NAIROBI, Kenya — Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has underscored the importance of regional integration in driving Kenya’s economic growth, saying a stronger East African Community (EAC) will expand trade, create jobs and unlock new opportunities for citizens.
Mudavadi made the remarks after meeting East African Community Affairs Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul to review the implementation of resolutions adopted during the recent EAC Heads of State Summit and prepare for the next phase of regional engagement.
The meeting also focused on preparations for an upcoming engagement involving President William Ruto, Ambassador Stephen Patrick Mbundi, and the newly appointed EAC Secretary General, as well as ongoing institutional reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and financial sustainability of the regional bloc.
“Regional integration is one of Kenya’s strongest tools for expanding trade, creating jobs and unlocking new opportunities for our people,” Mudavadi said.
To strengthen Kenya’s participation within the East African Community, the Prime Cabinet Secretary directed the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Ministry of East African Community Affairs to jointly review the implementation of Summit resolutions.
The review will also assess the progress of EAC programmes designed to promote trade, infrastructure development, investment and regional cooperation.
According to Mudavadi, evaluating the implementation of key regional commitments will help Kenya maximize the benefits arising from its membership in the bloc while strengthening its influence in regional decision-making.
He emphasized that a stronger and more effective East African Community would provide Kenyan businesses with access to larger markets, attract more investment and improve regional connectivity.
“A stronger and more effective East African Community means larger markets for Kenyan businesses, greater investment, improved connectivity and more opportunities for our citizens across the region,” he said.
