Speaking during her swearing-in ceremony at State House in Juba, South Sudan, on Friday, June 7, Nduva said strong economic integration would encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.
“Your Excellencies, in promoting peace and security, a secure East Africa is the foundation upon which we can build lasting prosperity,” the new SG stated amid concerns that the conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) threatens security in the Great Lakes region.
Nduva took the oath of office during the 23rd Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Heads of State that was held virtually and chaired by Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Chairperson of the Summit and President of South Sudan.
Nduva, who comes from Kenya, is the first woman to become EAC’s Secretary General.
She disclosed that advanced social development would also be a priority for her with special attention being given to empowering women and youth who are the backbone of the society in the region.
The new SG will also prioritise infrastructure development in the region, stating that the sector will require innovative financing solutions and strengthened public-private partnerships (PPPs).
“To promote climate resilient growth, we will continue addressing the pressing challenges of climate change collectively as a region. This includes promoting green energy, sustainable agriculture, conservation efforts and resource mobilisation as a bloc,” she added.
She emphasized that improving coordination between various organs and institutions would be crucial for fulfilling the mandate.
The new SG also promised to promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the Community.
Nduva replaces Peter Mutuku Mathuki who was recalled by Kenya in March 2024 and redeployed as the country’s Ambassador to Moscow.
Prior to her appointment as SG, Nduva served as the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Performance and Delivery Management in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi.
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