Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Calls for a Resilient, Integrated, and Borderless East Africa at the 7th EAC Secretary General's Forum
On December 10th, 2024, Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service of Kenya, delivered a compelling speech at the 7th Annual East African Community (EAC) Secretary General’s Forum at the Pullman Hotel in Nairobi. The forum, marking the 25th anniversary of the EAC, brought together regional leaders and key stakeholders to discuss the future of integration in East Africa.
Koskei's address focused on the need for a resilient and integrated East Africa, stressing the importance of accountability, efficiency, and service delivery in achieving this vision. He highlighted the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that challenges such as health, trade, and security transcend national borders. He urged EAC member states to deepen partnerships to address these common challenges and leverage shared opportunities for regional prosperity.
Koskei also commended the EAC’s achievements, including its clean audit history, and called for greater efficiency in governance. He pointed to initiatives such as the East African Passport and regional trade facilitation efforts as examples of successful integration. He further welcomed the recent accession of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia to the EAC, marking a significant expansion of the community.
In attendance at the forum were; EAC Secretary General Veronicah Nduva, Rebecca Kadaga, Deputy Prime Minister for East African Affairs of Uganda, General (Rtd.) James Kabarebe, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Rwanda, and Dennis Lazaro Londo, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania. Other key attendees included Emeritus Amb. Dr Francis Muthaura and leaders from Somalia, South Sudan, DRC, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Koskei concluded by officially inaugurating the forum, expressing his hope that the discussions would contribute to the continued development of a borderless East Africa. His call for inclusive governance and active citizen participation set the tone for the deliberations over the following two days.