The European Union Ambassador to Kenya has spotlighted a pragmatic solution to the long-standing frictions between Kenya and Uganda over access to the Indian Ocean: dedicated trade corridors, harmonised border procedures and fast-tracked border systems for landlocked economies. Speaking at the EU Delegation mission headquarters in Nairobi on Wednesday, Amb Henriette Geiger emphasized that a coordinated regional logistics framework could reduce delays, cut costs and boost intra-African trade, even as governments debate routes and responsibilities.
A core pillar of the proposal is the establishment of dedicated trade corridors that run from inland production hubs to coastal customs points. Such corridors are designed to simplify the movement of goods by standardising documentation, streamlining vehicle checks and implementing predictable timelines for clearance. In practice, this could mean a single-window system for customs, traffic and health inspections, with data shared across agencies to avoid duplicative processes. While the vision is ambitious, diplomats say it rests on practical steps that can be piloted in phases, reducing risk for traders and farmers who rely on timely deliveries.
Kenya and Uganda have long debated the most effective routes to the Indian Ocean, an issue that affects pricing, supply chains and regional development. Nairobi contends that its corridor, which links the port of Mombasa to the hinterland, is essential for the wider East African Community. Kampala, in turn, has pushed for diversified access and better road and rail integration to circumvent bottlenecks along certain border points.
Amb Geiger argued that harmonised procedures would address these frictions by creating a uniform regime for inspections, prohibiting unnecessary stops and speeding up cargo processing. “When borders operate like a single continuum rather than a string of checkpoints, the costs drop and the flow of goods improves dramatically,” she said. The ambassador also noted that fast-tracked border systems could be supported by digitisation, with real-time cargo tracking, electronic declarations and interoperable customs software that connects neighbouring countries.
A practical pathway involves testing a “one-stop border post” model between adjacent transport hubs, enabling trucks to clear multiple regulatory requirements in one place. Such pilots require buy-in from national revenue authorities, transport ministries and security agencies, but proponents say they can be implemented with existing legal frameworks and modest taxpayer investment. The EU has signalled readiness to provide technical assistance, training and, where appropriate, funding for pilot projects that demonstrate measurable gains in efficiency and transparency.
Beyond the technical aspects, the envoy highlighted the political dimension of trade corridors. Trade facilitation is not only about reducing paperwork; it is about building trust and interdependence among neighbours. When countries cooperate on customs data, road maintenance, and port efficiency, they create a more resilient supply chain that can weather shocks such as weather-related disruptions or global supply chain slowdowns.
Economic analysts point out that the gains from improved corridor performance would extend beyond Kenya and Uganda. A robust corridor ecosystem could lower transport costs, attract regional manufacturing investments and help smallholders reach larger markets. For Kenya, in particular, a faster route to the Indian Ocean could lower the cost of inputs like fuel and fertilizer while expanding access to international markets for fresh produce and processed goods. For Uganda, it offers a chance to diversify export channels, reduce dependence on overland routes and exploit competitive shipping terms at regional ports.
The proposal also calls attention to governance commitments. Effective corridors require consistent maintenance of roads and bridges, predictable regulatory environments and transparent dispute resolution mechanisms. Civil society groups and private sector representatives have stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue, ensuring that small-scale traders, agribusinesses and transport workers see tangible benefits rather than new forms of red tape.
If adopted, the EU’s corridor concept could align with regional integration efforts under the East African Community and broader African continental trade initiatives. Supporters argue that this approach aligns with broader goals of reducing barriers for landlocked states and promoting sustainable, inclusive growth. Critics caution that success hinges on sustained political will and the practical sequencing of reforms across multiple ministries and border points.
As Nairobi hosts diplomats and business leaders to discuss logistics, the coming weeks will likely feature a slate of technical working groups, pilot projects and potential funding commitments designed to test the viability of trade corridors. For Kenya and Uganda, the stakes are high: the future of their supply chains, the cost of trade, and their ability to participate fully in a more connected Indian Ocean economy.
