EAC CS nominee Beatrice Askul Moe vows to address regional issues if approved

Beatrice Askul Moe, the nominee for the East Africa Community and Regional Affairs Cabinet Secretary, has pledged to address the longstanding challenges faced by East African Community (EAC) countries through an all-inclusive approach. If approved by the National Assembly, Askul will become the first Turkana woman to hold this pivotal post.

Askul emphasised the importance of leveraging technology and advancing infrastructure projects to tackle Kenya’s persistent issues, such as the long queues at border points.

"We need to fast-track the development of infrastructure and technology. We need to put our heads together as a government and come up with a solution. We need to allocate funds and implement projects that will facilitate the movement of goods and services," she asserted during her committee hearing.

Addressing the committee's concerns about her ability to resolve long-standing disputes within the EAC, Askul proposed a diplomatic approach to the contentious Migingo Island issue between Kenya and Uganda.

"I propose that the issue be resolved through the Court of Justice in Tanzania. We also need to have neutral arbiters to resolve the issue. If we do not find a solution, more Kenyans will suffer," she stated.

Askul brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as the County Executive Committee member in charge of water, irrigation, agriculture, and land reclamation in Turkana County Government.

However, she acknowledged the need to familiarise herself more deeply with EAC affairs.

"I only had four days to read and learn more about the EAC because I am an outsider. Once I am approved, I will learn as I am young and energetic and use my experience to steer the agenda," she explained.

Askul advocated for sustainable and proactive measures to combat natural calamities such as drought and floods. She emphasised the importance of using early warning reports to inform decisions and implement sustainable practices.

"Let us use reports on early warnings to make decisions. Sustainable measures such as water harvesting and finding alternative means of survival. We need to work with partners to come up with projects to mitigate the effects of climate change," she urged the committee.

Askul is set to replace Peninah Malonza, whose appointment, along with that of other Cabinet Secretaries, was recently degazetted.

Askul’s previous roles include Director of the Rift Valley Water Services Board, Chairperson of the Technical Committee of the Rift Valley Water Services Board, Project Officer of AMREF-Kenya, Turkana Project, and Relief Officer for the Oxfam Relief program.