MADHARA YA MICHORO MWILINI

Pichani ni bishost mrembo mwenye uraibu wa michoro ya tattoo akionyesha swag

By Reginald Anderson Mtui

Ebu fikiria kwa makini, ni sawa kwa mtu kuwa na shati moja maisha yake yote? Mmh utakuwa sahihi kabisa endapo jibu lako litakuwa si sawa kimtazamo wa wengi. Naam! hivyo ndivyo namna  michoro mwilini "tattoo" ilivyo, unachorwa mwili kwa wino usioweza kufutika kirahisi hivyo  alama/mchoro hubaki mwilini mwako daima. Kwa lugha ya kigeni michoro hii hujulikana kama “tattoo” kwani hutokana na neno la “kitahiti” litamkwalo “tatu” kwa maana ya  alama ya kudumu inayobuniwa na kuchorwa kwenye  ngozi kwa kutumia rangi za aina mbalimbali. Siku hizi michoro hii huchorwa kwa kutumia sindano na kifaa cha kisasa cha umeme chenye sindano kinachotoboa tabaka la juu la ngozi (dermal layer) kirahisi na kufanya mchoro au alama za aina Fulani. Vifaa hivi kitaalamu tunaviita "rapid-injection-electronical device". Katika insha hii nitabainisha kwa kina madhara yaletwayo na michoro hii ambayo imepewa kipaumbele na jamii ya sasa hosusani vijana.  Ndiyo waweza kupata madhara  kiafya, kimtazamo wa jamii inayokuzunguka, na hasara zisizo za lazima kiuchumi.

Athari Kiafya

Afya bora ni muhimu sana. Ndiyo maana unashauriwa kuwa makini kabla ya kuchukua uamuzi wa kujichora. Ni vema kutembelea vituo vya kujichora "studio" nyingi na kuhakikisha unachagua zile zinazotoa huduma bora zinazofuata taratibu za afya. Ni lazima studio iwe na vifaa vya kusafisha nyenzo za kazi kitaalamu tunaziita “outoclave” au “medical sterilization machines” ambavyo hutumia joto kali kuvipasha vitendea kazi yaani mashine inayotoboa ngozi na kadhalika. Pia hakikisha sindano zote zinazotumika kwa kazi hii ni mpya kwa kufungua paketi zenye nembo na tarehe. Hivi sasa kuna wataalamu bandia wanaofanya kazi hizi za uchoraji pasipo vibali wala vifaa muhimu vya kufanyia kazi hizo. Hivyo kuwa makini sana na watu wa aina hii. wino unaotumika kuchorea michoro hii huwekwa ming’aro ya chuma "dyes" ambayo huweza kuwa na  sumu hatari kwenye ngozi ya binadamu. Wino mweusi waweza kusababisha saratani ya ngozi "skin cancer". Madhara mengine ya michoro hii ni uvimbe kwenye ini "Hepatitis". Pia kuna uwezekano wa kupata Ugonjwa wa Ukimwi "HIV-Aids" ikiwa vifaa vitumiwavyo kuchorea havisafishwi vizuri kwa mashine.

Mtazamo hasi katika jamii

Tatizo lingine la michoro hii ni mtazamo hasi kutoka kwa jamii inayopinga michoro na nembo za aina hii. Kumekuwepo na uvumi kutoka kwa jamii kuhusu makundi ya watu wanaochora michoro hii kuwa ni wale wanaojihusisha na vitendo viovu vya kinyama, kihuni au kikatili. Katika ofisi mbalimbali za kazi waajiri hukataa kutoa ajira kwa watu wenye michoro na nembo hizo. Kumekuwepo na visa vya wazazi kuwakataa watoto wao kwa kuwa wamejichora michoro hiyo. zipo baadhi ya sehemu za kujipatia huduma ambazo haziruhusu wateja wake kuingia huku wakeka wazi michoro hiyo; mfano katika mikahawa ya vyakula na hoteli mbalmbali duniani.

Athari za Kiuchumi

Kwakweli michoro hii ikifuata taratibu za kiafya zinazo kubalika mchorwaji hulazimika kutoa fedha nyingi kuliko maelezo. Studio nyingi zimeonyesha takwimu za gharama ya kuchora michoro hiyo kwa saa moja ni zaidi ya $100 (Dola mia moja) hivyo ukihitaji tatoo kwa masaa manne au zaidi ni fedha nyingi mno. Zipo gharama zinazolipwa ikiwa mchoro umemsababishia mhusika maambukizi. Hizi ni gharama za kununua madawa ya kutibu ngozi (vidonda).

Pichani ni muathiriwa wa michoro ya tattoo

Na mwisho, nawashauri(wasomaji wangu) kuchukua taadhari kabla ya kufanya uamuzi wa kujichora. Kujua pa kuchorea na umuhimu wa kuchora michoro hiyo. Ili tuishi vema ni lazima tuwe na mahusiano mazuri na jamii zetu. Tunaposababisha tofauti na familia zetu ni tatizo kubwa sana kwani tutafanya maisha yetu kuwa ya wasiwasi yasiyo na furaha wala amani daima. 

WATANASHATI

LONG DISTANCE

BY REGINALD ANDERSON MTUI

Traveling by road tends to be the most exciting experience ever 
though I can't tell about others like air,metro and water transport.
By road you turn yourself into a multiple doer making lots of comic 
steps. An amazing part of  this sort of traveling comes when one is 
in position to fall sleep but is forced to avoid sleeping guess a funny 
look upon someones face and eyes. There was a time when I saw a person 
whose eyes were closed but his lips and jaws were moving up and down 
expressing that he was chewing some eat at the same time sleeping.

Sometimes back in 2010 I was traveling with my colleague by bus to partner stat ministries to
distribute EAC publications,diaries,calendar,and flags. We planned that our journey 
would begin from Arusha via Namanga then Busia finally Katuna and 
Gatuna borders.

Five days before the departure we had booked for the bus tickets already. I remember very 
well the last day in Arusha before our departure; I had a sleepless 
night as it was my first time to visit these areas. I was 
enthusiastic to the extent of counting hours. I could open up my 
window quite often to see whether darkness had disappeared.
 I was so excited by this fabulous long distance.

Our initial point was at the EAC Headquarters where we packed ten 
boxes of publications, five boxes of calendars, seven boxes of diaries 
and four full boxes of the brand new flags both table and big ones. A 
four day journey wasn't a joke rather required preparations physically 
and emotionally.

One thirty afternoon found us already at Arusha Kampala coach booking 
office. According to the tickets we were required to start the journey 
at around three in the evening but unfortunately we delayed due to 
traffic jam. We waited for the bus for about two hours.
Most likely all passengers had gave up. I thought the journey that was 
waited enthusiastically would be postponed. I had said bye to all 
neighbors and friends so they would be wondering to see me at home.

Half past five in the evening our buried hope rose from the tomb. It 
was a bolt from the blue as if we were imagining a dirty bus in which 
its red color could hardly seen. Immediately it was followed by a 
sophisticated voice of a lady who worked with the bus station "all 
passengers get ready to travel, your bus is already here". I sat on 
the door side next to a driver. He looked gawky and uncomfortable. His 
arms and legs were long, he had a thin elongated face that hadn't 
filled out to accommodate his aquiline nose and expressive brown 
eyes. He absolutely knew that he wasn't a jock. Facial expression 
showed that he had little chance to sleep a night ago.

With a terrific speed we arrived in Namanga border before eight. We 
had only fifteen minutes for stamping our passports. Four hours later 
we had arrived in Nairobi where I was compelled to spend one night as 
I had to drop EAC materials for Kenya ministry. I looked for a nearby 
motel, I didn't care whether it was perfect what I had in mind was to 
escape from the street people of this huge city which is claimed to 
have many robbers. The following day morning i went to the EAC 
ministry. Because bus always travels to Kampala at night I waited up 
to ten.

Our new journey began at ten to Kampala via Busia border. In spite of 
bad haze weather in Kericho and later Eldoret we reached Busia safely. 
I was shocked to hear that we had eight hours to get Kampala. Perhaps 
we arrived tired in Kampala I forced myself to distribute the EAC 
materials for Kampala ministry the very same day.

Sunday evening at around ten we began a journey from Kampala coach 
Arua park. We slept in Ishasha town up to ten thirty in the morning. 
From there we began another journey to Gatuna border on the side of 
Uganda. Though we passed safely Gatuna checkpoint things were 
different in Katuna. An immigration officer inspected the bus, after 
discovering twenty six boxes of ours he ordered me to get down. I 
didn't understand the language easily. Until the conductor informed 
me that I was needed. We walked back to a tall man carried navy blue 
folder files with him. His other hand was in the black Jean pocket.

 He had a bulge abdomen a sign of satisfaction. " alright let's get the 

owners permission" he spoke in a Germanic way of pronunciation.

I picked down all twenty six boxes and the officer tore them to see 
what was inside. After all he ordered me to follow him to his office 
where I was told to pay custom duty. Having realized that there was no 
time for exchanging words I paid immediately and demanded for 
receipts. I took them to EAC ministry Rwanda and my money was refunded.

Still we had a journey to Bujumbura so we traveled on the midday by 
bus. Through Nemba side of Rwanda border and Gishenyi side of Burundi. 
We camped in Kirundo region and spent a night in lodge. The place was 
badly in need of refurbishing. The matted peach carpeting had several 
large stains, many of the ivory mini blind slats were bent and there 
were networks of cracks on the walls and ceilings. More cracks 
threatened to break thru the dated floral wallpaper in the two bedrooms.

The following day morning we began to depart to EAC Bujumbura ministry 
to deliver publications and other materials. Finally we returned back 
to Kirundo region where we spent one night before beginning a safari 
back home.

I SERVED MY FATHER'S HOME FOR SIX YEARS

BY REGINALD ANDERSON MTUI

In 1998 when I was in standard seven I used to do some little job at my fathers home. I call this my father’s home because we stayed there with our step mother. Among of the little jobs which I was doing there was to look for five goats and cut a bougainvillea fence of about five hundred meters. Definitely, I used to like this job because it matches with the things I like most. Cleanliness, organization, smartness and colorful plants. I used to chop it in a very rare style which impressed most of the visitors and also neighbors. I used a simple shears with wooden handles.

I used to carry my books with me when I was grazing the goats at my father’s fields. I remember a time when I was thoroughly caned because I went away to play with my favorite friends and left the goats inside. My step mother used to tell me that she liked me because I would do what I was supposed to do but the only thin is I have a flaring temper. When I would beat, I could spend a day without eating anything. I would even pass without greeting a person who beat me. So I was angry that day because I chopped some tree branches for the goats before leaving the home.

The eleven- room house is surrounded by a large compound which is decorated by green plants, fruit trees and with very colorful attractive flowers. Surely, it was a nice place for resting during summer and hot season. My father used to host his visitors there where they could easily get air and also cool their minds by viewing the most expensive flowers around the garden. If Iam not mistaken the garden looked like the one in the bible. The Garden of Eden which was very beautiful according to this historical religious book the Bible. Birds of different colors and sounds visited the unique place. They flew east to west; they laid their eggs in their nests attached on top of the fruit trees.

I noticed that one of the things liked by mzee were green plants. Because he used to buy land from other people and grew some crops in them. He was also known as a tree planter who had much interest in gravellier trees. What I know is he had some different plots around the village; ten acres in the north, twenty in south, thirty in east and forty in the west. Whenever I read the bible I imagine the story of a rich man who had a vine yard that he resembled my father because he used to send his sons to take care of them. So I was taking care of my father’s beautiful garden, how wonderful it was for a son to do his fathers job appropriately as I.

I was friend with my father indeed, whenever the work finished he used to give mew some rewards. Oh these are his words “my son get me beer” he produced a ten thousand note which was blue in color by that time. I could buy five bottles for him daily and the change was always mine. He used to say, “This is yours, go get soda”. He would call me back after an hour and asked me whether I needed educational materials; “my son how is school, I have seen your report, the results are excellent, work harder I want you to be a pilot. Your brother doesn’t want to study but do not hate him” he advised me referred to my elder brother who was so stubborn.

The other relatives thought that anything belongs to my father would be mine. They were filled with envy and negative thoughts that I was always favored but that wasn’t the case. Another work which I was doing there was to make his shoes and his posh white corona clean. I was not taught by anybody to drive; I only observed my brothers and father when they would drive. I was a good driver at young age of ten years. I remember the time when I went to school with one of our black motorcycle. It was a bolt from the blue to all students and teachers who came out to observe me; I felt prestige like famous people.

Even now I feel much prestige to be where Iam because without respect, tolerance and patience God would not sympathize with me. Honor your parents and your days are going to be multiplied.

THE DREAM

By Reginald Anderson

When I was still a boy at school I used to dream about reaching University. So I studied harder to fulfill the dream. Perhaps it was not easy, thanks to Heaven that I made it. It added credit and made my reputation high. I remember my father’s words that “you are the choice of what you are”. In a simple manner it means that one’s choice always determines what he/she is. If one chooses to work hard he ends up achieving sweet things. “No sweat no sweet”.

I have now realized the same scenario at my recent work place where I labor as an intern to gain skills. Definitely, it is good for me to work with this huge intergovernmental organization. Sometimes I wonder why me! Is it because of my educational level or it is just God’s favor?

Yes, I had a dream, the dream of working with this organization since the time when I was at school. I used to see their beautiful, unique and expensive materials such as cars with distinctive figures. When I work with EAC I always feel much confident, dignity and with less fear. What I gain is probably in line with who Iam today. I can handle matters in the office like any other experienced worker.

All these skills which I gained are because of my internship. To be honest there was a time when we had a long recess of five months. It was absolutely long time for me and I could be bored at home since I had completed a 1-month internship at the Uganda Christian University Library. I got an idea to apply for an internship with the East African Community (EAC) which has its headquarters in Arusha my home city. But the efforts where condensed immediately after arriving at the reception of this wonderful institution. I recall it was a sad morning of 18^th February 2011. I wake up enthusiastically with much desire and confidence of talking to the EAC Languages and Literature Departmental administrators so as to allow me to work with EAC as an Intern.

 When I reached at the reception I found a receptionist, she was a pretty light skinned woman who seemed to have spent forty buckets of cosmetics. Obviously, the first step was I to introduce myself to her. When I said that I was a University student her mood was already twisted so she frowned her charming face. Eventually, I explained to her that I was there to talk to the head of Languages and Literature Department so that he could allow me to do a short internship with EAC to attain skills and the work demands. This time she seemed busy on phone calls I had to wait for unknown while. Her final response was accompanied by the action of placing back the receiver of the phone where is required “we have no room for Interns for your Corse here, try International Criminal For Rwanda (ICTR)”. ICTR is an International court which has its basis in Arusha International Conference Centre Complex (AICC-Complex) and it is also near by EAC.

God made me strong because I passed through this time of sadness and anguish, I remember the scripture in the bible that: “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing you will receive.” Matt 21:22. However much it was hard time for me God made me steady through his scripture and spiritual food. It was really hard time for me because I had nothing to generate income by that time. I used to eat full suit plain macaroni day -in day- out to ease the budget. Full Suit food is a gobbledygook used by the youth to mean the repetition of the same food cooked for lunch during supper or dinner. But that time I was alone there, my young brother who was a senior six student in a government sponsored school had to come back home for a one month vacation. I was in deep thoughts that; how would I handle to feed him yet myself to get a staple food was an extremely puzzle. I can’t remember well how we survived what I only recall is we used to share the same macaroni that I prepared. If that was the case then what would I do to get fees for the University? I used to question myself. Only God knew the answers he is great and savior, he is God of Orphans, deprived, widows and widowers. The support I got from my elder sister who was also a low paid in UK was not enough to fulfill our demands. We had to ask for help somewhere else from our Blood relatives and the family friends. Little by little I managed to raise a half amount of tuition fees so the dream had come true. On 2^nd May 2011 I left back to school with little money for paying fees and spending.

Generally, at the University one is required to register for a semester after paying at least a half of the required tuition fees where by a yellow a half paid stamped card is provided for half payment of the fees and a person is only given eight weeks to finalize the tuition balance. For the case of the full payment a person is given a green full paid stamped card. In order for one to sit for exams he/she should present the green card before crossing the door of an examination room. The university fee policy is clearly spelled out to all students through the joining forms therefore, no any of the student should claim for his/her personal case.

I almost burst into tears when I failed to raise the remain balance of the tuition fees which was required before 28^th October 2011. The all through day and night efforts I made did nothing apart from taking me to the halt of stress and tears. When I asked for assistance from my friends they only gave me moral support that: “you don’t worry God will help you”. What could I do? I was stranded, to make the matters worse, when someone pays for a half fees and fails to finalize the balance the money become dead and the person is given a dead semester. A dead semester refers to as a special period of one year given to those who fail to register in fully paid tuition fees in the beginning and the middle of the semester. My dream was already expired: one, if I was given a dead semester and stayed home for one year no body would believe that it is because of tuition fees; Two, what would I do at home yet I had nothing complete like a transcript to prove that I attended University; Three, I had to lose my friends whom I  studied the same year with; Fourth, when you are given a dead semester you repeat a fresh year therefore you start a fresh with the same subjects you did in first semester of uncompleted year; Fifth, age, I always felt to be with my little brothers and sisters because of my late join to University so it would add me more years to spend with young ones yet I’m already a man who is supposed to be employed and have a family.

The reasons why I failed to raise money for the fees were; one, the one who used to sponsor my education was detained in an Immigration Removal Center (IRC). During the London riots of 2011 all Migrants including Non-Britain workers were required to hand in their Passports for the green light. Many people’s passports were confiscicated by the immigration office and being sent to the UK Immigration Removal Centers (IRCs). My sister Rehema who lives in London was one of these people who were taken to the IRCs and required to go back to their home countries so she had lost her job by that time. For her she was taken to Yarls wood IRC and later being released after appealing.

Sincerely, I always dedicate everything I achieve to her because she saved me from many things. When I was at home roaming in the street with the street mongers she paid for my advanced level education perhaps her little payments. She even bothered to support my tuition for the most expensive private university outside Tanzania, Uganda Christian University (UCU). She deserves to be named an Iron lady because she played a brave role to call and inform me about the incident by using a security mobile phone when she was detained. She also informed her friends so that they could support my tuition and finally it worked because one of her close friends called Ramadhan sent me some 300 Pounds for my tuition. When she was released she paid back the debt of more than 1000 Dollars which I borrowed from my Kenyan buddy Peter Ndirangu to finalize the tuition balance.

I believe that, if these people didn’t appreciate my work they wouldn’t help me anyway. Even the bible urges us through the parable of a person who gave his servants coins of money that: the one with something it is multiplied.

For sure, I like to work because it has been written in the scripture that “he who remains idle shall not eat”.  If I won’t choose to work harder, to do the best for the best of my work then who am I apart from a worthless, poor, weak, pathetic and hopeless.

ANNUAL HEAD TEACHERS OF MANYARA AND ARUSHA MEETING.

BY REGINALD A. MTUI


PROTOCOL

Mp Karatu

Education officers

Head Teachers

Ladies and gentlemen

INTRODUCTION

It's a very great pleasure being here with you this morning. As educators I recognize your work to the community most especially to the region. I also acknowledge your efforts in terms of making the society aware about East African community. Let me take this pleasure to give some a short background about East African Community.

East African Community is among of the three integration in the history of East Africa. It was established in 1967 when Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania had spirit of sharing resources economically, socially and also politically.

Initially, there was integration between Kenya and Uganda. The two countries integrated in the years 1900. The union expanded when the two countries opened custom union and decided to include Tanganyika in 1922.

Apart from custom union East African High commission was also established in 1948 and lasted in 1961.the community seemed to be stronger  than any other integration it only survived for ten years that is from 1967 to 1977.

WHY THE FIRST EAC COLLAPSED.

Ladies and gentlemen, there are numerous reasons as to why EAC survived for a short period while some of the objectives were yet fulfilled. Some of the leaders had selfish ambition which developed among themselves and later on destroyed the pillars of the integration. This was due to several differences in terms of monetary policies, economic level and system, and also languages. Where by Tanganyika was a socialist nation, Kenya was a capitalist and Uganda was a capitalist and communist nation.

There was inequality in making decisions; the strong states with stronger economic felt that they were super powers. They praised their own developmental plans and ignored their fellow member's decisions. So members whose decisions used to be ignored had no choice apart from despise themselves and later on led to the collapse of the union.

The problem of economic differences had nothing apart from crippling the muscles of the integration.it is true that Kenya had a stable economy compared to Tanganyika and Uganda. So Kenya was a super power nation whose development strategies had nothing to do with the less developed nations. She had more investments in terms of industrialization and trade. Therefore it was very difficult for the three nations to be put in the same line economically because if Kenya would have agreed then the country had to wait for others to boast their economy a procedure which would make her to go backward direction.

Others fail to pay a membership fee due to their weaker economy. Any policy can only become true after being implemented. And to implement a policy there must be financial support. Therefore the integration had no enough fund to support itself in operating their workshops, meetings and other integration activities.

There was lack of future strategic plans for the betterment of the region. The only step which had taken by the three presidents was to create harmony among the partner states. But on the side of development there were no strategies implemented. Therefore to develop the integration it would be possible if the partner states had set their future development strategies.

REVIVAL OF THE EAC

Harare meeting of 1991 which called upon together the member states is an effort made by the region members to revive the integration. The procedures went up to 1996 when the member states decided to enter into a serious partnership. They signed a treaty and revived one of the integration which is now known as East African Community. It started operating on 14^th March 1996 when Francis Mathura of Kenya was appointed to serve for 5 years as a secretary general.

MEASURES TAKEN TO AVART EAC COLLAPSING AGAIN.

Measures which were taken in order to prevent EAC collapsing again are; the use of one language by the member states. Swahili was agreed upon to be a lingua Franca so as to uproot all elements of language barriers which were the stumbling block and the reasons as to why the 1967 East African Community collapsed. The process has positive effects for the betterment of the union as it bring the member states together as the have the same language which is Swahili.

A free movement of goods and people is one of the policies which were put in order to protect EAC from collapsing again. By allowing the free trade member states economy will be as equal as possible. There will be also an opportunity for the traders to share the resources because trade restrictions are no longer there. Therefore by doing so the conducive environment for the fruitful business will be created.

Having the same common monetary currency is another measure taken to save EAC from collapsing again. The same currency will equalize and solve all different sorts of inequalities. The region shall have the same rates and therefore being able to exchange goods and services without loss but with profit. By having the same currency therefore will help the region to maintain peace, harmony and peace as far as unity is concerned.

Establishment of the headquarters offices in Arusha Tanzania. It is true that one of the factors which led to the collapse of 1967 EAC was also lack of headquarters. During that time members would only decide where to meet for their functions such as workshops and meetings. They were lacked with a general system to master the daily basis activities ran by the organization.

Formation of the legislative assembly which helped to strengthen the unity as far as the member states have an instrument to discuss issues concerning to the development of the community. This instrument helps to strengthen the integration because it brings together five countries representatives where they propose variety laws and discuss the authentic ways to implement them.

Use of education departments for sensitizing people especially the partner states which are Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is also one of the measures taken to make sure that EAC doesn't fall again. The department work as an instrument of imparting knowledge about East African Community to the society. Because there is a number of people in rural area who are not aware of EAC. Therefore they key solution toward this formation of this department is to sensitize people through the NGOs which work together with the community.

Extension of the integration where by the member states were increased to make five is also another degree of measurement that the union doesn't collapse. Nowadays EAC include the five nations which are Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Initially the members were only three which are Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Therefore the increased numbers of members strengthen the union.

CRITICAL FACTORS IN EA REGIONAL INTEGRATION.

East Africans do no differ in terms of language and culture so all member states practice cultural and traditional functions. Because Swahili language is spoken almost by all five member states the history of cooperation is still fresh in the minds of the society. Also our region has plenty natural resources, we have minerals, water, good and enough land for agriculture and also wild animals for tourism. Up to now we have good linkage because of the available network systems that are already exist. We compete globally in terms of market for our products; take for example Tanzanite which is only found in East Africa. Economically the region develops faster as well as availability of resources is concerned.

REASONS FOR INTEGRATION.

Cooperation is considered to be a big reason on why these states integrated. Because we share resources economically .we also have the same political federations, social welfares such as health, education science and technology defense, security, legal and judicial affairs.

Other objectives on why we integrate are; to develop partner states, to support partner states associations and also traditional ties, to enhance and strengthen private sectors, to solve the issue of gender imbalance by enhance the role of women in development. Promotion of good governance as far as transparency, accountability, social justice, rule of law, equal opportunities and gender equality. Also another reason is to promote peace, security and stability among the region.

EAC TODAY INCLUDING THE VISION AND VISION.

East African Community today has five nations which are Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi. Rwanda and Burundi were admitted to the EAC with the effect from 1^st July 2007.It has about 1.82 million square kilometers. The region has a population of approximately 133.5 million (as of June 2010).

EAC mission: is to widen and deepen Economic, political, social and cultural integration in order to improve the quality of life of the people of East Africa through increased competitiveness, value added production, trade and investment.

Our vision: a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically united East Africa.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF EAC.

According to the article 6 of the treaty our principles are stand to include the following; we ensure equality among the people and mutual trust. We create peaceful settlements of disputes. Good neighborliness and peaceful co-existence is also our principle. About the rule of law we enforce rules and principles which protect rights of people. We also promote cooperation for mutual benefit and good governance and the budget.

OPERATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF EAC.

EAC operate under the guidance of its principles which are in article 7 of the treaty which is contained with the following information; people centered and market driven cooperation, provision of adequate an appropriate enabling environment, establishment of an export oriented economy, the principle of subsidiary with emphasis on multilevel participation, equitable, balanced development of partner states and the principle of complementarity.

MAIN ORGANS AND OTHER EAC INSTITUTIONS.

The summit, which consists of the head of state or Government of the member states in order to give the general directions of the objectives of the community. The summit meet at least once in a year to consider the annual progress reports and such other reports submitted to it by the council. It may also hold extra-ordinary meetings as necessary.

The council of ministers which is made up by the ministers responsible for regional co- operation of each state. Its functions are to keep under constraint review the implementation of the pro-grammes of the community. To ensure proper functioning of the regional organization. It meets twice in each year.

Co ordination committee which consists of the secretaries responsible for regional cooperation in each partner state and other permanent secretaries of the partner state. Its major role is to report the council of Ministers and coordinates the activities of the sect oral committees.

Sect oral committees which established by the council on the basis of the recommendations of the coordination committee. Its function is to prepare comprehensive implementation programs, setting out priorities with respect to the various as well as monitor their implementation.

EAC court of justice, since it was initiated the court of justice has a work of interpretation and application of the treaty on common market matters. Also human rights and jurisdiction are determined by the council of ministers in a protocol to be concluded at a later suitable date.

A secretariat which is headed by the secretary General who is assisted by his deputy. The secretariat includes the offices of council to the community and other officers appointed by the council.

EAC ACHIEVEMENTS.

If not the hard working and assurance that the policies are well implemented EAC wouldn't be where it is. Though there are numerous of achievements which stand to include social, political and also economic.

Under Mathias Muthaura the first Secretary General of EAC, development strategy was formulated. Its implementation led to the signing of the treaty for the EAC on November 1999.the 2^nd development strategy (2001-2006) was also formulated.

Establishment of customs union in 2005 was a result of the 2^nd development strategy under Hon Amanya Mushenga the 2^nd Secretary General of the East African Community. The 3^rd development strategy which was implemented in 2006 when Amb. Mwapachu was elected and was meant to consolidate, customs union, common market, infrastructure development, industrialization, boasting agricultural and rural development pro grammes. Free movement of capital, convertibility of the three local currencies, reduction on national trade barriers lay under the same treaty.

In terms of social and political achievements; combating insecurity on Lake Victoria, implementation of students exchange programs and lectures at university level, issuance of temporary travel documents to East African citizens, ratification of protocols, signing of the treaty for the East African community in 1999 amongst others.

The integration has managed to create the headquarters in Arusha region Tanzania. Since its start the union had no enough structures where its daily basis could be operated easier. Through various support from the Germany government. The integration was able to start the construction of its Headquarters. The building will be able to accommodate departments and other services which are provided by the EAC and to facilitate the working process.

EAC POLITICAL FEDERATION.

With the ultimate goal of a political federation, the EAC is developing requisite regional policies programs and strategies that lay a firm foundation and consolidate the pillars of political integration. This is premised on the understanding that attainment of a political federation is a process and not an event. Based on the summit directive to mobilize and deepen sensitization on EAC integration, National consultations and studies on the EAC political Federation do not only indicate
overwhelming support for the political federation but identifies fears, concerns and challenges that need to be addressed. Efforts were made to consider these challenges through the establishment of the team of experts on political federation. The summit upon consideration of the report of the teams of experts further directed for review of the report and presentation of clear recommendations on the way forward on political federation by November 2011.

As the EAC embarks on holistic strategies to promote peace, stability and development in the region, promotion of good governance as a pillar of political integration is obligatory. In this regard, negotiations of the EAC protocol on good governance is near completion, and hitherto, involved consultations with a wide range of stakeholders both at national and regional levels, to ensure ownership. The protocol once adopted will evolve a dispensation that cements the recognition of good governance as a prerequisite for successful regional integration, peace and stability. In the same vein, the EAC jointly with COMESA and IGAD have embarked on implementing a joint program on promotion of good governance and human security in the Eastern and Southern Africa region-noting that political integration is an integral part of regional integration. The joint program seeks to contribute to increased levels of good governance and human security in the region.

Electoral processes are a fundamental aspect of political integration and good governance, peaceful democratization processes stimulate a conducive environment for the deepening of the EAC integration. Thus cooperation among national electoral commissions is being strengthened through development of the EAC principles on election observation, Monitoring and Evaluation is near completion. Once adopted, it will institutionalize a structured way of observing elections in the region, in a manner that adds value and builds on democratic development.

EAC continues to engage and consult with all institutions and agencies that constitute pillars of the EAC good Governance program. The national agencies responsible for preventing and combating corruption have a regional platform to articulate common challenges in fight against corruption through common strategies for the region. In this regard the EAC protocol on preventing and combating corruption is in its final stages of completion and once adopted will set in motion regional mechanisms for sharing information, recovery of proceeds and assets from corruption and judicial and legal assistance.

Other institutions that EAC has sustained engagement include the Forum of Human Rights Commissions, the Forum of EAC chief Justices and Rule of Law and Access to Justice Sector. The EAC Annual conference on good Governance has become a significant annual event that facilitates dialogue and debate on core issues of political Governance in the region. Its main objective is to enhance cross sect oral political dialogue among institutions responsible for promoting good governance as well as create synergy between national, regional and international organizations.

CHALLENGES

Still we have a group of people who do not know anything about this Organization, it is a challenge to us and it's our duty to sensitize them so that they understand our existence and also activities performed by the organization.

The problem of corruption which is common in East Africa is also a hindrance to our progress in the region.

We are lacked with the better transport infrastructure systems, land, water and air to some of the member states. Thus problems in exportation and importation of goods and services.

We are also challenged by the problems to do with society such as sexual abuse for women and children, gender imbalance, crime, urbanization, domestic violence, un employment, diseases, poverty amongst others.

CONCLUSION.

Distinguished Delegates,

Like I said in the beginning that teachers are the most important persons in the world. There is no any intelligent or educated person who never passed through the directions of the teachers. EAC is always concerned when it comes to education and Educators. Through our Education Department, we have managed to establish the Inter university council which links the gape between secondary schools and University. We have conducted regional inter-school debate competitions. Also we have established the Swahili council which is meant to master the growth and the regional development of Swahili Language as the Lingua Franca. What we have achieved is not enough, there are numerous of plans which are still pending in that they are not implemented yet. Let's create the future with peace, solidarity, love, co-operation and unity as well. We need to teach our children on the importance of the integration at schools and even home so as to ease the future EAC Development strategies.