Uhuru, Kikwete hail better ties

Regional integration between the East African countries has seen trade grow by 40 per cent in the past five years, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete said Sunday.

Speaking in Taveta Town during the launch of the construction of Arusha-Holili-Taveta-Mwatate road, Presidents Kikwete and Uhuru Kenyatta said collaboration between the two countries had improved business significantly.

“Trade has gone up by 40 per cent. We are uniting our countries for the benefit of the citizens,” Mr Kikwete said.

He added that construction of the road was part of the East African integration strategy.

Mr Kikwete said the road would link Mombasa Port with Tanzania since most northern Tanzanian businesses used it.

“Goods take 14 hours from Voi to Arusha but after the completion of the road, vehicles will only take three hours. Businesspeople will have time to do other activities,” he said.

Mr Kenyatta said enhanced inter-connectivity would increase movement of goods and services.

A LEGACY PROJECT

He asked leaders to promote integration. “Our people are one and do not know the difference brought about by boundaries. They live together and leaders should help them improve business,” he said.

The President also said a common market would enhance trade, boost economic growth and create more jobs.

Mr Kenyatta said the market would create an opportunity for East Africa to compete with other regions.

“We have the ability of doing greater things if only we unite,” he said.

East African Regional Director for African Development Bank Gabriel Negatu said the road would be a legacy project.

The 98.4-kilometre road will be built at a cost of Sh8.5 billion. It is funded by the African Development Bank.

Mr Kikwete is on a three-day visit to Kenya and will address the two houses of Parliament on Tuesday.