The East African Community Secretariat reported continued progress on the bloc's single customs territory initiative, citing reduced average transit times for cargo moving between member states.

Officials acknowledged that non-tariff barriers, including inconsistent standards enforcement and documentation requirements at some border points, continue to limit the full benefits of the customs union.

What's Working, What Isn't

  • Reduced duplicate customs declarations at major border posts
  • Persistent delays linked to inconsistent phytosanitary inspection standards
  • Continued disparities in how member states implement common external tariffs

Kenya, as one of the bloc's larger economies, has pushed for faster harmonization, particularly around digital trade documentation systems.