Kenyan President William Ruto has officially assumed the role of Chairman of the East African Community (EAC), taking over from South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir. The announcement was made during the 23rd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State, where regional leaders convened to discuss the bloc’s key initiatives and challenges.
The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising seven member states: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The bloc aims to foster economic integration, political cooperation, and social development among its member states. As the new Chair, President Ruto is expected to steer the organization’s agenda and address pressing issues affecting the region.
Ruto’s leadership is likely to be the acceleration of the EAC’s integration agenda, including the full implementation of the Common Market Protocol and the progress toward a Monetary Union. Other key areas include enhancing trade within the region, improving cross-border infrastructure, and addressing insecurity, particularly in areas affected by conflicts like eastern DRC.
In his acceptance speech, President Ruto emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among member states to achieve shared goals. He reiterated his commitment to strengthening the EAC’s role in fostering regional prosperity and ensuring stability for its citizens.
Outgoing Chairman Salva Kiir commended the progress made during his tenure and expressed confidence in President Ruto’s ability to guide the EAC to greater achievements. Ruto’s election comes at a critical time as the region faces economic challenges, including inflation and the need for post-pandemic recovery.
President Ruto’s leadership is expected to inject renewed energy into the EAC’s mission to create a prosperous, stable, and integrated East African region.
