These relationships ultimately build the capacity of local firms, allowing them to produce at scale and as a result create more jobs. In Kenya, the private sector is ready to champion the regional integration agenda. Businesses in both the corporate world and SME sector are keen to capitalise on the benefits of integration, but encounter difficulties doing so. By introducing healthy competition, regional trade usually puts pressure on local industries to improve competitiveness. This is because regional integration is generally more successful where there is minimal political and ideological difference among participating countries.

Source: The Star April 29, 2019 01:52 UTC