MOMBASA, Kenya – The East African Community (EAC) must eliminate both physical and regulatory barriers in transportation to accelerate regional trade and economic development, leaders at a consultative forum underscored on Monday.
Addressing the 19th EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications, and Meteorology, Kenyan Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir emphasized the critical role of streamlined transport in boosting trade and connecting East Africa’s markets.
“Transport is not just about movement—it’s the economic lifeline for our people and markets,” said Chirchir. “By reducing these barriers, we directly impact the region’s economic and social fabric, making our markets more accessible both locally and internationally.”
Chirchir highlighted how effective communication is essential in today’s digital world, calling it a “bridge that connects us all,” and underscoring the importance of an integrated approach across transport, communications, and meteorology.
He pointed to meteorology’s role in helping the region prepare for climate-related disruptions, which frequently damage critical infrastructure and hamper economic growth.
“The cooperation we build here can drive our region forward by strengthening infrastructure, sharing knowledge, and enhancing resilience against climate challenges,” he said, emphasizing the need for accurate, real-time meteorological data to inform planning and safeguard communities.
EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Malueth echoed the call for deeper investment in the Northern and Central Transport Corridors, noting that intra-regional trade remains relatively low, at about 15 percent.
By comparison, regions like Europe and Asia enjoy trade volumes exceeding 60 percent.
“Increasing regional trade flows would deepen our economic integration and lessen dependency on external markets,” Malueth noted.
Efforts are already underway to integrate East Africa’s railway systems through the East African Railways Network, which aims to interlink the Standard Gauge Railways across member states.
Currently, Kenya and Tanzania have 1,120 km of operational SGR, with 1,100 km under construction in Tanzania, and about 4,000 km in planning stages across the EAC.
“To ensure a cohesive network, we must align standards across the region and jointly mobilize resources for seamless connectivity,” said Malueth, adding that addressing funding gaps will be essential to realizing an efficient rail network that links all member states.
In response to climate concerns and aviation safety, Malueth stressed the need for the region to equip itself with automatic weather stations and adopt quality management systems for Aeronautical Meteorological Services.
As part of this effort, the EAC has added five radar stations and over 30 automatic weather stations to its regional network, enhancing safety and preparedness.
Addressing the 19th EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications, and Meteorology, Kenyan Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir emphasized the critical role of streamlined transport in boosting trade and connecting East Africa’s markets.
“Transport is not just about movement—it’s the economic lifeline for our people and markets,” said Chirchir. “By reducing these barriers, we directly impact the region’s economic and social fabric, making our markets more accessible both locally and internationally.”
Chirchir highlighted how effective communication is essential in today’s digital world, calling it a “bridge that connects us all,” and underscoring the importance of an integrated approach across transport, communications, and meteorology.
He pointed to meteorology’s role in helping the region prepare for climate-related disruptions, which frequently damage critical infrastructure and hamper economic growth.
“The cooperation we build here can drive our region forward by strengthening infrastructure, sharing knowledge, and enhancing resilience against climate challenges,” he said, emphasizing the need for accurate, real-time meteorological data to inform planning and safeguard communities.
EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Malueth echoed the call for deeper investment in the Northern and Central Transport Corridors, noting that intra-regional trade remains relatively low, at about 15 percent.
By comparison, regions like Europe and Asia enjoy trade volumes exceeding 60 percent.
“Increasing regional trade flows would deepen our economic integration and lessen dependency on external markets,” Malueth noted.
Efforts are already underway to integrate East Africa’s railway systems through the East African Railways Network, which aims to interlink the Standard Gauge Railways across member states.
Currently, Kenya and Tanzania have 1,120 km of operational SGR, with 1,100 km under construction in Tanzania, and about 4,000 km in planning stages across the EAC.
“To ensure a cohesive network, we must align standards across the region and jointly mobilize resources for seamless connectivity,” said Malueth, adding that addressing funding gaps will be essential to realizing an efficient rail network that links all member states.
In response to climate concerns and aviation safety, Malueth stressed the need for the region to equip itself with automatic weather stations and adopt quality management systems for Aeronautical Meteorological Services.
As part of this effort, the EAC has added five radar stations and over 30 automatic weather stations to its regional network, enhancing safety and preparedness.
