Strathmore University Law School in partnership with, the University of Leiden, The African Legal Network, and the prestigious law firm Allen and Overy, hosted the 3^rd annual Leiden Centre for East African Law Conference (LEAC) on Friday 28^th April, 2017, under the theme:  East African law, a common market, opportunities, and challenges for the business community.

This year’s conference, which was presided by Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, President of the East Africa Court of Justice, brought together stakeholders from Europe and the East African Communities (EAC) to share their experiences in regional law implementation. From academia, to the business community, and legal fraternity, the conference offered a rich discussion on the current situation concerning EAC law, offering plausible solutions on how to counter some of the challenges faced.

Hon. Prof. John Eudes Ruhangisa – Tanzanian High Court Judge; Prof. Tom Ottervanger – Chair LEAC; Dr. Elvis Mbembe Binda – Lecturer, University of Rwanda School of law; Leonard Obura Aloo – Lecturer, University of Nairobi School of Law; and Rajal Upadhyaya – Managing Director, Catalyst Principal Partners, were some of the eminent speakers who graced the event.

The complex yet integral nature of the common market of East Africa (EA) was discussed in detail, with emphasis on the process of integration. On his part, Hon. Dr. Ugirashebuja sensitized on the need for EAC to enhance and harmonize their working relationship, so as to fully enjoy the freedom of trade and services with the EA community. He further reiterated that it was EAC who came together and freely formed the East African block, in a bid to ease the working relationship, advising that it is essential for the commitment signed to be upheld.

LEAC is geared towards ensuring that Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi have a good working relationship for the betterment and growth of the region.