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Gachagua Calls for Borderless Africa to Spur Growth
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged regional leaders to emulate Kenya in rejecting colonial-era borders and creating a borderless Africa to spur socio-economic transformation.
Gachagua made the call while representing President William Ruto at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution in Tanzania. He said that easing movement of people and goods across Africa would boost trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) and other collaborations.
“We reject being defined by the boundaries of colonialists,” Gachagua said. “That is why Kenya has removed visa requirements for Africans visiting our nation.”
He added that a borderless Africa would also enable countries to better exploit their resources for development.
“We are optimistic that a borderless Africa will ensure the free flow of socio-economic activities, spurring growth particularly as the East African countries prepare for the African Cup of Nations,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua also commended Tanzania for the strong bilateral relations between the two countries, saying that they have enhanced cooperation on various fronts.
“Through President Samia Suluhu, we continue deepening cooperation and collaboration in various fronts for socio-economic transformation of our people,” he said.
The call for a borderless Africa is not new, but it has gained momentum in recent years as African countries have sought to boost trade and cooperation. The AfCFTA, which came into effect in 2021, is seen as a major step towards a more integrated African market.
However, there are also challenges to creating a borderless Africa. Some countries are concerned about the potential for increased illegal immigration and security threats. Others are worried about the impact on their domestic industries.
Accident on Nakuru-Eldoret Highway Claim 15
At least 15 people, including eight adults and seven children, perished in a gruesome head-on collision between a bus and a 14-seater matatu on Tuesday morning near Twin Bridge on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway. While 38 others miraculously escaped the crash unharmed, it marks the latest in a string of deadly accidents that have claimed over 20 lives in just two days across Kenya.
The matatu’s occupants bore the brunt of the impact, losing their lives at the scene. Three passengers on the bus sustained serious injuries, with ten others receiving minor medical attention. Police responded swiftly, transferring the injured to Molo Hospital.
“It was yet another tragic morning,” lamented Rift Valley police chief Tom Odero, urging motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads. He assured an investigation into the incident is underway.
This tragedy follows Monday’s fatal accidents, including four deaths from collisions on the Isinya-Kitengela and Narok-Bomet roads. The weekend also saw three lives lost in separate incidents in Nyamira and Kericho counties.
These grim statistics add to the over 40 lives already claimed by road accidents in Kenya this year alone, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures and heightened driver awareness.
This condensed version retains the key details while emphasizing the human cost of these accidents and the call for action. It also avoids repetitive information and streamlines the flow of the narrative.
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