The leaders convened in Arusha, Tanzania on Thursday March 13, for a two-day Strategic Dialogue for Heads of Public Service and Ministers, where they discussed critical barriers hindering the EAC's integration.
Key challenges identified included fragmented national policies, weak engagement frameworks, and inadequate financial and human resources, all of which have slowed the implementation of regional commitments.
To address these issues, the meeting emphasized the need for a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure national policies align with regional objectives. Leaders also called for stronger policy coordination, sustained collaboration, and reinforced accountability to accelerate integration efforts.
Beatrice Askul Moe, Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers and Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for EAC Affairs, urged Heads of Public Service to ensure compliance with regional commitments.
'We must acknowledge that the pace of implementing regional protocols has sometimes fallen short. Your oversight can help identify bottlenecks, address implementation challenges and hold relevant agencies accountable for their regional obligations,' she stated.
Kenya's Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, emphasized the importance of financial commitments from Partner States, calling for the timely implementation of directives made by EAC Heads of State.
Similarly, Uganda's Minister for EAC Affairs and First Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, stressed the need for regional leaders to fully familiarize themselves with EAC laws and ensure their enforcement.
EAC Secretary General, Veronica Nduva, highlighted the risks posed by competing national interests, resource constraints, and delays in financial disbursements.
She underscored that a lack of coordinated governance has led to persistent Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), negatively impacting regional trade. She called for greater alignment and accountability from EAC Organs, Coordinating Ministries, and Heads of Public Service.
Dr. Peter Kiuluku, Director General of the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI), urged EAC Partner States to embrace a technology-driven economy, value creation, and strategic collaboration to enhance regional competitiveness.
The dialogue, supported by ESAMI and GIZ, reaffirmed the EAC's commitment to long-term economic transformation and global competitiveness.
Among those in attendance were Permanent Secretaries, Ambassadors, representatives from government institutions, and academia members, all contributing to the discourse on a stronger, more unified East African Community.
IGIHE
