Migori County is set to benefit from renewed efforts aimed at strengthening cross-border trade and regional economic integration following a high-level meeting between Principal Secretary in the State Department for East African Community Affairs, Caroline Karugu, and Ochillo Ayacko.
The strategic meeting, held in Migori County, focused on enhancing trade relations across the East African region, addressing long-standing trade bottlenecks, and exploring opportunities for economic growth through improved regional cooperation.
Speaking during the engagement, Governor Ayacko underscored the critical role played by cross-border trade in sustaining the economy of Migori County, noting that the county occupies a unique strategic position within the East African Community due to its proximity to neighboring Tanzania and its wider connectivity to Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Governor said Migori’s economy heavily depends on trade activities taking place across the Kenya-Tanzania border, particularly in Kuria East, Kuria West, Nyatike, and surrounding areas where thousands of residents derive their livelihoods from informal and formal cross-border commerce.
“Trade remains the pillar and backbone of Migori County’s economy. The livelihoods of our people, especially in border sub counties, are directly tied to the smooth flow of goods and services within the East African Community,” said Governor Ayacko.
He noted that the county government remains committed to ensuring that maritime trade activities involving fishermen operating within Lake Victoria are safeguarded from disruptions that could negatively affect local economies and regional relations.
Governor Ayacko further revealed that Migori County had already engaged President William Ruto on plans to acquire land for the establishment of a modern Jumuiya Market that would facilitate free trade and provide traders with a conducive environment to conduct business within the East African Community framework.
The proposed market, according to the Governor, is expected to become a major regional trading hub capable of attracting investors, traders, and transporters from neighboring countries while boosting local revenue collection and employment opportunities.
On her part, PS Caroline Karugu described Migori as one of the most strategic counties within the East African Community owing to its geographical positioning and its potential to serve as a gateway linking Kenya to Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I am delighted to be in Migori, one of the most strategic counties in the East African Community region. Migori serves as a critical link connecting Kenya to several neighboring countries and therefore presents enormous opportunities for trade and regional integration,” said Karugu.
The PS disclosed that the government is keen on removing the challenges and bureaucratic hurdles that continue to hinder the free movement of goods and services across borders.
According to the State Department for East African Community Affairs, trade worth approximately KSh 2.5 billion was shipped across borders through Migori County in 2025, a clear indication of the county’s growing significance in regional commerce.
Karugu applauded the improving diplomatic and trade relations between Kenya and Tanzania under the leadership of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, saying the strengthened cooperation had created a favorable environment for increased trade and people-to-people interactions.
She emphasized that ongoing bilateral discussions between Kenya and Tanzania are aimed at reducing non-tariff barriers, harmonizing policies and operational procedures, and addressing restrictions that have historically slowed down trade between the two nations.
“We are keen on reducing non-tariff barriers and eliminating all obstacles that have continued to stifle trade between Kenya and Tanzania. Harmonization of policies and procedures is critical in ensuring that business people operate seamlessly within the East African Community,” Karugu stated.
The PS acknowledged the challenges faced by county governments in managing cross-border trade under constrained operational environments but reiterated the national government’s commitment to sustained dialogue and collaboration with devolved units to ensure that trade is not disrupted.
Leaders who attended the meeting expressed optimism that the renewed engagements between national and county governments would unlock new economic opportunities, empower local traders, and strengthen regional integration efforts within the East African Community.
The meeting comes at a time when Kenya continues to deepen its commitment to regional trade partnerships as part of broader efforts to stimulate economic growth, create employment, and position border counties such as Migori as key economic gateways in East Africa.
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