The committee of experts from East African Community and Regional Development is seeking views on drafting a constitution for the EAC political confederation.
They met in Nyeri this week bringing together representatives from six counties in Central Kenya. This followed similar meetings in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kakamega, Eldoret and Nakuru.
The committee is seeking public views on governance structure, areas of cooperation, funding of the confederation, mode of the constitution among other issues.
Dedan Kimathi University Vice-Chancellor Prof Kioni Ndirangu suggested that each member state contribute to fund the confederation, with each country's GDP as a guiding principle.
"The governing structure of East African Community political Confederation should have accountability inclusive of all member states and maintain sovereignty of each state. There should be joint security on space, cyber security and nuclear, food safety including controlling use of pesticides," he said.
Nyandarua deputy governor John Muthara said the confederation should have a common currency and remove all barriers to trade, including language.
"For the confederation to operate successfully, we should encourage a common language, we can use English, Kiswahili and French, since they are the most common languages used by member states," he said.
Murang'a County representative and Chamber of Commerce county chapter chairperson Naomi Kagonde said there should be a common work permit in all states to help expand the economy and create employment.
Dr Kagonde said the government structure should be rotational so that every state het a chance at leadership and every leader understands the mandate and timelines.
Members also proposed a common education system across all member states, and a common identity card.
The committee of experts has up to end of 2025 to develop a draft constitution, which will be subjected to citizens for approval.
