Add Row
Add Element
Add Element
  • Channel
    • VIRTUAL EVENTS BILLBOARD
    • CONFERENCES & CONVENTIONS
    • # THE VORTEX ALTITUDE
  • Featured
    • THE VORTEX VISIONARY VIEW
    • African Changemakers
    • Future of Africa
    • Sustainable Africa
    • Women Vortex
    • Vortex Global Pulse
    • Habitat Trails
    • InterContinental Issues
    • Intracontinental Currents
    • #FUTURE FEATURE INVITATION
December 06.2025
2 Minutes Read

Is Kenya Receiving a Raw Deal in the East African Community?

MPs: Kenya getting raw deal in regional bloc

The Disillusionment with the East African Community

Kenyan lawmakers have expressed serious concerns regarding the East African Community (EAC), asserting that the bloc has failed to deliver on its foundational promises. During a discussion led by Nominated MP Irene Mayaka, the members condemned the performance of the EAC, arguing that instead of fostering unity, member states prioritize personal interests, acting more as separate entities than as a cohesive community.

The Importance of Shared Accountability

Although Kenya has consistently met its financial obligations within the EAC, there are concerns that other member countries have not upheld their end of the bargain—a disheartening reality that has led members like Mukurweini MP Kaguchia John to advocate for a thorough cost-benefit analysis of Kenya’s EAC membership.

“We must have clear indicators showcasing how we benefit from this Community,” John stated, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in regional initiatives. This is crucial as the EAC was originally designed to foster mutual growth, trade, and regional cohesiveness, goals that seem increasingly unattainable given the current member state dynamics.

Threats to Human Rights Within the Community

The situation is further complicated by reports of human rights abuses in member nations such as Tanzania and Uganda, where incidents of abduction and torture have raised alarms among lawmakers. This stark reality highlights the growing divide within the EAC—an alliance meant to uplift its citizens but appearing to suppress their rights instead.

The recurring theme of sovereignty is also a significant roadblock; Ugenya MP David Ochieng emphasized that individual countries hesitate to cede any degree of their authority, stunting the collective growth expected from the EAC framework.

A Future Without EAC?

As the EAC faces challenges like increased competition from foreign markets—especially products from India and China gaining traction in Uganda—the legitimacy of Kenya’s membership is being questioned. Ochieng worried that the lack of a tangible benefit from the union could render membership increasingly irrelevant over time. Lawmakers stress that without serious revisions to the EAC Treaty, its initial objectives of regional integration and mutual benefit are in peril.

The Call to Action for Leaders

In light of these issues, Kenyan MPs have urged Presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania to revive the original vision of the EAC. The success of this regional bloc may hinge on their willingness to act decisively to restore trust and effectiveness.

As business leaders and policymakers consider these developments, they must engage with this content, driving discussions and advocating for real change within the EAC. It is time to elevate the conversation and demand that leaders prioritize the collective interests of the region, fostering a truly united East African community.

Future of Africa

2 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Please complete the captcha to submit your comment.
Related Posts All Posts

Zedcrest's Strategic Leadership Shift: Simbiat Bada's Impact on Women in Finance

Update Zedcrest’s Bold Step in Leadership: Meet Simbiat Bada Zedcrest Group has made a strategic move in the finance sector by appointing Simbiat Bada as the new Managing Director of Stockbroking. This appointment is not just a change in the boardroom; it's a powerful statement about the role of women in leadership within the African financial services landscape. It comes on the heels of Zedcrest's acquisition of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers, underscoring their commitment to expanding services and talent in the market. Empowering Women in Business Simbiat Bada’s appointment resonates deeply with the narrative of women empowerment in Africa. With nearly a decade of experience in securities trading and asset management, she exemplifies the rising influence of female leaders in traditionally male-dominated fields. As she transitions into her new role, Bada is expected to provide not only leadership but also mentorship to emerging female professionals in finance. The Future of Stockbroking in Africa Zedcrest's vision, as articulated by Group Managing Director Adedayo Amzat, is to elevate their stockbroking services to meet evolving market demands. With Bada's financial acumen and strategic insight, there are high expectations for innovative solutions that cater to clients' needs. This appointment could herald a new era in the stockbroking sector, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in driving business success. Unlocking New Opportunities Confidence in Bada’s leadership is echoed by Babatunde Sanda, Chairman of the Zedcrest Board. He believes that her insights will unlock new avenues for growth, making the financial market more inclusive. Bada brings not only her credentials as a member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers but also a unique perspective that reflects the growing presence of women in finance. What This Means for Women Entrepreneurs This leadership change sends a strong message to women entrepreneurs in Africa: leadership roles are becoming increasingly attainable. As female leaders like Simbiat Bada break barriers, their journeys can inspire others to pursue their ambitions in business. The ripple effects of her success can motivate young women to aspire to high-stakes positions, thus contributing to a more balanced representation in the workforce. With Zedcrest's expansion and Bada’s leadership, the future appears bright for women-led businesses in Africa. As advocate for women, it's essential to recognize and celebrate such milestones that reflect growing gender equity in our professional landscapes. Let's continue supporting and uplifting emerging female leaders, ensuring that opportunities are present for all.

How She Leads Africa is Empowering African Women Entrepreneurs for Success

Update Empowering a New Generation of African Women Entrepreneurs Women in Africa are breaking barriers and redefining entrepreneurship, but the journey is often rife with challenges. Initiatives like She Leads Africa are transforming these narratives by providing the necessary resources to empower women. With a keen focus on education and practical skills, they are creating pathways for African women to thrive in various sectors. Transformative Results from She Leads Africa's Courses She Leads Africa's recent programs have produced inspiring outcomes. Participants report immense growth in confidence and skills, particularly in digital marketing, business management, and leadership. For instance, Neema Mduma, a graduate of the program, expressed how the training illuminated new professional avenues, fostering a culture of learning and curiosity among participants. The Digital Economy: A Gateway for Women The global shift towards a digital economy underscores the critical need for women to acquire relevant skills. With projections indicating that 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will demand digital skills by 2030, programs that prioritize digital literacy for women are essential. Initiatives like the one offered in partnership with UNESCO, are crucial for ensuring that women are not left behind as economies transition to more digitally-oriented frameworks. Why Governments and NGOs Must Invest in Women Investing in the education and empowerment of African women is fundamentally important for sustainable development. As highlighted in the Empowering African Women Through Education report, when women gain access to quality education and training, they significantly contribute to economic growth and job creation. Therefore, it's vital for policymakers and NGOs to prioritize gender equity policies focused on bridging the skills gap and fostering female enterprise. As African women steadily commandeer their place in the workforce, it's clear that educational initiatives like those championed by She Leads Africa are stepping stones towards remarkable societal transformation. The impact of these courses echoes beyond individual success stories; they are paving the way for a future where women can create jobs, inspire change, and lead countries forward. When empowered through education and shared knowledge, women are not just participants in the economy—they are innovators and leaders who define the trajectory of Africa’s growth.

Why the Confidence Gap Among Women Entrepreneurs Is a Systemic Issue

Update Bridging the Confidence Gap: Understanding Structural Barriers Across Africa, talented women face systemic hurdles that hinder their potential for leadership and entrepreneurship. Despite exhibiting immense capabilities, many women question their confidence and abilities due to deeply rooted societal norms. The narratives around the "confidence gap" often divert attention from the pervasive issues of gender inequality that persist in our workplaces and communities. Understanding the distinction between individual confidence and systemic barriers is critical to fostering true empowerment. The Reality of Confidence Culture: Internalizing Inequality Culture frequently places the onus of success on women, urging them to cultivate self-belief as the mechanism for overcoming workplace challenges. Books like *Lean In* by Sheryl Sandberg or Lizzo's empowering anthems advocate a pathway of self-love and confidence enhancement. However, authors such as Shani Orgad and Rosalind Gill argue that this insistence on internal change overlooks the external injustices affecting women in the workplace. As women are often encouraged to "just believe in themselves," the real barriers to equality remain unchallenged, leaving much to be desired in efforts to bridge the gap. A Call for Structural Change: Moving Beyond Individual Solutions This year's International Women’s Day reminds us of the urgent need to address structural injustices rather than solely focusing on self-empowerment. True leadership in gender equality requires us to tackle underlying issues such as the gender pay gap, workplace discrimination, and inadequate childcare options that disproportionately affect women. Organizations and governments must commit to creating more inclusive environments and policies that elevate women's roles beyond mere token representation, ensuring that equitable practices are embedded within the operational framework of businesses. Empowered Women, Thriving Economies: The Impact of Collective Action Investing in women-led businesses in Africa significantly enhances economic potential. According to statistics, when women thrive, economies thrive. Supporting female entrepreneurs through mentorship programs, access to funding, and training not only uplifts individual women but also catalyzes communal progress. Policymakers and NGOs must prioritize gender-focused initiatives that foster inclusive business environments, allowing women to break barriers and contribute equitably to economic growth. Conclusion: Step Forward Together Empowering women doesn't rest on instilling confidence alone; it requires dismantling the systematic issues that perpetuate inequalities. It's incumbent upon each of us to challenge narratives that blame women for systemic failures and to advocate for changes that support their growth and success. The future of African women in leadership and business depends not only on their belief in themselves but also on society's commitment to fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*