Kevit Desai, East African Community (EAC) Principal Secretary and Busia County Governor Sospeter Ojaamong on Wednesday jointly witnessed the erection of a beacon to mark the beginning of the construction of KSh1.4 billion Jumuiya market in Busia County to boost at Marachi estate.
Matayos legislator Geoffrey Odanga among other officials witnessed the event. This is a project being done by the Kenyan government in partnership with TradeMark East Africa (TMEA).
Desai said the cross-border market is part of the government’s vision of boosting connectivity and help realize the shared pursuit of stronger and mutually beneficial trade, economic and people-to-people trade ties between the EAC partner states.
“The project also targets to transform the lives of Busia County residents and neighbouring counties by providing a suitable environment to participate in cross border trade under the EAC Common Market Protocol.”
“We strongly believe the private sector can own part of phase 2 and 3 by investing in facilities that will enhance access of their products in the EAC and the rest of Africa.
“The market will provide a suitable place for value addition within the manufacturing sector and the agricultural value chains targeting the EAC, The Horn of Africa and Central African countries which are keen to join the EAC trading bloc,” he explained.
READ
Governor Ojaamong said “The idea of the Cross-Border Market was mooted in 2015 when we hosted the then British High Commissioner to Kenya, Christian Turner. My administration is ready to offer any necessary support to ensure the market is completed within the set time frame. Hence let us all support the initiative which will create jobs for our youths and expand market for our agricultural products.”
The EAC region accounts for 25 per cent of Kenya’s export earnings making it an important market.
