Kenya urges regional assembly to speed up integration

NAIROBI, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday called on the country's representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly to champion the country's interests as they work to speed up regional integration.

Kenyatta told the regional lawmakers to forge a united front that will guarantee their success in promoting Kenya's interests at the regional Parliament.

"Express yourselves as a united Kenya team as you represent Kenya's interests," said President Kenyatta at the meeting in Nairobi.

The East African countries have already established a customs union, a common market and a monetary union to fulfill the integration agenda.

Officials said the benefits of regional integration have been felt through increased cross-border trade, investments and free movement of people.

The signing of an East African monetary union protocol in 2012, marked a critical milestone in the integration process. Officials said the implementation of the monetary union protocol has gathered steam.

The implementation of the protocol will be guided by a roadmap that identifies key activities to be implemented before a single currency is introduced.

During the meeting, Kenyatta asked the regional legislators to ensure local political differences do not interfere with their performance while they serve in the Tanzania-based assembly.

He assured them that he will work closely with them and will be holding quarterly meetings with them to ensure their tour of duty at the regional Parliament yields desired outcomes for the benefit of Kenyans as well as all residents of East Africa.

Kenyatta who has been at the forefront in spearheading regional integration affirmed his support for greater integration, saying it will benefit the whole region.

He said Kenya's commitment to the EAC and regional integration will run hand in hand with the promotion of the nation's own interest. Enditem