In a significant step towards bolstering regional integration in East Africa, the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community (EAC) Affairs, Hon. Penina Malonza, recently held a consultative meeting with Rev. William Owuya, a prominent figure in the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
This meeting aimed to explore opportunities for collaboration between the Ministry of EAC Affairs and the KNCCI, with a focus on deepening regional integration efforts in the East African region.
The East African Community, composed of six member states, namely Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, has long been dedicated to fostering cooperation and integration in various areas, including trade, infrastructure, and socio-economic development.
With this commitment in mind, Hon. Penina Malonza and Rev. William Owuya discussed a wide range of collaborative initiatives to enhance the involvement of KNCCI members in EAC Affairs.
The meeting emphasized the importance of involving the private sector in regional integration efforts, as it plays a pivotal role in boosting economic growth and creating employment opportunities. The KNCCI, with its extensive network of businesses and entrepreneurs, is well-positioned to contribute to this process.
Some key areas of collaboration discussed during the meeting included:
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Trade and Investment: Both the Ministry of EAC Affairs and the KNCCI recognized the significance of trade and investment in regional integration. They explored ways to facilitate cross-border trade, reduce trade barriers, and promote investments within the EAC member states.
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Capacity Building: Enhancing the knowledge and skills of business owners and entrepreneurs is essential for them to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by regional integration. The Ministry and KNCCI discussed plans for training and capacity-building programs to empower their members.
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Policy Advocacy: Together, they will work on advocating for policies that promote regional integration and the growth of businesses. This includes
