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President William Ruto is expected to leave for Arusha, Tanzania, on Friday, November 29, 2024, for the East African Heads of State Summit.

According to a press release by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Ruto will champion trade, security, and innovation at the summit.

“President William Ruto travels to Arusha, Tanzania, today to attend the 24th Ordinary Summit of the East African Heads of State.

“The summit will bring together regional leaders to address key challenges facing the East African Community (EAC) and discuss strategies to accelerate economic integration, strengthen the region’s resilience to climate change, and address insecurity,” the presser released on Friday read.

The president is also expected to call for more collaboration between the member states of the East African bloc.

“President Ruto will advocate for the removal of trade barriers, the boosting of cross-border commerce, and the enhancement of partnerships in energy, agriculture, and digital innovation to create jobs and improve livelihoods,” the communique added.

Peace and security are other items set to be discussed by the Head of State, who will meet in the Tanzanian town.

“Leaders will also discuss measures to promote peace and security, including combating transnational crime, managing borders, and resolving conflicts.

“Key initiatives, such as the South Sudanese Tumaini Initiative and the EAC-led Nairobi Process on the restoration of peace and security in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, will feature prominently in the discussions.

According to Mohamed’s presser, President Ruto will participate in an interactive session celebrating the EAC’s 25th anniversary and its milestones in the journey towards political federation on Friday afternoon.

Theme

The theme for this year’s meeting will be promoting trade, sustainable development, and peace and security for improved livelihoods.

“The 24^th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State brings together the region’s leaders to deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of East Africa. This high-profile gathering, held under the overarching theme of the EAC’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, serves as a platform to assess the achievements of the past 25 years while charting the way forward for deeper integration. Key agenda items include strengthening the region’s economic resilience, advancing peace and security, and promoting initiatives that foster intra-regional trade and development,” the EAC statement read.

The Heads of State will also address the role of innovation and digital transformation in driving sustainable development and operationalising the EAC Vision 2050.

“The meeting underscores the shared commitment of partner states to unity and collaboration, focusing on collective strategies to enhance connectivity, improve cross-border infrastructure, and bolster social and economic cohesion.

“As the highest decision-making body of the EAC, the summit is expected to produce resolutions that will further cement East Africa’s position as a globally competitive and politically united region,” it added.