"Just as the EAC integration must embrace political parties, so must political parties also embrace the integration process,'' Raila said when opening the inaugural two-day consultative meeting of political parties from the EAC Partner States in Nairobi recently.
He said it was a responsibility of party leaders and members to ensure that party policies regarding integration are developed and implemented. ''The integration process will open up tremendous opportunities in our region,'' he told over 200 delegates attending the forum.
He stressed the need for EA parties to collaborate across national boundaries to realise objectives of better lives for the region's citizens.
"To be relevant in that world, we need vision that goes beyond our national borders," Raila said, adding there was need to review the election format for the EA, to make it more representative.'
''Our countries should cede some sovereignty and powers if we are to propel this process to level that requires better enforcement mechanism," Peter Munya, Kenya 's Assistant Minister for EAC Affairs said earlier.
He said East Africans would be the eventual winners from the integration process with better living standards.
The EAC Deputy Secretary General(in charge of Political Federation), Ms Beatrice Kiraso stressed that political parties are key stakeholders in the integration process and in the realization of the Community's ultimate desire of a Political Federation.
'Well functioning Political Parties are a pre-requisite to democracy, and need to be engaged in exploring alternative policy options,'' she said in her opening remarks.
The forum provided an opportunity for political parties to examine their manifestos, establish areas of convergence and propose ways of how they will participate in the regional political processes.
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email this
Hits: 63
Comments (0)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Write comment
