KAM: Reduce strict work permit rules for EAC integration

Stringent work permit requirements by East African countries are a hindrance to full regional integration, manufacturers have said.

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) said the requirements imposed upon workers from the bloc were discouraging intra-regional trade. It now wants the issue highlighted during the next week’s third EAC Heads of States Retreat on Infrastructure Development and Financing in Nairobi.

Ms Betty Maina, KAM Chief Executive Officer said workers from communication, education, finance, tourism, and transport sectors were most affected.

“Cumbersome local authorities and administrative frameworks are also contributing in pushing the dream further from fruition,” she said.

She spoke during a stakeholders meeting held by the East Africa Community Affairs, Commerce and Tourism ministry on the run-up to the Heads of States meeting. Ms Phyllis Kandie, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) in the ministry said that integration was on track.

“As the outgoing chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, I am happy to inform you that we are right on track with integration. EAC is now the world’s fastest growing regional economic bloc at 6% per annum,” Ms Kandie said.

The CS said the implementation of One Stop Border post at Busia had particularly brought down the cost of doing business in the region. Currently, she said construction is on going for more posts at Namanga, Taveta, Lunga Lunga, Busia, Isebania and Malaba. The Heads of States are expected to launch the Taveta One Stop Border post in April next year.