ARUSHA, Tanzania – President William Ruto of Kenya has assumed the chairmanship of the East African Community (EAC), succeeding South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir.
The leadership transition took place at the 24th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State in Arusha, marking a critical juncture as the eight-member bloc works toward deeper regional integration and political confederation.
Hailing President Kiir’s tenure as “exemplary” and “visionary,” President Ruto commended the strides made under his leadership. “Under his steady stewardship, the EAC has made remarkable progress in deepening integration,” Ruto said, emphasizing the need to build on that momentum.
Ruto’s chairmanship begins as the EAC continues its ambitious push toward becoming a political confederation, a step seen as pivotal for consolidating economic and political ties in the region.
Addressing the summit, Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to playing a leading role in this transformative agenda.
“The ambition of an EAC Political Confederation is an extraordinary journey towards the integration of our region,” he said, acknowledging the challenges ahead but emphasizing the immense potential benefits.
During his tenure, Ruto said he would prioritize improving the quality of life for East Africans by focusing on competitiveness, value-added production, intra-regional trade, and investment.
He outlined a vision for a stable, integrated, and competitive EAC capable of driving the creation of a single continental market.
To achieve this, Ruto called for the removal of trade barriers, enhanced infrastructure connectivity, and harmonized regulations.
“We must eliminate non-tariff barriers, enhance infrastructure connectivity, and foster regulatory harmonization to create a seamless trading environment,” he said, stressing the importance of boosting the bloc’s economic growth.
Outgoing Chairperson Salva Kiir reflected on his year at the helm, expressing pride in the EAC’s progress.
“The Community is growing stronger,” he noted, urging member states to focus on regional peace and security, intra-EAC trade, and digital transformation.
The leadership transition took place at the 24th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State in Arusha, marking a critical juncture as the eight-member bloc works toward deeper regional integration and political confederation.
Hailing President Kiir’s tenure as “exemplary” and “visionary,” President Ruto commended the strides made under his leadership. “Under his steady stewardship, the EAC has made remarkable progress in deepening integration,” Ruto said, emphasizing the need to build on that momentum.
Ruto’s chairmanship begins as the EAC continues its ambitious push toward becoming a political confederation, a step seen as pivotal for consolidating economic and political ties in the region.
Addressing the summit, Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to playing a leading role in this transformative agenda.
“The ambition of an EAC Political Confederation is an extraordinary journey towards the integration of our region,” he said, acknowledging the challenges ahead but emphasizing the immense potential benefits.
During his tenure, Ruto said he would prioritize improving the quality of life for East Africans by focusing on competitiveness, value-added production, intra-regional trade, and investment.
He outlined a vision for a stable, integrated, and competitive EAC capable of driving the creation of a single continental market.
To achieve this, Ruto called for the removal of trade barriers, enhanced infrastructure connectivity, and harmonized regulations.
“We must eliminate non-tariff barriers, enhance infrastructure connectivity, and foster regulatory harmonization to create a seamless trading environment,” he said, stressing the importance of boosting the bloc’s economic growth.
Outgoing Chairperson Salva Kiir reflected on his year at the helm, expressing pride in the EAC’s progress.
“The Community is growing stronger,” he noted, urging member states to focus on regional peace and security, intra-EAC trade, and digital transformation.
