Hasten EAC integration process, urges President Uhuru Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta has underscored the need to hasten the East African Community (EAC) integration process to allow free flow of people, goods and services across the borders.

The President re-emphasised the role of Parliament in fast-tracking the legislative agenda to ensure bills are enacted on time by member states.

Addressing the East African Legislative Assembly in Nairobi, President Kenyatta pointed out that delayed implementation of the proposed EAC protocols by East African countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi was an impediment to development.

"Our union must be strengthened to allow free flow of people, capital and services. We have to allow our people to take their skills and capital wherever they will be best rewarded," he said.

He continued: "This weighty responsibility rests on the shoulders of the assembly members. My government is completely committed to ensure this course is realised. The issue of integration is not only a political process but requires the participation of all citizens."

He particularly challenged EALA to accelerate the legislation process of the EAC common market protocol, which anchors the right to freedom of movement and cautioned that existing political union among partner countries can't be achieved without eliminating barriers of economic development.

President Kenyatta recalled the recent State visit by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, saying over half of the people who turned up for the launch of Taveta-Arusha road project were Tanzanians.

"The turnout was quite telling. Half of the crowd I addressed were Tanzanians without passports and they were surprised to see their President at the event," said President Kenyatta.