EAC leaders to consider banning used vehicles, clothes

Flags of East African Community member states. EAC leaders are considering banning importation of used vehicles, clothes and shoes to promote motor vehicle assembly and the textile and leather industries in the region. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • President Uhuru Kenyatta and his delegation travelled for the summit on Wednesday morning.
  • The summit is scheduled to deliberate on a report by the Council of Ministers on the admission of Somalia into the EAC.
  • The EAC Summit was preceded by the East African Business Leaders’ Summit that took place on Tuesday.

East African Community (EAC) leaders are considering banning the importation of used vehicles, clothes and shoes to promote motor vehicle assembly and the textile and leather industries in the region.

The ban is among the issues the 17th Ordinary EAC Heads of State Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, is expected to discuss.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his delegation travelled for the summit on Wednesday morning, departing from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly after 8am.

At the top of the EAC summit agenda will be the consideration of Council of Ministers' reports on the negotiations on admitting South Sudan into the community and sustainable financing mechanisms for the EAC.

SOMALIA ADMISSION

The summit is scheduled to deliberate on a report by the EAC Council of Ministers on admitting Somalia into the bloc.

The leaders will also launch the new International East African e-Passport (electronic-passport) during the summit.

The EAC Summit was preceded by the East African Business Leaders’ Summit that took place on Tuesday.

This year’s summit is focused on the private sector, giving businessmen the opportunity to engage with the heads of State on key issues to be addressed in order for businesses in the EAC to thrive.

The summit also gives an opportunity to businessmen to make their voice heard at the regional level.