Kenya's National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee challenged Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Akul regarding the slow pace of integration within the East African Community (EAC), despite Kenya's strong trade performance in the bloc. Lawmakers raised concerns about persistent barriers and uneven implementation of protocols by partner states.

• Kenya's exports to the EAC reached KSh321.35 billion last year, absorbing 75.5 percent of its total exports to Africa in 2024.
• Cabinet Secretary Akul attributed disparities in protocol implementation to capacity gaps, national priorities, and Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs). She also confirmed bilateral talks were underway regarding Tanzania's July ban on small foreign traders.
• The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) faced a suspension of activities earlier this year due to severe financial shortfalls from delayed remittances by partner states, with Kenya being among the few consistently meeting its obligations.