Kenya is poised to tackle the bottlenecks impeding trade within the East African Community (EAC) as it strives to facilitate the seamless movement of people, goods, and services across member states. The Ministry of East African Community, ASALs, and Regional Development, led by Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, is at the forefront of these efforts. During the flagging-off ceremony of the 7th Great Africa Cycling Safari (GACS) in Nairobi, Askul highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing border challenges that have long hindered regional integration.
The Great Africa Cycling Safari, a 55-day, 6,000-kilometre cycling journey, commenced on August 1, 2024, from Bujumbura, Rwanda, and entered Kenya via the Namanga border point on August 17, 2024. The event, featuring cyclists from six participating countries—Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda—is set to cross into Uganda on August 27, 2024. The cyclists, covering 1,002 kilometers in 12 days, are not only showcasing their endurance but also promoting key EAC agendas.
Askul emphasized that the cycling event, themed “Furthering Campaigns to Promote Food Security, Peace, and Climate Mitigation,” serves as a significant platform for EAC integration. It aligns with Kenya’s National Tree Planting campaigns, which aim to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 to combat climate change. The initiative complements the GACS’s focus on climate mitigation, highlighting Kenya’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The event’s scope extends beyond cycling. It includes community-based activities such as tree planting sessions in Timboroa Forest, food security awareness through agri-tourism, and Nairobi River cleaning. These activities not only engage local communities but also foster cross-cultural interactions, enhance regional solidarity, and promote environmental responsibility.
Askul praised the GACS for its role in advancing the EAC integration process. The event underscores Kenya’s dedication to supporting regional integration through awareness creation, sports development, and environmental stewardship. By highlighting issues such as climate change, food security, and cultural diversity, the GACS serves as a regional advocacy platform that bridges gaps between member states.
The annual cycling event is poised to be officially recognized by the EAC Council of Ministers and integrated into the EAC calendar of activities. East African Community Principal Secretary Abdi Dubat underscored the event’s impact on regional development, noting its role as a catalyst for sports development and talent identification. Dubat highlighted how the GACS promotes cycling as a sport and fosters a culture of sporting excellence across the region.
Cyclist Team Leader John Balongo emphasized the significance of involving young people in activities that support climate mitigation and cultural diversity. The GACS provides an opportunity to educate communities about environmental sustainability and promote peace and harmony through cross-cultural engagement.
Balongo called for broader support from partners to help achieve the event’s goals and enhance the EAC integration agenda. By bringing together cyclists and communities from different East African states, the GACS not only celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship but also reinforces the importance of regional cooperation and development.
In conclusion, Kenya’s proactive approach to addressing trade and border challenges within the EAC, combined with the impactful Great Africa Cycling Safari, reflects a commitment to regional integration, environmental sustainability, and community development. Through these initiatives, Kenya aims to enhance the movement of goods, services, and people across borders, fostering a more interconnected and prosperous East Africa.
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