Kenyatta takes charge of East African Community

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta at the weekend committed to ensuring a more united and prosperous East African Community (EAC) as he took over the chairmanship of the regional bloc.

Kenyatta assured that he will spare no effort towards the realization of the shared aspirations that gave rebirth to the community 20 years ago.

“Thank you for showing confidence, faith, and trust in me. I promise to do all I can to take our region to greater heights,” the Kenyan President said.

President Kenyatta spoke when he addressed the 21st Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State held virtually due to Covid-19 after taking over the chairmanship from Rwanda’s Paul Kagame.

The summit, chaired by President Kenyatta, saw Dr Peter Mutuku Mathuki of Kenya sworn in as the new EAC Secretary-General for a five-year non-renewable term with effect from 25th April 2021. Dr Mathuki took over from Amb Libérat Mfumukeko of Burundi whose term is ending.

The summit also witnessed the appointment of six new Judges of the East African Court of Justice. Justice Yohane Bakobora Masara, Justice Richard Wabwire Wejuli, Justice Richard Muhumuza are Judges to the court’s First Instance Division with effect with from 27 February, 2021 while Justice Nestor Kayobera, Lady Justice Anita Mugeni and Justice Kathurima M’inoti are Judges to Appellate Division.

The new EAC chairman paid glowing tribute to the late former President Daniel Arap Moi and the late former President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, acknowledging the role they played together with President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda in the rebirth of EAC 20 years ago.

The Kenyan Head of State also took the opportunity to outline his vision for the region, saying he will focus on strengthening of partnerships to enhance intra-EAC connectivity and ensuring sustainable implementation of projects and programs in productive sectors.

“It is desirable that the objectives of the Customs Union, Common Market and Monetary Union; and easier cross-border movement of goods, people and services be realized,” President Kenyatta said.

He emphasized the need for partner states to harmonize their commitment to free movement of people, workers and services as envisaged in the region’s common market protocol.

In this regard, President Kenyatta announced Kenya’s decision to remove visa requirement for South Sudanese nationals visiting the country as an act of reciprocity.