Ambassador Dr. Francis Kirimi Muthaura
Former Secretary General, EAC
Ambassador Dr. Francis Kirimi Muthaura has been a pivotal figure in East African regional integration, particularly during his tenure as the Executive Secretary/Secretary General of the revived East African Community (EAC) from 1996 to 2001. His leadership was instrumental in reestablishing and operationalizing the EAC following its collapse in 1977. Dr. Muthaura oversaw the negotiation and signing of the EAC Treaty in 1999, which provided the framework for deeper regional cooperation among Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, and paved the way for other Partner States to join later.
Dr. Muthaura's diplomatic acumen was evident in fostering collaboration across diverse areas, including economic policy, labour mobility, and trade harmonization. He was also a key architect of the foundational agreements, such as the Memorandum of Understanding with the International Labour Organization in 2001, which promoted decent work and social security across the region.
In addition to his role in the EAC, Dr. Muthaura held various high-profile positions, including serving as Kenya’s Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet. His vast experience in governance and diplomacy underscores his enduring legacy in shaping East Africa's integration agenda.