Kibaki pledges Kenya’s commitment to the East African Integration plan
President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya during the Madaraka Day celebrations. Ajabu Images
By John Harry Ndeta, Ajabu Africa News, Nairobi Kenya.
JUNE 3_President Mwai Kibaki has expressed the Government of Kenya’s commitment in cooperating fully with other sister states in the East African Community to operationalize all aspects of the economic integration protocol. Common Market Protocol which comes into force next in July will see Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi among other Eastern Africa States open their borders creating the biggest trading bloc in Sub-Saharan Africa.
President Kibaki who spoke at the Madaraka Day celebrations held at Nyayo National Stadium pointed out that the Protocol which provides an opportunity for increased wealth creation, job opportunities and poverty eradication, and will also enable Kenyans to establish enterprises, trade, work, and reside anywhere within East Africa.
The president urged Kenyans to take advantage of the opportunities created by the expanded regional market and in the reciprocal nature and spirit of the East African Community welcome brothers and sisters from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda who will in turn be coming to Kenya in search of similar opportunities.
President Kibaki once more invited other African countries to join the East African Community (EAC) that was proving to be the most successful and integrated regional bloc in Africa.
In addition to all the other policies, projects, and programmes the Government is implementing, the Head of State said the country was giving priority to the opening up of the second development corridor in Northern Kenya.
President Kibaki emphasized that the opening up of Northern Kenya would develop strong trade and investment relations with the neighbors.
He said the Government has already awarded contracts to undertake feasibility studies for Lamu port, the railways from Lamu through Isiolo to Juba and Lamu through Isiolo to Moyale.
“The construction of these infrastructure facilities will begin soon. We have also tendered for the Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa to Malaba, and will also put in place a much improved Nairobi commuter rail service,” the President said.
The President at the same time said the developments together with the significant investments made in the expansion of roads, electricity generation, water supply systems, telecommunications, and airports, are clear indications that the country is preparing for the sustained employment creation and development expected under Vision 2030.
“This is why we are expediting works on the Nakuru-Eldoret-Malaba and Kericho-Kisumu highways as well as expanding the Kisumu International Airport to ensure efficient and quick connectivity to people and markets,” noted the President
