Kennedy Musyoka Kalonzo, son of the former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, has taken the lead in championing a Ksh5 trillion partnership for Kenya.
Kennedy, a member of the fourth East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) welcomed the decision to allow the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to join the East African Community (EAC) as its seventh partner state.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 5, the lawmaker explained that DRC's entry will benefit Kenya and other members states, especially in terms of economic recovery.
He further noted that an expanded market will see a free flow of goods and services in the region, after DRC recorded a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of over Ksh5 trillion ($50.4 billion) in 2019.
"DRC entry is a significant milestone for the region given the expanded market. Kenya stands to gain a great deal from this new development and this sensitisation programme," Musyoka remarked.
Kennedy, a trained lawyer, added that EALA is currently conducting an engagement forum with stakeholders to chart a way forward in realising the East African Free Trade.
"At the moment were are aware of the devastating effect of the pandemic, therefore, strengthening the common market at this point in time is critical in spurring economic development," Musyoka who accompanied his colleague, Oburu Oginga, to the presser noted.
He added, "Significant enhancement of cross-border infrastructure to enhance the ease of doing business has been recorded. EALA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the aspirations of all EAC citizens are taken into account as it carries on with its mandate."
Initially, EAC+ consisted of six countries; Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The common market was poised at allowing free movement of goods, free movement of persons, free movement of workers, and the right of residence among others.
Kennedy's new assignment follows the footstep of his father, Kalonzo who has led in various diplomatic negotiations.
One of his significant achievements is leading peace talks in South Sudan after President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him as a special envoy to the country.
In February 2020, Kalonzo brokered a peace deal between President Salva Kiir and rival Riek Machar. His concerted efforts saw the two leaders agree to form a unity government.
Kalonzo served as Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister between 1993 and 1998 in President Daniel Moi's government, before being appointed by President Mwai Kibaki from 2003-2004.
