EAC swears in competition commissioners to boost regional trade enforcement
What you need to know:
- The appointments mark a significant milestone for the authority, which plays a key role in promoting and protecting fair competition and enhancing consumer welfare across the region.
Arusha. The East African Community Competition Authority (EACCA) has officially sworn in three new commissioners as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation on fair competition and consumer protection.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on June 3, 2025 at the EAC headquarters in Arusha. The newly appointed commissioners are Mr David Kemei from Kenya, Mr Germain Ntawuyamara from Burundi, and Mr Emmanuel Mugabe from Rwanda. All will serve four-year terms.
Mr Kemei, who is also director general of the Competition Authority of Kenya, was elected as interim chairperson of the EACCA during the event.
The appointments mark a significant milestone for the authority, which plays a key role in promoting and protecting fair competition and enhancing consumer welfare across the region. The EACCA is empowered to investigate cross-border anti-competitive practices, assess mergers of regional significance, and coordinate with national regulatory agencies.
“This composition of expertise among the commissioners will allow the authority to benefit from lessons and best practices established by more advanced competition agencies, such as those in Kenya and Tanzania,” said EAC deputy secretary general responsible for customs, trade and monetary affairs, Ms Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba.
She added that the swearing-in comes at a pivotal time, as the authority finalises its second strategic plan and prepares to operationalise the regional merger notification regime.
Acting registrar of the EACCA, Ms Stellah Onyancha, said the commencement of merger notifications—set for October 2025—had previously been delayed due to the need for legal reforms.
“This has now been addressed following the gazettement of the EAC Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023. The new legal instruments clearly outline notification thresholds and applicable filing fees,” she said.
Mr Kemei noted that the installation of commissioners would enhance collaboration across national agencies, enabling harmonised merger regulation, joint investigations, and deeper cooperation on policy development, market studies, and capacity building.
“Effective competition law enforcement is vital to unlocking economic growth, attracting investment, and safeguarding consumer interests both nationally and across the region,” he said.
