The European Union (EU) Ambassador, Mrs Henriette Geiger, has said that the EU-funded One- Stop- Border- Post at Isebania-Sirare towns along the Kenya- Tanzania Borders, will ease trade among the East Africa Community (EAC) Member States.
Geiger who paid a courtesy call to the Migori Governor, Ochilo Ayacko, Tuesday, accompanied by the Austria, Germany, Sweden and Poland Ambassadors to Kenya, encouraged the East Africa Community to emulate the European Union bloc, to strengthen the economic aspect of individual counties, to foster peace, unity and enhance free trade and movement of EAC people.
The EU Ambassador applauded the EAC efforts in the integration process, noting that the bloc was a union to recon with in relations to existing regional partnerships in Africa.
Geiger added that the free trade and economic partnership agreements between the European Union and Kenya, will enhance the trade through the duty-free access to goods and services, between Kenya and the EU.
She confirmed the EU’s position to strengthen co-operation directly with the counties, to ensure that the services of the government benefit individuals at the lowest levels.
Migori Governor, Ochilo Ayacko, who welcomed the EU delegation at his office, said that the Union has been involved in numerous projects in sectors of agriculture, trade and environment.
Ochilo affirmed that the signed co-operation agreement between the National government and the EU, will help counties to actualise, develop and explore huge opportunities, within the country.
Ochilo noted that Migori has continued benefiting from the EU support in areas of agriculture, blue economy and fishery, with an intention to partner further in climate change and climate-smart agriculture.
He added that the support by the EU to help in East Africa Community (EAC) integration through the One- Stop- Border- Post, will benefit Migori County due to its proximity with Tanzania and Uganda.
He applauded the EU’s commitment to supporting the Kenyan devolution as an avenue to expand democracy and taking services closer to people.
EU has supported several development projects in the County, with the most notable one being the completion of Sh117 million potato processing plant at Getonganya in Kuria West Sub- County.
By Janemolly Achieng and Marion Obuya
