Uganda’s leader, on his part, cited three sectors that are key in moving the region forward. He singled out commercial agriculture, industrialization and ICT.
“We do not suffer from poverty. We suffer from not adding value to our raw materials,” President Museveni said.
Thursday’s ground breaking ceremony was also witnessed by the President of Zanzibar Ali Mohamed Shein. Other representatives from EAC member states were Vice President Joseph Butare (Burundi), James Wani Igga (South Sudan) and Rwanda’s East Africa Affairs Minister Augustine Mahiga.
Outgoing EAC Secretary General Richard Sezibera said since the completion of the Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road, revenue has grown by over 20 percent on both the Kenyan and Tanzanian sides.
Former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Kikwete, oversaw the development and completion of the Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road which forms part of the central corridor infrastructural project.
Meanwhile, President Kenyatta jetted back into the country this afternoon from Arusha, Tanzania, where he attended the 17th East African Community (EAC) Summit.
The plane carrying the President and his delegation touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly before 3pm.