Kenya and Ethiopia have inked an operation guiding document deal for the Moyale One Stop Border Post, coming barely 10 months after the commissioning of the facility, in December, 2020, by the Presidents of the two countries.
The signing of the document, Moyale OSBP Procedure Manual, marks yet another joint commitment between the two neighbouring countries to boost their long-standing relations.
The Kenyan delegation expressed confidence in stronger trade ties with Ethiopia as a procedure manual to guide the two nations in the implementation of the Moyale One Stop Border Post (OSBP) signed in Addis Ababa.
Speaking during the signing, Kenya’s head of delegation and the secretary of Kenya’s Border Management Secretariat, Kennedy Nyaiyo, affirmed that Kenya is committed in boosting trade between the two countries.
“The signing of the procedure manual will guarantee that all processes have been reviewed and harmonised. This will ensure that trading and cooperation between Kenya and Ethiopia is efficient and effectively facilitated,” Nyaiyo said.
The commencement of Moyale OSBP operations was achieved through cooperation of the Governments of Ethiopia and Kenya, represented by Ethiopia Customs Commission, Ethiopia Roads Authority, Kenya National Highways Authority, Border Management Secretariat (Kenya) Kenya Revenue Authority and the other border regulatory agencies, supported by TradeMark East Africa with funding by the United Kingdom.
Following the incorporation deal between the two nations, both governments deliberated on opportunities available for traders using OSBP operations.
Debele Kabeta, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Customs Commission said trade connectivity has been quite insignificant compared to the potential between Kenya and Ethiopia.
He added that the volume and diversity of goods traded between the two countries is heightened, expressing optimism that the operationalization of Moyale One Stop Border Post will skyrocket trade relations and free movement of people between Kenya and Ethiopia.
OSBP will bring immense benefits to traders from both countries simplify trade to ensure goods flow seamlessly and within the confines of the Customs laws.
The construction component of Moyale OSBP was funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Governments of Ethiopia and Kenya and will facilitate trade by easing movement of people and goods across the border.
The manual also reduces transport and shipping costs of goods between the two countries and improves people-to-people relations.
