It is a brilliant gesture that Kenya is committed to the success of the newly -launched East-African Community Common Market for the member countries, that came into effect on Thursday.
It now means that our brothers and sisters in the partner states may cross our borders without paying for entry permits. And they may freely live, work and do business in Kenya.
The deal is made even sweeter by the fact that the visitors may stay in the country for up to six months before they formally apply for a work permit, which is also free.
This new bold move, ordered by President Kibaki, should serve as an example to other member countries- that they must show the determination to have the free-trade idea work effectively.
It is expected that the other member countries will also open their borders to allow East Africa to exploit the advantages that are expected to come from new deal.
Indeed, it is time member countries overcame any fears of economic dominance by any country. Only this way can the much talked-about cooperation be nurtured to fruition.