East African Community (EAC) countries are working towards adopting a harmonised system to facilitate cross-border movement. This, in a bid to end persistent border traffic snarl-ups disrupting intra-EAC trade. Dubbed the EACPass, it is part of a process to address the challenges around constant trade impasses occurring at border points in the region.According to Dr Peter Mathuki, EAC secretary general, border hold-ups reduce the gains that have been made in recent years in integrating the region. This has resulted in the need to prioritise the adoption of a regional, co-ordinated approach to handling the Covid-19 pandemic.“Harmonisation of Covid-19 charges and a co-ordinated waiting time for Covid-19 results are critical to facilitate business continuity and ease the cost of doing business,” said Dr Mathuki. Major trade disruption has occurred at the Kenya-Uganda border points of Busia and Malaba. The two borders on the Northern Corridor also serve Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and South Sudan. Dr Mathuki said the EACPass would ease turnaround times at border points. Already, piloting of the pass has started in Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi
