Abstract:
The regional trading blocs' economic integration, especially the East African Community (EAC) with its
four noncoastal countries (Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi), depends heavily on an effective
and dependable cross-border logistics performance. Even though each of the member countries has seen
economic growth, the region still lacks optimal economic integration, and as a result, cross-border
logistics costs in the region are among the highest globally, primarily because of ineffective customs
clearance procedures. This study aimed to investigate the impact of four components of customs clearance
processes on the effectiveness of cross-border logistics: trade facilitation, coordinated border agencies, one stop border strategy, and customs harmonization (delivery time, competitive advantage, and cost). The
research was conducted using a cross- sectional design, and information was gathered from 376
participants at the Taveta-Holili, Busia, and Malaba one stop border posts via key informant interviews
and closed-ended questionnaires. For data analysis, multiple regression modeling and descriptive
analysis were employed. The results show that the One Stop Border Post strategy (β = 0.636, p<0.05),
coordinated border agencies (β = 0.261, p<0.05), trade facilitation (β = 0.245, p=0.000), and customs
harmonisation (β = 0.211, p<0.05) have positive and significant relationships with cross-border logistics
performance. The study concluded that more efficient customs clearance procedures result in improved
cross-border logistics performance. The report suggests that the East African Community (EAC)
secretariat should endeavour to achieve greater integration and coherence of the customs system by
fully implementing the East African Community Single Customs Territory.
