Category Archives: East African Community News

East African Community: New fisheries research boats for Kenya and Uganda to boost Lake Victoria studies

TWO NEW BOATS TO BE DEPLOYED IN LAKE VICTORIA BY KENYA,UGANDA AND TANZANIA TO
BOOST FISHERIES STUDIES

Fisheries News By Leo Odera Omolo in Kisumu City.

RESEARCH program project being carried out by the three members of the East African Communities, namely Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda has received three new boats valued at USD 2 million.

The three ultra-modern vessels fitted with sophisticated research gadgets will aid scientific fisheries studies in the lake.
Under the European Union-funded Fisheries Management Plan, the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute and Uganda’s National Fisheries Research Institute will each receive a new research boat fitted with an in-built laboratory, with the ability to determine fish populations, as well as the quality of waters in the Lake. The two vessels will cost USD 1.9 million.

Tanzania Fisheries Research institute will have a research vessel that it already owns refurbished and fitted with the latest equipment to improve its research capabilities. This includes fitting it with a new engine at a cost of USD 102,682.

The fisheries plan has been implemented through the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization, over the past seven years.

The project manager, Samson Abura, said the new vessels are expected to cut down on the cost and time on studies.

The three vessels also play a major role in the management of Lake Victoria as they have modern equipment for assessing fish stocks. The lake is currently grappling with dwindling fish stocks, precipitated by intense fishing pressure, as well as infiltration of illegal and destructive fishing practices, such as the increased use of unauthorized fishing nets.

The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute assistant director in charge of inland waters, Dr. Richard Abila, said that the new vessel is fitted with echo-sounders that will aid hydro-acoustic surveys that determine the quantity and distribution of fish in the lake. The surveys are conducted quarterly.

Dr. Abila explained that the equipment functions using sound waves that are sent into the water and a signal recorded when fish is detected. Scientists conduct three surveys in a year to give a representation of the fish population trends.
The research boats also have advanced facilities for analyising water quality.

Now researchers going on expeditions in the lake no longer have to carry equipment with them, nor do they have to carry samples back to laboratories as they can analyze them on board.

Ends
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East African Community: EALA Meeting in Kampala is abruptly adjourned after Ugandan MPs stay away

SPEAKER OF THE EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FORCED TO ADJOURN THE HOUSE PREMATURELY AFTER THE ELECTED UGANDAN MPS STAYED AWAY.

Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

FOR some yet to be explained reasons, Uganda elected members of the East African Legislative Assembly stayed away on Monday afternoon, prompting the Speaker of the House to adjourn the sitting twice, due to lack of quorum.

The EALA, the legislative wing of the East African Community is currently holding its two week’s session in the Ugandan capital. Such a meeting rotates to all the five member states of the EAC, namely Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda.

The state-owned NEWVISION reported this morning that the House, presided over by the Speaker, Abdularahim Abdi, was at the time receiving a report of the committee on agriculture, tourism and natural resources, on the common strategy for food security in the region.

While the committee chairperson, Dr. George Nangale, presented the report, Janet Mmari {Tanzania} raised a point of procedure, saying the House was proceeding without quorum since there was no elected Uganda member present.

The rule of procedure governing the EALA requires that all the member countries have to be represented by at least three elected MPs.

The only Ugandan legislature present in the House at the material time was the Ugandan Minister for EAC Affairs, Eriya Kategaya, who is technically not an elected member of the Assembly.

The Speaker suspended the meeting for 10 minutes to give the Clerk time to try and mobilize the Ugandan MPs.
However, after 15 minutes, the Speaker returned to the Chamber and announced that the Ugandan elected MPs could not be found, and the House adjourned again.

And after the House had adjourned, some Ugandan representatives appeared in the lobby, but they declined to talk to the media about their sudden disappearance from the House business.

Nusura Tajoni, one of the MPs later explained that the Ugandan member were attending a crucial meeting in an attempt to resolve a dispute over a committee position. But one Margaret Zziwa was bold enough to disclose that the Ugandan MPs were busy discussing other pressing issues.

Other business scheduled for the day included consideration of the committee report on regional affairs and conflict resolutions.

The House was also expected to consider a motion urging the EAC member states to take action against female genital mutilation.

Sources within the opposition parties in Uganda severely criticized the elected Ugandan MPs for lack of commitment to the deliberations of the Assembly, even when such meetings are held within their doorsteps.

One anonymous spokesman for the opposition blamed the Ugandan representatives, whom he accused of earning millions of shillings from the taxpayers, only to stay away from the meetings of the EAC.

Ends
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

EAC region under one single currency would become more attractive for investors

OFFICIALS PREDICT THAT EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY REGION WOULD BECOME THE MOST ATTRACTIVE AREA FOR BOTH FOREIGN AND LOCAL INVESTMENTS.

Business Report by Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu CITY.

East African is expected to become more attractive to investors appetite for imminent opportunities in the East African Community, with the establishment of an East African Monetary Union.

A team of experts from the European Central Bank, who presented their findings of a study carried out on the establishment of a Monetary Union in the region, told a consultative meeting held in Kampala recently.

The team said the Monetary Union will significantly reduce business transaction costs, as there will be no need to convert one national currency to another.

The signing of the Common Market protocol in the last quarter of 2009 is already pulling in major investments, mainly from China, India and Japan.

“By eliminating barriers that were hindering Intra-East African trade, we expect business and trade between the five member states, namely Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi would be significantly increased”, said David Nalo, the Permanent Secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of the East African Community Affairs.

“With strategies to expand our infrastructure and have a common currency, we expect goods and services to move even much faster from one point to another”, the PS added.

Mr Nalo was recently quoted extensively by the influential weekly, the EASTAFRICAN as saying that a single currency will not only substantially reduce transaction costs, but also bring about price stability.

Before the coming into force of the European Monetary Union a decade ago, an estimated USD 30 billion a year was being spent on foreign exchange transactions.

Then International Monetary Fund {IMF} says the elimination of these costs were particularly relevant to Ireland, the bulk of whose exports go to the European Union.

Statistics now show that the European Monetary Union increased trade among its member countries by between eight and sixteen per cent.

East African Monetary Union will thus result in foreign multinationals being more willing to set up in East African Community region. National Central Banks are also expected to save through lowering international reserves.

However, other reports appearing in the same paper, says that the initial efforts to reach a common position on rolling out a single currency for the region have run into hurdles, as Kenya and Uganda argue that the legal requirements of a full transfer of monetary sovereignty to the regional level carry with it the danger of exposing their countries financial sectors to external shocks.

Other latest development in the region is that in future, students taking East African states educational curricular, will soon be compelled to sit for a compulsory “East African Community Treaty” examination to gauge their grasp of the regions integration.

Although it is not known how soon teachings will begin, the EAC secretariat is currently working at incorporating the subject in the curriculum.

This news comes about as Uganda and Burundi introduce the region’s lingua franca – Kiswahili in schools curriculum this year. It also comes amid growing concern that the integration has not trickled down to ordinary citizens, hence the need for concerted efforts to popularize the East African Community.

The decision to introduce the EAC as a compulsory subject in schools was arrived at during the signing of the EAC Common Market Protocol in November last year, as one of the forward steps towards the region’s full integration.
It creates an interesting challenge for the region, which is grappling with challenges of educational standardization, given that partner states use different systems of education.

According to Kenya’s PS, Mr. Nalo, education is a key element in deepening the region’s integration agenda as exemplified in Article 102 sub-section 11, which partly lays emphasis on the development of a common programme in basic intermediary and tertiary education.

The section further proposes the harmonization of curricular, examinations, certifications, accreditation of training institutions in partner states.

“The EAC plans to undertake a long term harmonization process of education system in the region. The curriculum content will also be changed to adopt to each country’s national priorities and aspirations, “said Mr. Nalo.

The new curriculum is to be jointly developed by national bodies charged with the responsibility. To this end a committee has been formed specifically to deal with the same issue.

This committee will facilitate contact between universities of East Africa, set up a forum for discussion on academic and other matters relating to higher education, and maintain higher academic standards across the EAC region.

The PS said he would be sharing the EAC modalities of implementing the EAC decision with his counterparts in the education ministry, adding that education and training would help the EAC define its priority and aspiration.

Ends

The fragile Coalition government of Kenya is being run by the international bullies behind the scenes, using paid hit men like Kofi Annan and Moreno Ocampo

The fragile Coalition government of Kenya is being run by the international bullies behind the scenes, using paid hit men like Kofi Annan and Moreno Ocampo

From:  Akech

My fellow country men/women;
(By the way, I do not have PhD, so be kind to my rumbling below)

While most of you are taking shots at each other over the squabble between Raila and Ruto, the fragile Coalition government of Kenya is being run by the international bullies behind the scenes using paid hit men like Kofi Annan and Moreno Ocampo.

Annan and Ocampo are paid consultants representing the interests of NATO (United States, Great Britain, and Europe) in their war against terrorism. The US has invested a lot of capital in Mwai Kibaki since that State Dinner hosted by George W. Bush at Whitehouse in his honor in 2003. Because of this relationship with Mwai Kibaki, PNU is the US, Great Britain and European Union favored ruling party in Kenya.

The Mau saga and The Hague stick were merely ploys introduced to dismantle and put ODM out of commission. It would be a miracle if the Pentagon members can manage to sort out their differences and realize that those poor Kenyans who flocked their rallies were counting on them to bring real changes in Kenya! Apparently, it does not look like the big egos will allow them to do that. I wonder whether these people are not just concerned about themselves, immediate families and their close fiends.

What is more worrisome is that there are parallels between the implosion within ODM right now and what was happening in Rwanda a few months before the 1994 genocide.

(1)US has been a staunch supporter of Paul Kagame and his Rwanda Patriotic Front since its creation by Tutsi exiles in Uganda. The leaders in the RPF army were trained and equipped by US and its European allies.

(2)A year or two prior to Rwanda genocide of 1994, there were a series of power sharing negotiations between the government of Rwanda, under President Juvenal Habyarimana and the then leader of Rwanda Patriotic Front, Paul Kagame, held in Arusha, Tanzania.

(3)During these negotiations, the Rwandan government was pressured and threatened with international sanctions by the US and his European allies to grant power sharing concessions to RPF. Habyarimana granted so many concessions to RPF that made it difficult for the president to justify to his hard line supporters that he was not handing over ruling powers to a minority ethnic group, the Tutsis, under leader Paul Kagame.

During the colonial rule and shortly after independence from the Belgians, the Tutsi minority had supreme powers over the Hutus (85%) and other tribes.

(4)The last straw came just a day before the beginning of the genocide. The hardliners in Habyarimana party were unable to standby and watch what they saw as a military coup by Paul Kagame and his Tutsis minority, through continuous pressure from US and it allies. That day, the plane carrying the Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana (Hutu), and Burundi President Cyprien Nitanyamira (Hutu), who were retuning from reconciliation meetings in Arusha, Tanzania, was brought down by a surface-to-air missile just, before its landing at Kigali Airport. The Rwanda genocide began a couple of hours later that night , April (6-7) 1994

(5)To date, the person or people responsible for the downing of the plane have never been identified. Yet there are international investigators in Rift Valley trying to talk to the locals to unearth who exactly incited the 2007 elections riot that killed 1,000 Kenyans.

Yet, US, France, Great Britain and the European Union have never seen it fit to employ their superior investigative methods to unearth who assassinated the presidents of Rwanda and Burundi on the eve of Rwanda genocide. They have left that single episode to speculations:- Could it have been the Hutu hardliners who were afraid of impending takeover of government by advancing Tutsis RPF, or was it Paul Kagame and it RPF, who wanted to take the power from the Hutus? The environment created was such that either side could have been responsible

************************************************************
(1)ODM has been vilified by international press since the beginning of 2007 Kenyan election campaigns.

(2)To make the Coalition Government work, Raila and ODM have made many concessions to accommodate PNU and have been, deliberately, assigned tasks which put this political party members at odds with each other, as well as their supporting Kenyan voters, who are now left dangling in the air. Yet, through Kofi Annan, more pressure is being exerted by the international powers and directed primarily at the Prime Minister and his team. The pressure has definitely taken its toll!

(3)Raila has become the axe man in implementing policies which only help put him in conflicts with his base supporters in Kenya, particularly, Rift Valley.

(4)The current implosion within ODM has created an atmosphere in which anyone outside ODM party members can harm either Ruto or Raila or both. Should something like this happen, some ODM supporters will be blamed for a nightmare like that!

**************************************************************
While ODM attention is directed towards the squabbles within Kenya, a barrage of NEW laws and rules of engagement in the newly re-created East African Community (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi), with dire consequences to Kenya and Kenyans are taking shape. The continuous disagreements between PNU and ODM in Kenya make it difficult for anybody to determine who is representing ODM’s views or or the views of those who gave them support at these EAC negotiations!

One thing is clear; the well known proxy warriors in East Africa and Lake Victoria regions, Paul Kagame and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, are now the alpha dogs in the EAC. These are the same well trained, battle hardened Ugandan and Rwandan proxies who have been wreaking havoc in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where over a million Congolese have been killed, and a million others rotting in refugee camps!

This is the resources looting war the world is not interested talking about. Things are just getting worse with resource lootings in the Congo. New East African Community members are getting into the mineral act:

http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/-/2558/670830/-/qxs6gjz/-/index.html

The borders between these five EAC countries are becoming porous. One does not need a passport to go in and out of each territory! During the 2008 political turmoil in Kenya, it was rumored that Ugandan forces were seen in Western Kenya and Kisumu District, and there has been Migingo Island issue in Lake Victoria. Next time around, it will be the Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi army chaps who will be wreaking havoc in Western and Nyanza Provinces, and they will not need a permission to come in. This is already taking shape, while majority of Kenyans’ attention is focused elsewhere!

http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/-/2558/817786/-/py73rlz/-/index.html

Kofi Annan and Moreno Ocampo have not yet seen it fit to pay one visit to Laurent Nkunda, Paul Kagame’s right hand man, who is responsible for killing and damaging millions Congolese on behalf of multinational corporations. Nkunda is now living in Rwanda, negotiating the terms for his unconditional release.

What exactly did William Ruto do that has made Annan and Ocampo be hot on his trail? Is he worse than Kagame and Nkunda? I am not trying to minimize the deaths of 1,000 and displacement of 35,000 Kenyans during the 2007-2008 election turmoil. I am merely directing your attentions to what some members of EAC are doing in DRC, and what they may be capable of doing in Kenya should things fall apart!

REPEAT, WHILE KENYANS’ ATTENTION IS FOCUSSED ON POLITICAL TURMOILS WITHIN, THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY LAWS WITH DIRE MILITARY AND TRADE COSEQUENCES ARE BEING SHAPED BY THE RESOURCES WAR LORDS WHO ARE NOW MEMBERS OF EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY!

http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/opOrEd/comment/-/434750/817950/-/bpuxnr/-/index.html

EAC SECRETARY GENERAL SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF CHURUNDU BORDER POST

STATEMENT BY AMB. JUMA V. MWAPACHU, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY AND CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMESA-EAC-SADC TRIPARTITE TASK FORCE DURING THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE CHIRUNDU ONE STOP BORDER POST, 5TH DECEMBER 2009, CHIRUNDU, ZAMBIA-ZIMBABWE BORDER

Your Excellency, Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe,

Your Excellency, Rupiah Bwezani Banda, President of Zambia,

Honourable Ministers,

Your Excellencies Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Heads of International and Regional Organizations,

Distinguished Representatives of DFID and JICA,

My colleagues, Sindiso Ngwenya and Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomao, the CEOs of COMESA and SADC,

Invited Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am honoured and profoundly privileged as Chair of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Task Force of Chief Executive officers to thank your Excellencies, our dear Heads of State, for your distinguished presence at this event of historic importance to our region and to Africa.

Your Excellencies,

This event marking the official Launch of the Chirundu One Stop Border Post, the first of its kind in Africa, is a lucid demonstration of the new dynamic in regional integration; a dynamic whose underlying ethos is the forward movement towards the realization of the African Economic Community.

Your Excellencies,

Our region, sparked by the vision and resolve of our political leaders in COMESA, SADC and the East African Community, is path breaking in collapsing the artificial national borders created by colonialism and taking revolutionary strides towards unleashing a new economic integration momentum. A higher growth and sustainable trajectory and indeed the economic liberation of the people of our regional crucially hinges on this dynamic political leadership and on the measures being unfolded of which this One Stop Border Post is only a small manifestation. The bigger resolve is what our leaders decided in October last year in Kampala, Uganda that COMESA-EAC and SADC proceed expeditiously to establish a Grand Free Trade Area followed by a Customs Union. Much headway has been realized on this front. Indeed as we meet here, all the Member States of our three Regional Communities are now reviewing concrete proposals which our Task Force led by the three CEOs have developed and tabled. Our plan is that our political leaders should by May next year pronounce themselves on the establishment of the Grand Free Trade Area.

Your Excellencies,

Within the framework of the Tripartite arrangements, there have been resolute efforts taken, even prior to the establishment of the Grand FTA, to address our region’s transport and logistics deficits. This is in the realization that supply side constraints distort our region’s costs of doing business and undermine our economic competitiveness. It is this realization that gave birth to the North-South Corridor Development Project within which the Chirundu One Stop Border Post is an inherent part. In April this year at Lusaka, the Tripartite Leadership supported by a number of close Development Partners, notably DFID, JICA, EU, World Bank, African Development Bank and Development Bank of Southern Africa, the North-South Corridor Project was able to attract USD1.2 billion in funding pledges. DBSA is raising an additional USD1.5 billion for the project.

Your Excellencies,

Years of cross-border trade experience around the world and not just in Africa have shown that the costs of doing business are invariably distorted where the efficiency of supply chains, both in exports and imports, is thwarted by poor facilitation at border points. A recent study report of the World Bank points out that in fact only 25% of the supply chain high costs are attributable to poor physical infrastructure. 75% of the cost distortion is contributed by what are described as soft infrastructure deficits. These are principally people-driven and related to cumbersome customs procedures, bureaucratic behavior and corruption. It is these trade facilitation deficits that the One Stop Border Posts seek to address. And this Chirundu One-Stop Border Post is in this vein a milestone project. A model whose success will constitute a huge case for replication around our COMESA-EAC-SADC region and Africa generally. We have every confidence that this Chirundu Project will significantly reduce supply chain transaction costs, spur higher trade flows and boost the competitiveness of our industries and agriculture.

Let me offer a real example. Currently, it takes 2-3 days for a haulage truck to cross the Chirundu Border point. If you consider that Chirundu handles an average of 268 trucks per day, this translates to a traffic volume of 96,840 trucks per annum, as a minimum. From our calculation, it costs each truck USD140 per day in fixed costs and Drivers’ time. Thus for 3 days, the cost per truck is US$420. This cost is saved by use of the Chirundu One Stop Border Posts because it is now estimated that each truck should not take more than 2 hours to cross and only 15 minutes for fast track pre-cleared traffic. In our estimation, the potential cost saving per annum is about USD486 million which accrues to our economies and leverages competitiveness.

Your Excellencies,

The advantages realized from the One Stop Border Post are not merely economic. They are also social and importantly so. Public health research in our broad region shows that there is close association between high incidences of HIV/AIDs transmission and delays in border crossings of haulage trucks. Chirundu and other planned One Stop Border Posts will contribute to a significant reduction in HIV/AIDs vulnerability in this important regional economic sector.

Your Excellencies,

Allow me to conclude by thanking DFID and JICA for their financial and technical support to this Chirundu Project. DFID and JICA are working closely with the Tripartite to develop other Transport Corridors in the COMESA-EAC-SADC region notably the Northern Corridor in Kenya and the Central Corridor in Tanzania. These corridors will further open up the economic spaces embracing Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Eastern DRC.

Your Excellencies,

The Governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia have made a huge contribution to this Chirundu Project. The presence of Presidents Mugabe and Banda here today attests to their valued support of this One Stop Border Post Project. We hail this support and salute our comrade Presidents for their solidarity. Finally, special gratitude to Mr. Kingsley Chanda, the Manager and Coordinator of this One Stop Border Post Project. He has done a commendable job.

Your Excellencies,

Friends,

On behalf of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Task Force, I have great honour to invite their Excellencies, President Robert Mugabe and President Rupiah Banda to address us and officially inaugurate the Chirundu One Stop Border Post.

I THANK YOU.

Launching of East African Business directory in Nairobi by the eac

EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY
 
STATEMENT BY MR JEANE CLAUDE NSENGIYUMVA, EAC DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL (PRODUCTIVE AND SOCIAL SECTORS) DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE EAST AFRICAN BUSINESS DIRECTORY
 
Nairobi Safari Club, Nairobi, Kenya, 26 November 2009
 
Hon. Amason Jeffa Kingi, Minister for East African Community
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the East African Community, Mr. David Nalo,
The Vice Chairman of the East African Business Council, Mr. Keli Kiilu
The Executive Director, East African Business Council, Mr. Charles Mbogori,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
 
On behalf of the East African Community Secretariat, I am very pleased to be associated with this important occasion of launching the East African Business Directory, 2009/2010 Edition.
 
Let me at the outset convey warm greetings to you from the Secretary General of the East African Community, Ambassador Juma Mwapachu, and inform you of his great appreciation for this yet another initiative of the East African Business Council in support of regional integration and development.
The launching of the East African Business Directory is indeed timely coming hot on the heels of the signing last Friday by the Heads of State of the Protocol on the Establishment of the East African Community Common Market.  It shows the readiness with which our region’s business community have anticipated the onset of the Common Market.
 
The EAC Common Market Protocol is an elaborate document that will govern, but more importantly, promote intra-regional trade as well as social, cultural and other interactions of our people within a large and vibrant single East African market.
 
Apart from its provisions for free  movement of trade and  factors of production, the Protocol provides for cooperation in critical areas of regional development, including co-operation in regional infrastructure , science and technology, industrial development; and agriculture and food security.
 
The Protocol therefore raises important interventions which must be led and involve critical inputs of the private sector. Taking the cue from the EAC Treaty, the private sector should occupy the position of strategic leadership of our region’s grand march to the ranks of the fast modernizing regions of the world.
 
The aim of economic integration being to tap opportunities of economies of scale arising from a larger market and investment area in order to accelerate growth, it is important that the manufacturing and trading enterprises of our region – both large and small scale – should increasingly collaborate among themselves in the context of the Common Market and the solid regional economic bloc that we are pursuing.
 
The private sector needs to coalesce into a confident force and centre of dynamic engagement and interface with Government in building a strong East African economy with a solid industrial and manufacturing base, and a strong production and marketing enterprise that will raise the competitiveness of our region and raise the living standards of the people.  
 
More or less like a World Cup team, all our development players need to co-ordinate their act, marshal strategies and  resources, investing in the people, investing in economic infrastructure, investing in exchange of information and investing in marketing services thus strengthen performance and maximize scores  in the highly competitive global markets. 
 
It is gratifying to note that the signing of the Protocol has come at a time when a very positive mood and team spirit exists in the region for deepening integration. Indeed, the just concluded celebrations of the 10th Anniversary of the East African Community have further energized the spirit of East African unity and development under the banner of One People, One Destiny that has been well embraced in the region.
 
It is therefore very fitting that East African Business Council, has launched the Business Directory at this opportune moment when we move into the higher stage of integration.  The Directory will provide useful reference and exchange of information for an effective collaborative effort in promoting investments and marketing our region. I am particularly pleased  to note that the East African Business Directory will be committed to providing linking information with  counterparts  across the borders thus promote  cross-border  investments, trade and exchanges.
 
In concluding my remarks, I wish once again to thank the EABC for this excellent idea and wish the East African Business Directory and the business community as a whole great success.
 
 ends
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

After Common Market and EA Customs Union, the political federation is the next stop

AFTER THE SIGNING OF BOTH AGREEMENTS FOR CUSTOMS UNION AND COMMON MARKET PROTOCOLS LAST WEEK, THE POLITICAL FEDERATION OF EAST AFRICA IS NOW VERY MUCH FEASIBLE.

News Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu.

BY signing the common market protocol last week, the East African Community has officially ushered in a common market amid renewed commitment by the region’s head of states to expedite the much touted and envisaged political federation of East African states.

The common market protocol was finally signed in the northern Tanzanian town of Arusha last Friday, bringing to an end months of waiting and anxiety.

Contentious issues nearly derailed the grueling negotiations and the signing, and what should have been accomplished earlier this year, was pushed forward to this month, from April, 2009.

At a colorful ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary , which coincided with the EAC bloc’s common market deal, the chairperson of the East African Community Council of Ministers, Ms Monique Mukuyruliza, who is also the Rwandan Minister for the Community Affairs, urged the partner states to expedite its ratification at national level by the scheduled July 1,2010.

The outgoing chair of the EAC Summit, Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Mwai Kibaki {Kenya}, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni {Uganda}, Pierre Mkurunziza of Burundi and the hosts, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Abeid Amani Karume of Zanzibar, nodded their heads as Ms Mkuruliza said the ball was now in their national courts.

The Minister said Rwanda was the only country in the region with a fast ratification policy, with Tanzania trailing behind, taking longest time, four months.

Despite the disparities, she said, the EAC Ministers had agreed to work closely with their respective countries to push the necessary ratification within the shortest period of time possible.

The coming into force of both the East African Customs Union, and the Common Market, will lead to a short-term loss of revenue, as countries remove internal taxes, and harmonize external duties, as per the common external tariff guidelines.

The expected loss is estimated to run into million of dollars. Rwanda, she said, is the only country that has done a full assessment, and is looking at a loss of USD 12 million, but its EAC Permanent Secretary, Robert Ssali said it is a small price to pay for the expected benefits.

At the signing ceremony, President Kagame handed over the Summit chair to President Jakaya Kikwete.

The EAC Secretary General, Juma V. Mwapachu, said that in the regionalization and globalization era, no one single country can be on its own.

President Kagame, in a his key-note address, said the protocol was a major milestone for the EAC, and attested to its shedding of colonial boundaries and individualism and embracing of globalization.

The Heads of States gave a deadline of six months for a detailed report on the fine-tuning of the federation ,and a committee of experts is to be formed immediately.

Also being fast tracked is a ground for free trade area from Cape Town to Cairo, bringing together the EAC, the Common Market for East and Southern Africa, and the Southern African Development Community, that will remove trade borders among 26 African countries.

A conference in March next year will fine tune documents, to be signed by the Presidents in April, and become operational in December 2010.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, has welcomed the signing of the common market protocol and the EAC Customs Union Act. He said this will bring to an end the harassment of Kenyan fishermen in Lake Victoria.

Speaking at Usenge Beach in Yimbo Location, Bondo district, during the International Fishing Day, Raila Odinga said the two agreements will boost the security in the region.

The treaty permits the free movement of people, goods and services both on land and in the lake”, said the PM.

He said from now onward, no Kenyan fisherman will again be arrested for trespassing into parts of the lake considered to be in Uganda or Tanzania. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have a common security team to make fishing in Lake Victoria more safe.

Illegal fishing nets being used in the lake, said Mr.Odinga, is the only threat to the existence of lake resources. He told the fishermen to act responsibly and conserve the lake resources for the future generation.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Fisheries Minister, Dr. Nyongesa Otuoma, the Minister for Regional Development, Fred Gumo and other senior government and local officials..

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Uganda is developing an alternative route to the sea via Dar Es Salaam

UGANDA PLANS TO REHABILITATE PORT BELL AND MWANZA PORTS FOR ALTERNATIVE OUTLET ROUTES TO THE SEA VIA THE PORT OF DAR ES SALAAM.

Business News By Leo Odera Omolo In kisumu City.

The Kenyan Kilindini harbour, located at the coastal city of Mombasa may soon loose its lucrative freight business to the Tanzanian port of Dar Es Salaam, if the plans envisaged by the Ugandan government to rehabilitate the Port Bell {Luzira} and Mwanza Port in Tanzania succeeded.

The Kampala regime has re-launched the new development of Port Bell {Luzira}, the biggest port in the western shore of Lake Victoria. The envisaged ambitious plan is estimated to cost the government USD 13 million { Ushs 24 billion}. This project, the government maintains, will rehabilitate its freight services across Lake Victoria..

The plan was disclosed this week by the Director of Transport in the Ministry of Works, James Itazi, who explained that the Ugandan government has already allocated the funds, amounting to USD 1.7 million[Ushs 3.5 billion} in the 2009/2010 fiscal year, to kick-start the work.

Although not discussed openly by the government of Uganda, the plan may have been rushed forward because of the highly charged political atmosphere in Kenya. It may be recalled that the Kenyan Uganda railway system was uprooted several times last year during the political unrest associated with the 2007 post election violence in Kenya, thus completely crippling the movement of freight to Uganda. The same thing happened again recently, when Uganda invaded Migingo Island of Kenya.

The planned development includes the rehabilitation of the dry dock and its remodeling to enable it to handle containerized and general cargo.

However, the space for expansion is too small to handle multipurpose and containerized ships”, Itazi said in an interview with the SUNDAYVISION.

The Port Bell is connected by 9 kilometer railway line to the capital, Kampala and is close to the City’s Industrial and business park project in Namanve area.

The director was, however, non-committal on the commencement of the construction works, including details of when the biding and tendering process would be done.

Itazi said the dry dock would offer a direct connection with Dar Es Salaam port thus avoiding crossing the densely populated greater Kampala metropolitan area.

The development of the port, will be short term intervention only to handle the current traffic of cargo.

With the problems associated with over reliance on the Northern Corridor route, he said, it was imperative the Uganda urgently develop an alternative, but competitive second route to the sea via Dar Es Salaam.

The director said that the development strategy would involve addressing physical infrastructure constrains like ports, railways, roads and the provision of adequate resources associated with maritime facilities.

The project, he said, includes docking containers and fuels storage facilities, handling equipments, such as are required, and improvement of facilities by both Uganda and Tanzania..

The development partners and private sector are therefore requested to provide the necessarily required funding to develop the route, said Mr Itazi.

For close to two decades ever since the accession of President Yoweri Museveni to power in 1986, the land –locked Uganda has been trying all the tricks in the books to abandoned the use of the more efficient and convenient Kenyan Port of Mombasa. At one time, it had proposed to rehabilitate the Port of Tanga and the construction of a new railway line from the Tanzania northern town of Arusha across the Serengeti Plains to Musoma or Mwanza. But these proposals hit the rock as the environmentalists the world over were vehemently opposed to the idea, saying it would adversely affect wild animals at the world famous Serengeti National Game Park.

The plan also had no blessing of the Ugandan business community, which cited excessive pilferage of cargo at the Dar Es Salaam port.

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

East African Leaders sign a landmark agreement to establish common

THE FIVE PRESIDENTS OF THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY COUNTRIES HAVE SIGNED A LANDMARK AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING THE REGION’S COMMON MARKET.

News Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

THe five presidents of the East African Community member countries have signed a landmark agreement for the establishment of a common market, which allows free movement of people, goods, labor and capital across their member countries.

The ceremony, which took place on Thursday last week in the northern Tanzanian town of Arusha, where the community headquarter is located, coincided with the 10th anniversary of the community’s rebirth and inception in 1999.

The colourful ceremony was attended by Presidents Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi.
The ceremony was also attended by cabinet ministers from the five member states, members of the diplomatic corps, foreign dignitaries, invited guest as well as a battery of local and international journalists.

The common market agreement comes into effect on July, 1st, 2010 after ratification by all the five member states.

The next stage will then be to adopt one currency, and later, the much touted political federation, with possible of one federal president of an East African united states. This will create a buoyant economic growth to the region’s close to 130 million people.

Under the common market, East African citizens can enter another country without visa. Limitation, however, can be imposed by individual countries on grounds of public policy, security and health.
The signed protocol also allows for the rights of residence, free movement of service and capital, and protection of cross-border investments.

The five regional leaders signed the protocol during a colorful ceremony held at the Arusha International Conference Centre. Initially, the signing was to take place at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium in view of the public. However, a heavy downpour of the current El-Nino associated rains marred the programme, prompting a change of venue.

The five Presidents also laid the foundation stone of the multi-billion dollar ultra –modern new headquarter of the East African Community, a project co-funded by Germany.

“The tradition is that all the protocols establishing the East African Community institutions are always signed in public, in order to be witnessed, since the birth of such projects”, President Kikwete explained.

Under the common market protocol, the five countries of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi agreed to eliminate all the trade barriers, harmonize standards for goods and services, and to implement a common trade policy.

The head of states also agreed on the freedom of labor, to provide social security benefits, and establish common standard for workers and employers associations. Except for Tanzania, the rest agreed to use national identity cards as the official travel documents.

The common market is the second stage in the EAC integration process and comes five years after the launching of the customs union.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who handed the EAC chairmanship to president Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, said the signing of the common market protocol signaled the “passing of a region of states competing with each other, and welcoming a region with a common interest and aspiration”. “The establishment of the customs union has also enhanced trade among the member countries,” Kagame noted, adding that the fears that revenue of some countries would be vandalized has been removed.

In his moving address, President Yoweri Museven of Uganda called for investment in the oil exploration, and assured East Africans that the recently discovered petroleum in Uganda will benefit the entire region.

A jovial Ugandan leader said the oil exploration companies were initially opposed to the idea of building a refinery, and instead wanted to build a pipeline to export the raw crude oil to be refined abroad.
“Then I made an abrupt trip to Iran, which is not a popular country in some parts of the world {a reference to the US}. Through the President of that country, I learnt that they have nine oil refineries and are in the process of building another seven”.

He said the discovery of petroleum deposits in Uganda is a sign that there may be oil in other parts of western rift valley, which is shared by Tanzania. Rwanda and Burundi.

Museveni stressed that agriculture should not be neglected because petroleum is a finite resource that will get exhausted one day. ”The money accrued from oil therefore, should be used constructively to build infrastructure for transport, energy and science.

Ends
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY HAS SIGNALED ITS WILLINGNESS TO HELP RAILWAY NETWORKS BACK ON TRACK IN THE REGION AND ASSIST GOVERNMENTS IMPROVE ROAD S AND COMMUNICATIONS.

East African Community to assist member states revive their railways network
Business Report By Leoa Omolo In Kiasumu City
Nov 15, 2009 at 1:23 AM

The East African Community has expressed its readiness to help resolve the challenges facing concession of railway lines in the region.
This will streamline the region’s transport network and spur economic growth. The intervention in the railway concession is one of the measures being instituted by the regional body.

The EAC’s Deputy Secretary General in charge of production and social sector, Jean Claude Nsengivumwa has said the infrastructure development initiatives being undertaken will address the low competitiveness of the region’s economies.

Addressing the participants at a recent forum on management of the Lake Victoria Basin in the Kenyan lakeside City of Kisumu, Mr Nsengivuymwa said the railway master plan are at different stages of implementation, and will help the region work towards political integration.

The move, he said, will focus on the concession of the Kenya-Uganda railway, and will include re-evaluation of the Central Railway system. It is being developed for East Africa and is aimed at improving the management of the network in the region.

The envisaged master plan will address, among other issues, interconnection and expansion of the railway line from the original coverage in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to incorporate Rwanda and Burundi.

The Rift Valley Railways was awarded a 25-year concession to run the Kenya-Uganda railway line in 2005. The firm has been embroiled in a series of challenges, including failure to agree on a new majority shareholder as well as sourcing additional capital.

The signing of the EAC Common Market Protocol is slated for next week, on November 20th,2009. It will pave the way for development of a Monetary Union that will herald a political federation.

Kenya’s Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, was recently quoted as saying Rwanda and Burundi will cushion the region from global economic woes.
Mr Odinga said the region is now a strong economic bloc, following the revival of the Community and the admission of Rwanda and Burundi.
The East Africa Community Customs Union, that was established four years ago, is expected to come in threshold in January 2010, when all goods traded in the region will attract zero duty. Lake Victoria Basin is expected to play a crucial role in the economic development of the EAC.

The Deputy Secretary General of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, Samuel Gachere, said the strategic locations of the basin makes it a regional economic growth zone. Several projects linking the different partner states are being implemented.

They include the construction of the Arusha-Namanga-Athi River road, and a power interconnection project between Kenya and Tanzania at the Namanga border point.

Preparation is also underway for the construction of Arusha-Moshi -Voi and Malindi-Mombasa,Tanga Bagamoyo projects.

Mr. Gichere aqdded that regulation covering aviation safety, aerodromes and security in partner states are in the process of being harmonized.

Gas and oil pipelines have also been earmarked for expansion; mainly from Eldoret to Kampala and, eventually, to Kigali and Bujumbura.
Mr Odinga called for investment in lake transport in order to open up the huge potential for trade within the region. He asked private investors to operate luxury boats on the lake and use it as a transport and tourism corridor.

Ends
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Jothurwa, Kenya Iyako Rumo

From: Odhiambo Okecth
Date Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 7:59 AM

Jothurwa,

Kenya iyako rumo.

Negichako kod yako loch- political power, aye giyako weche omwuom duto- finance and banking. Bang’e to giyako weche maodok kor ka rito piny- security.

Ekinde no, gitiegre mokalo, kendo sani, weche tiegruok te ni elwetgi- education. Aye gidhi e weche mag muya- Energy. Mano bende gise mako sani.

Kor ka dak to negikawo chon- housing. Kor ka wouth to gin kendgi- transpot. Weche mag ohalo to ok talgi- trade. Ka idhi e ofis serkal, to gin ema githoth- Civil Service.

Kuonde maiyake gikmoko, gin ema gin nyime- scandals.

Koro jo thhurwa, apenjo niya, wan ogendni mamoko e pinywa ka, wan pasenja koso?

Ang’o ma odong’ ma wanyalo chuto? To koso jotendwa to nikure?

Iyako piny kendo wang’ni to eka lich.

Odhiambo Wuod Oganda,
Echuny Buore.

CLIMAX ACTIVITIES OF EAC 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS START IN ARUSHA WITH MAJOR SYMPOSIUM ON CRITICAL ISSUES OF INTEGRATON

From: Leo Odera Omolo
Date: Thu, Nov 12, 2009 at 7:55 AM

Forwarded By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

The East African Community observes its 10th Anniversary this month (November 2009), marking ten years since the Signing of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community in 1999.

A number of commemorative and promotional activities have been ongoing since August for the Anniversary Observance. One of the major activities, the EAC 10th Anniversary Symposium will be held at the Snowcrest Hotel, Arusha, on 13-14 November 2009 under the theme EAC 10 Years of Integration: One People, One Destiny

This will be a two-day Symposium and will involve the participation of over 100 participants drawn from Government, Civil Society, Academia, Business Community and the Media of the EAC countries, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda.

High level presenters and discussants will lead discussions on 4 topics chosen for their significance to the East African regional integration at the moment: Pan Africanism and the Challenges of EAC Integration; Science and Technology as Strategic Driver of EAC Development ; Climate Change and its Implications to development in the EAC Region; and Role of Non State Actors in Deepening EAC Integration .

The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Juma Mwapachu said the objectives of the Symposium are to highlight the achievements of the EAC during the 1st decade of its operations (1999-2009) and identify the challenges and prospects of the regional integration process in the period ahead. He said the Symposium would examine to what extent EAC regional integration meets the expectations and aspirations of the East African people and impacts their lives.

The Symposium will document, publicize and popularize the EAC among the East African people and galvanize a passionate, visionary and broad participation in the EAC integration process. The deliberations of the Symposium will be published in a book.

The Symposium will be attended by all the Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs in the EAC Partner States – Hon Monique Mukaruliza, Minister of EAC Affairs, Rwanda and Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Rwanda Rt. Hon. Eriya Kategaya, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs, Uganda Hon Amason Jeffah Kingi, Minister for East African Community, Kenya Hon Dr Diodorus Kamala, Minister for East African Co-operation, Tanzania Hon Hafsa Mossi, Minister East African Community Affairs, Burundi – who will chair the various sessions of the Symposium.

The Symposium will be addressed by leading academics in the region, including Prof. Issa Shivji of the University of Dar es Salaam who will address on the topic Pan Africanism and the Challenges of EAC Integration, Prof Edward Oyugi of Tanzania who will present as paper on the Role of Non-State Actors in Deepening EAC Integration and Prof Laurent Ntahuga of Burundi who will lead discussions on Climate Change and its implications to Development in the EAC Region.

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME OF THE SYMPOSIUM

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Subject: CLIMAX ACTIVITIES OF EAC 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS START IN ARUSHA WITH MAJOR SYMPOSIUM ON CRITICAL ISSUES OF INTEGRATON

EAC MINISTERS DEPLORE THE CATCHING AND SELLING OF IMMATURE NILE PERCH FISH SPECIES IN LAKE VICTORIA AND BLAMES UGANDA AND DR.CONGO FOR RUINING THEIR EFFORTS.

From: Leo Odera Omolo
Date: Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 7:39 AM

Environmental News By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

EAST African Ministers in charge of fisheries department in their respective countries met in the Kenyan capital at the weekend and deplored the catching and selling of immature Nile Perch fish specifies.

The emergency ministerial council meeting specifically blamed Uganda and Dr. Congo for ruining their concerted effort to save the economically important Nile Perch from possible extinction.

In the attendance were Dr. Poul N Otuyoma { Kenya} John Magufuli {Tanzania}, and Hope Mqwesigye {Uganda}.The ministers said some partner countries in the region, specifically Uganda and Dr. Congo were selling immature Nile Perch locally and at the international markets.

The Council of Ministers authorized an expenditure of Kshs 135 million to support an operation to rescue the endangered Nile Perch fish in Lake Victoria. Each of the three countries, which shared the Lake Victoria would contribute Kshs 45 million.

Most of Eastern African countries export the fish to European Union {EU} countries, Japan, Middle East and to the US, earning billions of shillings annually. The fish is also a source of food for the communities living around Lake Victoria region.

The Nile Perch species of fish, which has since became economically lucrative, was introduced by the former British Colonial rulers in Lake Victoria about 50 years ago, and later became the source of economic boom for the residents of the three countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due to the high demand of its delicious fish flats.

Dr.Otuoma told his colleagues that the Nile Perch stocks in Lake Victoria have dwindled from 2.1 million tones annually in 2000 to merely 331 tones this year..

“This is a crisis whose social and economic implications are too grave to be ignored”, he said, adding, “ we need, as matter of utmost urgency, a paradigm shift in our strategies and plans for managing the lake and its resources”.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will each request for a supplementary budget from their governments to approve the expenditure of Kshs 45 million each to support the Operation christened “Operation Save Nile Perch Programme”.

“I know that it is the Democratic Republic of Congo and my own country Uganda, whose rampant business involving the sale of juvenile fish, is quite rampant, but the time has come to deal with the matter”, the Ugandan Fisheries Minister told his colleagues.

She stunned other delegates when she readily admitted Uganda has been used as a transits base for the sales of immature fish to the DR Congo.

“I know that this business is also going on in Kenya and Tanzania, but it is thriving more in Uganda and DR Congo,”she said.

The three Ministers, whose countries shared Lake Victoria, signed a deal on the implementation of measures approved by the Seventh Regular Session of Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization Council of Ministers, in February this year.

The countries have agreed to remit funds by December 31 to support the new initiative.

Dr. Otuoma promised that Kenya will remain committed to the pact totally, and will pay its share of the programmed funds.

Magufuli {Tanzania} said his country has intensified the security patrol of their side of Lake Victoria, leading to the confiscation of 21,773 illegal fishing gears and the arrest by security personnel of 58 people.

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com
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Subject: EAC MINISTERS DEPLORE THE CATCHING AND SELLING OF IMMATURE NILE PERCH FISH SPECIES IN LAKE VICTORIA AND BLAMES UGANDA AND DR.CONGO FOR RUINING THEIR EFFORTS.

EALA TO HOLD 2ND MEETING- 3RD SESSION-2ND ASSEMBLY

From: Leo Odera Omolo
Date: Fri, Nov 6, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Subject: Fw: EALA TO HOLD 2ND MEETING- 3RD SESSION-2ND ASSEMBLY

From: EAC News
Subject: EALA TO HOLD 2ND MEETING- 3RD SESSION-2ND ASSEMBLY
Date: Friday, November 6, 2009, 6:53 AM

PRESS RELEASE

EALA TO HOLD 2ND MEETING- 3RD SESSION-2ND ASSEMBLY

-EALA to hold Special Sitting in commemoration of the EAC 10th Anniversary-
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania: 6 November 2009: The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) will hold its Second Meeting of the Third Session at the EALA Chambers in Arusha, Tanzania from the 8th – 20th November 2009.

Notable business that will be considered during the two weeks the Assembly will conduct its Plenary and Committee meetings include:

· Committee Meetings and on spot visits to programme sites;

· Debate and passage of the EAC Tourism Bill 2009, and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission Bill 2007;

· Debate and adoption of report of the Accounts Committee on EAC Audited Accounts;

· Questions to the Council; and

· Motions and Resolutions.

The Second Meeting of the Third Session of the Second EALA will also hold a Special Sitting on Thursday, 19th November between 9.00AM-11.00 AM in commemoration of the EAC 10th Anniversary. The Special Sitting will be addressed by the Speakers of the five National Assemblies of the Partner States, and the President of the Pan African Parliament. The Assembly will also debate and pass a resolution to pay Commemoration to the 10 years of the EAC’s existence.

In the afternoon of the 19th November 2009 there will be a formal meeting of the Bureau of Speakers of the EAC at which several issues regarding inter-Parliamentary relations will be discussed.

The period will also see EALA participate in several activities to mark the EAC 10th anniversary that include a soccer tournament involving EALA, all National Parliaments and local Clubs between 12th – 17th November 2009.

The EALA Members are finally expected to attend the EAC Summit scheduled for 20th November 2009 in Arusha, Tanzania.

* Accreditation is now open online at www.eala.org *

Background

The East African Legislative Assembly is the legislative organ of the East African Community. Its membership consists of a total of 52, of whom 45 are elected members (9 from each Partner State) and seven ex-officio members (the Ministers responsible for EAC Affairs from the Partner States, the Secretary General of the Community and the Counsel to the Community).

The East African Legislative Assembly has legislative functions as well as oversight of all East African Community matters. The enactment of legislation of the Community is effected by means of Bills passed by the Assembly and assented to by the Heads of State, and every Bill that has been duly passed and assented to shall be styled an Act of the Community.

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Kindly also find attached a copy of the provisional programme for the plenary and Standing Committees.
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Clerks Chambers
East African Legislative Assembly
5th Floor AICC Complex, Ngorongoro Wing
P.O. Box 1096, Arusha, TANZANIA

provisional programme for the plenary and Standing Committees

HEADS OF STATES FROM THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY COUNTRIES TO CONVERGE IN ARUSHA FOR THE 10TH YEAR’S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF ITS REBIRTH IN 1999.

From: Leo Odera Omolo
Date: Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 2:03 PM

News Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

THE east African Community secretariat in Arusha last weekend released a tentative program of celebration festivities to mark the organization’s tenth year anniversary since its rebirth in 1999.

Five heads of states from the member states of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, invited dignitaries, members of the diplomat corps, senior government officials from the five countries and eminent persons from across the globe will be in attendance.

A provisional program of activities to mark the 10th anniversary, whose clamor will be on November 29, 2009, was sent to all the media houses, both electronic and print across the region as well as to the correspondents and all radio and TV stations across the globe.

The highlights of the anniversary observance will be the EAC summit at the Sheikh Amani Abeid Karume Stadium in Arusha.

IT is then that the protocol on the establishment of the EAC Common Market will be signed by the EAC Heads of State.

The signing is significant, as the process towards attainment of the Monetary Union is gathering momentum. That day, heads of states of the five EAC member states – Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi –will also lay the foundation stone of the construction of the new ultra-modern EAC headquarters.

The anniversary climax will be proceeded by EAC’S 10th anniversary symposium, which will be held in Arusha on November 19-24,2009.

The symposium will bring together about 100 participants from governments, civil society, academia, business community and media in East Africa.

High level presenters will lead discussions on topics such as Pan Africanism and the challenges of EAC integration, and science and technology as strategic driver of EAC development.

Other topics are climate change and its implications on development in the EAC region; and the role of non-state actors in deepening EAC integration-all under the broad theme; ”EAC 10 YEARS of integration; One people one destiny.”

“The symposium will be an occasion for reflection, self-evaluation by others”, says the statement from Arusha based secretariat.

Proceedings of the symposium will be compiled and published in a book form.

Other key players and actors, including the EAC diplomatic missions abroad, will hold additional symposia of their own on topics of their own choice under the symposium’s broad theme.

The EAC Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency, for instance, will hold a symposium on the theme; ”Aviation-linking EAC and the world safely and efficiently”. This will be in Arusha on November 22 under the EAC 10th anniversary observance program. The inter-University Council of East Africa will also hold a separate symposium.

Winners of the inaugural East African Media Award Competition will be announced on November 20th,2009.

There will also be a special session of the East African Legislative Assembly on November 19. This session will feature debate on the achievements, challenges and prospects of the East African Community.

An EAC video documentary’s treatment and outline are being developed, including historical footage, selected project coverage, and interviews with Heads of the EAC organs and institutions and other stakeholders. The video will be ready during 2010.

A leading International broadcasting agency has also been engaged to produce a promotional and publicity video for the anniversary, that will include the main events of November 20th, 2009 for regional and worldwide dissemination.

The Ministries of EAC Affairs in the respective member states will produce and place promotional radio jingles and TV spots.

The anniversary marking 10 years since the signing of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community in November 1999,aims at recording the achievement made so far.

It will showcase the EAC, recognize the roles and contributions of the key players and actors, and broad spectrum of the stakeholders in the EAC integration process.

In this way, it will encourage them to hasten integration in the next stage the EAC is moving into.

“Observance will be an opportunity for the EAC to identify the challenges faced during the first decade of operations. There will be sharp focus on EAC operations into the second decade {2010-2020} and on how the EAC is to reinvent itself in light of new challenges ahead”, said the statement by the Arusha secretariat.

The observance is also intended to stage a celebratory moment, considering that, while the first EAC, which was established in 1967 collapsed on its 10th anniversary in 1977, the new is resurgent, enlarged and full of promise 10 years on. The EAC exudes pride, good feeling and hope among the people of East Africa.

The signing of the East African Community Common Market Protocol, will be a milestone in the concentration and actualization of the community, a regional economic unit with a population, which is close to 120 million people.

Ends.
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Subject: HEADS OF STATES FROM THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY COUNTRIES TO CONVERGE IN ARUSHA FOR THE 10TH YEAR’S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF ITS REBIRTH IN 1999.

KENYATTA DAY: THE KAPENGURIA SIX WERE THIEVES NOT HEROES!

From: BENSON MAISORI date Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 3:28 AM

For those of us who do not know how it came about may be we need to shed some light on the so called Kenyatta Day.

On 20th October, 1952 a few men who were accused of belonging to Mau Mau were rounded up by the colonial regime and sent to detention at Manyani detention camp. The victims included Jomo Kenyatta, Kung’u Karumba, Paul Ngei, Achieng Oneko, Fred Kubai and Bildad Kagia. They came to be known as the Kapenguria six.

I find this historical events significant not because some men were arrested and detained for engaging in a struggle to liberate our country from the colonial chains, but because history gives us a sense of belonging and appreciating the values that hold us together as a people with common history and destiny. This standpoint therefore calls for historical facts to be put across to us, so that we may be fair in rewarding and punishing those values that either kept us together then or those that pulled us apart. That is the second reason history exists. To tell us who we are, why we are here, and more so who is responsible for why we are what we are. It is then incumbent upon us to decide who we should reward and who we should punish.

The Mau Mau war was fought for two reasons. One, to bring back the land that had been alienated from the black man, and two, to recapture the freedom that had been taken away from the indigenous people.

We shall recall that around 1928, the Kikuyu community had sent Johnstone Kamau ( Later Jomo Kenyatta) to London, to take complaints to the royal crown, on matters of land by the subjects of the Monarch. Kenyatta instead joined the para military training college in London, and served as para military officer, until 1945, when he heard that Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Moziah Garvey, Julius Nyerere, among other luminaries, were meeting in Manchester to espouse and propound the concept of Panfricanism. He remembered that, that is what he had been sent to do, and therefore crossed over and joined the luminaries in their meeting. In 1946 he came back to Thogoto and the rest is history for you.

But one thing I have always admitted is that Kenyatta was a man who was at the place at the right time, and something always happened just by his mere presence. For example, in 1946, when he came back, Kenya African Union(KAU), and the members of the a forty group, transformed into the radical Mau Mau, triggering an unprecedented political force that grabbed global headlines in the world press. People like Franz Fanon died regretting why he never met Dedan Kimathi and help him fight in the forest. Kenyans must, however, be told the fact that Jomo Kenyatta denounced Mau Mau as a retrogressive group that did not stand for what he believed in. His lawyer, Professor Thurgood, cemented this view in the court abroad and locally. That was partly the reason Kenyatta was so angry with the Mau Mau fighters that, even after independence, he sought to punish them by denying them the chance to recover their lost land. The debate continues to date.

Now other people like Paul Ngei surely, theirs is even more hilarious. Actually Ngei had no role in Mau Mau, nor in the struggle for Kenya’s liberation. It is believed he was a pick pocket and so, when the swoop was carried out, the colonialists thought he could fit in that camp. He became a liberation hero in the process, and Kenyatta loved him, and rewarded him dearly after independence. For Achieng Oneko, it was a case of a man caught in the wrong/right place at the wrong time. After all, it was emergency time, anything at sight was being apprehended. Otherwise Oneko had played no role in the struggle for independence. Not even in his homeland, Kavirondo, where the struggle was hot.

The point I am driving home is that our country has fallen in the habit of rewarding the wrong people, and punishing the right ones. Why, for example, did we have to name 20th October as Kenyatta Day and not Kimathi Day? We all know what Kimathi stood for. It is best captured in the immortal dictum, ‘I had better die on my feet standing than live on my knees for fear of colonial rule!’ Yet to date as a country, we do not know where his remains were buried! The least we could demand from the Britons is not actually compensation for their having destroyed our cultural values, but that the remains of our hero-Dedan Wachiuru Kimathi be located and given a decent send off.

And this is my plea to those crafting for us a new constitution. We must now confront these lies we have been told for over decades. We must change the name of the 20th October holiday. We must change the name of that University called Kenyatta or Jomo Kenyatta and Moi or even Lord Egerton. First we must ask ourselves whether it is necessary to name those institutions after people’s names, then ask ourselves whether those are the right people to name. If it is a must, then Kenyatta University should be named Tom Mboya University. Moi University should be named Kimathi University, and Egerton University should be named Pio Gama Pinto or even Mekatalili University, and Jomo Kenyatta University should be named Koitalel Arap Samoie or Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University.

Coming down to other areas, like street naming in the city centre for example, why do we have a street like Mama Ngina when there is no street named after J.M Kariuki?

I submit that this Kenyatta Day should teach us a few lessons, and more so serve as a reminder to us that we need to get our history right, and interrogate the popular views that we have all along been told. We must reward the correct people and identify our heroes right.
I submit that the people we have rewarded as heroes in the country are the thieves who stole such rights from those who deserved it. It is time we gave back those titles to those who rightfully deserved!

EAC LAUNCHES 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

from Leo Odera Omolo
Oct 15, 2009 9:21 AM

EAC Headquarters, Arusha, 15 October 2009: The Secretariat of the East African Community has released the provisional programme of the activities planned for the 10th EAC Anniversary which will be observed in November this year, marking 10 years since the Signing of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community in November 1999.

The details of the activities are contained in a Programme and Action Plan and aim at yielding maximum publicity and promotion of the East African Community. The objectives of the Observance are to record the achievements of the EAC during the 1st decade of its operations; showcase the achievements that the EAC has made in the past 10 years; recognize the roles and contributions of the key players and actors and the broad spectrum of stakeholders in the EAC integration process; and, in this way, encourage them and others to embrace robust integration effort in the subsequent stage where the EAC is moving.

The Observance will provide opportunity for the EAC to identify the challenges that the EAC faced during the 1st decade of its operations (1999-2009); focus the EAC operations into the 2nd decade (2010-2020), how is the EAC to reinvent itself in light of the new challenges; and resolve into a truly effective and visibly achieving regional organization.

The Observance is also intended to stage a celebratory moment, considering that, while the first EAC, which was established in 1967, collapsed on its 10th Anniversary in 1977, the new EAC that was established in 1999 is resurgent, enlarged and full of promise and prospects as it marks its 10th Anniversary. The Secretary General of the East African Community, Ambassador Juma Mwapachu has said the EAC 10th Anniversary celebrations intend to reinforce the spirit of unity, pride, good feeling and hope among the people of East Africa about their Community; and galvanize a passionate, visionary and broad participation in the EAC integration process.

The climax of the Anniversary Observance will be the EAC Summit on 20th November 2009 when the Protocol on the Establishment of the EAC Common Market will be signed by the EAC Heads of State. The Signing of the EAC Common Market Protocol is significant at a time also that the process towards the attainment of Monetary Union has gathered momentum. The Secretary General said the Signing of the East African Community Common Market Protocol will be one of the most definitive milestones in the concretization and actualization of the Community and, as such, deserves a great celebration, and stimulation of broad support for regional integration and development. The laying of the foundation stone for the new EAC Headquarters construction will also be performed on the occasion, among other commemorative events.

The theme of the EAC 10th Anniversary Observance is EAC: Ten Years of Integration: One People, One Destiny. The EAC 10th Anniversary Observance will reflect the basic principle of a people-centered and private sector-led regional integration. The observance will involve wide participation among the East African people across the entire East African region. East Africans in the Diaspora will also be involved in the Observance, particularly through the Activities that will be held in the EAC Diplomatic Missions abroad. The EAC region’s civil society, professional associations, business community, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community based organizations (CBOs), will take the lead in the EAC 10th Anniversary Observance.

The key players and actors in the EAC Anniversary Observance will mobilize voluntary contributions and corporate sponsorship of elaborate cultural and sporting activities such as the East African Cultural Festival, Billboards and other displays that are among the Activities that are proposed for the Anniversary celebrations. The Secretary General said it was important not only to make the private sector and civil society aware of the activities of the East African Community but also to get them interested and involved in these activities which are being undertaken for their benefit and that of the region as a whole. In particular, the East African Business Council should be fully involved in the planned activities. To this extent, the East African Business Council, the private sector at large and indeed the non-governmental and civil society organizations are expected to be a major source of resources, both financial and other support, towards the success of the celebrations.

The role of the Ministries of EAC Affairs is considered critical in involving the Media, Civil Society and the Business Community in various Activities of celebrating, creating wide awareness and popularizing the EAC among the East African people. On the whole, there should be deep involvement and sensitization of the people throughout the East African region on the projects and programmes of the Community towards a new awakening to the regional integration Agenda.

The Secretary General expressed confidence of the successful outcome of the EAC Observance, with working closely in collaboration of all the key players and actors, and a determination to stage the most memorable and inspirational Observance of the EAC 10th Anniversary. He said the observance should bear maximum impact across the East African region and reinvigorate the spirit of East African unity and development. The state of play with regard to the activities planned for the EAC 10th Anniversary Observance is as follows:-

EAC Anniversary Website, eac10anniversary.eac.int has been established which will be constantly updated to provide dynamic, interactive communications with the public about the EAC during this period. The key players and actors as well as members of the public are encouraged to access the Website for regular updates and source of reference for publicity and promotion of the Anniversary observance.

An EAC Infopak is being prepared by the Secretariat. The Infopak will include information and data sheets about the projects and programmes of the EAC Organs and Institutions. The Infopak will also contain general information about the EAC 10th Anniversary. EAC Organs and Institutions will contribute data sheets for compiling into the Infopak.

Special EAC 10th Anniversary Publications will be produced, specifically: The EAC Anniversary Brochure, (by the Secretariat); EAC 10th Anniversary Symposium Book (Report of the deliberations of the EAC 10th Anniversary Symposium, (self-financing that will be published by leading international publisher, First Magazine of London, UK); and Ten Years of EAC Integration (EAC Official Publication being prepared by the Secretariat with inputs from EAC Organs and Institutions).

EAC 10th Anniversary Logo, Posters, Billboards and memorabilia: The EAC Anniversary Logo has been designed and distributed to the key players and actors for use in the Anniversary publicity. The logo will be used in relevant EAC publicity and preparation of various promotional items, such as the Anniversary Website and various memorabilia. The Secretariat has engaged reputed media firm, Mediapix to produce posters that will be widely displayed in the region. The Secretariat is also working on Billboards that will be similarly displayed throughout the region through corporate sponsorships.

Secretariat is producing various memorabilia/promotional items, including T-shirts, caps, neck ties and scarves, car stickers, wheel covers, EAC paper flags and table flags, lapel pins, pens, key holders, gift bags and document wallets which will be made available to the key players and actors for use in their promotional activities.

EAC 10th Anniversary Symposium will be held in Arusha on 13-14 November 2009. The Symposium will involve the participation of estimated 100 participants drawn from Government, Civil Society, Academia, Business Community and Media of the East African region. High level presenters and discussants will lead discussions on the topics: Pan Africanism and the Challenges of EAC Integration; Science and Technology as Strategic Driver of EAC Development ; Climate Change and Its Implications to Development in the EAC Region; and Role of Non-State Actors in Deepening EAC Integration, under the broad EAC 10th Anniversary theme, EAC Ten Years of Integration: One People. One Destiny.

The Symposium will be an occasion for reflection, self evaluation and evaluation by others; and learning process for the EAC, focusing on the future of more effective approaches to regional integration. The proceedings of the Symposium will be compiled and published in a book.

The respective key players and actors, including the EAC diplomatic missions abroad will hold additional similar symposia of their own on topics of their choice under the broad theme of the Symposium. The EAC Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), for instance, will hold a symposium on the theme, Aviation – Linking EAC and the World Safely and Efficiently in Arusha on 22 October 2009 under the EAC 10th Anniversary Observance programme. The Inter-University Council for East Africa will also hold a separate Symposium.

EAC Video Documentary will be produced of 15-20 minutes length. The documentary’s treatment/outline is being developed, including historical footage, selected project coverage; and interviews with Heads of EAC Organs and Institutions and other stakeholders. The Video will be ready during 2010. In the meantime, a leading international broadcasting agency has been engaged to produce a promotional and publicity Video for the EAC 10th Anniversary that will include the Main Events of 20th November 2009 for regional and worldwide dissemination. The Ministries of EAC Affairs will produce and place promotional radio jingles and TV spots.

EAC Media Summit: The 3rd EAC Media Summit was held in Kampala on 21-22 August 2009 with focus on promotion of publicity of the EAC 10th Anniversary. The Media Summit was organized by EAC with EABC collaboration. EAC Media Awards was launched at the Media Summit. Winners (EA Media Houses and individual journalists), will be awarded under various categories during the Main Events of 20th November 2009.

Essay Competition will be organized for the youth of the EAC region ( within 16-20 years age bracket) on the topic, “Relevance of EAC to the aspirations of the people of East Africa- Discuss”.

East African Universities Seminars: East African universities (both private and public) , members of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) , will set aside occasions, within their regular academic and outreach programmes, during October-November 2009 for Seminars on EAC regional integration. The University of Dar-es-Salaam Faculty of Law has in September 2009 held its seminar on EA regional integration. The University of Dar-es-Salaam has also introduced LLM and PhD degree programmes on EAC Law. University of Makerere Department of Political Science has also introduced an Undergraduate programme on EAC integration.

EAC Weeks: These will be staged in the Partner States and Diplomatic Missions to reach the East African people at the grassroots with the message of the EAC 10th Anniversary Observance. The Ministries of EAC Affairs of the Partner States will take the lead in staging the EAC Weeks, promoting public rallies, road shows, sports events; and intensive media publicity, including Radio/TV Talk Shows; and newspaper supplements and organizing EAC Open Days during October–November 2009. The Partner States will also organize East African Music Co-operation Festivals at national levels and choose the best song about EAC from each Partner State to perform at the Main Event and the East African Cultural Festival in Arusha.

In this regard, the Ministries of EAC Affairs will form National Committees for EAC 10th Anniversary to organize the public activities, involving Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) , National MPs and Provincial/Local Administrations, Civil Society, popular artistes and other cultural performers. Uganda has planned to hold its EAC Week on 30 October – 6 November 2009. Other Partners States will organize their EAC Weeks during the same time for harmonization purposes but otherwise, during any other period within the observance timeframe according to their convenience.

Activities in the EAC Partner States’ Diplomatic Missions: The EAC Partner States’ Diplomatic Missions will hold EAC 10th Anniversary observance/activities. The activities will be held jointly by the EAC diplomatic missions at the various diplomatic stations around the world; and involve East Africans living abroad.

East African Cultural Festival: Cultural groups and entertainment bands will be invited/encouraged to perform (on corporate sponsorship basis) at a three-day East African Cultural Festival in Arusha in November 2009. Ministries of EAC Affairs of the Partner States will mobilize the cultural groups and other participants and promote corporate sponsorship in the East African Cultural Festival which, as in the first one held in 1999, is expected to be elaborate and vibrant , including poetry, music, dance, drama, art, traditional East African dishes, fashion shows, handicrafts, artifacts and photographic exhibitions.

EAC Sports Tournament: EAC Football Tournament will be staged in Arusha between the National Assemblies Football Teams of the EAC Partner States and the EALA/EAC Football Team. Corporate sponsors would be approached to sponsor the costs of the tournament such as trophies and sports gear.

Partner States’ Ministries of EAC Affairs, through the National Committees for EAC 10th Anniversary Celebrations and sports associations will organize any other sports activities/ competitions, such as Netball, Volleyball, Motor Rallies, Mountain Climbing, etc at National Levels. Already, at EAC system-wide level, the East African Military Games were held in Kigali 15-22 June 2009 and promoted as an EAC 10th Anniversary event.

EAC Jua Kali Exhibition: The EAC Jua Kali Exhibition will be held in Arusha at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium on 18-21 November on the theme of the EAC 10th Anniversary. EAC Organs and Institutions as well as Ministries of EAC Affairs will establish information/exhibition stands within the Jua Kali Exhibition area.
One Laptop per Child campaign: The One Laptop per Child campaign will be launched by the Heads of State during the 10th Anniversary Public Rally at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha on 20th November 2009. With the launch of the programme, the One Laptop per Child Association has pledged to contribute a laptop for each laptop contributed from regional sources at the subsidized rate of $100 per laptop. To this extent, the Secretary General has launched appeal for contributions, starting with Staff of the EAC Organs and Institutions to regional corporate sponsors and international philanthropic organizations.
EAC Peace and Security Conference: A High-level EAC Peace and Security Conference will be held in Kampala on 5-7 October and billed as an EAC 10th Anniversary event.

Special Session of East African Legislative Assembly: The EALA will hold a special on the EAC 10th Anniversary on 19 November 2009 in Arusha which will feature a debate on the achievements, challenges and prospects of the East African Community.
EAC 10th Anniversary Programme and Invitations: The climax of the activities will be 20th November 2009, including the 10th Anniversary Summit; and Main Event at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha. A detailed programme of the activities will be published in due course. Invitations to the Main Events will be sent out to UN, AU, regional and international organizations, development partners and other foreign and local dignitaries.

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com
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Subject: EAC LAUNCHES 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

EAST AFRICAN NATIONS TO FORM A STANDBY MILITARY FORCE?

From: Leo Odera Omolo
Date: Thu, Oct 8, 2009 at 3:22 PM

THE EAC IS SHAPING FOR THE CREATION OF A PAN-EAST -AFRICAN JOINT MILITARY FORCE TO CHECK ON TERRORISM AND ANY OTHER FORM OF SECURITY THREATS.

Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

DELEGATES at the just concluded East African Community Peace and Security regional conference held in Kampala this week have proposed for the establishment of a Pan-East-Africa standby military brigade.

But the proposal, which the Secretary General, Mr Juma Mwapachu, described as very popular, will have to be adopted by the EAC heads of states summit scheduled for Arusha later in November this year .

When in full operation, the military unit is expected to intervene in a number of states during national disaster, civil conflicts, piracy, terrorism and other forms of security threats in the region.

“From this conference, there is consensus we really need this force to respond where there is disaster or security threats within any of our member states”, Ambassador Mwapachu told the delegates.

Ambasador Mwapachu, however did not disclose when the force would be inaugurated, but only said it would depend on the consensus of the heads of state of the EAC, at their next summit schedule for next month in Arusha, Tanzania

”It is our heads of states to decide whether or when we need the force to be in place,” he said,adding that the region was already experimenting with the aspects of security co-operation through joint annual military exercises.

“We are collecting ideas on when it can come into force..Its intervention would be proceeded by an invitation by the affected member state, following the pre-intervention appraisal by a group of eminent persons or jurists, if the leaders adopt the proposal at the earliest opportunity”.

The Secretary General said that besides more military war games in the Northern Tanzania, each EAC member state has posted a full-time military attaché at the EAC secretariat in Arusha.

He said the intervention without the consent of the affected government could be counter-productive and engender military opposition even if they supported the idea of creation of the standby military force in the region.

Members of the East African Community are Kenya,Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi..

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com
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Subject: EAST AFRICAN NATIONS TO FORM A STANDBY MILITARY FORCE?

EAC – PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES, ACHIEVEMENTS, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

From: Leo Odera Omolo
Date: Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 8:41 AM

Forwarded By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

Address by the Deputy Secretary General, Projects and Programmes, EAC, Mr. Jean Claude Nsengiyumva to the National Defence College, Nairobi, Kenya, 30 September 2009

Distinguished Lt. General Commandant
Senior Military Officers and Civil Servants
Course Participants
Ladies and Gentlemen

I am honoured to address this distinguished audience on the occasion of the Course for Senior Military Officers and Civil Servants of the EAC region and other sister African countries. On behalf of the East African Community, I thank you for inviting me to address you on the topic of East African integration. I would like to place my address in the context of a reflection on the mission and objectives of the Community and in doing so; I will outline some of the key achievements, challenges and prospects of the EAC.

Ten years of the Treaty

It is opportune that this discussion comes at a moment when the East African Community is marking its first decade since the Signing of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community in November 1999. During this period, the East African Community has realized good progress and has laid a firm foundation for a strong regional economic bloc. Indeed, the first ten years of the implementation of the Treaty have witnessed systematic expansion of the regional programme and competitive positioning of East Africa in the global markets. The EAC has undergone major transformations and establishment of various institutions and mechanisms covering the broad range of social, economic and political areas of cooperation. Various measures undertaken in confidence building and harmonization of Partner States’ policies have provided the basis for a sustainable regional co-operation and development.

The launching of the Customs Union in 2005 and the enlargement of the Community, with the admission of Rwanda and Burundi in 2007, have contributed to great stimulation of investments, trade and overall consolidation of the East African market. Following the establishment of the EAC’s Customs Union, trade and investments in the region have grown, contrary to earlier perceptions that the Customs Union would retard or reverse trade and investment opportunities of some countries. Total intra-EAC trade and total EAC trade with rest of the world have increased by between 20-30% annually. This success of the Customs Union has encouraged and reinforced the commitment of the EAC Partner States to the integration process. At the programmatic level, we continue to witness a rising tide of expectations and deeper appreciation of the EAC’s mission to deliver the concrete benefits of integration to our people.

Global financial crisis and EAC response

Our discourse today, however, also comes against the background of the financial markets crisis that started in the advanced world financial centres but which has also affected our region. Mercifully, there are signs today that this global financial and economic crisis is pulling back and a recovery is in sight. Nevertheless, the global financial and economic crisis has driven the lesson home of the vulnerability of the economies of the developing countries and regions. We need to strengthen our collective resolve to deepen integration as a strategic catalyst to shore up our economies against these global economic woes. We need a new and focused commitment to addressing the emerging global challenges, including global climate change and its attendant severe environmental, and development impacts.

Customs Union

All this notwithstanding , it is gratifying to note that , as it marks its 10th Anniversary, the East African Community is resurgent and confident of facing the challenges ahead. From January 2010, the EAC Customs Union, which was established in 2005, will reach its threshold with all goods traded within the region attracting zero customs duty. This fiscal development shall apply to Rwanda and Burundi following their accession to the EAC Customs Union effective 1st July this year. This major development, of the maturity of the Customs Union, gives confidence in the forward march of East African integration. It is encouraging to note that the negotiations for the establishment of the EAC Common Market, which is the next stage of East African integration after the Customs Union, are drawing to a positive conclusion. Following the final negotiations round in Kampala last week, we now expect the Signing of the Protocol on the Common Market to take place in November this year and launching of the Common Market on schedule in January 2010.

Negotiating as a bloc

Similarly, the Community has sustained activity in the area of trade negotiations. The enactment of the EAC Trade Negotiations Act in 2008 came as a major breakthrough in the longstanding search for the EAC Partner States’ commitment to negotiate as a bloc in the multilateral trade fora. At the broader continental level, the EAC has participated at the forefront of the Tripartite EAC-COMESA-SADC Arrangement, culminating in the hosting of the first Tripartite Summit in Kampala in October 2008. The Tripartite Summit’s resolve to establish a Free Trade Area, and later a Customs Union, of a larger African economic area, of 26 African countries, is being pursued in earnest. This development will further strengthen EAC’s competitiveness in the global markets.

EAC’ common negotiation strategy is also on track with regard to the negotiations for a comprehensive EPA with the EU. Admittedly, there are several challenges EAC faces in opening up our economies to the EU in the areas of investments and other economic interests. We believe, however, these negotiations are informed of good faith and noble commitment of both sides. The EAC is firm on the resolution of such critical issues, in the areas of market access, trade in services, technical barriers to trade, rules of origin, trade related aspects, agriculture and economic and development co-operation, in a spirit of give and take and fair trade for mutual benefits in any trade arrangement or agreement that would be eventually concluded.

Challenge of competitiveness

The EAC is under no illusion that its economies continue to be encumbered by low competitiveness and is determined to address the challenges systematically and effectively. In this regard, emphasis is currently being placed on infrastructure development, including Railways, Lake Transport (Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika), Ports and Harbours, Roads, Civil Aviation and Energy. During the past year, the EAC has engaged high level consultations, from the Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives of public and private sectors levels to the Ministers levels, to examine in depth the infrastructure deficits and determine how best they can be addressed and redressed. Finally, during the Summit in Kigali in June 2008, the EAC Heads of State resolved on a prioritization and fast track of comprehensive strategic plans in the infrastructure sector.

Roads

The EAC strategic plans on infrastructure prioritization and development have subsequently been advanced to various stages of implementation. Breakthroughs in this regard were made, among others, with the commencement of the construction works on the Arusha-Namanga- Athi River road project and commencement of the Power Interconnection Project between Kenya and Tanzania at the Namanga border point which were officially launched in April 2009. Meanwhile, expedited preparations are underway for commencement of construction works on the Arusha-Moshi- Voi and Malindi-Mombasa- Tanga-Bagamoyo road projects. The implementation of the regional components of the East African Trade and Transportation Facilitation Project which includes the one-stop border posts has commenced at Malaba and Busia and, with it, work is intensified on the harmonization of traffic regulations under the East African Road Transport Agreement.

Railways

Progress has also been made in the East African Railways System. The challenges experienced under the concessioning of the central railway system in Tanzania and the Kenya-Uganda Railway, are being actively addressed to find effective solutions and the way forward. In the meantime, progress is maintained on the East African Railways Master Plan The Master Plan is addressing the issues of interconnection, expansion of network, investments, technology enhancement, management and ownership issues; and extension of original coverage of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, to now incorporate the extensions to Rwanda and Burundi.

Civil aviation

With regard to Civil Aviation, the newly established East African Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) has made progress in the harmonization of civil aviation regulations covering aviation safety, aerodromes and security. The Agency has developed regulations covering all the relevant safety and security provisions in the Annexes to the Chicago Convention.

Communications

In the area of communications, the EAC is in the process of implementing e-government strategy embracing cyber laws, e-health, e-immigration and e-education. At the same time, the African Development Bank-funded study on the EAC Broadband Infrastructure Network under the framework of i-connect Summit decision is being implemented. The East African Marine System (TEAMS) and the East African Sub Marine Cable System, (EASSy), both projects that are private sector-led, have been commissioned. The realization of these projects represents important developments for the EAC region in cheaper and more efficient link to international outsourcing markets, e-commerce, virtual learning and global communications, among others.

Energy

In the area of gas and oil pipelines, progress has been made on the extension of the oil pipeline from Kampala to Kigali and Bujumbura. The oil pipeline extension from Eldoret to Kampala is ongoing, including extension to Rwanda and Burundi. The extension and interconnections include: Mbarara-Birembo line linking Uganda and Rwanda; Rwegura-Kigoma linking Tanzania and Burundi; Arusha-Nairobi line; and a second transmission line linking Kenya and Uganda. The extension will also cover the Bulyanhulu-Biharamulo sector within Tanzania to connect Tanzania electricity grid to Rwanda and Burundi.

Lake Victoria Development Programme

With regard to the Lake Victoria Development Programme, the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) launched the implementation of its Operational Strategy (2007-2010) around its three key pillars to unlock the vast potentials in the Lake Victoria Basin. The idea is to maximize the utilization of natural resources; reduction of poverty and improvement in the quality of life; and environmental sustainability.

The key project is the Lake Victoria Environmental Programme Phase II (LVEMP II) , which initially involving Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will be extended to embrace Rwanda and Burundi. The second programme is the Mt. Elgon Regional Ecosystem Conservation Programme (MERECP). This Programme, which has been under implementation on the Mt Elgon side in Kenya and Uganda, has now been reconfigured to focus on the sustainable livelihoods of the mountain communities. This will enhance the interest of the local communities in conservation of this trans-boundary resource. Climate change adaptation, which is a global concern, has been included in the programme.

The Lake Victoria Basin Commission is also in the process of operationalizing the Lake Victoria Transport Act (2007). Hydro-graphic surveys of the access to Ports of Mwanza, Kisumu and Port Bell are now complete with funding from LVEMP and will be extended to cover the rest of the Lake. This activity will include the installation of aids to navigation and putting in place search and rescue systems. With the collaboration of UN Habitat and the African Development Bank, the LVBC is pursuing a programme for the supply of water and sanitation infrastructure and facilities to key towns around the Lake basin. Also, in collaboration with African Medical Research Foundation( AMREF) , LVBC is implementing a US dollars 6 million HIV and AIDs project for the populations within the Lake Basin.

Agricultural development and food security

With the current situation of high food prices, providing assistance to the most poor and hungry as well as re-launching agriculture and revitalizing rural communities are key elements to reduce hunger and ensure a secure EAC food situation. EAC is placing emphasis on agriculture and food security, under the East African Agriculture and Rural Development Programme, which is one of the identified major planks of the 3rd EAC Development Strategy whose implementation would be placed on a high priority in the period ahead. The agreements in the development of Agriculture and attainment of Food Security for the Community, including the Agriculture and Rural Development Policy and the Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy have been adopted. The EAC Action Plan to address food security issues, covering the period 2010 – 2030 has been developed and is ready for implementation. The interventions under the Action Plan are geared towards realization of effective investments in agricultural development and food security within a span of 2012-2015 time frames.

Investments and trade promotion

A great premium has been placed on the promotion of investments and trade as a result of which the East African scene is definitely changing, becoming highly dynamic; and competitive posture is emerging. In this regard, the East African private sector, led by the East African Business Council is deeply involved in the activities of consolidation of the Customs Union and the establishment of the Common Market. The holding of the 1st East African Investment Conference in Kigali in June 2008 and the 2nd EAC Investment in Nairobi in July this year have demonstrated the commitment of the economic players to make the region more competitive. Coupled with the Investment Conference is the East African Jua Kali (small to medium scale industries) Exhibition which has been regularly held since 1999 the investment promotions have contributed immensely to highlighting and promoting the important role of the informal and micro enterprises sector in the regional economy.

Tourism promotion

The programme of marketing and promotion of East Africa as a single tourist destination is similarly well advanced with focus being put on the improvement of standards and expansion of facilities in the region’s hospitality industry. A robust joint marketing of East Africa’s tourist potential in the leading travel and tourist source markets in Europe, namely the Berlin International Tourism Fair and the London World Travel Market is well sustained. In recognition of EAC’s great tourist potential and the industry’s significant multiplier effects on the region’s economies, the EAC‘s National Tourist Boards have resolved to extend the joint marketing of East Africa to Asia, Far East, Australia and America. Supporting these initiatives is a Protocol on the establishment of an East African Tourism and Wildlife Management Coordination Agency, which has been adopted. The EAC is also working on the modalities to fast-track the introduction of Single Tourist Visa to facilitate free movement of tourists in the region in the effort to make the region more attractive and competitive in the tourism sector.

Expanding markets

With its economy centrally linked to the wider Eastern and Central African market, encompassing the Great Lakes Region, including the vast Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, the East African region has potential to grow and expand into a significant centre of regional integration and development in Africa. Based on this realization, EAC is steering a steady course to broaden its world outreach and outlook beyond the traditional European and Asian markets. This posture is exemplified by the conclusion of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the EAC and the USA in August 2008. The EAC-USA TIFA will cover issues relating to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the World Trade Organization Doha Round Trade Talks. It will also provide opportunities for full blown economic engagement with the world’s largest economy in multi-variety areas of economic partnership. Building on this model, the EAC is exploring strengthened relations with other strategic partners in the world markets, among which a TIFA with India is at an advanced stage of negotiation.

Whilst appreciating the achievements being made in the promotion of trade and investments in the region, the EAC is also seized of the challenges the EAC faces. While trade levels have grown, the rate of growth is not high enough commensurate with the resource abundance in the region. Thus, a key challenge is how the EAC region can improve productive capacities. Currently, trading between Partner States is mainly on primary agricultural produce. There is little value addition on these commodities in the form of manufactured goods. This kind of trade reflects the low levels of industrialization in the region. The EAC recognizes the need to act quickly to address this shortcoming and is now in the process of instituting measures to operationalize industrialization strategy to leverage the region’s global markets thrust.

The challenge of industrialization has close connection with the menace that is undermining EAC industries in the form of counterfeits and piracy. In this context, EAC is at an advanced stage of developing a policy on anti-counterfeits and anti-piracy which will inform the enactment of legislation on counterfeits and anti-piracy. Also central to the issue of the present state of low trade performance in the region, are the non tariff barriers. EAC is making all efforts to tackle this challenge. National and regional monitoring committees have been established to streamline borders and corridors surveillances to boost capacities and linkages which are critical for promoting market access to both regional and international markets and generally lower the cost of doing business in the region.

Co-operation in Political Affairs

The ultimate goal of the Community is the establishment of the Political Federation of the East African States. This is a unique commitment of the EAC among the African regional economic communities and is based on the EAC’s unique attributes of a common heritage and commitment to the pursuit of a common destiny. To this extent, I am pleased to note that the process of wide consultations and sensitization of the East African people on Political Federation is making great headway. The EAC’s Department of Political Affairs continues to conduct sensitisation and consultations with key stakeholders to mobilise greater political will for deepening EAC integration and. at any rate, coordinate cooperation among national statutory bodies and regional organisations to enhance cooperation in Political Affairs.

Good governance

In line with the principles of good governance, including adherence to the rule of law, democracy, transparency, accountability and protection of human rights, efforts towards promoting good governance in the EAC integration, a number of programmatic and policy initiatives have commenced. The development and negotiation of an EAC regional framework on good governance is at an advanced stage. Noting that the region has continued to attract negative publicity on commitments to fight corruption, the national agencies on combating corruption decided on development of an EAC policy on preventing and combating corruption in the EAC region. The draft Protocol on good governance and the related issues is now programmed for stakeholder validation before adoption by the policy organs of the Community.

Human rights

Other collaborative efforts in the sector include cooperation among National Human Rights Commissions which are implementing the East African Community Plan of Action on Protection and Promotion of Human Rights. Meetings and collaborative activities by National Electoral Commissions have been incorporated into the EAC institutional framework and an EAC Forum of National Electoral Commissions was established. This is envisaged to engender regional best practices in running free, fair and credible elections. The initiatives in this sector are intended to harmonise policies, strategies, practices with a view to establishing best practices in the region and serve to lay the foundation for political integration and the eventual establishment of the EAC Political Federation.

Foreign policy co-ordination

The Community underscores the development of partnership arrangements with regional and international organizations in fulfilment of statutory obligations and other international instruments as one of the strategic objectives of EAC integration. The joint pursuit of EAC Partner States’ foreign policy objectives therefore remains one of the top priorities the Community. To this end, the process of upgrading the existing Memorandum on Foreign Policy Coordination into a Protocol is in the advanced stages. The Protocol will provide a better and well defined framework within which the Community will to pursue the strengthening of its relations with other organizations enhance the Community’s competitiveness and increase EAC’s leverage in this era of globalization, including strengthening the capacity and deeper involvement of our Partner States’ Diplomatic Missions.

Co-operation in defence matters

Co-operation in defence remains a centrepiece of EAC co-operation and during the period under review this co-operation continued to be taken to higher levels. This is in recognition of the primacy of peace, security and stability to the pursuit of regional integration and development. Under the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation that was signed in 1998, the Armed Forces of the EAC Partner States undertook joint activities of confidence building and common defence preparedness. This MoU is now set to be upgraded into a Protocol that will holistically address cross-cutting security challenges that affect the EAC region.

Inter- State Security

A number of measures have been taken to enhance existing cooperation in Inter State Security. Among these are the establishment of a Sectoral Council on Inter State Security to enhance the pace of decision making within the sector and the establishment of a Directorate of Peace and Security, which is at an advanced stage, to spearhead the implementation of the EAC Regional Strategy on Peace and Security. In addition to the ongoing collective efforts towards addressing cattle rustling, proliferation of Small Arms and Light weapons, narcotic and human trafficking, theft of motor vehicles and other cross border crimes, linkages with the AU and other Regional Economic Communities have also been enhanced as part of a larger process of implementing the AU Continental Peace and Security Architecture. In this regard, completion of a Regional Early Conflict Early Warning system is at an advanced stage while a Regional Framework for Conflict Prevention is under development.

Co-operation in the social sectors

Over the past three years, the EAC has placed emphasis on the activities of co-operation in the social sectors which is intensifying and making increasing impact on the deepening of regional integration. In 2007, an EAC Forum for Ministers responsible for Social Development was established in order to provide a platform for East African Ministers of Social Development to share experience and harmonize policies and approaches in management of cross-cutting social concerns, such as poverty eradication and overall management of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Forum has been responsible for elaborate preparations of national and regional approaches addressing identified challenges for social development and harmonizing the development of social policies in the region. Cooperative efforts have been given a further boost by the adoption of the EAC Regional Strategic Plan for HIV & AIDS (2008-2012) and the EAC Regional Gender and Community Development Framework and, on the whole, harnessing the energies and force of civil societies behind the EAC’s broad range of areas of co-operation in the economic and political spheres.

Review and Amendment of the Treaty

The hallmarks of the EAC integration process are partly defined by the methodical and systematic co-operation of the different organs and institutions of the Community. Structured Inter- EAC Organs and Institutions consultations have been going on for some time to find ways and means to make the EAC a more efficient and effective organization in realizing its mandate. With the cumulative experience and achievements of the Community during the past ten years, and as the region seeks to consolidate the integration process, there is a logical and imperative need to review the provisions of the Treaty with a view to amending it to fit the lessons of experience. The era that the EAC is moving into requires streamlining and revamping the decision making process in the EAC by addressing the issues of sovereignty of the Partner States and the necessary level of authority that should be granted or ceded to the EAC to make the regional organization confident enough, competent enough and decisive enough to implement regional projects and programmes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, let me reiterate that the EAC is today positioned to overcome many of the challenges that confront it and decisively move to a higher stage of integration. Integration is a costly venture and it requires optimum political will to make it a success. I believe that there is adequate political will in our region. With the support of the key EAC Organs and Institutions, and the broad spectrum of EAC stakeholders, the EAC should be able to steer a robust course towards the realization of is noble goals of unity and development. Once again, I thank you for your interest in the Community and wish you success in all your endeavours and continued support.

Thank you.
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Subject: Meeting of the East African Army Generals in Nairobi

EAC – PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES, ACHIEVEMENTS, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

USAID GRANTS EAC $ 3 MILLION TO SAVE THE MARA

USAID GRANTS EAC $ 3 MILLION TO SAVE THE MARA

– We have all made a contribution to the environmental degradation, it’s time now for all of us to contribute to the solution, says Dr Rotich

submitted and forwarded By Leo Odera Omolo

EAC Headquarters, Arusha, 23 September 2009: The East African Community (EAC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today signed, at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, a three-year Funding Agreement for three million dollars to help the EAC Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) ensure that the Mara River Basin , already in jeopardy, is brought under sound management.

The Funding Agreement, provided under USAID Africa’s “Trans-boundary Water for Biodiversity in the Mara River Basin ” initiative, was signed by Dr Julius Rotich, EAC Deputy Secretary General (Finance and Administration) for the EAC and Mr. Larry Meserve, USAID/East Africa’s Acting Regional Director.

The Executive Secretary, LVBC Dr Tom Okurut, Deputy Executive Secretary (Projects and Development), LVBC Mr. Samuel Gichere and the EAC Corporate Communications Expert, Mr. Magaga A lot attended the signing ceremony. The USAID Acting Regional Director was accompanied by Dr. Candice Buzzard, USAID East Africa Director, Regional Economic Growth and Integration ( Agriculture, Trade and Environment); and Mr. David Kinyua, USAID Regional Environment Procedures and Policies Specialist.

At the signing ceremony, EAC Deputy Secretary General, Dr Julius Rotich stressed the importance of the Mara River Basin ecosystem that is commonly referred to as one of the “great Wonders of the World” and which is now under threat. Dr Rotich welcomed the support from USAID/EA and emphasized that the support will go a long way to reverse the negative environmental trends that have taken place in the basin.

Dr Rotich said the USAID’s support was timely when environmental issues, in particular global climate change, were topical and affecting the lives of all the people. “ You don’t have to spend a lot of time trying to convince the people about the environmental devastation that is being experienced…rains are failing, rivers are drying up or getting polluted as we all watch… We have all made a contribution to the environmental degradation and now all of us have to do something about it”, he said.

Dr. Rotich said the environmental rehabilitation intervention should be rooted in the ground for it to succeed. He said that unless people at the grassroots embraced the environmental movement, in every household, in the rural and urban areas, and in the educational systems, from the primary schools to the universities, planting trees and ensuring that re-forestation takes place, environmental conservation projects, however grandiose, would not succeed.

USAID’s Acting African Regional Director, Mr. Larry Meserve emphasized livelihoods in Kenya and Tanzania would be severely affected unless the citizens of East Africa put in place structures and measures that will manage their watershed ecosystems. He said the Funding Agreement on the protection of the Mara was an expression of USAID and international partners’ commitment to work through and strengthen African regional organizations in addressing global development challenges. He said USAID looked forward to long term partnership with LVBC and other EAC institutions and programmes in working toward the realization of the EAC’s commitment to creating regional economic growth, trade facilitation, and food security, among other common objectives.

Under the Funding Agreement, the EAC’s Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) will facilitate and promote sustainable cross-border Mara River Basin Management by facilitating stakeholders, including Tanzanian and Kenyan government agencies, to implement the project’s 2009 Biodiversity Action Plan already adopted by EAC Ministers, to address threats to biodiversity hotspots in the Mara River Basin and identify ways to sustainable management of these habitats.

Working with all stakeholders including governments, private sector and regional organizations, LVBC will implement the project’s 2008 Mara River Environmental Flows Assessment that provided analysis to establish the legally binding minimum river reserves necessary to sustain human water requirements and ecosystems conservation. The LVBC will also work to increase regional economic growth and integration and reduce poverty in the Mara Basin , and harmonize policies for the conservation of this globally treasured area.

The LVBC realizes that the survival of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is dependent on successful trans-boundary management of these natural resources and will strive to establish a trans-boundary agreement to ensure water flows to sustain the biodiversity of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and encourage implementation of harmonized river basin management practices and policies. To facilitate cross boundary management of natural resources in the Mara Basin , the programme has brought together forestry, water, wildlife and agricultural sectors for dialogue and action.

Mara River Basin : With headwaters in the Mau Forest , the Mara Basin watershed extends from Kenya to northern Tanzania (encompassing Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The Mara River Basin also makes up part of the eastern rim of the larger Lake Victoria Basin area. Wildlife anchoring Kenyan and Tanzanian tourism rely on the healthy functioning of this uniquely integrated and rich ecosystem for their existence–and the survival of this ecosystem depends on the flow of the Mara River .

The Mara River ’s diminishing water resources are now a major threat to the Mara River Basin ecosystem: less water flowing in the Mara means less drinking water for wildlife and pastoral communities; significantly increased potential for conflict; and diminishing economic returns through tourist related activities.

East African Community (EAC) is the regional intergovernmental organization of the Republics of Kenya, Uganda , the United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Burundi and is based in Arusha , Tanzania . Partner states of the EAC signed a 2003 Protocol on Sustainable Development of the Lake Victoria Basin .

Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) was established in 2005 and is based in Kisumu , Kenya . The LVBC’s vision for the region is “A prosperous population living in a healthy and sustainable management of the environment, providing equitable opportunities and benefits.”

USAID/East Africa is a regional mission with offices in Nairobi . Its goals are to promote improved regional cooperation, increase trade, competitiveness and food security, reduce conflict and improve the health and quality of life for all in the region.

ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Directorate of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

EAC Secretariat
– – –
From: Leo Odera Omolo
Date: Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 6:33 AM
Subject: USAID GRANTS EAC $ 3 MILLION TO SAVE THE MARA;
EAC COMMUNITY NEWS FROM ARUSHA, TANZANIA