Trade and Investments Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has called for the removal of unnecessary stops and barriers that hinder the free movement of goods and services among the Common Market for East and Southern African states (COMESA) member states.

Speaking during the 18th COMESA Business Forum held at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Kinyanjui stated that the only way to enhance trade within COMESA member states is by removing travel restrictions

He noted that discussions on trade integration should go beyond theory and address the real issues that continue to slow down the movement of goods across borders. According to him, the delays and bureaucratic processes at border points significantly reduce the region’s competitiveness in global markets.

Kinyanjui cited a recent visit by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to Kenya, where the issue of border delays was raised during talks with President William Ruto.

Following up on the matter, Kinyanjui said he personally visited the Kenya–Uganda border and discovered that truck drivers and traders spend between four to five hours on a good day to cross, and in some cases, even a full day.

“Not too long ago, His Excellency Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda, visited Kenya, and I think in their conversation with our president the issue of the time it takes to cross the border from Kenya to Uganda was raised. The following week, we visited there, and talking to the truck drivers and the business people, on average, it would take like four to five hours on a good day, but at times, even a day before you can cross.” Kinyanjui stated.

Consequences of traffic delay

He pointed out that if a truck must cross several borders and spends such long hours at each checkpoint, the cumulative delay becomes a major economic loss to the region. He therefore called for the abolition of unnecessary stops along trade routes to create a seamless flow of goods from one country to another.

The Cabinet Secretary further highlighted the importance of free movement of people within the COMESA region, noting that trade cannot flourish if businesspeople face restrictions in travel.

 He said that ease of movement is key to fostering business relationships, inspecting goods, negotiating with partners, and strengthening cross-border cooperation.

Kinyanjui commended Kenya’s recent policy of abolishing visa requirements for all African countries, stating that the move is a positive step toward facilitating trade and integration. He encouraged other COMESA member states to adopt similar measures to promote unity and economic growth across the continent.

Removal of trade barriers

These came days after he, together with his Ugandan counterpart, foresaw the removal of trade barriers that had long existed between the two countries

In a statement issued after the meeting on Saturday, August 30, 2025, the CS announced that both countries had reached a joint agreement to eliminate the barriers that have long affected cross-border trade.

He emphasised that the move is aimed at easing the movement of goods and people between the two nations in line with the East African Community (EAC) Treaties and Protocols.

“Today, with Uganda’s Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbadi, we issued a joint communiqué on resolved trade barriers between Kenya and Uganda. Kenya and Uganda reached a joint agreement to remove the trade barriers and ease the movement of goods and people across their borders, in line with the East African Community (EAC) Treaties and Protocols.” Lee Kinyanjui stated.