Kibaki directs work permit waiver for EA citizens
The East African Community has taken a giant step as member states simultaneously launched the Common Market Protocol.
In Kenya, President Kibaki said the protocol will allow free movement of people, goods, services, labour and capital in the bloc Wednesday evening.
Saying the protocol would increase investments in the region, he ordered the waiver of work permits fees for all East Africans coming to Kenya.
“I am directing the Minister responsible for immigration to waive fees on work permits for all East African citizens to facilitate the EAC citizens seeking work in Kenya,” the President said.
He said the work permits were a barrier to movement of workers. Kenya and Rwanda have already entered a mutual agreement to waive the fees for their citizens.
President Kibaki also directed Attorney General Amos Wako to use Parliament to harmonise conflicting laws with the other EAC countries for smooth implementation of the protocol.
He said that the protocol will enable Kenyans access greater employment opportunities and “capital mobilisation to boost investment in the region”.
Create awareness
Regretting that many Kenyans were unaware of benefits of integration, the Head of State urged leaders to create more awareness of what it means.
President Kibaki expressed optimism at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre that those charged with the realisation of the process will facilitate it so that Kenyans can reap its benefits.
“It is my expectation that public servants charged with executing the Common Market especially those responsible for immigration, labour, customs and education will facilitate the process rather than adopt a control attitude.”
Civil servants should further play greater role in EAC integration, he instructed.
The expanded market, he added, will increase opportunities for trade in goods and services.
Terming the launch as bold move, President Kibaki further saluted the country’s forefathers for establishing EAC.
“Today, we celebrate the expansion of the original idea of the community. This is a great region with vast potential for business and social networking for our people,” he said.
He said the revival of EAC had led to increased trade among partner states.
According to the Uganda Investment Authority, Kenya is among the top 10 sources of foreign direct investment to Uganda with 27 licensed investment projects worth US $158 million, the President said.
In Tanzania, Kenya is the second biggest investor with 270 companies operating there providing jobs for more than 100,000 people.
