29th September 2025
The Regional Training Centre (RTC) – Kenya/Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA is hosting a five-day virtual training on Rules of Origin with a focus on AfCFTA, scheduled for 29th September to 3rd October 2025. The training has been organized in collaboration with the WCO ESA ROCB.
The opening remarks were delivered by the Chief Guest of Honour, Mr. N. Mukuriah, Deputy Commissioner – KESRA, who officially inaugurated the one-week programme and extended a warm welcome to all participants. He conveyed the greetings of the Head of RTC-Kenya, Dr. Fred Mugambi Mwirigi. In his address, he underscored that Rules of Origin (RoO) constitute a core aspect of Customs, playing a pivotal role in the clearance of goods. He emphasized that RoO facilitates the effective implementation of regional integration and trade agreements, ensuring that eligible goods benefit from the intended reduced or zero duty rates. Furthermore, he highlighted the responsibility of RoO in guaranteeing that goods qualifying for preferential treatment are duly accorded such benefits, noting that approximately 20% of international trade takes place under preferential terms.
The Director of the WCO ESA ROCB, Ms. Josephine Manyasi, ‘ndc’(K), expressed her appreciation to the Kenya Revenue Authority and RTC Kenya for organizing the training and for providing subject matter experts. She further emphasized the critical importance of Rules of Origin knowledge as Africa advances the implementation of the AfCFTA. This knowledge, she noted, is essential in enabling Customs officials to effectively deliver on their core mandate of trade facilitation, revenue collection, and the protection of society across the region.
This program aims to strengthen participants’ knowledge of the principles and application of Rules of Origin and to equip them with practical skills to support compliance and effective implementation in the regional and global trading environment. The training will be facilitated by subject matter experts from RTC Kenya and will feature presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions.
Regional Members present in the training include Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda & Zimbabwe.
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