The Secretary General (SG) for the East African Community (EAC), Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko launched the Video Conference facility at Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), Kisumu, Kenya, 13th February 2020.
According to the EAC SG, the Video Conference reflects the commitments of cost-cutting measures instituted in 2016 and it will improve liquidity status. “The cost reduction measures have helped improve our liquidity status,” EAC Secretary General remarked during the launch in Kisumu, Kenya.
The LVBC Executive Secretary Dr. Ally-Said Matano welcome the facility and underscored its importance in easing communication between LVBC and Arusha-based EAC Secretariat and EAC Partner States.
Stating how the importance of the Video Conference facility, Amb. Mfumukeko noted that about 35% and 40% costs have been cut as a result of Video Conference instituted in EAC Organs and Institutions as well as in Ministries with East African Community in their responsibility in 6 EAC Partner States. “Such monies will be channeled to other important development interventions,” he remarked.
The practical uniqueness of the facility, according to EAC SG, is that it enables the signing of reports and cheques online. He revealed how such facility will cut down travel costs, accommodation and allowances.
At the launch, participants noted how the facility will enhance operational efficiency and speed the implementation of statutory and programmatic activities.
Media actors in the launch asked whether the facility can be used by ordinary citizens to communicate with the Secretary General of the EAC. In his response, Dr. Matano noted that the facility will enable communication between parties including media whenever it will be required.
The Video Conference facility was financed by Trade Mark East Africa and EAC Partner States.
