EALA Plenary commences in Nairobi
President Uhuru Kenyatta is calling on the region to concert its integration efforts, showcase the fruits of integration and facilitate the incremental approach of the pillars ultimately leading to the Political Federation of the region.
The Head of State maintained that the Summit of the EAC and his Government were committed to the integration agenda as evidenced by accelerated approach towards the development of infrastructure among other benefits.
President Kenyatta’s remarks were delivered by the Speaker of the Senate, Rt Hon. Ekwee Ethuro at the commencement of the 2nd Meeting of the 4th Session of the 3rd Assembly at the Kenya National Assembly this morning.
He reiterated that the Standard Gauge Railway which a couple of years back was a pipe-dream was now a reality. “There is increased focus towards the development of the Northern corridor. There are also plans to develop an oil and gas pipeline from Uganda trough north-western Kenya (Turkana) to the port of Mombasa to ease transportation of crude oils and to enhance exportation of mineral oils. I see no wavering by our Summit towards this process and I am assured that in the near future, the fruits of these efforts will come to bear”, Rt Hon. Ethuro said. Rt Hon. Ethuro remarked that it was vital for the Common Market Protocol to be fully implemented and devoid of Non-Tariff Barriers to enable citizens reap the full benefits.
“While this Protocol was ratified and came into force almost 6 years, the people of the region are still not enjoying these freedoms. Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), for instance, are one hindrance to the enjoyment of these freedoms”, the Senate Speaker said.
“We strive towards the elimination of NTBs to ease movement of people and goods while adhering to the Rules of Origin,” he added. The Senate Speaker rooted for amendment of the Treaty in response to a request by his EALA counterpart, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega.
“Mr. Speaker, I am not suggesting that the 1999 Treaty is obsolete; but I believe it is time to consider some amendments to the Treaty in order keep up with changing times. Amendments that we should consider include those that allow citizens to play a more active role in the management of the affairs of the region. Public participation has become a critical pillar in our modern constitutions”, Rt Hon. Ethuro said.
He further hailed EALA for its efforts to ensure peace prevailed in the region. Rt Hon. Ethuro further commended EALA for its legislative performance. “Mr. Speaker, turning to your legislative performance, I want to commend you and Honourable Members because in the last nine months or so, you have managed to pass 7 Bills, published 13 Reports and passed 7 Resolutions. This is evidence of hard work considering that your sessions last short periods compared to sessions of National Assemblies and Senates of Partner States”, Rt Hon. Ethuro said.
In his welcome remarks, the Speaker of the EALA, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega noted that East Africans were interested in seeing more tangible benefits of integration. He noted that with the coming into force of the fully-fledged Customs Union, it was necessary for products to be sold within the ambits of the Customs Union Protocol and without barriers.
“It is in this regard that we as an Assembly, are keenly watching the issue of Sugar given that the Customs Union is now fully-fledged and promotes intra-EAC Trade. We plead that a divide between politics and integration be wedged”, he remarked.
With regards to the Common Market Protocol, the Speaker called on the EAC Partner States to ensure its full implementation saying that East Africans wanted to enjoy full benefits. He cited the process of acquiring work permits as cumbersome. “The Common Market Protocol was entered into in 2010. Yet still today, only few of the EAC citizens would work in another Partner State because they feel and face too many obstacles. The acquisition of work / resident permit is one of the major challenges and the processes need to be harmonised”, Rt Hon. Kidega said.
The Speaker noted that EALA was now stronger and more united in serving East Africans. He called for the amendment of the Treaty to reflect the current times in the integration process.
The Speaker cited challenges facing the Assembly as that concerning the Assent of Bills stating that it was necessary to speed up the processes.
We are of the view that the region takes advantage of the Summit sittings which can create opportune moment for the Summit Members to exercise their mandate as stipulated under Article 63”, Speaker Kidega said. The Speaker also called for the full autonomy of the Assembly, which he said was necessary to enable it realise its mandate.
“At the moment, the Assembly has a semi-autonomous status – the ideal scenario would be full autonomy including the direct funding by Partner States. This is absolutely necessary for the betterment of the EAC. It is key that we sit down with the Executive in the near future to find a lasting solution to the matter”, he remarked.
The Speaker hailed the progress in Kenya as commendable. He cited the economic growth under the mantra of Umoja, Uchumi na Uwazi and progress of infrastructure including the world’s largest Geothermal Plant commissioned in Naivasha last year, which adds 140 megawatts of power to the national grid, effectively bringing down electricity costs as game changers in the development process.
At the EALA Session, the following is the notable business:
The EAC Electronic Transactions Bill, 2014 – 2nd and 3rd Reading
The EAC Forest Management and Protection Bill, 2015 – 2nd and 3rd Reading
The EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2015 - 2nd and 3rd Reading
Debate and adopt Reports of various Committees of the House.
The Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State is also expected to deliver a Farewell Address to the House next week. Moving the vote of thanks, Hon. Mike Kennedy Sebalu noted that Kenya had progressed following the leadership of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He remarked that EALA Members would continue to spread the integration message. He acknowledged the role and vital contributions of Speaker Ethuro at the Bureau of Speakers Forum. Hon Sebalu said the Senate was successful so far with regards to its continuation to its mandate.
Hon. Sebalu further thanked the Speaker Emeritus, Rt Hon. Abdirahin Abdi and the former Members who were present for their support.