On November 30, 2024, President William Ruto officially succeeded South Sudan’s Salva Kiir as the chairperson of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit during the 24th Ordinary Summit.
The event, held in the presence of leaders from the seven-member bloc — Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia — marked a pivotal moment for regional integration efforts.
President Ruto’s Acceptance Speech
Expressing gratitude to his predecessor, President Ruto praised Salva Kiir for his leadership and pledged to steer the EAC toward greater stability and prosperity.
“During my tenure,” Ruto stated, “I will prioritize improving the quality of life for East Africans through enhanced competitiveness, value-added production, intra-regional trade, and investments. These pillars will drive economic transformation, create jobs, and ensure sustainable development.”
Key Areas of Focus
In his address, President Ruto emphasized the following priorities:
- Governance and Security
- Strengthening mechanisms to uphold peace, sovereignty, and inclusive governance.
- Enhancing political accountability and safeguarding regional stability.
- Economic Development
- Fostering intra-regional trade and investment opportunities.
- Promoting value-added production to boost competitiveness across member states.
- Language and Cultural Unity
- Celebrating the recognition of Kiswahili and French as official EAC languages alongside English. Ruto highlighted Kiswahili’s role as a unifying language that reflects the region’s shared heritage.
Expanding the EAC
President Ruto applauded the inclusion of South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia into the EAC, calling it a testament to the bloc’s growing appeal. He stressed that the expansion provides immense opportunities and access to a broader market.
Call for Regional Unity
Urging member states to remain united in tackling challenges, Ruto said,
“Every challenge is an opportunity for innovation and collaboration. Together, we can fulfill the founding vision of the EAC and create a brighter future for our people.”
Rotational Leadership of the EAC
The chairmanship of the EAC Heads of State Summit is rotational, underscoring the collective nature of leadership in the bloc.
As the highest decision-making organ of the EAC, the summit plays a critical role in shaping the region’s trajectory, with President Ruto pledging to lead with dedication and vision during his term.
Tags: East African Community, William Ruto, EAC Leadership, Regional Integration, Kiswahili, Economic Development
