African governments should advocate for better trading terms with key allies in Asia and Europe, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has said.
He said unfair trade practices are undermining the countries and the continent in general plunging the economies further into poverty.
Governor Lee cited that over 24 percent of the Kenyan imports are from China but Kenya has no notable share of the Asian country’s market.
“The discrepancy is not acceptable. As we sign big infrastructural contracts with giant economies, we should seek to have a share of their market for our value-added farm produce,” he said.
He said unless the issues are addressed, poverty will forever remain in Africa.
“African countries are unable to trade among themselves as in Asian and European countries,” he stated advising the Rotarians, who are key policymakers, to change the matrix.
Records show that sub-saharan African countries have the lowest trade among themselves compared with other regions.
Intra-regional trade is estimated at below 10 percent compared with 40 percent in North America and 60 percent in Western Europe.
The Governor was addressing over 500 philanthropists and volunteers from East Africa attending the 93rd Rotary annual District Conference & Assembly in Naivasha.
This year’s theme is “Rotary; making a difference”.
The last event was held in Kisumu.The delegates are drawn from over 60 Rotary Clubs that operate in Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea and South Sudan.
Governor Kinyanjui appreciated the Rotarians for their key role in complementing government projects in areas of water, health, education, and peace.
Rotary clubs in Kenya have raised more than Sh800 billion towards health, education, peace and community development projects.
Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda gave a talk on the opportunities for women from marginalized communities.