Rwanda, Kenya senates want EAC protocols implemented

Regional partner states should ensure implementation of the East Africa Community protocols due to the accruing economic and political benefits to the region.The call was made by Senate presidents Ekwee Ethuro of Kenya- and his Rwanda counterpart Dr Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo yesterday in Kigali. Ethuro and other Kenya government officials are in the country for a five-day study tour.While addressing Rwandan senators alongside Ntawukuriryayo, Ethuro said there is need to identify and address hurdles to full regional integration.The region, he said needs collaborative efforts spearheaded by good leadership to sustain the economic and political development within the Community and Africa as a continent.“We need to implement the protocols especially the free movement of people within the region for the benefit of our people. We must focus [on addressing] as a region the challenges affecting it to achieve economic development,” Ethuro said.Prevent conflicts The Kenya senate president added that it was imperative for member countries to prevent conflicts in the community since peace is a cornerstone of development.During their stay, the group will be briefed on Rwanda’s One Laptop per child project, reconstruction process as well as how the senate operates.Dr Ntawukuriryayo told reporters that in their closed meeting, they agreed to step up their efforts as senate to push for implementation of protocols under the integration process. “We have agreed that as senates we need to play a significant role in advocating for the integration process,” he said.There are concerns that some EAC member states are reluctant to implement the agreements they signed. The implementation of most of the protocols like common market which allows free movement of goods and labour remains a challenge which has hampered the smooth flow of goods and services in the Community.The officials will also participate in today’s gorilla naming ceremony.

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Rwanda, Kenya senates want EAC protocols implemented