President William Ruto has shared his vision for the East African Community (EAC) as he takes charge of the regional bloc
Ruto succeeds South Sudan President Salva Kiir whose one-year term has come to a close.
While noting that there are challenges that must be confronted, Ruto said the potential benefits of a political confederation are immense.
“The ambition of an EAC Political Confederation is an extraordinary journey towards integrating our region,” the President noted.
Ruto takes over the regional mantle at a time when the eight-member economic bloc is pursuing a political confederation.
“The ambition of an EAC Political Confederation is an extraordinary journey towards the integration of our region,” the President noted.
The President pointed out that during his tenure, he will give priority to improving the quality of life for the people of East Africa.
“We must harness emerging opportunities and build a more stable and competitive EAC that will accelerate the creation of a single continental market," he said.
“We will focus on increasing competitiveness, promoting value-added production, boosting intra-regional trade and driving investments.”
He added that these pillars are essential in transforming
the partner states' economies, creating jobs and ensuring sustainable
development in the region.
Appreciating that trade remains the engine for economic
growth and regional integration, Ruto told the EAC Summit in Arusha that the
region must address internal barriers to trade.
“We must eliminate non-tariff barriers, enhance infrastructure connectivity and foster regulatory harmonisation,” the President said.
He said this will create a seamless trading environment, driving EAC’s competitiveness and economic growth.
Kiir said he was proud of his work stating that “the community is growing stronger.”
The South Sudan President maintained that focus must now be targeted on enhancing regional peace and security, strengthening intra-EAC trade and fast-tracking digital transformation.
At the 24th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State High-Level side event on Friday, Kenya committed to continue playing the lead role in the economic coalition.
