Uhuru: I will make EAC the pride of Africa

President Uhuru Kenyatta receives Mr. Robert Azevedo, Director General, World Trade Organization (WTO) who called on him at State House, Nairobi. PHOTO\PSCU

What you need to know:

  • He said the EAC integration process is aimed at making it easier for the movement of people and goods which will in turn increase trade and thus improve the lives of the people.
  • He said President Kenyatta has effectively used trade to unite people and advocate peace and stability in the region.
  • The President thanked Nibigira for representing the affairs of his country in Kenya saying the relations between the two countries have greatly improved adding that infrastructure projects in the region will deepen trade and interaction of the people.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has promised to make an example of East Africa.

The President, who is the sitting chair of the regional bloc, wants the Community to become a shining example to the rest of Africa.

He said the EAC integration process is aimed at making it easier for the movement of people and goods which will in turn increase trade and thus improve the lives of the people.

The President spoke when he met the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director General Robert Azevedo at State House Nairobi.

The President said the benefits of integration far outweighs all risks, adding that trade is an important tool in enhancing peace and stability in Africa.

He said trade will help create job opportunities, adding that he is willing to partner with WTO to increase trade in the region and throughout Africa.

He cited trade cooperation between countries as one way of achieving political stability.

TRADE FOR PEACE

“Trade can be used as an instrument of peace in Africa,” the President said.

President Kenyatta said time has come for Africa to move away from an agrarian continent to an industrialised one.

“This is the time for Africa. We won’t confine ourselves to agricultural activities but also industrial and commodity exports,” he said.

Mr. Azevedo assured of the global trade organization’s support to president’s vision of accelerated East African Community integration.

Mr. Azevedo --who is on his first Africa trip, commended President Kenyatta’s efforts in mobilising East Africa leaders and citizens towards integration.

He said President Kenyatta has effectively used trade to unite people and advocate peace and stability in the region.

He said his organisation is in the process of setting up programmes to help member countries in capacity building in the integration process.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed said Kenya has had close relations with WTO.

She assured Mr. Azevedo that her ministry will keep him informed on the activities being undertaken by the Government on the integration process.

Later, President Kenyatta bid farewell to the outgoing Burundi High Commissioner to Kenya Ezechiel Nibigira.

President Uhuru Kenyatta bids farewell to outgoing Burundi Ambassador H.E Ezechiel Nlbigira at State House, Nairobi.

The President thanked Nibigira for representing the affairs of his country in Kenya saying the relations between the two countries have greatly improved adding that infrastructure projects in the region will deepen trade and interaction of the people.

“There are many opportunities for all of us, if all countries come together and drive this initiative,” President Kenyatta said.

Wishing Nibigira success in his new assignment, President Kenyatta hoped he would drive the agenda of Kenya and EAC in Burundi.