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Kenya has called for harmonised standards, aligned regulations and stronger regional cooperation to facilitate cross-border agricultural trade, expand access to finance and strengthen commodity markets across Africa.
The call was made during the inaugural Regional Structured Trading Systems Policy, Market Integration, Peer Learning and Exchange Forum, held in Nairobi from 28th to 30th October, 2026. The Warehouse Receipt System Council convened the Forum in partnership with the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), bringing together regulators, government officials, financial institutions, commodity exchanges, warehouse operators, farmer representatives, and development partners.
Speaking at the Forum, Principal Secretary for Trade, Regina Ombam, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to regional trade integration through the EAC, COMESA and AfCFTA frameworks. She emphasised the need to harmonise commodity standards, regulations and warehouse receipt systems to facilitate cross-border trade and strengthen market confidence.
A key highlight was the launch of the Structured Trade Regulators and Practitioners in Africa (STRaPA) Network, a platform designed to strengthen regional collaboration, promote peer learning and advance the integration of structured trading systems across Africa.
WRSC Chairperson, Patrick Mukundi Mbogo, highlighted Kenya’s progress in advancing the Warehouse Receipt System, including the launch of the electronic Warehouse Receipt System (e-WRS) Central Registry. The digital platform enhances transparency, enables electronic receipt verification, and facilitates access to commodity-backed financing.
Participants underscored the role of WRS in improving commodity quality, reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening market access and enabling farmers and traders to access financing using stored commodities as collateral.
The Forum called for concrete commitments, clear institutional responsibilities and coordinated action to accelerate regional market integration.