This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On June 16, 2020, the government of Kenya received a significant boost in its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, with the European Union (EU) and Trademark East Africa (TMEA) signing a deal to provide Sh 40 billion to support the Safe Trade Emergency Facility (STEF) in the country.
The funding, which is part of a larger agreement between TMEA and the EU, will be channeled through TMEA to support the STEF being implemented by the East African Region.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Trade Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina emphasized the importance of the grant, stating that it will complement government efforts to cushion not only large enterprises but also small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who rely greatly on the flow of supply chain.
‘Most of these enterprises cannot maintain major inventories and therefore we are grateful that through this grant we will further boost trade at the borders,’ said Betty, who further called on everybody including business owners as well as truck drivers to take personal responsibility in ensuring that they are protocol compliant.
The EU Ambassador to Kenya, Simon Mordue, noted that the contribution will support Kenya, which is the gateway to the East African Community (EAC) markets, keep its supply chain open in ensuring that food and other critical supplies reach their destinations during the Corona Virus pandemic.
‘We are doing everything possible to ensure that the economy that has been disrupted due to this pandemic is saved, saving jobs and business is saving lives,’ he said.
The funds will go towards the Kenyan component of the programme, making the EU the largest donor to the facility.
Specifically, in Kenya, the Safe Trade Emergency Facility will fund a range of short to medium-term measures to protect critical supply chains and keep borders open, thus preventing job losses and protecting livelihoods.
