

Comesa head of governance, peace and security Dr Otia Etyang said the associations should work closely with border agencies for effective service delivery.
Otia spoke during the closure of a four-day sensitisation workshop for cross-border small-scale traders from Kenya and Uganda at Hotel Suddex in Amagoro on Thursday.
He said Comesa will only offer grants though its trade division to active groups, adding that the groups must prove that they are organised to access the funds.
"Lack of accountability is the biggest problem in Africa. Groups need to have clear structures and provide information to their members. Comesa will continue supporting and engaging with your leadership,” Otia said.
He asked the leaders of the groups to submit their recommendations by August 30 for subsequent implementation.
The Uganda Revenue Authority Administrative Officer Abdu Lemeiriga thanked Comesa and the Africa Youth Network for supporting the sensitisation programme.
"There is also need to strengthen simplified tariff regimes and how to handle trade disputes to streamline simplified certificates of origin to enable traders access the document with ease to facilitate cross border trade," he said.
"We want the small- scale traders to work towards growth to become importers and help the government, Comesa and other agencies achieve their goals."
Kenya Revenue Authority representative Vincent Ogutu said there is need to go back to cultural ways of doing things. "Peaceful trade should be embraced to boost tax collection to enable governments plan on economic activities," he said.
Kenyan traders, through Dr Dickson Olita called for capacity building for the joint border committee including training of committee members on legal framework, operational standards and regional trade protocol.
They urged Comesa to provide support for cultural programmes and peace initiatives and facilitate intercultural exchange and peace building.
Other recommendations included youth engagement in economic and cultural programmes, grants and trade facilitation for vulnerable groups, and the establishment of wellness and social support amenities.