EAC puts in place tough measures to cut costs

EAC partner states have been accused of being slow in disbursing their financial commitments, which calls for tough measures regarding financing activities of the Community.

"The reality of the matter is that partner states are slow in disbursing their commitments, as at the end of December (2017) only 40% had been disbursed, this calls for serious prioritising of the available resources and ensure critical activities are implemented," the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said.

He emphasised the need for staff of the Community to avoid wastage at all costs saying "tough times call for tough measures."

One of the cost cutting measures he cited is that meetings should start on Tuesdays and should not last for more than four days.

"This summit will be addressing the issue of alternative financing mechanisms and I can assure you that a lasting solution will be found," the Secretary General said in his first address to staff, according to the statement posted  yesterday (Wednesday).

In his address highlighting achievements for 2017 and what still needs to be done Mfumukeko said, "I must admit that 2017 was a challenging year for all of us at EAC, and especially the first and second quarters of financial year 2017/18 where we experienced serious financial challenges."

He thanked the staff for bearing and coping with these challenges. He said he was touched that staff could use their own resources to travel and support EAC activities for reimbursement when funds become available. "This is a show of not only commitment and passion but also maturity and desire to contribute to the integration process."

He revealed that a new development strategy that will guide operations of the East African Community (EAC) over the medium term period to 2020/21 has been drafted after the 4th EAC Development Strategy 2011-2016 elapsed.

The draft strategy that has been developed in consultation with all the EAC partner states, and development partners has undergone most of the requisite reviews and validations and its currently due for approval by the Council of Ministers and eventual adoption by the Summit of Heads of State scheduled for next month - February 2018.