This follows a decision by the African Heads of State and Government who during the 31st Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit, approved the transformation of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) into the African Union Development Agency (AUDA).  Part of the transformation included establishment of Regional Offices to strengthen the Agency’s coordination of programme implementation across the five African Regions (East, South, North, West and Central Africa). 

After consultations, Kenya was identified as the most suitable location for setting up the East African Regional office. This decision was guided by the country’s proven capacity, quality of facilities and conducive environment for hosting regional and international bodies. The visibility and active participation of the NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat in African Union programmes also encouraged this resolution.

The Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the decision and has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth procedure in the establishment of the office, processing of documents including the Host Country Agreement as well as offering logistical support.

Following the operationalization, the office will commence coordination of one of its key initiatives, the African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE) and later embark on working with AUDA-NEPAD country offices in the region on various programmes. These programmes, which form AUDA-NEPAD thematic pillars include Infrastructure, Regional Integration and Trade; Human Capital Development; Natural Resources Governance and Food Security; and Industrialization under which ABNE Falls. Currently the ABNE programme is implementing biosafety activities in 17 African Countries

The AUDA- NEPAD team was led by Prof. Aggrey Ambali, Director Industrialization, Science and technology and was received by the NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat Ag. CEO Mr. Daniel Osiemo.

In his address, Prof. Ambali thanked the Kenya team for continued support and noted President Uhuru Kenyatta’s major contribution to continental programmes including the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) which underwent revitalization under his leadership. On his part, Mr. Osiemo welcomed the team saying it was an honor for Kenya to host the regional office and gave assurances of support from the national office.