EAC to reduce staff, cut costs
Saturday March 03 2018
The East African Community Secretariat will reduce its staff, to cut costs as the economic bloc continues to grapple with budget constraints.
The EAC heads of state, during their meeting in Kampala, directed the Secretariat to fast-track the restructuring to address its financial challenges.
In the coming months, the Community will have only two deputy secretaries-general, instead of four.
A source at the EAC Secretariat told The EastAfrican that the current DSG for productive and social sector Jesca Eriyo, who is retiring in April after her second and final three-year term, will not be replaced. Charles Njoroge, the DSG for political federation leaves next year and he too will not be replaced.
Role of directors
The remaining DSGs are in charge of Finance and Administration and Planning and Infrastructure. Directors will have more powers, according to the new arrangements.
The changes were recommended to the recent heads of state Summit in Kampala by the Council of Ministers.
The leaders directed that the two DSGs in future be recruited through a competitive process rather than by appointment. Deputy Secretaries-General support the Secretary-General in the management and executive direction of the EAC Secretariat.