East African legislative Assembly (EALA) members visited Vihiga County in a bid to sensitize the locals about the need for East African integration.
East African community-Kenyan chapter chairperson Nancy Abisai said there was the need for East African communities to come together to establish a common market for goods and services within the region.
Speaking at a local hotel in Hamisi Sub County during the tour, she said they are on course to fast-track and enhance East African integration.
“We are seeking to coordinate the planning and direction of National policies and resources to create conditions favorable for the development and achievement of objectives of the East African community,” said Abisai.
The chairperson was accompanied by other EALA members Abubakar Zein Abubakar and Mumbi Ngaru.
Mumbi Ngaru said the nine EALA members from Kenya will visit other parts of the Country in a move to maintain linkages with all stakeholders on EAC matters for maximized benefits.
The entourage will visit Kakamega and Siaya Counties this week before proceeding to other parts of the Country.
“The government has fully supported our job and tours to implement the EAC programmes countrywide,” said Ngaru.
Abubakar Zein noted that the initial set up of the EAC collapsed due to mistrusts among the partner states and exclusion of citizens in the integration process.
“We want to ensure that public participation is encouraged at all levels and we will conduct a referendum in member’s states to ascertain your verdict on political federation,” said Zein.
He said East African integration will lead to sustainable development and improved livelihoods of all member states.
The single customs union as one of the EAC integration process pillars commenced on January 1, 2005, with Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. Burundi and Rwanda joined EAC in 2007.
Elimination of internal tariffs among partner states enabled goods and services to be traded duty-free in the bloc.