AU summit session.[Photo/PSCU]
President Uhuru Kenyatta today joined fellow leaders at a summit of the African Union (AU) Assembly, dominated by reforms and moves towards a free trade area.
The formal opening ceremonies of the two-day summit, the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, was preceded by hours of closed-door talks centred on AU reforms.The reform measures, crafted by a panel led by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, are around enhanced financial contributions as well as ensuring greater efficiency at the AU Commission in Ethiopia. Kenya is broadly supportive of the reforms."Kenya strongly supports the Reforms at the African Union, as that is the surest way to ensure the Union, its Commission, Organs and Agencies are fit for purpose and well equipped to deliver on the ambitious aspirations of the African People as spelt out in Agenda 2063," President Kenyatta said."As we implement institutional reforms in our Union, it is critically important that we carry everyone along. The processes through which we make important decisions, to drive the reforms, have to be consultative and they should enable us to build the broadest possible consensus on the reform package. Where genuine concerns are raised by Member States, it is important that these are addressed expeditiously and comprehensively," the President added.The closed session also endorsed progress on a Continental Free Trade Area (CFTC). Kenya is among the leading campaigners for free movement of people and goods in Africa."I am therefore, encouraged to note that more than 20 countries, including my own, are currently implementing the 0.2% levy on eligible imports as reported. Equally encouraging is the fact that the Commission and the Reform Implementation Unit have customized flexible financial options in recognition of individual country circumstances. I would urge all other member states to make every effort to ensure the financial independence of our Union," President Kenyatta said.