Overview
- Act: East African Community Act, 2000
- Formed: 2001
- CHAIR: Dr. William Ruto
- X (Twitter)
The Summit of the East African Community (EAC) began operations on January 15, 2001, following the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC, which came into force on July 7, 2000. It serves as the EAC’s highest decision-making organ, comprising Heads of State or Government from partner states. The Summit provides strategic direction, oversees policy implementation, and ensures the bloc’s objectives are met. Its formation marked the revival of the EAC, fostering regional integration and collaboration among member states, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the founding members.
CHAIR : Dr. William Ruto
H.E. Dr. William Ruto is the President of the Republic of Kenya and the current Chair of The Summit. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and has been deeply involved in Kenya’s economic and governance reforms. Ruto has championed initiatives focused on empowering youth, promoting agriculture, and driving digital transformation in the country.
Board of Governors
H.E Dr. William Ruto
Chairman & President of the Republic of Kenya
H.E Évariste Ndayishimiye
President of the Republic of Burundi
H.E Félix Tshisekedi
President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
President of the Federal Republic of Somalia
H.E Paul Kagame
President of the Republic of Rwanda
H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit
President of the Republic of South Sudan
H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
President of the Republic of Uganda
H.E Samia Suluhu Hassan
President of the United Republic of Tanzania
Functions
- Provide Strategic Direction: Sets the overall vision and strategic objectives for regional integration within the East African Community (EAC).
- Policy Oversight: Reviews and approves key policies to promote collaboration and economic growth among partner states.
- Monitor Implementation: Ensures effective implementation of EAC treaties, protocols, and decisions by all member states.
- Amend the Treaty: Initiates and authorizes necessary changes to the EAC Treaty to address emerging issues or enhance its effectiveness.
- Expand Membership: Reviews and decides on applications by countries seeking to join the EAC, ensuring they meet eligibility criteria.
- Address Disputes: Provides mechanisms to resolve conflicts and disputes between partner states to maintain regional stability.
- Allocate Resources: Approves budgets and ensures the fair distribution of resources to fund EAC operations and initiatives.
- Appoint Leaders: Appoints key officials, including judges for the East African Court of Justice and senior EAC Secretariat personnel.
- Review Performance: Conducts annual reviews of progress reports to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and policies.
- Promote Peace and Security: Champions initiatives that foster regional peace, stability, and cooperative security measures among member states.
Important Links
Address & Contacts
- State Department for East African Community (EAC), Co-op Bank House -16th Floor, Haile Selassie Avenue
- P.O. Box 8846 – 00200,Nairobi
- ps@meac.go.ke
- +254 729111108|+254 733208888| +020 2603599| +254 020 2603733