The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Community, ASALs, and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul, has pledged to spearhead development agendas for underserved regions and promote stronger integration within the East African Community.While taking over the mantle from outgoing Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza in the same docket, during a brief-handover ceremony at the Ministry's Headquarters, Coop Bank House, Nairobi, Askul said she will continue to capitalise on the goodwill already established in the EAC to promote Kenya's grand national interests. The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Community, ASALs, and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul, has pledged to spearhead development agendas for underserved regions and promote stronger integration within the East African Community.While taking over the mantle from outgoing Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza in the same docket, during a brief-handover ceremony at the Ministry's Headquarters, Coop Bank Hous e, Nairobi, Askul said she will continue to capitalise on the goodwill already established in the EAC to promote Kenya's grand national interests. 'I am confident that together, we will be able to steer this ministry towards achieving its goals. Our success will depend on our ability to work as one, leveraging each other's strengths and expertise,' said CS Askul.On her part, the outgoing Cabinet Secretary, Peninah Malonza, welcomed her successor to the Ministry, stating that she is joining a dynamic team of dedicated officers who are ready to implement key tenets of the BETA Plan and address matters crucial to Kenya's economic interests and prosperity, adding that, 'You are joining the Ministry that directly promotes the wellbeing of Kenyans.'Malonza added that during her tenure, she eliminated non-tariff barriers through bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagement, which consequently ensured Kenya's share of regional trade rose from Sh226,480.6 billion in 2022 to Sh305,875.3 billion in 2023.The fo rmer CS further stated that the Ministry will continue to cherish on the initiatives implemented during her tenure, including the Resilience Investment Impact Measurement System, Desert Safari Circuits, and Pastoral Tourism Circuits, designed to preserve and capitalise on the unique natural and cultural heritage of our ASALs regions.Malonza further said she had no doubt that under the incoming Cabinet Secretary's leadership, the ministry will continue to thrive and achieve even greater milestones.The journey ahead will require dedication, resilience, and collaboration, she added, while encouraging all stakeholders to offer their full support to the new leadership.In attendance was the ASALs and Regional Development PS Kello Harsama and his East African Community counterpart Abdi Dubat, among other senior officials at the Ministry.Source: Kenya News Agency
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