The 24th Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning concluded on 30th June 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya, with the Ministers endorsing the candidature of Hon. Dr. Specioza Kazibwe Wandira for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission. The Republic of Uganda had earlier requested the Partner States to support the candidature of Hon. Dr. Specioza Kazibwe Wandira for the position.
Hon Phyllis J. Kandie, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Community (EAC), Labour and Social Protection, Republic of Kenya chaired the meeting, which was attended by Rwanda’s Minister of East African Community, Hon. Valentine Rugwabiza; Burundi’s Minister in the Office of the President Responsible for EAC Affairs, Hon. Léontine Nzeyimana; Uganda’s State Minister for East African Community Affairs, Hon. Julius Wandera Maganda and Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning. H.E. Amb. John Michael Haule, The United Republic of Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya lead his country’s delegation to the meeting.
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko and other Executives and senior officials from the EAC Secretariat were also in attendance.
Some of the Decisions/Directives and Recommendations of the 24th Meeting of the Sectoral Council:
The Secretariat to undertake a Joint Security Assessment Mission to the Republic of Burundi to re-assess the Security situation by 31st July 2016. The Team to comprise all Partner States representatives and to strictly abide by the Terms of Reference (ToR);
The Secretariat to develop a comprehensive strategic framework with clear timelines on the implementation of the Common Market Protocol Scorecard findings and the Single Customs Territory and report to the 25th Meeting of the Sectoral Council;
The Secretariat to convene a meeting of Heads of Immigration on harmonization of classification/common procedures and fees for issuance of work permit for citizens of EAC Partner States by September 2016;
The Secretariat to operationalize the Ad hoc EAC Service Commission by 1st July 2016 and report progress to the 34th Council in August 2016;
The Secretariat to develop a framework for transition to the proposed Commission within two (2) years taking cognizance of existing studies and other comparative information on other similar Regional Economic Communities;
The Secretariat to develop proposals on sanctions that can be imposed on Partner States that breach the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community in line with Article 143 of the Treaty and report to the 35th Meeting of the Council;
While the full admission of the Republic of South Sudan (RSS) will be confirmed by the ratification and depositing the Instruments of Ratification with the Secretary General (latest by 1st October, 2016), the Sectoral Council took note of the developed roadmap for the full integration of the new Partner State into the EAC and approved an exploratory mission at the Coordination Committee level with co-opted members from the Secretariat, Organs and Institutions of the Community be undertaken to RSS to engage the Government on its integration into the EAC;
The Secretariat to propose priority areas in the integration process that could be championed by individual Partner States and table the proposal at the October 2016 Meeting of the Sectoral Council;
The Secretariat to compile a draft list of Decisions that could be considered for Decision Making by Simple Majority and submit the list at October 2016 Meeting of the Sectoral Council;
The EAC Secretariat to urgently convene an Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI) through Video Conference preferably by 11th July, 2016 to deliberate on the finalization and preparation for signing the EAC-EU-EPA being proposed to take place on 18th July 2016, on the margins of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) XIV Conference in Nairobi, Kenya;
The Sectoral Council adopted the EAC Brand Architecture Concept Note and directed the EAC Secretariat to use the Youth, who have diverse talent in the region, in the process of developing the new EAC Brand Architecture. The Brand Architecture Concept Note proposes to develop a new EAC Logo and Flag; a common unique identifier for all EAC Organs and Institutions and a single primary (main) EAC Corporate Colour and one Secondary Colour; and a single visual identity emblem for the Community; and
The EAC Secretariat to resume meetings in the Republic of Burundi in accordance with the EAC Calendar of Activities.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the United Republic of Tanzania, and also accredited to the EAC bloc, H.E. Lû Youqing today paid a courtesy call to Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, the Secretary General of the East African Community. The Secretary General and his guest discussed among other things the possible areas of cooperation and the need to organise investment conferences to China led by the East African Business Council.
Amb. Liberat recognized the significance of China in EAC noting that China is a potentially big partner for the bloc. He acknowledged the contribution made by China in the infrastructure sector, particularly, rails; roads and air transport geared at enhancing trade in the region.
The Secretary General thanked China for her contribution towards the Burundi Dialogue Process and invited China to contribute to other projects and programmes, through the EAC Partnership Fund.
On his part, H.E. Lû Youqing, recognised the remarkable progress that EAC had made. He expressed China’s growing interest in augmenting its cooperation with EAC, specifically the China/EAC/FTA Cooperation, noting that it would positively impact EAC products going to China market especially agricultural products.
The Ambassador re-affirmed China’s commitment to support Integration interconnections i.e. Railway, Airlines and Industrialisation and stressed the need to fast track the signing of the MoU on China/EAC Aviation Cooperation.
He informed the Secretary General that China was finalising the process of donating vehicles to EAC to enhance its capacity. The Chinese envoy further expressed hope that the Secretary General would continue the strong cooperation with China.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to the United Republic of Tanzania, and also accredited to the EAC bloc, H.E. Fionnuala Gilsenan yesterday paid a courtesy call to Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, the Secretary General of the East African Community.
The Secretary General and his guest discussed among other things the possible areas of cooperation especially in the implementation of the Common Market Protocol and in particular, the Free Movement of Persons. Amb. Mfumukeko informed the Ireland envoy that the implementation of the next EAC Development Strategy would commence in 2017 and the EAC was counting on Ireland’s support to realise its goals.
Commenting on the progress of the Burundi Peace Talks, Amb. Mfumukeko updated Her Excellency that H.E. Benjamin Mkapa had recently met a group of politicians in Brussels as a continuation of the consultations that had been held in Arusha in May. He mentioned that the talks required further negotiations between all the parties involved and assured his counterpart that EAC was supporting an all-inclusive dialogue process.
On South Sudan, the Secretary General informed the Ireland Ambassador that South Sudan has been given six month to complete the ratification process of the Accession Treaty signed on 15th April 2016, after which the country will be a full member of the EAC.
On her part, H.E. Fionnuala Gilsenan commended the impressive progress made by EAC, especially the finalisation of ambitious Protocols and Policies. She emphasised the need of reaching and sensitising the common citizenry of the real benefits of integration noting that lack of this was one of key reasons for Brexit. She informed Amb. Mfumukeko that the decision by UK to exit EU would have great implications especially in Northern Ireland, which is still part of EU. On the Burundi Dialogue Process, the Ambassador underlined the need to have a strong dialogue plan that would accommodate the views of all stakeholders involved.
The Ireland Ambassador affirmed to the Secretary General her country’s continued support to the EAC projects and programmes confirming that Ireland was committed to contributing to the EAC Partnership Fund. She expressed hope that this would continue to build on the strong relationship and partnership between Ireland and EAC.
The Principal Secretary (PS), State Department of East African Community Integration, Ministry of EAC, Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Kenya Ms. Betty Maina has lauded Kiswahili stakeholders in East Africa for championing the development and use of the language in regional integration.
Addressing participants at the official opening of a two-day Validation Workshop for the Strategic Plan of the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC) on Thursday, 23rd June 2016 at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi, Ms. Maina commended delegates drawn from all the EAC Partner States for using Kiswahili to sensitize the citizenry on the integration process and progress. Noting that Kiswahili is an integral part of the integration project and sustainable development for the region, the PS called for concerted efforts to support the Commission.
The PS called on the stakeholders to distil specific actionable areas that would have visible and tangible results that will be applicable and presentable to the public and other stakeholders. She challenged the stakeholders to brainstorm on possible sources of alternative funding to facilitate and enhance staff expansion and infrastructural development. She reminded the Commission that while considering request for supplementary budget, it should go beyond traditional funding and think about alternative resource mobilization.
The Executive Secretary of the East African Kiswahili Commission, Prof Kenneth Simala assured participants of the Commission’s commitment to executing its mandate of coordinating and promoting the development and use of Kiswahili in East Africa and the diaspora, where Kiswahili is the fastest spreading African language.
The Validation Workshop was closed on Friday 24th June, 2016 by Mr. Joe Okudo, Principal Secretary, State Department of Arts and Culture; Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts who noted that Kiswahili is quickly becoming a Pan-African language of identity. He urged stakeholders to take the lead in promoting the development and use of Kiswahili.
The Validation Workshop was the third in a week-long series of meetings organized by the EAKC to discuss effective operationalization and implementation of its mandate. The workshops were attended by over 143 delegates from across the Community.
University Kiswahili Staff and Student Exchange Programme
The first workshop on Monday, 20th June, 2016 was on the theme ‘University Kiswahili Staff and Student Exchange in the EAC and Beyond’ and was attended by Chairpersons of Departments of Kiswahili and Graduate Students from both public and private universities. Specific objectives of the Workshop were: To initiate linkages for students and staff exchange Programmes among East African Universities and beyond. A second objective was to establish stakeholders associations at national and regional levels as drivers of the first goal.
On Curriculum Reform, Change and Innovation
On 21st – 22nd June, 2016, EAKC in partnership with DAAD Regional Office in Nairobi held a workshop on ‘Curriculum Reform, Change and Innovation at Universities in East Africa’. Facilitated by distinguished scholars from across the region, the workshop also had presentations made by teachers of Kiswahili, media practitioners, government officials and DAAD alumni from EAC Partner States. Sharing experiences and learning from best practices, stakeholders at the workshop observed that the fast pace of globalization and regionalization has resulted in internalization of education and the need for staff and student mobility in East Africa and beyond. Among the key milestones of the workshop are: a Report; Mentorship Programme of DAAD Alumni for Kiswahili Scholars and Students; Roadmap on East African University Kiswahili Staff and Student Exchange Programme; National Associations of University Departments of Kiswahili; Association of East African Kiswahili media Practitioners.
Milestones and deliverables
At the end of the Workshop, the following milestones were achieved:
Draft Policy on University Kiswahili Staff-Student Exchange Programme in East Africa and beyond;
Linkages initiated between staff and students of Kiswahili in East African Universities;
National Associations of Chairpersons of Departments of Kiswahili in East African Universities;
East African Association of Chairpersons of Departments of Kiswahili at Universities;
National Associations of Kiswahili Media Operators in East Africa;
East African Association of Kiswahili Media Operators;
Workshop Report on ‘Curriculum Reform, Change and Innovation at Universities in East Africa’.
Workshop Proceedings from Facilitators (to be edited into a ten-chapter book)
The Lake Victoria Fisheries Management Plan III (FMP III) 2016 – 2020 whose goal is: “Recovery of biomass of Nile perch with Sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources of Lake Victoria basin with equitable opportunities and benefits”, was yesterday launched at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania on 28th June 2016.
The FMP III is expected to guide the sustainable management of the fisheries resources and thus contribute to poverty alleviation and improvement of livelihoods, in line with the EAC Vision and Strategy Framework for Management and Development of the Lake Victoria basin; “a prosperous population, living in a healthy and sustainably managed environment providing equitable opportunities and benefits”.
Gracing the event as the Guest of Honour was Dr. Yohana Budeba; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Tanzania, who launched the FMP III. In his remarks, he welcomed the fisheries stakeholders present at the meeting to the venue. He began by emphasising the value of fisheries as a resource within the EAC region, adding that it provides massive opportunities because it is a source of income, it creates employment opportunities in both industrial and artisanal processing, it is a source of food rich in omega III, iron, zinc and calcium which can go a long way in addressing malnutrition and stunted growth in children and it also attracts foreign exchange from exports to more than 20 countries internationally.
Also present at the launch was the Executive Secretary for Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation; Godfrey Monor who reported that there are several challenges that the Lake Victoria Fisheries is faced with which FMP III aims to address. These include: increased fishing pressure as a result of increasing demand and rising prices of fish and fisheries products; inadequate and unsustainable funding to implement research and agreed management interventions; increased illegalities due to weak enforcement; inadequate infrastructure for fish quality and safety, under developed aquaculture to meet the demand of fish and relieve fishing pressure from capture fishery, and other challenges caused by climate change. “In order to curtail the decline of natural resources within and around the Lake, the commitment from the Partner States should be translated to action for sustainability of our fisheries resources”.
On behalf of Hon. Jesca Eriyo; the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, the Senior Livestock and Fisheries Officer; Timothy Wesonga affirmed that the FMP III was developed in a consultative manner in which key stakeholders were consulted and involved. Therefore, there was a reckonable sense of ownership and participation in the development of the FMP III. “The FMP III is amongst a number of instruments developed by EAC to direct the management of fisheries resources in Lake Victoria. Other EAC fisheries instruments that have been developed include the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures, the Aquaculture Strategy, FMP I and II and the upcoming Fisheries and aquaculture Sector Policy which is being developed to guide the sector for better management. “Now that we have a number of instruments in place, efforts should be concerted towards implementing these instruments.”
In a bid to support this, he urged that the national governments involved in the Lake Victoria fisheries resource management process to mainstream their collaborative approach by factoring in strategic investments for this purpose in their national budgets in the next financial year.” Mr. Wesonga also appreciated the efforts of the Task Force in developing the FMP III document and proposed that they should explore avenues for mobilisation of funds to support implementation of the FMP III.
The FMP III aims to address emerging issues in the Lake Victoria fisheries with focus on: introduction of user rights in the management of Lake Victoria; introduction of a domesticated Fishing Craft Management System (FCMS) for Lake Victoria waters; introduction of fisheries and aquaculture incubation enterprises; demand driven research; use of Information Technology to better manage the fisheries resources and regular economic evaluation of fisheries resources.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary encouraged close collaboration between LVFO and LVBC in addressing the issues around Lake Victoria and fisheries resources, highlighting the dependence of fish on water as their natural habitat. Dr. Yohana also called upon the Directors of Fisheries management and Research to strengthen linkages with the Devolved/Decentralised Governments in implementing the FMP III.
He concluded by appreciating the support from Lake Victoria Environment Management Project Phase II (LVEMP II), funded by the World Bank. He also commended members from the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO), Partner States representatives from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministries, the Beach Management Unit stakeholders, Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), the LVBC Executive Secretary Dr. Ali Said Matano and the EAC Secretariat, all present at the launch for their efforts and participation.
The Inter-University Council for East Africa will hold its Seventh Annual meeting on 23rd – 24th June 2016, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi-Kenya, under the theme “Research and Innovation for socio-economic transformation of the East African Community”.
The meeting will be attended by representative from the Ministries responsible for higher education from each Partner State, Secretary General of the EAC and the heads of commissions/councils for higher/university education, Vice-Chancellors and Principals of member universities, representative from the private sector in each Partner State, and Heads of national commissions/councils for science and technology.
Also attending are heads of EAC institutions and other higher education stakeholders. The programme of the event includes papers’ presentation session on matters related to the theme of the meeting, and the Annual Meeting (IUCEA AGM) session. The presentation will cover innovations in both natural sciences and humanities and social sciences, followed by plenary discussions.
The papers to be presented are as follows:
“From a University Extra-Curriculum Activity to National Automotive Manufacturing Company" by Prof. Tickodri Togboa, Former Minister of State responsible for higher education, Uganda.
From the lab to the market: the case of a low cost water filter byDr. Askwar Hilonga, Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania.
M-Pesa: From the concept to the final product byMr. Brian Wamatu-Kenya.
Partnership between the University of Ngozi and the local community to promote socio-economic development - Burundi by Dr. Liboire Ngendahayo, Burundi
Abunzi Concept for conflict prevention-Rwanda
The research and innovation presentations will provide an opportunity for participants to be informed about that the potential in the EAC Partner States in regards to innovation and production of systems, goods and services ready for the regional (EAC) and global markets.
The second week of the sensitisation of stakeholders in the Partner States has commenced and will see EALA Members continue with its outreach to regional stakeholders. The sensitisation activities which run up to the back-end of next week are themed: ”EAC Integration Agenda: Accessing the Gains”.
Last week, the Members met a number of stakeholders. In Kigali, the EALA Chapter led by the Chairperson, Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga, addressed over 1000 representatives of the National Youth Council in Huye, Southern Province at the weekend. A number of issues were raised at the outreach programme including youth involvement in strengthening of the integration process, with the Members urging the stakeholder group to take advantage of cross-border opportunities in the region. Earlier on, the Chapter held an interactive session with representatives and the membership of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) Rwanda led by the Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Ruzibiza.
The PSF members urged EALA to ensure the total and complete elimination of NTBs on the corridors especially the Northern Corridor. Last year, EALA enacted the EAC Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) Bill 2015 and the piece of legislation is currently undergoing assent in the Partner States. The Private Sector were also succinct that lack of enforcement mechanism on the EAC's laws/policies/decisions continued to hamper trade facilitation. PSF are also urging the Assembly to ensure further involvement of Private Sector in the decision making since EAC is private sector led and market driven.
In Kampala, key highlights of the Uganda Chapter’s outreach program included courtesy calls on cabinet ministers and high ranking government officials. The EALA Members first visited the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Major General Kahinda Otafire. Discussions delved on strengthening integration in readiness for the political federation with the Minister assuring the legislators that the region was fully committed to the integration dispensation. The EALA Chapter led by Hon. Nusura Tiperu also met with the Minister for Trade, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde where both parties agreed that Partner States need to ensure standardisation of goods and to create an environment that facilitates trade. The legislators then paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Finance, Hon. Mattia Kasaijja and other parastatals. The EALA Members were joined by a section of their colleagues from the Burundi chapter.
The sensitisation and outreach programs of the Assembly in the Republics of Kenya, Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania were also on course as at time of press.
This is the second phase of the outreach programme following a successful phase held in the Partner States in April 2016. The three-week activity hopes to sensitise EAC citizens on the overall integration process and to promote liaison with key stakeholders in the process.
The outreach programme which is been undertaken by the EALA local chapters also hopes to keep the EAC populace informed on the role of EALA in the integration process and to enhance interaction between the Private Sector and the Civil Society.
They include; representatives of local Government associations, and Universities and learning institutions. Other stakeholders are media, Parliaments, women and youth councils, the Private Sector and the women and youth organisations.
Sensitisation is a key component of EALA’s work. The EALA Strategic Plan (2013-2018) envisages a people-centred approach to widening and deepening of the integration agenda.
A new Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE) to complement and strengthen the ongoing EAC Partner States’ initiatives in the areas of policy and capacity development, knowledge management and raising awareness as well as investment and business promotion is now operational at the Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) in Kampala, Uganda.
The East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE) was inaugurated by the Minister designate Hon. Irene Muloni of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of Uganda. The Minister reaffirmed the continued support of the Uganda government to the EACREEE and called on Partner States and Development Partners as well as the private sector to give full support to the Centre.
The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Jesca Eriyo pointed out that the focus of the energy sector is to ensure availability of sufficient, reliable, cost effective and environmentally friendly energy sources in the region across borders; promoting electricity interconnectivity to facilitate the broader EAC objectives of attracting investments and promoting competitiveness and trade.
“The Centre we are launching today will provide the following services to different clients and target groups said the Deputy Secretary General:
Develop and implement a coherent regional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RE&EE) policy framework for the EAC and facilitate its implementation at national levels;
Develop and execute regional programs and projects with other Partners and mobilize funding; create synergies with ongoing programs;
Operate as key entry point for the implementation of international funding to mitigate climate change in the Energy sector;
Provide co-funding for demand-driven programs and projects executed by the private and public sector or civil society in the region (e.g. call for proposals and tenders);
provide a framework for capacity building activities and strengthen networks between research and training institutions as well as organize training of trainers workshops;
Update and provide RE&EE information and data for investors;
Act as Think Tank, Lobbying Agent and Advisory Platform for RE&EE in East Africa;
Networking and co-organization of conferences, forums and workshops; and lastly
Facilitate North-South and South-South cooperation for knowledge and technology transfer”.
Mr. Philippe Scholtès, the Managing Director of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), emphasized the importance of inclusive and sustainable industrial development, as well as the role of sustainable energy and private-public partnerships (PPP) in this respect. He said that the global network of regional sustainable Energy Centres assists Development Partners in effective and efficient way.
Mr. Günter Engelits, Head of Office, Austrian Development Cooperation (ADA) in Uganda, said the Centre is expected to reduce political, regulatory, institutional, technical, and social barriers in the region, and support the achievement of sustainable energy for all, as well as the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The EACREEE is supported by UNIDO and the Austrian Development Agency, and is part of the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres. The Network currently includes the EACREEE, the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) based in Cape Verde, and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) in Barbados. The Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) and the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) are expected to be launched by the end of 2016.
This afternoon the newly appointed Executive Secretary of Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), Dr. Ali Said Matano took the Oath of Allegiance before the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. Present at the brief ceremony was the EAC Director for Human Resource and Administration, Mr. Joseph Ochwada and other senior staff of the Community.
Dr. Ali Said Matano (Kenyan) solemnly swore to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the East African Community and to preserve, protect and defend the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community as by law established.
Dr. Ali Said Matano now officially assumes office as the new Executive Secretary of Lake Victoria Basin Commission following the expiry of Dr. Canisius Kanangire’s (Rwandan) tenure on 26th May 2016.
Dr. Matano’s appointment was endorsed by the 33rd Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers that took place on 27th May 2016 in Arusha, Tanzania. This was after his appointment was approved by the Sectoral Council of Ministers for the Lake Victoria Basin.
LVBC is a specialized Institution of the East African Community responsible for coordinating the sustainable development agenda of the Lake Victoria Basin, with its Headquarters located in Kisumu, Kenya.
Dr. Matano was the LVBC”s Programmes and Projects Development Officer. The post of Executive Secretary rotates amongst the five Partner States.
A four-day strategic retreat for the Permanent/Principal Secretaries (PSs) responsible for EAC Affairs in the Partner States concluded yesterday in Moshi, Tanzania, with a firm resolve by the PSs to upscale their oversight role on the EAC Organs and Institutions, as well as the integration agenda.
The Retreat was attended by Amb. Dr. Azizi Mlima, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania; Mrs. Edith Mwanje, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of East African Community Affairs in Uganda; Amb. Jean Rigi, Permanent Secretary Ministry to the Office of the President Responsible for EAC Affairs in Burundi; Ms. Betty Maina Principal Secretary responsible for East African Affairs, Ministry of Labour and East African Affairs in Kenya; and Mr. Innocent Safari, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of East African Community Affairs in Rwanda. The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, all the Heads of the EAC Institutions, Registrar of the EACJ, Senior Officials from Partner States and staff of the EAC Secretariat were in attendance.
The Retreat was chaired by Amb. Dr. Aziz P. Mlima, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the United Republic of Tanzania, who pointed out that the Retreat came at a time when a lot of milestones were being recorded in the EAC integration process and the matters for discussion were critical to the integration agenda. He called upon the Permanent/Principal Secretaries to provide the utmost input in the deliberations for the benefit of the Community.
Addressing the Permanent/Principal Secretaries, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko pointed out that the Community was regarded as one of the best performing Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa and yet it still faced many challenges that needed to be addressed. He noted that the items on the agenda for the Retreat, notably the proposed implementation framework for the Institutional Review was critical for the efficient and effective performance of the Community and as such needed to be addressed urgently.
The Secretary General emphasized the pivotal role played by the Permanent/Principal Secretaries as members of the Coordination Committee, in making recommendations that would facilitate the deepening of the integration process and contribute to making the Community a stronger regional Institution. He said “the strong people-centred policies and systems were key to the success of the Community as an Organisation”.
On Institutional Review
The Community initiated an Institutional Review process in 2008 and undertook a detailed Internal Review process in 2011. An In-depth Functional Analysis was done in 2013 and a comprehensive stakeholder consultations carried out in 2014. The detailed Review Report was submitted to the Council of Ministers in 2015. The Report proposes a wide range of changes in the institutional structure and management of the EAC.
The 33rd Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers held on 29th February 2016 in Arusha, Tanzania considered the proposals and decided that the outcome of EAC Institutional review be implemented in two phases; the initial phase and the consolidation phase which will require transforming EAC Secretariat into a Commission.
The Council also decided the Community will retain the current EAC Executive structure in the short-term with the following amendments; the positions of Deputy Secretaries General to be reorganized around the following clusters namely: Economic Affairs; Political Affairs; Infrastructure; and Social Services.
The Council devolved all the operational responsibilities to the respective Directors, and for the Deputy Secretaries General to retain policy implementation oversight, monitoring and strategic functions. The Council also established the position of Director General (DG) - Corporate Management to be responsible for Finance and Administration matters as well as other support services currently reporting directly to the Secretary General (Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Resource Mobilization). In addition, the functions of Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation to be included under the proposed portfolio
At the Moshi Retreat, the Permanent/Principal Secretaries considered implementation framework for the EAC institutional review and, among others, directed the Secretariat to fully operationalize the Ad hoc EAC Service Commission by 1st July, 2016.
The Retreat directed the Secretariat to develop a proposal on how the approved clusters shall be implemented, including a review of the current functions to determine the alignment and present this proposal to the Ad hoc EAC Service Commission for consideration. The Retreat directed the Secretariat to develop within two (2) years a framework for transition to the Commission taking cognizance of existing studies and other comparative information on other similar RECs.
Constraints faced in implementing Article 71 of the Treaty
The Retreat of Permanent/Principal Secretaries deliberated on a presentation by the Secretariat on constraints it faces when implementing Article 71 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. The Permanent/Principal Secretaries, among others, tasked the Secretariat to develop a framework for carrying out investigation of breaches of the Treaty in the Partner States and Partner States to assist the Secretariat when carrying out the investigation; and the Secretariat to develop proposals on sanctions that can be imposed on the Partner States that breach the Treaty for consideration by the Council of Ministers.
Recruitment of General Staff
The retreat discussed the current moratorium on the recruitment of General Staff in the Organs and Institutions and the urgent need to have it lifted taking into consideration its adverse effects on the operations of the Community.
The Retreat recommended to the Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning that the Secretariat be allowed to recruit and fill in the vacant General Staff positions under G1 to G3 within the approved budget. And that the recruitment of General Staff under G4 to G5 be undertaken based on disaggregated Points of the Quota System (such as computation of Quota Points be done separately for General Staff on G4 and G5). There was the need for Partner States to expedite the process of ratification of the Protocol on Immunities and Privileges by November 2016.
Exit of over 50 Professional Staff from EAC Service
The Retreat took note of the pending exit of 52 professional staff from the EAC Secretariat from July 2016 to November 2017, after completion of their terms. The Permanent/Principal Secretaries thanked the exiting staff for their valuable contribution to the Community and directed the Secretariat to commence the recruitment process to fill the positions, in line with the decision of the 33rd Council of Ministers. The Secretariat was tasked to develop a smooth transition plan to ensure that operations of the Community are not adversely affected by the mass exit.
Roadmap for the Integration of the Republic Of South Sudan (RSS) Into EAC
Following the successful negotiations between the EAC and RSS on the latter’s accession to the Community, the RSS signed the Accession Treaty in Dar es Salaam on 15th April 2016.
While the full admission of RSS will be confirmed by the ratification and depositing the Instruments of Ratification of the Accession to the Treaty (latest by 1st October, 2016, with the Secretary General, the Retreat recommended to Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning to, among others, approve an exploratory mission at the Coordination Committee level with co-opted members from the Secretariat, Organs and Institutions of the Community to RSS to engage the Government on the proposed roadmap.
Improving Efficiency in the Community
The Retreat tasked the Secretariat to put in place a quick feedback mechanism to accelerate the implementation of priority EAC projects and programmes including monitoring and evaluation and an online portal for such projects and programmes to enable Partner States track progress directly. The Secretariat was also tasked to develop a framework for effective Monitoring and Evaluation on the activities of the Community involving stakeholders within the Secretariat, Institutions and the Partner States.
Rationalizing meetings and optimizing the utilization of video conferencing facilities as well as exploring the possibilities of utilizing other technologies were some of the tasks given to the Secretariat.
The Secretariat was directed to develop a draft concept paper on a program for young professionals that will identify and systematically deploy young professionals in the EAC to build capacity in regional integration matters. Also the Secretariat was directed to propose priority areas that could be championed by individual Partner States and table the proposal at the Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning of October, 2016.
The Secretariat will also compile a draft list of Decisions that could be considered for Decision Making by Simple Majority and submit the list at the Sectoral Council of EAC Affairs and Planning in October, 2016 for consideration.
