APRM • SECOND COUNTRY REVIEW REPORT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA 4.7.2 Findings of the Country Review Mission 4.7.2.1 Progress Made Since 2006 383. Membership of IGAD. Kenya has signed and ratified the EAC regional treaty. The country is now a member of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The sustained implementation of trade liberalization has fostered trade relations. The payment system with the EAC member states has been harmonised. The quantum of trade with EAC members has increased. 384. Increase Exports and Mutual Agreements. Cross border rules have improved, thereby facilitating free movement of goods and services, and people between Kenya and member states of the EAC. Kenya’s exports to the EAC as a percentage of the total exports stood 24-47% since 2006. Kenya’s exports to COMESA region currently is estimated at 35%. These exports are largely destined to Zambia (13%), Uganda (10.2%), Rwanda (2.2%), Egypt (5.1%), and Tanzania which is a non-COMESA but Tripartite member (6.3%). 385. The member states of the EAC have signed Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) such as the mutual recognition of academic qualifications and the elimination of payment of fees for work permits. Kenya is a major player in the regional initiatives to harmonise banking supervision. 386. Establishment of EAC Market. The protocol on establishment of the East African Community Common Market provides for the free market movements of goods, labour, services and capital. From the time the protocol was adopted, the EAC continues to embrace the free movement of labour. In addition, some of the member countries have signed to a single entry visa for non-EAC member countries. The EAC Customs Union Protocol likewise provides service suppliers, providers and consumers from across the region with guarantees of equivalent treatment to local providers. It was expected that Partners States would progressively open up some sub-sectors within the following seven broad sectors: i) Business and professional services; ii) Communications services; iii) Distribution services; iv) Educational services; v) Financial services; vi) Tourism and related services; and vii) Transport services. | 172 |