Veronica Mueni Nduva sworn in as first female EAC Secretary General

Veronica Mueni Nduva has been sworn in as the first female Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC).

Ms. Nduva took oath of office on Friday evening during the 23rd Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Heads of State, that was held and virtually at State House in Juba, South Sudan.

She replaces Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki who was recalled by Kenya in March 2024 and redeployed as the country’s Ambassador to Moscow.

The new SG said her term in office would be dedicated to ensuring deeper integration and development of the people of East Africa.

“In promoting peace and security, a secure East Africa is the foundation upon which we can build lasting prosperity,” she said.

Ms. Nduva disclosed that social development would be a priority for her, adding that special attention will be given to empowering women and youth.

She further added that, in her upcoming agenda, infrastructure development will rank highly.

“To promote climate resilient growth, we will continue addressing the pressing challenges of climate change collectively as a region. This includes promoting green energy, sustainable agriculture, conservation efforts and resource mobilisation as a bloc,” she added.

She pledged allegiance to the EAC Treaty and added that it would serve as a compass through her tenure.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit said the bloc was on the right track, noting that intra-regional trade currently stood at 15% and expressed hope that it would rise further with the recent admission of the Federal Republic of Somalia into the Community.

President Kiir called for faster tracking of the East African Monetary institute to provide guidance on the establishment of a single currency.

On his part, Uganda President Yoweri  Museveni highlighted the need to eliminate Non- Tariff Barriers (NTBs) saying they distort the region’s potential for trade.

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan urged the SG to center improving the visibility of EAC in her agenda, adding that new ways need to be implemented to mitigate the challenges of climate change.

Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud stated that his country will soon send a Member of Parliament and Judges to the East African Legislative Assembly.