Date: October 1-2, 2010

Venue: Panafric Hotel, Nairobi Kenya

The East Africa Community is here; with it are both challenges and opportunities. The Inter Region Economic Network (IREN) will host a brainstorming session for the region’s youth as from October 1– 2, 2010. Brainstorming sessions will be preceded by presentations from experts on East Africa affairs and education in general. The outcome of the brainstorming sessions will be presented to a select number of business leaders from the region and officials of the EAC early next year.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be aged between 18 and 35 yrs
• Answer the simple IREN East Africa Community Quiz 
• Submit your CV
• A letter expressing interest to attend the forum
• Ksh 100 fee upon confirmation of your request to participate *(please DO NOT SUBMIT FEE until you hear from us!)

Limited number of scholarships available for non Kenyans for accommodation and travel on first come first qualify basis; all Kenyan delegates will be “day scholars.”

The Inter Region Economic Network (IREN) is a leading African think tank that promotes ideas and strategies geared towards improving the living standards in Africa. Founded in 2001, IREN has organized over 72 high profile forums and hosted over 4,500 delegates from across the globe with varied professional background. These have included high school and university students, farmers, civil society leaders, journalists, policy makers and business leaders who met to discuss issues focused on Africa’s economic development.

Draft Program

Day 1:- October 1, 2010
.   
7.30 – 8.00 a.m 

Arrival and registration of delegates and invited guests

8.00 – 9.00 a.m 

Welcome & Overview:  James Shikwati (Director,   IREN) and Veni Swai (Programme Officer, Friedrich Naumann Foundation).

• Introduction of the delegates and invited guests

9.00 – 10.00 a.m 

Keynote Address: David Nalo (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of East African Community) “Turning East Africa’s Challenges into business opportunities.

10.00 – 10.15 a.m Tea Break

10.15 – 12.00 p.m. 

Oduor Ongwen (Director, SEATINI Kenya) Topic: What East African youth should do about the opportunities and challenges presented by the East Africa Common Market.

12.00 – 1.00 pm Group Discussions

• What opportunities are presented by the East Africa Community Common Market?
• What Challenges are presented by the East Africa Community?

1.00 – 2.00 pm.  Lunch

2.00 – 3.00 pm.  Group presentations   

3.00 – 4.00 pm.   

Online Opinion Report on East African Community presented by James Shikwati

4.00 – 4.30 p.m. Tea Break 

4.30   End

Day 2:- October 2, 2010

09.00 – 10.00 a.m. Recap of Day 1

10.00 – 10.15 a.m Tea Break

10.15 – 12.00 pm 

Prof. Henry Thairu (VC, Inoorero University) Topic: Equipping East African youth to creatively tap into the East Africa Common Market.

12.00 – 1.00 pm  

Group Discussion
• How can the East African challenges be turned into opportunities?
• What areas should youth in East Africa be trained on to enable them benefit from the region’s Common Market?

01:00 – 2.00 p.m.  Lunch
  
02.00 – 3.30 pm Group presentations

03:30 – 4.00 p.m. Closing Remarks

04:00 – 4.30 p.m. Tea Break

04:30 p.m.  End

For more information contact:

The Events Manager
Inter Region Economic Network (IREN)
Nyaku House Mezzanine Flr.
Argwings Kodhek Rd. Hurlingham.
Box 135 GPO Nairobi Kenya,
Phone 254-20-2731497
Fax 254-20-2723258,
Email [email protected] , [email protected]
http://www.irenkenya.com/
Where a Free Human Mind is the Ultimate Capital