Kenya ratifies IGAD treaty, boosting regional integration and collective action in Horn of Africa
Workneh commended the ratification, describing it as a clear demonstration of the country’s strong commitment to regional integration and multilateral cooperation.
Kenya’s National Assembly has ratified the Treaty Establishing the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a landmark move aimed at accelerating economic, social, environmental, political, and regional integration across the Horn of Africa.
IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu commended the ratification, describing it as a clear demonstration of the country’s strong commitment to regional integration and multilateral cooperation.
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In a statement, Workneh emphasised that the ratification aligns closely with the fundamental principles guiding IGAD’s mandate and enhances the institution’s capacity to collectively address a broad range of transboundary challenges facing the Horn of Africa.
According to Workneh, Kenya's approval of the IGAD Treaty is a commendable step toward consolidating the organisation’s institutional foundation. He noted that the ratification strengthens the bloc’s collective ability to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development across member states.
“The ratification of the IGAD Treaty by the Parliament of Kenya is a commendable step toward consolidating our institutional foundation,” stated Workneh.
Transboundary challenges
“It enhances our collective capacity to address transboundary challenges and advance our shared aspirations for peace, stability, and sustainable development.”
Kenya’s ratification adds momentum to a growing regional effort, with other member states such as Djibouti, Ethiopia, and South Sudan having already completed the ratification process.
Workneh encouraged the remaining members—Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda—to finalise their ratifications promptly, underscoring the importance of regional solidarity and institutional coherence in the bloc’s effective functioning.
At the 14th Ordinary Session of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Djibouti in 2023, the draft treaty was formally adopted after being thoroughly reviewed by all IGAD policy organs.
During the session, six heads of state, including Kenyan President William Ruto, signed the treaty, demonstrating political will at the highest level to advance the organisation’s renewed mandate.
The treaty commits IGAD to maintaining regional peace, security, and stability. This commitment is considered vital in a region frequently challenged by conflicts, climate change impacts, and economic disparities.
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