FOREWORD
Trade sector plays a significant role in the country’s growth and development through its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector has linkages with all other sectors of the economy by creating a channel through which goods and services move from the producers, manufacturers and to the final consumer. In addition, Trade creates employment opportunities in the informal, retail, and wholesale trade sub-sectors thus contributing to poverty reduction by making it possible for many unemployed youth,
women and vulnerable groups in society earn a living. By encouraging and supporting Medium Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in exports of merchandise to the international markets, the sector enables them access more favorable prices in these markets thus supporting growth of the economy.
Due to the importance of the sector in contributing to economic growth and poverty reduction in the country, the sector has been prioritized among other sectors to contribute to the envisioned 10 per cent economic growth and the realization of social economic development and equity. During the Second Medium Term Plan 2013-2017, the sector has identified several projects and programmes whose implementation will support growth of GDP and poverty reduction.
In improving our total trade balance, the sector will strive in deepening regional integration in the East African Community (EAC), Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) and also the proposed COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area. In addition, the sector will strengthen and sign more bilateral trade agreements, diversify export products and encourage value addition. On the domestic front the sector will seek to create the required policy environment that will increase our competiveness and improve the ease of doing business. These measures are necessary for trade to flourish and attract both domestic and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) that will spur growth of the economy.
The full implementation of the plan will not only depend on my Ministry but also on all stakeholders who participated in developing the Plan. I wish to take this opportunity to thank both private and public stakeholders who participated in the process. I am sure that the sector will continue to support economic growth, provide employment opportunities for our youth, alleviate poverty and help in achieving the Kenya Vision 2030 including the Medium Development Goals (MDGs) in the country.
Mrs. Phyllis J. Kandie
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism