Kenya has officially ratified the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Treaty, a landmark move that strengthens the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and development in the Horn of Africa.
The approval by the Kenyan Parliament makes the country the latest IGAD member state to endorse the revised treaty, which modernizes the regional bloc’s legal and institutional framework to better address 21st-century challenges.
In response, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu commended the Kenyan government and its citizens for their unwavering support for multilateralism and regional solidarity. “The ratification of the IGAD Treaty by the Parliament of Kenya is a commendable step toward consolidating our institutional foundation,” Dr. Workneh stated. “It enhances our collective capacity to address transboundary challenges and advance our shared aspirations for peace, stability, and sustainable development.”
Kenya now joins Djibouti, Ethiopia, and South Sudan in approving the updated treaty, which reflects IGAD’s expanded mandate. The revised framework strengthens the bloc’s ability to address a broad range of issues, including conflict prevention, climate change adaptation, public health, economic integration, and digital governance.
Dr. Workneh called on the remaining member states to expedite their ratification processes, emphasizing the importance of unity and institutional coherence in tackling the region’s pressing challenges.
The IGAD Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to supporting member states in fully implementing the treaty and advancing the organization’s long-term vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Eastern Africa.
Written By Rodney Mbua
