Kenya's President William Ruto has been elected the new chairperson of the East African Community (EAC).
Ruto was elected to the chairmanship on Saturday during the 24th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State held in Tanzania.
Hosted by President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, the summit was attended President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President William Ruto of Kenya, Vice President Prosper Bazombanza of Burundi, and EAC Secretary-General Veronica Nduva, among other dignitaries.
Ruto, takes over the Chairmanship of the EAC from the President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir.
in his speech after assuming EAC Chairmanship, Ruto committed to advancing peace, stability and economic development.
He also committed to strengthening Intra-EAC trade and investment.
"Trade remains a key engine for economic growth and regional integration. On account of this, we must address internal barriers to intra-East African Community (EAC) trade," Ruto said.
He added, "We must eliminate non-tariff barriers, enhance infrastructure connectivity and foster regulatory harmonisation. This will create a seamless trading environment, driving our competitiveness and economic growth."
During the summit, it was also decided that the Federal Republic of Somalia will serve as the Rapporteur of the EAC for the next year.