East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 01 March 2017:
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko will host Executive Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) on Friday 3rd March, 2017. The high powered delegation will pay a courtesy call on the Secretary General and will consist 10 Executive Directors.
The ADB Mission will be in the United Republic of Tanzania from 28th February to 4th March 2017, as part of the annual agenda of the Board of Directors of the Bank. The agenda requires Executive Directors to undertake consultative missions to evaluate the quality of Bank supported projects in member countries and this year, it was decided that Tanzania and the EAC Secretariat will be visited.
During their mission to Tanzania, the Executive Directors will meet with officials from the Ministry of Finance and other line Ministries, agencies that are recipients of Bank support and execute Bank supported projects. They will also hold consultations with the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania in order to appreciate the macroeconomic and financial sector developments of the country.
Since the Bank works closely with other Development Partners to leverage its resources, the delegation will also hold consultations with Development Finance Institutions, UN agencies and overseas development agencies. In addition, a dialogue with the private sector will be held to enhance the understanding of the Executive Directors on the potential role of the private sector in driving inclusive economic growth and how the Bank can be positioned to catalyze this function.
At the EAC Headquarters, the Executive Directors will discuss the Bank’s collaboration with the Community since the signing of a cooperation agreement in 1998. The agreement has resulted in the funding of several regional projects by the Bank, mainly in the transport and energy sectors.
The following are some of the key projects funded by the Bank over the years:
i) Arusha – Namanga – Athi River road (construction completed in 2012) ii) Arusha – Holili/Taveta – Voi road (Kenyan side completed, construction on Tanzanian side ongoing) iii) Malindi – Lunga Lunga / Tanga – Bagamoyo road (studies completed) iv) Nyakanazi – Manyovu / Rumonge – Bujumbura road (studies ongoing) v) Lusahunga – Rusumo / Kayonza – Kigali road (studies ongoing) vi) Formulation of the EAC Transport Strategy (2012), and vii) The EAC Railways Master Plan (2009) and EAC Railways Sector Enhancement project (2016).
It is expected that EAC and the AfDB delegation will review the performance of Bank supported projects and discuss ways of addressing any challenges that may have hindered their smooth implementation.
The two institutions will also discuss the prospects for future collaboration in the existing portfolios and possible expansion of scope of cooperation in other sectors.
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Notes to Editor:
The African Development Bank was founded in 1964 and has three constituent Institutions namely; The African Development Bank (ADB), The African Development Fund (ADF) and The Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Its shareholders comprise 54 African countries (regional member countries) and 27 non-African countries (non-regional member countries). The AfDB mission is to promote sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty in Africa.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno
Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department
EAC Secretariat
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255 784 835021
Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 01 March 2017:
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko will host Executive Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) on Friday 3rd March, 2017. The high powered delegation will pay a courtesy call on the Secretary General and will consist 10 Executive Directors.
The ADB Mission will be in the United Republic of Tanzania from 28th February to 4th March 2017, as part of the annual agenda of the Board of Directors of the Bank. The agenda requires Executive Directors to undertake consultative missions to evaluate the quality of Bank supported projects in member countries and this year, it was decided that Tanzania and the EAC Secretariat will be visited.
During their mission to Tanzania, the Executive Directors will meet with officials from the Ministry of Finance and other line Ministries, agencies that are recipients of Bank support and execute Bank supported projects. They will also hold consultations with the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania in order to appreciate the macroeconomic and financial sector developments of the country.
Since the Bank works closely with other Development Partners to leverage its resources, the delegation will also hold consultations with Development Finance Institutions, UN agencies and overseas development agencies. In addition, a dialogue with the private sector will be held to enhance the understanding of the Executive Directors on the potential role of the private sector in driving inclusive economic growth and how the Bank can be positioned to catalyze this function.
At the EAC Headquarters, the Executive Directors will discuss the Bank’s collaboration with the Community since the signing of a cooperation agreement in 1998. The agreement has resulted in the funding of several regional projects by the Bank, mainly in the transport and energy sectors.
The following are some of the key projects funded by the Bank over the years:
i) Arusha – Namanga – Athi River road (construction completed in 2012) ii) Arusha – Holili/Taveta – Voi road (Kenyan side completed, construction on Tanzanian side ongoing) iii) Malindi – Lunga Lunga / Tanga – Bagamoyo road (studies completed) iv) Nyakanazi – Manyovu / Rumonge – Bujumbura road (studies ongoing) v) Lusahunga – Rusumo / Kayonza – Kigali road (studies ongoing) vi) Formulation of the EAC Transport Strategy (2012), and vii) The EAC Railways Master Plan (2009) and EAC Railways Sector Enhancement project (2016).
It is expected that EAC and the AfDB delegation will review the performance of Bank supported projects and discuss ways of addressing any challenges that may have hindered their smooth implementation.
The two institutions will also discuss the prospects for future collaboration in the existing portfolios and possible expansion of scope of cooperation in other sectors.
- ENDS -
Notes to Editor:
The African Development Bank was founded in 1964 and has three constituent Institutions namely; The African Development Bank (ADB), The African Development Fund (ADF) and The Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Its shareholders comprise 54 African countries (regional member countries) and 27 non-African countries (non-regional member countries). The AfDB mission is to promote sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty in Africa.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno
Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department
EAC Secretariat
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255 784 835021
Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Nairobi, Kenya; 25 February 2017:
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko yesterday Friday 24th February 2017 paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Kenya; H.E Uhuru Kenyatta at State House in Nairobi, accompanied by his Deputy in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge.
Also present at the courtesy visit was Hon. Phyllis Kandie; the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, Labour and Social Protection and Ms. Betty Maina; the Principal Secretary in the State Department of East African Affairs in the Republic of Kenya.
The Secretary General briefed H.E Uhuru Kenyatta on organizational changes at the Secretariat to ensure operational and financial efficiency, the integration of the Republic of South Sudan into the Community, increased confidence on the Secretariat by the international community, as well as a few challenges being encountered in the integration agenda.
Amb. Liberat took note of the upcoming General Elections in the Republics of Kenya and Rwanda, and informed H.E. Kenyatta that EAC is preparing to dispatch Election Observer Missions to the two Partner States. He also informed the President about the upcoming 18th Summit of the EAC Heads of State which is planned to take place on 6 April 2017 in Arusha, Tanzania.
On his part, President Kenyatta assured the Secretary General of Kenya’s commitment to the regional integration process and confirmed participation in the upcoming 18th Summit of the EAC Heads of State. H.E Uhuru Kenyatta also indicated that Kenya will present its budget proposal earlier than June as the country prepares for august elections. EAC Partner States have had a traditional of presenting their budget simultaneously in June to the national parliament.
The President also urged the Secretary General to ensure efficiency in the use of resources at the EAC and to ensure that reforms are geared towards saving costs.President Kenyatta once again congratulated the Secretary General upon his appointment and wished him success as he steers EAC for the next five years.
In another development, Amb. Mfumukeko met and discussed with Hon. Phyllis Kandie the current liquidity challenges facing the Community. Present at the meeting were the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge and Ms. Betty Maina. At the meeting, the EAC Secretariat was tasked to propose mitigation measures aimed at addressing prevailing financial constraints and present to the Policy Organ, the Council of Ministers.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 22 February 2017:
The 2nd high-level East African Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition (EAMBS) organized by the East African Community (EAC) is scheduled to take place 23rd - 25th May, 2017 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The three-day conference themed "Harnessing the Manufacturing Potential for Sustainable Economic Growth" will bring together top executives in the manufacturing and agri-business sectors, policy and decision makers, as well as key financial institutions from Africa and beyond to dialogue and explore opportunities for investment in manufacturing and agri-business in the EAC region.
The EAMBS will include an exhibition where investors, enterprises, researchers and academia will collectively showcase new products and services as well as exhibit the latest advances in manufacturing technology and innovation, particularly those with relevance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
The official opening of the Summit is expected to be presided over by the President of the Republic Rwanda, H.E Paul Kagame
Speaking ahead of the Manufacturing Summit, the Director of Productive Sectors at the EAC Secretariat, Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana, said the Summit which is co-organized by the EAC Secretariat, the East African Business Council (EABC) and Government of Rwanda, will provide a strategic platform for an extensive and intensive dialogue on opportunities and challenges of industrialisation in the region.
Mr. Havugimana noted that Summit is a platform borne out of the recognition that sustainable economic growth and development in East Africa is unattainable without creating a vibrant and diversified manufacturing sector.
”The Manufacturing Business Summit marks an important turning point for the future of manufacturing in the region," he added.
The 2nd EAMBS is expected to create greater awareness about the opportunities and challenges arising from the Common Market Protocol for the regional manufacturing sector. It is supposed to serve as a platform not only for initial business contacts, but also for exchange of ideas on how to address the existing challenges in the regional integration process.
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Notes to Editor:
The 2nd high-level Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition is the follow up of the 1st Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition which took place at the Speke Resort Hotel, Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda in 2015.
The biannual East African Manufacturing and Business Summit is being organized against a backdrop of economic resurgence and high political commitment to pursue development driven by industrialization. The forum therefore stands to offer an important platform for governments in the region to engage the private sector on critical steps needed to leverage higher levels of investment in manufacturing.
The expected outcome is significant impact on broader socio economic development objectives such as employment creation, technology transfer and wealth creation. The forum seeks to create an avenue for the private sector to advocate and campaign for the acceleration of industrial reforms aimed at improvement of investment conditions in the EAC strategic sectors.
The EAC region has already identified strategic areas for industrial development in the region that bear comparative advantages and where significant private sector investment is needed to unlock potentials. These strategic sectors include: agro-processing and agri-business; mineral processing; pharmaceuticals; construction materials; fertilizers & agro-chemicals as well as the strengthened leather & textiles and automotive sector.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Court of Justice; Arusha, Tanzania; 18 February 2017:
The Registrar of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT), His Worship Olufemi Elias, accompanied by Mr. Samuel Akorimo, Head of Office MICT Registry Arusha Branch and Mr. Ousman Njikam, External Relations Officer, Arusha Branch yesterday paid courtesy call on the Judge President of the EACJ.
His Lordship Justice Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, President of the Court welcomed the Registrar to the East African Court of Justice and wished the best in his new office as the 2nd Registrar of the Mechanism.
The Registrar of the Mechanism expressed his gratitude to visit the EACJ and called upon the Judges and staff of the Court to have access to the records of the MICT for several purposes. His Worship explained that, the Mechanism has two branches: one in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, which covers functions inherited from the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), Arusha Branch, and the other in the Hague, the Netherlands, which covers functions inherited from the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia (ICTY), the Hague Branch. The Arusha Branch additionally has a satellite field office located in Kigali, Rwanda ("Kigali Office").
His Worship also told the meeting that he heads the Registry of the Mechanism, which is responsible for the institution’s administration. That the Registry also assists the Chambers, and the Office of the Prosecutor, in the performance of their responsibilities through the provision of support services.
Mr. Samuel Akorimo, Head of Office MICT Registry Arusha Branch, said that the functions of the Mechanisms include; assistance to national jurisdictions. That with the completion of the ICTR’s mandate at the end of 2015, and the expected completion of the ICTY’s mandate at the end of 2017, further cases related to crimes committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia are now being tried within national jurisdictions.
Consequently, the number of requests for assistance from courts, prosecutors, and defence lawyers in relation to national investigations and prosecutions has been growing. That the Mechanism responds to requests for assistance from national authorities and others by providing evidence, facilitating the collection of information, and offering other technical support at their request.
He further said that cases referred to national jurisdictions, Pursuant to Article 6(5) of its Statute, the Mechanism is responsible for monitoring cases referred by the ICTR and the ICTY to national courts, with the assistance of international and regional organizations and bodies. That the Mechanism currently monitors five cases referred by the ICTR to national courts.
In addition his Worship said that, the Mechanism is responsible for the preservation, including the management and access, of the ICTR, the ICTY, and the Mechanism archives. These archives document investigations, indictments, and court proceedings, the protection of witnesses, work relating to the detention of accused persons, the enforcement of sentences, and the Tribunals’ relationships with States, other law enforcement authorities, international and non-governmental organizations, and the general public.
The archives consist of a range of materials, from photographs and documents to maps and audiovisual recordings. That the archives are the property of the United Nations and the Mechanism Archives and Records Section (“MARS”) preserves them in accordance with the highest international standards.
The Registrar added that also the Mechanism facilitates the tracking and prosecution of remaining fugitives. He said that eight individuals indicted by the ICTR for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes are still at large, three individuals are expected to be tried by the Mechanism, and the cases of the remaining five individuals are expected to be tried in Rwanda. That locating and arresting the remaining ICTR fugitives is a top priority for the Mechanism’s Office of the Prosecutor.
He further said that among other functions of the Mechanism is protection of victims and witnesses, that over 10,000 witnesses, many of whom are also victims, gave evidence before the ICTR and the ICTY. In total, 46 per cent of those witnesses were granted protective measures by the Tribunals. He further said that the Mechanism continues to ensure that witnesses receive protection and support both for ongoing cases before the Mechanism and completed cases from the two Tribunals and the Mechanism.
Registrar also added that supervision of enforcement of sentences is a key function of the Mechanisms. Those persons convicted by the ICTR, the ICTY, and the Mechanism serve their sentences in one of the States that have signed an agreement on the enforcement of sentences. That these sentences are enforced in accordance with international standards on detention and the applicable law of the enforcing State, subject to the supervision of the Mechanism. He also said that the President of the Mechanism is responsible for designating the State of enforcement, supervising the enforcement of sentences, and deciding on requests for pardon, commutation of sentence, or early release.
That the Mechanism also is responsible for conducting the appeals proceedings, review of the judgements pronounced by the tribunals or Mechanism, retrial of the tribunals or mechanism as well as trials for contempt and false testimony.His Worship called on EACJ for the good cooperation and working relations to render justice.
His Lordship, the President of the Court thanked the Registrar of the Mechanism and his team for sparing their time to visit the Court and he pledged continuous working relations between the Court and the Mechanism. The President was accompanied by the Two Judges of the Appellate Justice Liboire Nkurunziza, Vice President and Justice Edward Rutakangwa, who are in Arusha for the sessions as well as the Deputy Registrar, Her Worship Geraldine Umugwaneza and other Staff of the Court.
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For more information, please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo Registrar East African Court of Justice. Tel: 255-27-2162149 Email Okubo [at] eachq.org Arusha, Tanzania http://www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 15 February 2017:
The Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko held a meeting at State House with the Chairperson of the EAC Heads of State Summit HE John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, the President of United Republic of Tanzania.
The Secretary General briefed the Chairperson of the Summit on the progress made so far on a number of things including implementation of the key protocols i.e. The Customs Union, Common Market Protocol and the Monetary Union.
The Secretary General and Chairperson of the Summit also discussed the upcoming 35th Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers and the 18th Summit of the EAC Heads of State Summit and noted that two of the EAC countries had indicated that they have other activities on the dates planned, they agreed to push the meetings to start on 30th March 2017 climaxing with the summit on 6th April, 2017.
The Chairperson of the Summit encouraged the Secretary General to ensure efficiency in the use of resources at EAC. He directed the Secretary General to ensure that there are reforms geared to cost savings at this era of financial difficulties.
He added that national governments were also taking of cutting costs and ensuring efficiency and value for money. During the meeting with His Excellency, the President, the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Minister, Amb. Dr. Augustine Mahiga also participated.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 14 February 2017:
The Canadian High Commissioner to the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Ian Myles, today presented accreditation letter to the East African Community Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko appointing him as his country’s representatives to the EAC bloc.
While receiving the Canadian envoy, Amb. Mfumukeko hailed the existing cordial relations between the EAC and Canada. The Secretary General welcomed support from the Canadian government geared towards enabling the Community to achieve its ambitious agenda.
The Secretary General briefed H.E. Myles on the current achievements in the pillars of the regional integration and development process. He said the Community had expanded tremendously within a short spell of time which has necessitated a review of its institutional set-up and work on a sustainable financing mechanism.
Amb. Mfumukeko and the Canadian envoy discussed several issues including the status of the EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the Inter-Burundi Dialogue. They also explored areas of collaboration in trade, investment and agro-processing.
The Secretary General also informed the High Commissioner on his priorities over the next four years which include: increasing investment for job creation, and; improving agriculture to ensure food security and job creation for the youth in East Africa.
On his part his, H.E. Myles told the Secretary General that his government attaches great importance to regional economic groupings such as the EAC. He commended the Secretariat for the role it is playing in promoting regional integration.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 14 February 2017:
The United Kingdom will strengthen trade and investment links with the East African Community Partner States for mutual benefit.
UK High Commissioner to the United Republic of Tanzania and the EAC, Her Excellency Sarah Cooke, said that her country would remain an outward-focused trade-based economy with strong partnerships with other countries and regional economic blocs even in the wake of Brexit.
Ms. Cooke said the UK would create new partnerships with the EAC aimed at promoting private sector-led economic growth for employment creation and poverty reduction in the East African region.
The envoy disclosed that the UK was the biggest contributor to TradeMark East Africa (TMEA), adding that the funding to TMEA was being utilised to finance technical assistance to the EAC in sectors such as customs, trade, investment and video teleconferencing.
The High Commissioner made the remarks when she presented her credentials to the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania today.
Ms. Cooke hailed Amb. Mfumukeko for his efforts in strengthening efficiency and reforming public expenditure within the EAC.
In his remarks, Amb. Mfumukeko thanked the UK for its generous support to the EAC over the years singling out the TMEA funding which he said had resulted in numerous benefits to the Partner States especially in revenue collection and investment promotion.
Amb. Mfumukeko said his priorities over the next four years would be to: promote the free movement of persons and labour as enshrined in the EAC Common Market Protocol; increase investment for job creation, and; improve agriculture to ensure food security and create employment for the youth in East Africa.
Accompanying the High Commissioner to the function was Mr. Tim Lamont, Senior Growth, Trade and Investment Advisor (East Africa) at the Department for International Development Office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
TMEA is an East African not-for-profit company established in 2010 to support the growth of trade – both regional and international – in East Africa. TMEA is focused on ensuring that gains from trade result in tangible gains for East Africans.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; 13 February 2017:
President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of the EAC Heads of State, H.E. Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli has hailed the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) for its unbounded dedication to the integration process.
President Magufuli who held cordial discussions with the Speaker of EALA, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega, in State House, Dar Es Salaam, lauded EALA for its sustained role in strengthening the integration process, noting the tremendous improvement in outputs (Legislation, Oversight and Representation) and optimism when it comes to promoting the integration process.
Central to this aspect the Head of State added, was the Assembly’s rotational principle of holding its Parliamentary Sessions in Partner States, which he said, endeared it (EALA) to many citizens on the one side, while enhancing its public visibility on the other side. The Head of State rooted for the expansion of the bloc saying there was unity and strength in numbers and remarked that one of the fundamental objectives of the bloc was to address imminent challenges facing Partner States.
The President added that the Summit of EAC Heads of State for which he currently chairs, was committed to addressing the existing challenges in all Partner States and specifically in the respective Republics of South Sudan and Burundi.
The Head of State said the situation of food security in the region was not entirely worrying as portrayed in many circles. The President while calling for concerted efforts to address the situation, mentioned of surplus grain reserves in the Republic of Uganda and in the United Republic of Tanzania.
The President further rooted for the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) as a bloc, while taking into consideration critical factors including industrialization, market access regulation and other global developments.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega, congratulated His Excellency, Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli for exemplary leadership saying the United Republic of Tanzania and the EAC at large, had continued to greatly benefit.
“I congratulate you for initiating the reform agenda in this great republic which can be replicated elsewhere across the region,” he said. The Speaker termed peace and security as key components in ensuring progress and development in the region.
The Speaker further informed the President of heightened need for timely remittances of funds by the Partner States noting the Community (all Organs and Institutions) was choking in the absence of the same, and its activities and work plans hampered a great deal.
The Speaker updated President Magufuli of the progress at the Assembly as it begins the wind-down of its tenure (tenure of 3rd Assembly ends in June 2017). Salient achievements, Rt Kidega noted include, the passage of 27 Bills, many of which are undergoing assent by the EAC Heads of State, debate and approval of over 80 Reports and passage of 65 Resolutions.
One of the key deliverables, Rt Hon Kidega remarked, was a Resolution of the House promoting the use of Kiswahili and a plea for its recognition as one of the Official languages of the Community.
“We appeal to the Summit of EAC Heads of State to consider amending the EAC Treaty to make it realizable, unite East Africans and to strengthen integration”, Speaker Kidega added.
The Speaker of the Assembly often briefs the Heads of State of progress at the Legislature and the Community. The Heads of State also regularly address the Assembly at its Sittings in the Partner States in line with Article 54 of the Treaty for the EAC.
Meanwhile, H.E. President Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli also met with the Secretary General of the EAC, Hon Amb Liberat Mfumukeko.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 09 February 2017:
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko has congratulated the President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohammed Farmajo.
In a message dispatched this afternoon to State House/Villa Somalia in Mogadishu, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko extended EAC’s warmest congratulations to H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohammed Farmajo, the Government and the people of Somalia upon his election on Wednesday 8th February 2017, as the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The Secretary General notes that H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohammed Farmajo’s victory is a clear testimony of the trust and confidence that the people of Somalia have bestowed upon him in recognition of his leadership qualities.
The Secretary General also congratulated the people of Somalia for peacefully exercising their sovereign and democratic right to elect their leader. “The choice you have made is a tribute to your courage, as well as your determination to safeguard your dignity and keep Somalia firmly on the road to peace, stability and development”.
“The East African Community, including its Organs and Institutions, pledge their continued support and look forward to working with you to promote regional integration and development in East Africa”, affirms Amb. Mfumukeko in his message.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Court of Justice; Arusha, Tanzania; 08 February 2017:
The Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kenya yesterday visited the Court to study the operation of the Case Management and Recording System (CMRS). His Lordship, Justice David Maraga appreciated the invitation by the EACJ President Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja to visit the Court and especially to learn and know how the Regional Court is becoming a digital and paperless Court.
Chief Justice Maraga commended the technology advancement of the EACJ which he observed will increase the efficiency in the judiciary thus rendering justice timely and reducing the backlog of cases. He noted that the Judiciary of Kenya have been trying to introduce the same but has not yet reached to the level required and that with experience from EACJ, they will be able to introduce the similar system too.
His Lordship, the EACJ President, Hon. Justice Ugirashebuja welcomed the Chief Justice and expressed gratitude to him for accepting his invitation to visit the Regional premises in Arusha . He also commended him for being the first Chief Justice in the Region to visit the Court.
His Lordship Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Judge of the Appellate Division who heads the EACJ Information Technology Committee, presented a rich and detailed paper on the establishment and operations of the case management and recording system at the EACJ as well as in his National Court that is the Court of Appeal of the Republic of Uganda where he also serves as a Judge.
Justice Kiryabwire thanked the Chief Justice for having thought about benchmarking with the EACJ on how CMRS works. He also explained the importance of CMRS as an enabler for an efficient and faster running the Court businesses. Justice Kiryabwire said that the case management and recording system through electronic filing system addresses the common mistakes of litigants files going missing in the Registries, hence promotes transparency and safety record keeping. He also added that the system supports recording and transcription of proceedings which have replaced handwritten practices that are time consuming and increases paper work.
His Lordship further stated that, the system improves good public perception of the Court and is cost effective because it cuts costs of transporting pleadings from Partner States. That, it is a user friendly system and easy to understand and navigate. Justice Kiryabwire further recommended that, CMRS requires training of the stakeholders and continuous practice until they are used to it. He also pointed that, for any ICT system in a judiciary to be effective, it needs the following; a vision bearer/ good leadership, attitude change from analog to digital thinking, investment cost, functional / motivated ICT department and staff, working with the Bar and incorporation of the use of ICT in Rules of procedure/ ICT Policy.
In his conclusion Justice Kiryabwire said that, in EACJ the system is not yet open to the Lawyers as modalities are still being put in place for this. Electronic filing can however be done at the Court Sub-registries in the Member States.
The Chief was accompanied by Hon. Justice Stephen Kairu of the Court of Appeal of Kenya and other senior officials from the Judiciary, while the EACJ President with the Judges of the Appellate Division, Registrar of the Court Hon. Yufnalis Okubo and other staff of the Court.
- ENDS -
Notes to Editor:
Case management System
The case management system developed as an engine to facilitate the court’s procedures and processes. The system currently can perform the processes of the court from first to last stage as expected. Custom built in alignment to the court’s rules of procedure, the system runs just as the traditional processes would. It documents, records and audits each stage of the case in the Court. Developed with the capability of e-filing, this system in the future will give stakeholders capabilities to interact with the court system and file cases at their desks from any location.
Court Recording System
Provided by Jefferson’s Audio and Visio systems (JAVS), and responsible for video and audio court recording, JAVS has fitted the court with both a software and hardware outfit that makes it possible for the court to record its sessions as they proceed and also give the capabilities to live stream sessions as they are going on. This system also built in integration with the case management system to have the cases synchronized with their respective MPEG sessions for reference reasons. This marriage between these systems propels the court to a world class court pushing the boundaries the court to a world class technological platform.
The system was launched by the EAC Heads of State on 30th April 2014 at the Extra-Ordinary Summit of the East African Community in Arusha, Tanzania.
For more information, please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo Registrar East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania Tel: 255-27-2162149 Email: Okubo [at] eachq.org www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty. Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
