Muhuru Bay: The East African Community (EAC) has long been an advocate for the integration of its people through socio-economic activities, respecting their customs, religion, and traditions. Despite the integration not being fully realized, communities along the EAC borders continue to promote peaceful coexistence and shared agendas.
According to Kenya News Agency, communities along the EAC border have historically shared socio-economic ventures, customs, and religious norms due to their shared identities and family ties. For example, the communities around Muhuru Bay (Nyatike) and Shirati-Mara in Tanzania are of Luo descent, sharing family bonds, customs, and religion. Similar connections exist among the Kuria community at the Isebania (Kenya) and Sirare (Tanzania) border, and the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania at the Namanga border.
Recently, the community around Muhuru Bay joined their Tanzanian counterparts in a festival celebrating shared cultures, customs, traditions, and religions. The Muhuru Bay dele
gation, led by Nyatike South Deputy County Commissioner Anderson Ayuku, emphasized the importance of partnering with their Tanzanian counterparts to foster international integration of cultures and peaceful coexistence.
The Rorya Fursa Festival, organized by residents of Shirati-Mara, showcased activities such as agriculture, tourism, and fishing, aiming to attract investors from both countries. Mr. Ayuku noted that the festival would help promote unity and socio-economic activities among the border communities. He urged continued collaboration to foster economic and cultural development while promoting peace in the region. Ayuku also highlighted meetings with revenue authorities to streamline collaboration for inter-border business transactions.
Fani Haule, a local administrator from Rorya District in North Mara, Tanzania, expressed gratitude to the Nyatike delegation for their participation. Haule emphasized that such activities would foster collaboration, economic development, and strengthened relationsh
ips between the border communities. He stressed the importance of fostering brotherhood and friendship despite colonial boundaries.
The festival also featured a football tournament to promote talent among the youth, sponsor engagement, and provide guidance on income-generating activities. Haule affirmed the importance of cooperation among local administrations, police, and marine services to manage cross-border challenges effectively.
Football Kenya Federation-Migori Chairperson Paul Migwambo commended the cross-border partnership, stating it would lead to international integration of culture and customs. Migwambo highlighted the importance of mutual learning to foster understanding and peace, suggesting that such positive developments could accelerate EAC integration for the benefit of the regional bloc.
In March, EU Ambassador Henriette Geiger, during a visit to Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, mentioned the EU-funded One Stop Border Post at Isebania-Sirare Border. She highlighted its potential to ease tra
de among EAC members, encouraging the community to emulate the European Union’s model to strengthen economic ties, peace, unity, and free trade.