…

By ANTHONY KITIMO Ministers from countries involved in the Lapsset Corridor project have reaffirmed their commitment to completing infrastructure projects within their territories to ensure the success of the trade route. The Lapsset Ministerial Council Meeting held in Lamu, Kenya, saw representatives from Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan discussing the need for a regional coordination framework to boost implementation of Lapsset initiatives.The council also agreed to develop a strategic plan to secure funding for the corridor project, which includes building ports, railways, and highways. Despite challenges such as changes in leadership and security issues in arid regions, the countries are…

By ANTHONY KITIMO In Kenya, traders are pushing back against new levies on cereals, legumes, herbs, and tubers, arguing that these charges violate regional trade agreements under the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa). Shippers and clearing agents have raised concerns about the Agriculture and Food Authority’s decision to impose a 2 percent levy on grain imports and a 0.3 percent levy on exports. Similar charges have been applied to legumes, roots, and tubers as well. The AFA defends the levies as a way to support local food growers and ensure fair…

Uganda Looks to Mombasa and Dar es Salaam Ports for Oil Imports Uganda is exploring import routes through the ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam to ensure a steady supply of oil and avoid past delivery schedule issues that led to shortages. Kampala is struggling to meet oil demands, prompting them to supplement through Tanzania despite higher costs. The move aims to secure monthly stocks of petrol, diesel, Jet-A1, and kerosene. Uganda’s Minister for Energy and Mineral Development confirmed the signing of a tripartite agreement for importing petroleum products. While prices may not immediately drop, the country is diversifying…

By ANTHONY KITIMO In East Africa, the tea market is facing challenges with prices hitting a three-year low, affecting sales at the Mombasa Tea Auction and Dar es Salaam Auction. Both markets have surpassed the 30 million kilo unsold tea limit, with Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Tea Auctions experiencing a decline in sales volumes and price volatility. Factors such as global demand, local production changes, and seasonal influences have contributed to the fluctuations in prices. The Kenyan government has taken steps to address the surplus of unsold tea by suspending the reserve price at the Mombasa auction. Companies like Williamson…

By ANTHONY KITIMO The completion of the Dongo Kundu bypass at the port of Mombasa will boost cross border trade between Kenya and Tanzania at the Lunga-Lunga One Stop Border Post (OSBP). This $307,106 infrastructure project is a key link in the East African Coastal Corridor, connecting major trade routes in the region. Tanzania exports agricultural products to Kenya, while Kenya exports manufacturing goods through this border. The bypass, constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, is part of the larger Coastline Transnational Highway project. With a total length of about 17.5 kilometers, the bypass is toll-free and is expected…

By ANTHONY KITIMO By Kevin Mutai A growing concern in the Kenyan Coast due to climate change has led to an influx of Indian house crows, causing havoc on the native species. These birds, arriving via ships from distant locations, have disrupted ecosystems by raiding nests and feeding on young, prompting authorities to take action by hiring a company to poison them. The crows, thriving on garbage and stealing food from hotels, are carriers of avian diseases and have multiplied to almost two million along the coast. With efforts to control their population underway, stakeholders face challenges such as high…