Business News
Rwandese free to work in Kenya
Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki (second left) and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame (centre) accompanied by delegation from both countries share a light moment after they held bilateral talks at Village Urugwiro in Kigali, Rwanda. Photo/PPS
Posted Wednesday, November 19 2008 at 17:01
President Kibaki has abolished with immediate effect work permits for Rwanda nationals working or carrying out business in Kenya.
The means citizens of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania who cross to work in any of the three East African Community partner countries will continue using permits as a requirement.
It was also seen as a reciprocal action by President Kibaki since Rwanda had abolished the permit requirement for Kenyans working in Kigali.
President Kibaki said his government has also stepped up efforts to rehabilitate the northern corridor and instituted measures to eradicate non-tariff barriers to trade with emphasis on reduction of weigh-bridges and road blocks.
Opening hours
“Furthermore, we have introduced a 24-hour operational system at the port of Mombasa, which I am glad to note, coincides with Rwanda’s extension of opening and closing hours at the Katuna border post. This will reduce delays and increase volume of intra-regional trade between our two countries,” President Kibaki said.
He was speaking on Monday evening at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda during a State banquet hosted in his honour by President Paul Kagame at the start of his visit in the country.
He commended the business-friendly policies adopted by Rwanda which have led to increased foreign investments in the country.
President Kibaki said as a result of the policies, over 30 Kenyan companies have received approval from the Rwanda Investment Export Promotion Agency.
He noted that the recent entry of Kenya Commercial Bank into the Rwandan market was testimony to the attractive investment conditions that exist in Rwanda.
Said the Head of State: “I am also pleased to note that Equity Bank will soon be spreading its wings to this market.”
He said over 2,000 Kenyans were also living freely and working without hindrance in Rwanda due to the progressive policies of Rwandese Government.
President Kibaki said in the spirit of shared prosperity and the East African partnership, Kenya was also keen on providing a favourable business and working environment in order to promote trade and investment in the region.
RSS