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Comesa grant Kenya another sugar import safeguard

Monday, November 27th, 2023 09:40 | By
Comesa grant Kenya another sugar import safeguard
A group of men offloading sugar.

The Council of Ministers of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has granted Kenya a two-year extension of the sugar safeguard measures.

This decision comes amid ongoing efforts to protect the domestic sugar sector from external competition and ensure the stability of the industry.

“I am happy to note that the Comesa Council of Ministers has approved the request by Kenya and granted a two year extension of the sugar safeguard measures,” said Trade CS Rebecca Miano in a statement.

“These measures are meant to protect vulnerable industries and in our case, sugar from adverse effects of trade liberalisation.”

The sugar companies were among those marked to be sold by the state, but activist and politicians and farmers have opposed the move.

Safeguard Measures

These safeguard measures, initially implemented to shield Kenya’s sugar producers from the potential negative effects of increased imports within the COMESA region, have been a longstanding feature of the country’s trade policy. The extension, which secures the measures for an additional two years, underscores the continued importance placed on safeguarding the local sugar industry.

However, the timing of this extension raises questions about its compatibility with the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent.

As Kenya secures another extension of these safeguard measures, stakeholders are left to ponder how this aligns with the broader vision of the AfCFTA and the commitment to open up borders for increased intra-Africa trade.

Con the minister

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Four legislators have asked political leaders from Gusii region to stop misleading Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i that he is ripe for presidency.

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and MPs Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba) and Vincent Kemosi (West country’s topvil servants from the area were appointed only by Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto jointly appointed the officers serving the Jubilee government and therefore, it is wrong for some leaders to claim the slots given to the community were done by Uhuru alone.

Con the minister

SSolupta quat dolore ped ut qui omniste exceressus et ipsunt, comnimi, si rehendaest, undandus et quam nectio eatet dolor magni aliquibus a aut etur?

Neque net quam faccum ilicae. Ique porem quatendiatur sum faccaborero ex es voluptati tem. Nam conserat. Four legislators have asked political leaders from Gusii region to stop misleading Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i that he is ripe for presidency.

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and MPs Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba) and Vincent Kemosi (West country’s topvil servants from the area were appointed only by Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto jointly appointed the officers serving the Jubilee government and therefore, it is wrong for some leaders to claim the slots given to the community were done by Uhuru alone.

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