Background
The 5th Extra ordinary summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State held on 18th June 2007 established the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) as an institution of the EAC.
This was in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Treaty on the Establishment of the East African Community as set out in Chapter 16, Article 103 (a), where the Partner States undertook to promote cooperation in the development of science and technology within the community, and as per Article 3 of the Protocol on the establishment of the East African Science and Technology Commission.
The specific objectives of EASTECO are:
- Formulation of regional STI policies
- Joint development and application of Science, Technology and Innovation
- Promotion of regional research centers of excellence
- Exchange and utilization of scientific information
- Promotion of public and private sector partnership in the development and application of STI
- Mobilization of resources for STI in the community
- Fostering scientific and technological innovation in the Partner States
- Development, adoption and utilization of ICT and the adaption of new and emerging technologies
- Support the dissemination of research and development findings in the partner states