Kenya and Uganda convened a trade meeting in Kampala to address outstanding issues that restrict cross‑border commerce between the two East African neighbours.

Kenyan Trade Principal Secretary Regina Ombam, who led the Kenyan delegation, said progress has been made on both tariff and non‑tariff barriers, including the activation of One‑Stop Border Posts at Malaba and Busia.

Ombam reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to implementing the agreed measures, describing cross‑border trade as a new frontier for African economic growth.

Official figures from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics show Kenyan exports to Uganda rose to Ksh 162.2 billion last year, up from Ksh 125.9 billion in 2024.

Imports from Uganda increased to Ksh 46.9 billion, compared with Ksh 37.7 billion the previous year, highlighting growing trade volumes.

The discussions followed a prior meeting between President William Ruto and Ugandan Trade Minister Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, where both sides pledged to resolve trader‑raised barriers.

Mbadi called for a level playing field to support cross‑border trade, regional integration and stronger value chains, emphasizing fairness rather than equalising trade figures.

Ombam added that sustained engagement and partnership spirit are essential for the resolutions to materialise, urging continued trust‑building between the two nations.