EAC Secretary General calls for team work among staff of the EAC Organs and Institutions

East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania, 28th April, 2021: The East African Community (EAC) Secretary General, Hon. Dr. Peter Mathuki has called upon the staff of the EAC Organs and Institutions to work together as a team in the interest of achieving big results that will further propel the EAC integration agenda.

“I am convinced that all of us here have the united purpose to facilitate the implementation of all agreed projects and programmes in an effort to advance the lives of the citizenry in the Community,” said Dr. Mathuki.

Delivering the remarks during his inaugural meeting with the staff of the EAC Organs and Institutions, Dr. Mathuki urged the staff to put aside their differences and work together towards reviving the Community’s vision as envisioned by the founding fathers and expected by the citizenry.

Dr. Mathuki called upon all officers in the EAC Organs and Institutions to rededicate themselves to their duties, “We have been given the privilege to serve our citizens at the regional level and therefore utmost commitment to duty is a must,” he stated.

The Secretary General pledged to operate with an open door policy, a concept he believes will pave way to new ideas that will take the Community to the next level. “Therefore, you should always feel free to innovate in the line of duty and also to consult with management as much as possible,” added Dr. Mathuki.

Speaking on the visibility of the Community, the Secretary General pressed on the need for the Organs and Institutions to ensure the ownership of the integration process is known among East Africans. “It is a fact that majority of East Africans are still not aware of the existence of the Community, or do not understand what it does, this is a critical challenge for our Community that is people-centred with the private sector as the engine of economic growth.”

Dr. Mathuki noted that the EAC belonged to the people and that those tasked with moving the integration agenda in the EAC Organs and Institutions have a duty to work towards a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically united East Africa. “I promise to re-dedicate myself to the realization of deeper levels of integration and overall development of a people-centred, private sector led and market-driven Community.

On Covid-19, Dr. Mathuki urged members of staff to be sensitive and observe all protocols, thereby ensuring the Community is safe, not only for staff but also for stakeholders visiting the headquarters. He called upon the Directorate of Human Resources and Administration, together with the department of Health to ensure that hand-washing stations are available at the entrance of EAC headquarters, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for respiratory protection is observed.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the Staff, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo outlined a number of project and programmes in the calendar of EAC as well as the progress being registered by the Community including; implementation of Protocols on the Customs Union, Common Market and East African Monetary Union and Political Federation.

“On behalf of the Secretariat, let me pledge our support and undivided commitment to you in order to realize the potentials of our community and utilize them to meet aspirations of the citizens in the region,” said Hon. Bazivamo.