The East African Community Secretariat has kick-started assessment of supply capacities for textiles, apparels and leather products in the region to facilitate planning for the phasing-out of the second hand leather and apparels products in line with the Directive of the 17th EAC Heads of State Summit, with the visit by the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Jesca Eriyo to A to Z Textile Mills Limited located in Arusha, Tanzania, on Friday 5th August 2016.
The Deputy Secretary General was accompanied by key officials under her docket namely; the Director of Productive Sectors, Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana; the Principal Industrial Economist, Mr. George Ndira; the Principal Agricultural Economist, Mr. Moses Marwa; the Senior Export Promotion Officer, Ms. Emmanuella Hakizimana; EAC-UNIDO Programme Coordinator, Mr. Johansein Rutaihwa; the EAC Consultant undertaking the study on Textiles and Leather Value Chains, Dr. Onesmo Shuma.
The EAC delegation met and held talks with the CEO of A to Z Textile Mills Limited, Mr. Anuj Shah, who was accompanied by Dr. Johnson Ouma Odera, the Director for Africa Technical Research Centre and other Directors and senior staff.
The EAC and A to Z Textile Mills Teams discussed extensively and toured the company facilities to assess capacity, quality and variety of products available that could be locally produced as per the Summit directive. Hon. Jesca Eriyo noted that as EAC plans to phase-out second-hand clothes/shoes (SHCs), it was crucial to engage the industry players to seek their opinion on the most effective strategies to do it while ensuring steady availability of apparels and leather products to meet the demand for the region. "It is equally important to gauge the level of preparedness by the industry to respond to the expected ban and what the industry may need in terms of support measures/incentives to expand investment in order to meet the demand for these products", affirmed the EAC official.
The Secretariat plans to undertake a similar visit to a Leather Tannery in Moshi, as well as to the other EAC Partner States.
The 8th Annual Conference of Speakers has opened in Midrand, South Africa. In attendance at the two-day Conference whose theme is from “Adoption of the African Union Treaties in particular the new Protocol of the PAP” are over 30 Speakers from the National Assemblies and Regional Parliaments in the continent.
The Prime Minister of Lesotho, Rt Hon Bethel Pakalita Mosisili opened the two-day conference.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of ratifying the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan-African Parliament that empowers the continental Assembly to execute its mandate to accord credence to the AU Policies and programmes.
“African States are urged to sign and ratify the Malabo Protocol. In addition, a balance of legislative powers must be struck between the National Parliaments and the Continental Assembly (PAP) to ensure acceptability as we move towards continental free trade area and continental integration” the Premier said.
The Prime Minister called for popular participation and engagement of citizens in the processes.
“It is absolutely critical that we carry our people along. It cannot and must not be a leaders’ or a Governments’ issue alone. Our people must fully comprehend, accept and own the process. The need for concerted education on the matter cannot be overemphasized. This is so as to avoid a repeat of what happened in Europe – Brexit”, he added.
EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega re-affirmed the need for African Governments to speed up the ratification process of the revised Protocol of the Pan African Parliament. The Protocol among other things, aims at giving PAP opportunity to develop model laws and elections of Members through universal suffrage once the electoral code is in place.
Making key note remarks while presenting a paper entitled; “Plan of Action for PAP to achieve Legislative Powers, Rt Hon Kidega said legislation was a key function of any legislature and called for the harmonious balancing of power and interaction between the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary.
“I am informed that 10 countries have already signed the amended Protocol, three have ratified, with only two depositing the Instrument”, Speaker Kidega said.
“It is important to state that Africa is at a crucial time in its development and thus strengthening of AU institutions such as PAP, will improve integration of the continent”, he added.
Rt Hon Kidega further remarked that integration was only bound to proceed if it is people-centred.
“For any results to be tangible, felt and seen, it must be people-centred. It is recognised that one of the causes of the collapse of the first EAC (1967-77), was the low level of involvement of stakeholders in their activities. This is why the new arrangement emphasises popular participation of all stakeholders”, he said.
The EALA Speaker cited the need for adequate research, strengthening of Committees and advocacy to enhance the uptake of model laws as fundamental in leveraging the PAP.
The Heads of State and Governments of the African Union adopted the amended Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan-African Parliament on June 27th, 2014 at its Twenty-Third Ordinary Session held in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea. According to the Resolution, the amended Protocol requires 28 ratifications from AU Member States for it to come into force.
President of the PAP, H.E. Roger Nkodo Dang remarked that it was necessary for the Continent to ratify all legal instruments as an act of faith for the African Union and enable Africa Union to be on stead with regards to realising
Agenda 2063 of the African Union.
He said PAP was committed to ensuring Africa finds solutions to the myriad of problems including terrorism, peace and security to strengthen integration. He informed the Assembly that adequate resources would ensure PAP realizes its mandate as set out.
Prof Vincent O, Nmehielle, Legal Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs at the African Union Commission, said a stronger PAP would promote the principles of human rights, good governance and accountability in individual Member States, which in turn sets a tone for peace and stability.
He reiterated that there is need to identify the challenges or limitations faced by States in the ratification processes.
Some of the Regional Speakers in attendance include Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon Rebecca Kadaga and the President of the Burundi Senate, Rt. Hon Reverien Ndikuriyo as well as Members of the PAP representing the Republics of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda.
In December 2015, EALA passed a Resolution urging EAC Partner States to speedily ratify the Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan African Parliament. The Resolution further called on PAP to fast track the election of its Members by universal adult suffrage once it becomes a fully legislature to further consolidate the aspirations of Africans for greater unity, solidarity and cohesion in a larger community in light of the rich African diversity.
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko today received a delegation from the Aga Khan University led by Mr. Al-Karim Haji, the Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer.
The AKU Vice President was accompanied by Mr. Amin Kurji, the Resident Representative for the Aga Khan Development Network for Tanzania and the EAC; Prof. Sharon Brownie, the Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University; and Mr. Neil Bailey, the Senior Manager, Multilateral and Bilateral Relations.
The Secretary General was accompanied by his Deputy in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Jesca Eriyo and other senior officials from the Secretariat.
The Vice President of AKU conveyed His Highness the Aga Khan's congratulatory message to Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko upon his appointment as the Secretary General of the East African Community. His Highness assured the Secretary General of his and AKDN's continued collaboration and support and wished him successful tenure.
The Secretary General and his guests explored how to enhance collaboration between AKU and EAC in the areas of Nursing and Midwifery, as well as Media and Communications. The EAC and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) have built a strong collaboration over the years. The AKDN is viewed by the EAC as playing a meaningful role in the social and economic development within the bloc.
AKU as part of AKDN, has had strong support from the EAC Secretariat, which led to two grants from the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ/KfW) being channelled to AKU via the EAC for Nursing and Midwifery and Media & Communications studies.
The Defence Forces of the EAC Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania) will hold the 10th Edition of the East African Military Games and Cultural Event from 5th to 18th August 2016 at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
The event, themed One People, One Destiny through EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2016, will involve over 500 participants representing the various services of the Defence Forces of the EAC Partner States.
The games will involve the disciplines of Athletics (Cross-country Race), Boxing, Football, Netball and Handball. The event is expected to have high profile participation intended not only to popularize it but also to raise the sporting competitive levels thereby contributing to the highest standards within the East African region commensurate with international standards.
Commenting ahead of the games, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko noted that the EAC Military Games and Cultural activities have great significance beyond building confidence among the Defence Forces of the Partner States. “It bears a great symbolic significance having regard to the broader goals and vision of a competitive, prosperous and united East Africa", adding that “when our common citizens watch these Events and perceive that our Defence Forces are working together and engage in friendly activities that project mutual trust and confidence, they inevitably garner higher levels of confidence in the East African Community project at both economic and political dimensions".
The Partner States are holding the annual Games and Cultural Event within the framework of the East African Community Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Matters which has specific provisions for Sports and Cultural cooperation as well as Joint Military Exercises, among other joint activities intended to build confidence and esprit de corps among the Defence Forces.
In light of the success which has been registered over the last 9 Editions of the Games, the EAC Secretariat is desirous to have the profile of the EAC Military Games and Cultural Event raised from being a local event to being an internationally recognized event by World bodies governing Military Sports namely; International Military Sports Council (CISM) and The Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA).
Brazil has expressed willingness in promoting stronger ties with the East African Community especially in the areas of trade, investments and diplomacy.
Brazil's Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, His Excellency Carlos Alfonso Iglesias Puente, said that the Brazilian business community already has a significant presence in Tanzania and Kenya especially in construction, energy and solid waste management sectors.
Amb. Puente said that Brazil attaches great importance to regional integration initiatives across the globe, adding that his country was keen on strengthening its relations with the EAC and other regional economic communities (RECs) in Africa.
He hailed the EAC as one of the fastest growing RECs in the world and said Brazil and the Southern American Common Market (MERCOSUR) of which Brazil is a member had a lot to learn from the EAC. The envoy said that regional integration processes benefit both small and big economies saying there were parallels noting that this was the case in both MERCOSUR and the EAC.
He disclosed that MERCOSUR was still trying to actualize its Customs Union before venturing into the Common Market, adding that it was a great achievement for the EAC to have put in place a Customs Union and Common Market.
Amb. Puente urged the European Union and North America to allow greater access by developing countries into their agriculture produce markets saying that agriculture is where third world countries excel.
He said that the New Development Bank (formerly BRICS Development Bank) of which Brazil is a shareholder alongside Russia, India, China and South Africa would primarily focus on lending to infrastructure projects in addition to promoting trade. The bank will have a regional office in Johannesburg, South Africa with the headquarters being in Shanghai, China.
Amb. Puente was speaking when he presented his credentials to the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko today at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
In his remarks, Amb. Mfumukeko said that the EAC had close working relationships with other RECs in Africa which are all geared towards promoting the African Union's vision of an African Economic Community.
He informed the Brazilian Ambassador that the EAC had already made a lot of progress in the implementation of the Customs Union and Common Market.
"We are currently implementing the East African Monetary Union Protocol by putting in place the capital markets infrastructure, connecting our Central Banks, undertaking capacity building programmes and setting up the relevant institutions to make the monetary union a reality. We expect to have a single currency by the year 2024," said the Secretary General.
Amb. Mfumukeko further disclosed that the EAC Secretariat would spearhead the drafting of a Constitution for a Confederation which was the model for a Political Federation that had been adopted by the Heads of State Summit.
EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega is urging EAC youth to apprise themselves of the integration story, rally behind the process – and to take full advantage of the benefits it accrues.
This morning, the Speaker flagged off the 1st EAC Bicycle expedition dubbed the “Tour d’EAC” where he further urged youth to take up ownership and to participate as drivers of the integration process – saying it must be people-centred.
Joining the Speaker at the ceremony was the Minister for State without Portfoliio and the Chairman of the East African Bicycle Tour 2016 Organising Committee, AlHajj Abdul Naduli. Beginning August 1, 2016, and over 30 days, the team of fifteen shall cycle from Kampala, Uganda to the rest of the Partner States and back and in so doing, cover close to 3000 kilometres.
“I am delighted to note the cyclists shall meet East Africans of all walks of life as they traverse through Jinja, Busia, Kisumu, Mai Mahiu and Nairobi, before descending to Kajiado, Namanga and Arusha. While in Tanzania, they will turn west of the hinterland towards Singida, Kahama, Ngozi and make their way into Bujumbura. The next leg will see the cyclists pedal north towards Butare and traverse through Kigali, Mbarara and into Masaka, before they make the grand entry into Kampala” Speaker Kidega said.
The initiative by Campfire Logs Guild to ride around the region, is expected not only to benefit the individuals doing it, but the region at large as well.
In his remarks, Hon Al Hajj Abdul Naduli, the Minister for State without Portfolio and Chairman of the East African Bicycle Tour (EABT), lauded the youth for the decision to tour the region to create awareness.
“I hail the astute 15 young men and women who have decided to ride bikes across the Partner States not for any intentions than enhancing and empowering the unity of the people of East Africa, he said.
“Indeed, it is patriotism of a kind that shall accelerate more steady social security and economic development of East Africa,” the Minister added.
According to the Director of the Campfire Logs Guild, John Phyton Balongo, the cyclists will bond with locals and create awareness for the integration of East African Partner States, engage in activities that will help emphasize and support the theme; Enhancing the EAC. Mr Balongo says the cyclists will also discuss and interact with different communities about the benefits of regional integration as they ride through EAC.
The cyclists hope to make the tour an annual event.
“We chose peddling because we know it does not only provide an opportunity for people to rude together and experience the route or sight, but it is a powerful way to build a sense of Community and strengthen sociable networks within the EAC”, Balongo said.
The cyclists are expected to cross the Uganda-Kenya border at Busia in the next two days and venture into Nairobi on August 6th before arriving in Arusha on August 10th, 2016.
The First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice commenced a four days hearing of oral evidence in Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa's case against the Secretary General of the East African Community. Hon. Zziwa alleges the process of her removal from the Office of East African Legislative Assembly Speaker was illegal and an infringement of Articles 53 and 56 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC. Hon. Zziwa was the then elected Speaker of the EALA in 2014 but after her impeachment on 19th December 2014, the Assembly elected Hon. Daniel Kidega as the new Speaker of EALA.
The Clerk of EALA, Mr. Kenneth Madete, appeared in Court pursuant to a court order issued on 6th May 2015 following the Applicant's Application to summon him to produce documents in his custody under Rule 56 of the East African Court of Justice which provides for witness summons for witness to give evidence or produce documents. The Court stated that it was clear that, the Clerk had been called to produce documents only for the record of the Court and not give his opinion or any matters before the Assembly.
Mr. Madete during cross examination by the Applicant's and the Respondent's Lawyers, confirmed the documents he had produced in Court were the ones he had been summoned to produce and included the motion for the resolution to remove the Speaker, the report of the Committee on Legal rule and privileges and the hansards of EALA during the proceedings for the removal of Hon. Zziwa.
Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa (the Applicant) appeared in Court to give evidence on her impeachment from the Speakership of EALA, which she alleges was illegal and an infringement of Articles 53 and 56 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
During examination-in-chief by her Lawyer, Mr. Jet Tumwebaze, Hon. Zziwa in her evidence said that she has been a Member of Parliament of EALA since 2006 and was re-elected in 2014.
Responding to what caused her impeachment, on. Zziwa stated that the allegations against her included; poor governance and leadership skills, poor time management and laissez faire attitude towards the Assembly responsibilities, the issue of the Speaker being paid house to enable her reside in Arusha but she hardly stays in Arusha, abuse of office such as involving members of her family in office matters, family intervention in the affairs of the Assembly including her husband disruption and being disrespectful to Members of the Assembly, misallocation of resources earmarked for the Assembly plenary to other matters of personal interest such as Global Parliamentary on Habitat (GPH) that utilized the days programmed for the Assembly, not attending the Assembly meetings where she was invited, practicing nepotism, disrespect and intimidation of members of Staff, using media to character assassinate members of the Assembly, being disrespectful to Members of the Parliament, refusal of advise, loss of confidence and trust etc. She said that once she served with the motion of removal she responded to the Members these allegations against her and denied all of them. She also attempted to settle the issue diplomatically including seeking the intervention of the Heads of States in the EAC but her efforts did not succeed.
Hon. Zziwa also said that on 9th May 2014 the East African Court of Justice gave an interim order in the Application by EALA MP, Hon. Fred Mbidde Mukasa in relation to interpretation of Rule 53 of the EALA rules of procedure and that the Court gave a ruling on 29th May 2014 that EALA has its rules of procedure and allowed EALA to use them in the removal proceedings. She also mentioned that on 3rd June 2014, there was a long debate in the Assembly about the motion on the removal of the Speaker which the Members were debating whether it should be tabled or not because the signatures had been removed and the motion was not tabled. That she explained that the Members of the United Republic of Tanzania had withdrawn their signatures and she did not have a new motion with the required signatures and the motion was therefore out of time.
Hon. Zziwa added that according to Rule 9 (2) of EALA rules of procedure on the removal of the Speaker, a motion for the removal of the Speaker shall be signed by at least four members from each Partner State and submitted to the Clerk of the Assembly. She also said that Rule 9 94) provides that the Motion shall be tabled in the Assembly within seven days of its receipt by the Clerk and, the house shall refer the motion to the legal rules and privileges Committee to investigate and the report of its findings would be tabled before the Assembly for debate. That the Clerk received the notice on 26th March 2014 and received the motion on 27th March 2014 and it was brought to the Assembly on 1st June 2014 which she claims was out of time.
Hon. Zziwa also said that she received a suspension letter stopping her from exercising functions of the Speaker, signed by thirty two members of the Assembly yet there was no motion to lead to such decision and that she replied to the Clerk of the Assembly objecting to suspension letter explaining that Rule 9 (6) which provides powers to remove the speaker was not complied, but instead, In January 2015 Hon. Zziwa received a letter informing her that she was removed from office of the Speaker of EALA.
Hon. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa closed her evidence by telling the Court that since she was illegally removed from office, she was seeking Court seeking reinstatement and because of the intimidations she went through, she also sought damages in terms of salary, legal costs and compensation as she suffered reputation damage. In total she sought two million dollars (US$2,000,000) in addition to reinstatement.
Hon. Mumbi Ng'aru, EALA Member, gave evidence to the effect that she was very active in resolving the conflict of the illegal removal of Hon. Zziwa and that she attempted to resolve it through the EALA women caucus but the conflict never ended. She added that the allegations against Zziwa were not true and when they met H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to discuss the same issue nothing came out of it. Hon. Mumbi also told the Court that while they were in Nairobi for an EALA sitting, she was never informed of the meeting and the house sat and removed the Speaker in her absence. She therefore concluded her evidence by pleading to Court to assist EALA so that such illegality should never happen in future.
The Applicant only had one witness to call apart from herself as the other three were not available due to different reasons as some were not in Arusha, including Hon. Suzan Nakawuki who had requested to give her evidence through video conferencing, but the Court could not allow because of short notice and the Court did not have time go through a standard test to guarantee integrity of the place where she was to give her evidence from.
The hearing of the oral evidence continued for the witnesses of the Respondent (Secretary General).
The matter came before a full bench of five Hon. Judges of the First Instance Division composed of Honourable Lady Justice Monica Mugenyi (Principal Judge), Justice Isaac Lenaola (Deputy Principal Judge), Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, Justice Fakihi A . Jundu and Justice Audace Ngiye in open Court.
The five members of the East African Community Ad Hoc Service Commission were sworn in to office at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania today.
The five Commissioners drawn from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi took the Oath of Secrecy and the Oath of Allegiance to the EAC that were administered by the Deputy Registrar of the East African Court of Justice, Ms. Geraldine Umugwaneza, assisted by the Counsel to the Community, Dr. Anthony Kafumbe.
Commissioners Hilda Musubira (Public Service Commission, Uganda), Titus Ndambuki (Public Service Commission, Kenya), Mary Kinyawa (Public Service Management, Tanzania), Olivier Kanamugire (Public Service Commission, Rwanda) and Felix Ndayishimiye (Ministry to the Office of the President Responsible for EAC Affairs, Burundi) were sworn in to office by the EAC Deputy Secretary General (DSG) for Political Affairs, Mr. Charles Njoroge, who represented the Secretary General.
The EAC Ad Hoc Service Commission will among other things oversee the recruitment of staff to the Community. The Commissioners will work on a part time basis.
The Commission whose establishment is informed by a decision of the 30th Meeting of the Council of Ministers will develop and adopt its own guiding principles and rules of procedure.
In his remarks, Mr. Njoroge congratulated the Commissioners on their nomination and swearing in as the first Commissioners to serve the EAC Service Commission.
Mr. Njoroge disclosed that the Commission was established as part of the recommendations of emanating from the EAC Institutional Review Process.
The DSG said that the EAC has been facing various challenges with regard to undertaking staff recruitment in view of the Community's expanded mandate, and the inadequate human resource capacity in its Organs and Institutions.
He added that the challenges were compounded further by an increasing interest in the EAC Staff recruitment process by the Partner States.
He requested the Commissioners to give the required professional guidance to the Community devoid of any partisan interests.
EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega is calling on Governments in the EAC to avail more resources to address existing inequalities in the region, and to enhance equity and inclusivity to spur progress.
The Speaker made the remarks at the launch of the Society for International Development (SID) State of EAC 2016 Report themed: “Consolidating Misery, the Political Economy of Inequalities in East Africa,” in Nairobi this morning. Rt Hon Kidega maintained that it was key for the economic boom been realized to translate in equal measures with income generation and employment opportunities to close the widening gaps between the haves and the have-nots and boost security for the region.
“Ideally, East Africans shall further appreciate benefits of integration when such translate into a shilling more in to their pockets. There are two issues here; one is inclusivity – which essentially refers to how underprivileged East Africans participate in income generation. The second is equity which essentially depicts share and accrual of economic benefits among all”, the Speaker said.
He remarked that delay in implementation of the Common Market Protocol was retrogressing the speed with which the region can progress saying free movement would enhance availability of opportunities and spur productivity.
The Speaker urged Governments to ensure provision of adequate shelter for its citizens.
“Government is today going the extra mile in upgrading slums and an example is found right here, a few kilometers away in the sprawling Kibra area. In Rwanda, Government has partnered with publics to eradicate the Nyakatsi Houses – proving that indeed, it can happen”, Rt Hon Kidega said.
The SID report focuses on nine sectors divided across three sectors, and economic pillar, social pillar and political pillar. The sectors include; agriculture, wages and policy (economic pillar), while the social pillar encompasses education, health, housing and shelter. Under the political pillar, the report takes an incisive look into Justice, security, discrimination and identities.
The Report presented to participants by the Deputy Director at SID, Arthur Muliro, States that the biggest task facing the state of East Africa is perhaps not so much that of pursuing economic growth, at any cost, but that of creating foundations for lasting human development in the region. Thus it states that by reinforcing the livelihoods of each individual citizen, the potential for national and regional growth will be multiplied several times over.
On institutional arrangements, the report depicts that such arrangements to the national levels are skewed in favour of the rich and powerful. “Cosmetic changes and make do adjustments are only delaying an inevitable internal crisis. The time to rethink the structure of power and the economy is now,” a section of the report states.
The report underscores the need to support local markets. It states that despite agriculture been the single largest employer in the region, its contribution to the national GDPs continue to slip further downwards. On matters health, the SID Report states that weak regulation, particularly in rural areas and lack of quality controls have resulted in poor quality health care services been offered to rural residents.
“As a result, it is not unusual to hear of situations in which the healthcare offered has resulted in additional damage to the patients,” the report reads in part. On security, the report states that Governments in the region spent close to 2 Billion dollars but the expenditures seem to count for little in terms of security for citizens of the EAC.
The report proceeds to prescribe eight areas of recourse if the region is to address inequalities. It calls for the address of barriers to trade, enhanced wages and stronger legislation to change the tide.
The Associate Director of SID, Ali Hersi, maintained that the gap of inequalities need to be closed. If inequalities continue to be consolidated, there is a strong possibility that future generations of East Africans will live worse lives than the current generations.
SID is an International think tank founded in 1957 to promote social justice and foster democratic participation in the development process. Through locally driven programmes and activities, SID strengthens collective empowerment, facilitates dialogue and knowledge sharing on people-centred development strategies and promotes policy change towards inclusiveness, equity and sustainability. SID has over 30 Chapters in more than 50 countries. In East Africa, SID publishes the State of EAC Report.
The report shall shortly be available of the EALA Website (www.eala.org) and the SID website (www.sidint.net)
East African Community Partner States have been asked to invest more money in specialized skills of their health workforce.
The EAC Deputy Secretary General (Productive and Social Sectors), Hon. Jesca Eriyo, said increased investment would enable the Partner States to effectively narrow the historical gaps in the health workforce and predictively address future needs.
Hon. Eriyo was addressing delegates from the five Partner States when she officially opened the 1st EAC Regional Meeting on the Operationalization of “The Multi-National EAC Regional Centres of Excellence for Skills and Tertiary Education in Higher Medical and Health Sciences, Treatment and Research Programme” at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The five Centres of Excellence by location in the Partner States are the: EAC Regional Kidney Institute (Kenya); EAC Regional Heart Institute (Tanzania); EAC Regional Cancer Centre (Uganda); EAC Regional Nutritional Sciences Institute (Burundi), and; EAC Regional Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering, eHealth and Health Rehabilitation Sciences (Rwanda).
Hon. Eriyo said the region now needs to quickly and effectively operationalize the various EAC Centres of Excellence to address the existing gaps in human resources for health including: inadequate numbers and quality of faculty; insufficient and low quality teaching, treatment and research infrastructure, equipment and facilities; inadequate incorporation of research evidence into training programmes, and; inadequate number and mix of highly skilled specialists in service delivery points and research.
The EAC officials said the Centres of Excellence provide the Community with an opportunity to better confront the unusual burden of disease being faced by its populations, namely: communicable diseases, nutritional, and maternal and child health complications; rise in incidences of non-communicable diseases, and; the spread in diseases associated with globalization and changing ecosystems, for instance, pandemics.
She said synergy among the Partner States would enable the region to attain the right mix in the numbers and skills of the health workforce.
“Working synergistically as a united region will help us to better harness human resources and capabilities in the Partner States and relevant EAC Organs and Institutions. The Centres will benefit from and contribute towards the ongoing regional efforts to harmonize training, practice and licensing of health professionals as well as other aspects of the EAC Common Market Protocol including the free movement of professionals and services,” said Hon. Eriyo.
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Caroline Jehu-Appiah, Principal Economist at the African Development Bank (AfDB), said the project was a testimony of the Bank’s continuous cooperation with regional economic communities and the Governments of Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania in many development sectors including Health, Education and Social Protection.
“The overall objective of the project is to address shortages in highly skilled professionals in biomedical specialties to enhance East Africa’s competitiveness. The project’s Phase 1 will support creation of a network of Centres of Excellence in biomedical sciences and engineering – Nephrology and Urology in Kenya, Oncology in Uganda, Cardiology in Tanzania and Biomedical Engineering and eHealth in Rwanda,” said Dr. Jehu-Appiah.
The AfDB official said the second objective of the project was to support the EAC provide overall project coordination, develop regional protocols, undertake labour market analysis and hold annual fora in the target countries.
“Whereas we are more or less on track with the establishment of the centres of excellence in the four beneficiary countries, we have not moved forward at all with the regional integration component of this project. It is for this reason this project was convened, bringing executing agencies and Project Coordination Units to work out the modalities for the implementation of the regional integration component,” she said.
