President William Ruto convened with East African Community (EAC) Secretary-General Ambassador Stephen Patrick Mbundi at State House Nairobi on Monday, July 27, 2026, to deliberate on enhancing regional integration and expanding trade within East Africa.

During their meeting, the two leaders assessed the strides made by the EAC in economic integration, trade expansion, and facilitating free movement across member states. President Ruto emphasized that although the EAC is Africa’s most advanced regional economic bloc, intra-regional trade currently accounts for only about 20 percent of total trade, falling short of its potential.

Targeting 50 Percent Intra-Regional Trade

The President highlighted the goal of increasing intra-EAC trade to 50 percent by 2030, stressing the need for strategic interventions to achieve this target. Both Kenya and the EAC Secretariat agreed on the critical importance of harmonizing tariffs and removing trade barriers to unlock higher regional commerce, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth.

Addressing Trade Barriers

  • Secretary-General Mbundi recently urged member states to eliminate administrative bottlenecks that hamper cross-border trade and increase business costs.
  • He conducted inspections at the Sirari-Isebania and Busia One Stop Border Posts, calling for practical implementation of regional agreements to reduce delays and improve transport corridors.

New Leadership and Reforms at the EAC

The discussions marked one of the first engagements between President Ruto and Mbundi since the latter took office earlier this year as the EAC’s eighth Secretary-General. Mbundi succeeded Kenya’s Veronica Nduva following his appointment at the March 2026 EAC Heads of State Summit.

His leadership coincides with broader reforms within the Community, including a new financing model aimed at enhancing the EAC’s financial sustainability and institutional effectiveness.

Kenya’s Commitment to Regional Integration

Kenya continues to prioritize regional integration as a cornerstone of its foreign and economic policy. Expanding intra-EAC trade is viewed as essential to reducing reliance on external markets and strengthening regional value chains.

The EAC comprises eight member states: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia, collectively representing a market exceeding 300 million people.

Despite initiatives such as the Customs Union, Common Market Protocol, and One Stop Border Posts, challenges persist. Businesses still face non-tariff barriers, inconsistent customs procedures, infrastructure deficits, and administrative delays that hinder seamless regional commerce.