KAM CEO’s Brief | 24th February 2017

EAC Manufacturers Network Meet to Discuss Regional Challenges

The East African Community Manufacturers Network meet on 23 – 24 February 2017 to discuss among other things, the review of the EAC Common External Tariff (CET), standards harmonization and tax harmonization.

The EAC network aims to realize the potential of the manufacturing sector in the EAC region through a systematic approach to regional issues affecting the sector and to serve the interests of manufacturers in the region.

The EAC network has also advocated for a stand alone law on the following; Counterfeits at the EAC level separate from competition matters; the development of harmonized standards in EAC for all partner states; mainstream local content policy and procurement in the region and, the acknowledgement of the local content clause in the Industrialization Bill.

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For more information contact: halima.khalla@kam.co.ke

KAM Champions Sensitization on the Bribery Act 2016

Kenya Association of Manufacturers in partnership with Global Compact Network Kenya and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) today held a forum to discuss the implementation of the Bribery Act 2016.

The newly enacted law is an initiative of the business community aimed at supporting government’s efforts to curb corruption in Kenya and reduce the cost of doing business.

Speaking at the forum, EACC Chair, Rt. Archbishop Eliud Wabukala said that it is difficult to fight corruption individually, adding that EACC has already put in appropriate guidelines to assist the private and public sector curb corruption.

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For more information contact: caroline.mutuku@kam.co.ke

AFD Launches SUNREF, its Green Finance Label, in Tanzania

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) launched its green finance label SUNREF in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania on 24 February, 2017.

SUNREF East Africa promotes the development of a low carbon economy in the region by financing the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions in the private sector.

To support private investment in green energy and energy efficiency, AFD works with local partner banks in the host country by supporting them in identifying green investment opportunities and in allocating green loans with favorable conditions for tailor-made debt.

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For more information contact: Elijah.Isabu@kam.co.ke

KAM, Global Compact Kenya Meet NEMA for Possible Partnerships Avenues

Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Global Compact Network Kenya and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) held a meeting on 21st February 2017 to deliberate on the possible areas of partnership in promoting sustainable environment.

Areas of interest include Waste management (Solid, E-waste), Reducing, Re-using and Recycling initiatives, Climate change mitigation and Adaptation, Environmental Ecological Enhancement.

For more information contact: georgina.wachuka@kam.co.ke

KAM Study on the EAC IPR Regime: Site Visits to Various Stakeholders in Uganda and Rwanda

KAM conducted site visits to various stakeholders in Uganda and Rwanda on the EAC IPR Regime from 5th to 16th February 2017 as part of a study that KAM is conducting on the current EAC IPR regime.

The objective of the study is to raise the respect for IPR within the region and to advocate for the harmonization of IP related laws in order to enable EAC be recognized as one IP territory for purposes of enforcement of IP (promote mutual recognition of IPR within the region).

For more information contact: Joseph.Wairiuko@kam.co.ke

9th Sectoral Council on Legal and Judicial Affairs Held

KAM participated in the 9th Sectoral Council on Legal and Judicial Affairs in Arusha, Tanzania at the EAC Headquarters to review and adopt the legislation, regulations and reports considered by the 17th, 18th and 19th Sectoral Council on Legal and Judicial Affairs.

The objective of the meeting was among the reviewed legislation and regulations including:

• Infrastructure – vehicle load Regulations
• Amendments to the Customs Management Act and Regulations
• Amendment of Annex VII of the Common Market Protocol
• East African Monetary Bill 2016
• EAC Statistics Bill 2016
• One Stop Border Post (OSBP)
• Oaths Bill 2016
• Regulations to operationalize the EAC Standardization, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing Act,

For more information contact: miriam.bomett@kam.co.ke

E-ping Electronic Alert System Workshop

KAM participated in the National Stakeholders Training Workshop on e-ping electronic Alert system in Nairobi.

The Electronic Ping (eping) is an online tool used to facilitate dissemination of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) & Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) notifications from WTO secretariat to domestic stakeholders. The objective of the tool is to enhance communication among stakeholders on proposed or changes in TBT and SPS regulations/measures of current and potential export markets.

The Notifications Export Alert System will facilitate efficient dissemination of relevant notifications on product requirements from WTO secretariat directly to affected stakeholders; provide public accessibility (free of charge) to maintenance, modifications etc, facilitate market access and enable manufacturers, producers and other stakeholders to monitor domestic regulatory development.

During the seventh Triennial Review, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barrier to Trade (TBT) committee mandated WTO Secretariat to develop an export alert system for TBT Notifications. To this effect, the United Nations department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), implemented 2 projects in Gambia, Lesotho, Nepal and Uganda on building institutional Capacity in the use of Trade-related International Support Measures (ISMs).

For more information contact: brendah.wawire@kam.co.ke

Salt Belt Region Multi Stakeholders Forum

KAM Salt Subsector held a Regional Multi Stakeholders Forum on 15th February 2017 in Magarini sub County, Kilifi County.

The objective of the forum is to enhance dialogue between the stakeholders and the community along the salt belt for development in the area.

The Forum was a joint meeting between KAM salt sub-sector members, Kilifi County Government and administration, NEMA, KFS, WRMA, KWS, KNCHR, NLC, CSR members among others.

For more information contact: anne.murithi@kam.co.ke