President William Ruto’s new role as Vice Chair of COMESA represents a major leadership position in the regional organization. The appointment was officially announced by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Thursday, 31 October, during the 23rd COMESA Summit in Bujumbura, Burundi, with congratulations extended to President Ruto for his new role.
During the summit, President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi was selected as the Chair of COMESA, with President Ruto being named Vice Chair. Mudavadi expressed warm congratulations to President Ndayishimiye and President Ruto for being appointed as Chair and Vice Chair of the COMESA regional bloc, recognizing their contribution to advancing regional integration and cooperation.
During his speech at the summit, President Ruto encouraged COMESA member countries to implement the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS), which is designed to streamline intra-African trade by getting rid of foreign exchange expenses. He emphasized that this system has the potential to annually save the continent more than USD5 billion. Ruto clarified that our traders should focus on pursuing trade initiatives instead of chasing currency exchanges.
President Ruto also called for reforms within the African Union (AU), stressing the importance of the AU improving its services to benefit Africa’s 1.4 billion inhabitants. Additionally, he seized the chance to endorse Raila Odinga as the top choice for Kenya’s candidate in the race for AU Commission Chair, lauding him as the most qualified contender.
Ruto’s nomination as COMESA Vice Chair strengthens Kenya’s position in regional governance, aiming for greater economic and political sway in East and Central Africa.
By Nairobi