Kenya, US ink deal to combat illicit cross-border trade

Kenyan and U.S. governments have signed an agreement aimed at increasing trade and security facilitation as well as combating cross-border activities.
A statement from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) said on Monday the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) will facilitate information sharing between the two countries on the enforcement of the rules.
"This agreement will expand our efforts to combat illicit cross- border activities and will enable us to continue our work to prevent, detect and investigate customs offenses," said the statement.
KRA said the agreement provides the legal framework for the exchange of information and evidence to assist countries in the enforcement of customs laws, including duty evasion, trafficking, proliferation, money laundering, and terrorism-related activities.
CMAAs which are bilateral deals between countries also serve as foundational documents for subsequent information sharing arrangements, including mutual recognition arrangements on authorized economic operator programs.
CMAAs which are enforced by their respective customs administrations, also serve as foundational documents for subsequent information sharing arrangements, including mutual recognition arrangements on authorized economic operator programs.