The Council of Ministers of the East African Community have taken a decision to permit cost-free testing at the border posts of Busia and Malaba for seven days.
This is aimed at clearing the backlog of trucks and drivers who have been parked on the Kenyan side of the border.
On her Twitter handle, the Minister of East African Affairs, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, said it has further been proposed that in future truck drivers will have to show proof of vaccination to facilitate their movement in the region.
According to Ms Kadaga, discussions would continue between the health ministers on other details.
The meeting comes as the government seeks to find a solution to the 10- day border impasse that threatens regional trade and movement.
In a meeting last week, the government had noted there was a need to find a balance between economic and health interests, which have been disrupted by Covid-19.
Truck drivers are challenging the government’s decision to charge them $30 (about Shs105, 382) to test Covid-19, yet, they say, is unnecessary and a burdensome cost, which is free in other EAC member countries, particularly Kenya.
They have since indicated, under the Kenya Transporters Association, that the cost will in return be borne by importers and many parked their vehicles in protest.
Following the meeting’s decision, Kenyan long distance transporters also called off their strike after Uganda suspended the mandatory testing of truck drivers at its borders.
