Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said deeper integration within the East African Community (EAC) will help Kenya expand trade, attract investment and create more employment opportunities by opening up larger regional markets.
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 discuss Kenya’s next steps in advancing regional integration.
He said the government is reviewing the progress of key regional commitments to ensure Kenya fully benefits from opportunities created by the regional bloc.
Kenya reviews implementation of EAC resolutions
According to Mudavadi, the meeting focused on assessing the implementation of resolutions adopted by EAC Heads of State and preparing for upcoming regional engagements.
The discussions also covered institutional reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness and financial sustainability of the East African Community.
“Regional integration is one of Kenya’s strongest tools for expanding trade, creating jobs and unlocking new opportunities for our people,” Mudavadi said.
He noted that the review will guide Kenya’s participation in future regional initiatives while strengthening the country’s influence within the bloc.
Ministries directed to coordinate implementation
Mudavadi directed the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Ministry of East African Community Affairs to jointly review the implementation of Summit resolutions and monitor the progress of ongoing EAC programmes.
The review will examine initiatives designed to promote cross-border trade, infrastructure development, regional investment and economic cooperation among partner states.
According to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, evaluating the implementation of regional commitments will help Kenya maximise the economic benefits of EAC membership.
Bigger markets for Kenyan businesses
Mudavadi said a stronger East African Community would provide Kenyan businesses with access to larger regional markets while improving investment flows and connectivity across member states.
“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.
He added that enhanced regional cooperation remains critical to accelerating economic growth and improving livelihoods across East Africa.
Focus on regional economic growth
The government’s renewed focus on regional integration comes as Kenya continues to position itself as a key driver of trade and investment within the East African Community.
Officials say strengthening cooperation among partner states will support economic development by facilitating the movement of goods, services, investment and labour while enhancing regional competitiveness.
