East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 26th March, 2018:
The East African Community is working overdrive to enhance market access to regional and international markets through a comprehensive export promotion strategy.
The EAC Director General, Customs and Trade, Mr. Kenneth Bagamuhunda, said the Community is implementing programmes aimed at promoting and strengthening intra- and inter-regional trade including the implementation of trade facilitation programmes particularly the removal of Non-tariff Barriers (NTBs) to trade.
The DG said that the EAC had prioritized growth in its exports through value addition and capacity building for exporters to enable them know about export requirements especially in the EU.
Mr. Bagamuhunda further said that the Community had put in place mechanisms for the dissemination of applicable trade requirements and trade statistics.
Other measures to promote trade include the harmonization of regional standards and strengthening the performance of exports through the implementation of the EAC Export Promotion Strategy.
Mr. Bagamuhunda said that while the Community had developed a number of key strategies and policies aimed at boosting trade, the biggest challenge was how to implement them.
“The elimination of tariffs is not a problem. The biggest problem is removing Non-tariff Barriers which keep on changing and coming up in different forms,” he said.
On the recently signed African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA), Mr. Bagamuhunda said now was the time to push for the full implementation of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) bringing together EAC, COMESA and SADC.
“The TFTA is the stepping stone to the CFTA because what remains in TFTA is its implementation. The Tripartite constitutes more than 60% of the Africa’s GDP and over half of the continent’s population,” said the DG.
The DG was speaking during the official opening session of a three day workshop convened by the TradeComII Programme at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The stakeholder workshop which has drawn participants from EAC Partner States, the private sector, youth and women’s organisations, and development partners will discuss presentation on the: Draft EAC Export Promotion Strategy 2017-2022; EAC Framework of Non-Tariff Barriers, and; EAC Simplified Trade Regime for Women and Youth Traders.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Fabio di Stefano, Head of the Infrastructure and Regional Integration Sectors at the European Union Delegation in Tanzania, said the EU’s main focus in working with the EAC was on trade and economic growth in the region.
Mr. Stefano said that political goodwill from EAC leaders will be critical if East Africa was to become integrated economically, adding that reforms to national laws and policies would also be required for the full implementation of protocols and agreements made at the regional level.
Mr. Stefano said some of the key drivers of regional integration in East Africa as has been the case elsewhere were peace and security, and infrastructure development.
NOTE FOR EDITORS:
The EAC Secretariat obtained support to the tune of 300,000 Euros from the ACP-EU through the TradeCom II programme to develop appropriate strategies on export development and the elimination of Non-tariff Barriers inhibiting trade among Partner States and between Partner States and their trading partners.
The strategies address the main constraints relating to the legal, regulating and institutional requirements at both the regional and Member States levels and lack of financial and human resources to accommodate the increased demands related to the implementation of the TFTA and boosting Partner States capacity to supply the European markets through a sound and sustainable export promotion strategy.
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
President Kenyatta commends IUCEA for the outstanding achievements in higher education and research systems
East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania, 23rd March, 2018:
The 6th EAC Academia-Public-Private Partnership Forum (APPPF) and Exhibition 2018 concluded at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya on Thursday 22nd March 2018, with a commendation by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta to the management of Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) for the outstanding achievements in the development of higher education and research systems that are responding to the regional social economic development needs, in particular transforming East Africa into a Common Higher Education Area.
The aim of the APPPF is to provide a point of connection between knowledge and human resources produced by the academia on the one hand, and on the other hand, the dissemination and utilization of such knowledge by the private and public sectors, for eventual diffusion into the productive, social and service sectors in the Community. The theme of the 6th APPPF and Exhibition 2018 was the East African Common Higher Education Area: Opportunities for Industrialisation through Academia-Public-Private Partnerships.
Addressing the official opening ceremony, President Uhuru Kenya said that it his conviction that once effectively operational, which IUCEA should work hard so that, the Common Higher Education Area will contribute significantly to the shaping of the landscape and impact of higher education of the East African Community.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was represented by Hon. Peter Munya, the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community and Northern Corridor Development, urged the participants to come up with concrete proposals for policy and decision makers on how the region can shape-up and refine its industrialisation strategies for maximum utilisation of abundant natural resources for the industrialisation of the bloc.
The Guest of honour challenged the participants to consider leveraging the region’s human resources and skills potentials to promote mobility of labour and services as provided for by the EAC Common Market Protocol, which calls for opening up education and training to the local environment and beyond through mobility by strengthening links with business and by developing education for enterprise.
“This should be one of the key milestones that the Common Higher Education Area and this partnership (Academia-Public-Private) should endeavour to achieve as building blocks for industrialisation of our region”, noted the President.
President Kenyatta urged the forum participants to consider innovative ways in which the Academia-Public-Private Partnership could be strengthened in order to increase productivity of public and private investments and services in higher education as a focus for a new investment paradigm in education and training; maintaining universities as a public responsibility; promoting and consolidating research as an integral part of higher education for impact enhancement to society; furthering mobility and the social dimension; making access to learning easier and accessible and making it easier to move from one part of the education system to another, across and between programs and system, and across borders; and rethinking the definition of skills for the knowledge society.
He commended the management of the Inter-University Council for East Africa for the outstanding achievements in the development of higher education and research systems that are responding to the regional social economic development needs, in particular transforming East Africa into a Common Higher Education Area.
“It is my conviction that once effectively operational, which IUCEA should work hard to that, the Common Higher Education Area will contribute significantly to the shaping of the landscape and impact of higher education of the East African Community”, affirmed H.E Uhuru Kenyatta.
At the Forum, Rt. Hon. Kirunda Kivejinje, the Chairperson, EAC Council of Ministers and Uganda’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC Affairs, noted that given the difficulties of entering into highly-competitive global markets, and the lack of prospects for a significant upsurge of foreign investments in the manufacturing sector, the only realistic option for the development of EAC industry was to focus on both ‘recapturing domestic markets’ and simultaneously exploiting better, the potential of regional markets and the resources at hand within the public and private sectors of which research and innovation were critical prerequisites.
The Chairperson of the Council observed that historically, the EAC economies had continued to be dominated by agriculture as the core economic sector employing 90% of the region’s respective populations and accounting for 24% to 46% of gross domestic product (GDP). On the other hand, the contribution of manufacturing to the GDP in East Africa was estimated at 8.9%, which is considerably below the average target of about 25% that the EAC Partner States have set for themselves to achieve by 2032.
He said the industrial sector in the region had the potential to reverse this trend and transform significantly the EAC economies to create jobs and stimulate the development of other sectors, with research and innovation taking the centre stage.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the Inter- University Council for East Africa, Prof. Alexandre Lyambabaje disclosed that the Academia-Public-Private Partnership Forum had, in the short span of its existence, exhibited great potential for playing a critical and catalytic role in spurring socio-economic development in the Community through various interventions.
“The partnership is expected to exploit the available political commitment and enabling legal framework at the national and regional levels to drum-up and consolidate views of stakeholders, for the outcome of the Forum and Exhibitions to spearhead the implementation of the socio-economic developmental agenda of the Community for achieving the region’s short- and long-term goals”.
Resolutions and Way Forward of the 6th EAC APPPF and Exhibition 2018
IUCEA should strengthen the administrative arrangements for coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the process of transforming EAC into a Common Higher Education Area
IUCEA should create a system that can document best practices from the Centres of Excellence to facilitate sharing of knowledge to promote industrialization. IUCEA should also recommend more centres of excellence in other areas.
IUCEA should continue to facilitate networking among research institutions, academia and industry for best practice sharing, and building partnerships for collaborative R&D, technology and innovation within the region. In this regard, IUCEA should come up with a policy framework for university-industry collaboration.
IUCEA should support new VCs with training on leadership and management to enable them transform their universities.
Universities should Strengthen collaborations and networks amongst regional institutions including CoE to enhance capabilities for industrial policy design and management.
Universities should Institutionalize Research & Research Uptake to create an enabling platform for industrialization.
Universities should review their policies to require graduates to produce a research uptake component before they graduate.
Universities should build their relationships with industry on a gradual and structured way by involving the industry in curriculum development, its delivery as guest lecturers, joint supervision and internships.
Universities should fully embrace the use of ICT in teaching, research and administration. Available opportunities with German universities to set up virtual classrooms for collaborative teaching is worth considering.
Partner States should establish/increase national research and innovations fund to promote sustainability of externally funded projects.
Partner States should establish Regional Awards as a means to catalyse innovation and entrepreneurial efforts and support collaborative science technology and innovation initiatives.
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania, 23rd March, 2018:
Intra-African trade is extremely low and currently accounts for only 10% of all commerce on the continent, Uganda’s Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Ruganda has said.
Dr. Rugunda called for concerted efforts between African governments and the private sector to enable the continent attain its development objectives.
Dr. Rugunda said that doing business as blocs was increasingly becoming the norm as evidenced by the signing earlier this week in Kigali, Rwanda of the Continental Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) by the leaders of 44 African countries.
Dr. Rugunda said that the CFTA, which will come into force within six months, would increase prosperity for 1.2 billion Africans, adding that it was a true learning experience for businesses across the globe.
The Prime Minister was speaking during the official opening session of the East African Business Council (EABC) 20th anniversary celebrations in Nairobi, Kenya. The PM represented President Yoweri Museveni at the event.
Dr. Rugunda hailed EABC for striving to see to it that regional integration process is achieved with meaning and tangible results for the citizens of the East African Community (EAC).
“Since the inception of the EABC, there has been progress towards achieving the integration process through trade and policy reviews, tax harmonization, discussions on the Northern Corridor, stakeholder engagements to improve the free movement of goods and services within the region,” he said.
Dr. Rugunda noted that the region still faces many challenges along the route to full integration including the need for full harmonization of policies and laws.
“This is a process that is taking time for all Partner States but a lot of progress has been made in this direction. We have to keep the momentum,” said the PM.
In his remarks, Kenya’s Minister for Cooperatives, Trade and Industry, Mr. Adan Mohammed, who represented President Uhuru Kenyatta, said that the private sector in East Africa had also contributed to the challenges to intra-regional trade including non-tariff barriers to trade.
Mr. Mohammed said that the private sector had brought about NTBs by pushing their respective home governments to push for national interests as opposed to the regional integration agenda for the sake of preserving their markets.
He described the EAC as the most integrated regional economic bloc in terms of trade and infrastructure development, adding that the Community needs to stick together when negotiating trade agreements with other regional economic communities because there is strength in numbers.
Speaking at the event, Kenya’s Minister for EAC and Northern Corridor Development, Hon. Peter Munya, said the region faced a challenge in the implementation of agreed protocols.
“National laws need to be aligned to regional protocols. Partner States also need to push for law reforms back home. The other alternative is to pass overarching laws at the regional level to replace existing legislation. This has been done with success in the European Union,” said Hon. Munya.
Hon. Munya called for a review of the Common External Tariff and efforts to make the EAC Single Customs Territory work better, adding that the Community may need to establish a regional institution to make this possible.
He said that the region was currently a net importer of various commodities and advised that governments should prioritize industrialization. He said that Kenya had prioritized industrialization under its Big Four Agenda and particularly singled out the manufacture of apparels and local motor vehicle assembly.
EABC Chairman Jim Kabeho emphasized the importance of local content especially in huge infrastructure projects being undertaken by governments in the region.
“The local business sector should be allowed to participate in major projects including at the inception. All materials for these projects like cement and steel should be sourced locally rather than abroad. China currently dominates the supply of construction materials. Sourcing materials locally will lead to expanded sales as well as capacity building for local businesses,” said Kibeho.
On agriculture, Mr. Kibeho said that though EAC Partner States’ economies were agriculture-based this was not reflected in their budgets with minimal allocations going to the sector.
EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko disclosed that EAC and EABC had worked closely over the years with both institutions benefitting from the synergies of working together.
Amb. Mfumukeko said that through this partnership, EAC and EABC had contributed towards the conclusion of several regional legal instruments such as the Customs Union, Common Market and Monetary Union Protocols, One Stop Border Posts Act, the Framework on the elimination of non-tariff barriers to trade, and development of trade standards.
Also present at the event was the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon. Kirunda Kivejinja, who is also Uganda’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC Affairs.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The EABC is the apex body of business associations of the Private Sector and Corporates from the six EAC Partner States. EABC has 54 Associations and 108 Corporate Members. Among the associations area all the national Private Sector Apex Bodies; four manufacturers’ associations; five Chambers of Commerce; three Employer Associations; two Women Associations; two Bankers’ Associations, and; the Confederation and Informal Sector Associations of East Africa.
EABC is currently pursuing a Five-Point Regional Plan to promote East African trade and investment flows, namely:
Eliminate non-tariff barriers (NTBs);
Reform the EAC Common External Tariff (CET);
Improve regional infrastructure;
Fast-track liberalisation of intra-EAC services trade, and;
Promote local sourcing
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 21st March, 2018:
The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, has called on development partners to support the EAC region in the implementation of bankable priority energy projects. He said this today during a roundtable meeting with the development partners on the sidelines of the ongoing Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa in Kigali, Rwanda.
“This is a call for strong commitment to ensure that energy is available, accessible and the people of EAC enjoy it”, said Hon. Bazivamo.
“We need to to ensure energy is efficient and affordable to the citizens, and if we are to facilitate industrialization in the region, we need to elevate energy to a (human) Right for the people of the region,” Hon. Bazivamo added.
The Deputy Secretary General noted that there is need to come up with revolutionary concepts and approaches to implement projects that focus on enhancing access to energy. “It is important that we think of new ways to fast track the implementation of the various policies and strategies already developed,” he said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Mr. Robert Zeiner, Director, Austrian Development Agency noted that the Forum has provided an opportunity to establish a regional network. As partners in the effort to ensure access to energy in the East African region, he called upon the East African Governments to support the implementation of various energy policies and strategies. “We call upon political will as well as the precise identification of concrete steps towards achieving the set objectives,” he noted.
The Representative of Sustainable Energy for All, informed meeting that the institution was currently moving from designing and planning programmes and projects to creating investment for operationalization of bankable projects. " We are reaching out to all types companies, be it large, medium or small, we are also reaching out to Government to have their priority bankable projects financed for tangible impact," said Mikael Melin, Sustainable Energy for All Senior Energy Expert.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) further reaffirmed its commitment towards supporting the region’s energy agenda. Mr. Tareq Emtairah, Director, Energy Department UNIDO, said that UNIDO’s technical capacity and resources are available to respond to the requests of Partner States.
“It is our hope that the recommendations of the Forum will provide insight on the priority energy projects of the region and guide on where resources should be deployed,” reiterated Mr. Emtairah.
The meeting was attended by EAC, EACREEE, UNIDO, Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Sustainable Energy for All and International Solar Alliance (ISA).
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa aims to foster economic transformation of the EAC Partner States through equitable access to sustainable energy for all. It is further hoped that it will forge effective partnerships for achieving Sustainable Development Goal- 7 targets - ensure access to affordable, sustainable and modern energy for all - in the EAC Partner States by the year 2030.
The three day event has been organised by the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the EAC Secretariat, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Sustainable Energy For All (SEforALL) and the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Republic of Rwanda (MININFRA).
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 19th March, 2018:
The Minister of State for Infrastructure responsible for Energy, Water and Sanitation in the Republic of Rwanda, Hon, Germaine Kamayirese, has urged policy makers in the region and development partners to take advantage of the Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa to forge effective partnerships for resource mobilization to facilitate the implementation of East African Community priority infrastructure projects including ensuring equitable access to sustainable energy for all.
Hon. Kamayirese, who was the chief guest at the official opening of the first Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa at the Kigali Serena Hotel said that the Forum was yet another manifestation of how crucial renewable energy and energy efficiency were to transforming economies and livelihoods in East Africa.
The Minister called on EAC Partner States to do more to meet the region’s fast growing energy demands and extend modern energy services to more communities while also improving people’s health and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Rachel Kyte, Special Representative for the UN Secretary General and CEO of Sustainable Energy for All, noted that the indicators for sustainable energy over 111 countries worldwide showed that the average score for East Africa was 44 out of 100.
“This suggests there is still significant opportunity in the region, within the EAC Partner States, to strengthen the policy and regulatory framework and close the gaps in access; clean fuels for cooking; technologies for cooking, but also to step up the uptake of renewable energy into the mix,” said Ms. Kyte.
Ms. Kyte said that for the region to effectively harness sustainable energy, it will need to address three issues: to put energy efficiency at the forefront of sustainable energy discussions; accelerate national electrification planning, and the integration and implementation of the plans; and lastly, government, financial institutions and other financiers to explore ways to increase the flow of funding into the project to close the access gap.
On his part, Mr. Tareq Emtairah, the Director of the Department of Energy at the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), urged EAC Partner States to address the existing challenges in energy access and creating new opportunities for clean and efficient energy services are central to the rapid and vibrant industrial growth and economic development in the region.
“UNIDO sees the importance of linking the clean energy access agenda to industrial and economic development,” said Mr. Emtairah.
Speaking during the same occasion, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, said that the EAC’s main focus in the energy sector was ensuring availability of sufficient, reliable, cost effective and environmentally friendly energy sources in the region to facilitate the broader EAC objectives of attracting investments and promoting competitiveness in trade.
“As expressed in the East African Industrialization Strategy (2012-2032), the EAC region has, as one of its targets, the diversification of the manufacturing base and raise local value-added content of resource-based exports to at least 40% by 2032. To achieve our industrialization targets, we need to accelerate access to sustainable energy and promote energy for productive uses,” said Hon. Bazivamo.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa aims to foster economic transformation of the EAC Partner States through equitable access to sustainable energy for all. It is further hoped that it will forge effective partnerships for achieving Sustainable Development Goal- 7 targets - ensure access to affordable, sustainable and modern energy for all - in the EAC Partner States by the year 2030.
The three day event has been organised by the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the EAC Secretariat, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Sustainable Energy For All (SEforALL) and the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Republic of Rwanda (MININFRA).
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 19th March, 2018:
The Arusha Regional Commissioner, Mr Mrisho Gambo, has called for more sensitization on One Stop Border Posts (OSBP) to border communities in the East African Community in order to educate them on cross-border procedures under the OSBPs.
Mr. Gambo commended the establishment of the OSBPs which he said had made a big difference for citizens crossing national borders within the EAC by simplifying customs and immigration processes.
The Regional Commissioner made remarks over the weekend when he addressed thousands of border residents during a sensitization meeting on the OSBPs at Namanga town along the joint border of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Kenya. The sensitization forum which was organised by the EAC Secretariat with the support of the African Development Bank drew participation from residents of Arusha Region in Tanzania and Kajiado County in Kenya.
"The establishment of OSBP has tremendously promoted the movement of goods and services across borders and spurred intra-EAC Trade," added Hon Gambo.
On his part, the Kajiado County Commissioner, Mr. David Kipkemei, said one of the major non-tariff barriers impeding trade across the region was the lack of information, adding that traders struggle to find information regarding the goods and services allowed for trade in other Partner States.
Kipkemei said lack of information had left big loopholes for corruption to the detriment of traders as they endeavour to move their goods from one Partner State to the other.
He also commended the EAC Secretariat for conducting sensitization at the borders and called on Wananchi to embrace the education presented to them on the operations of OSBP to spur intra-EAC Trade.
The two leaders also took advantage of the gathering to respond on the nagging border issues between Tanzania and Kenya. The decision to engaged wananchi at the Namanga border on the challenges facing the two countries came after the agreement between Kenyan President H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta and his Tanzanian counterpart H.E. John Magufuli when they met in Kampala, Uganda in February 2018 and agreed that it was in the interest of both countries to solve the ongoing problems at the Namanga border.
The main objective of OSBPs is to facilitate trade and travel by reducing the number of stops made a border crossing thereby reducing the time required for clearance at the border.
To date, out of the 15 borders earmarked to operate as OSBPs, 12 have been completed and 10 are now operational. The completed OSBPs are: Gasenyi/Nemba, Ruhwa, Rusumo, Lunga Lunga/ Horohoro, Holili/Taveta, Kagitumba/Mirama Hills, Mutukula, Kabanga/Kobero, Malaba, Isebania/ Sirari, Busia and Namanga. Construction is on- going for the Katuna/Gatuna OSBP.
The 10 operational OSBPs are: Gasenyi/Nemba, Ruhwa, Rusumo, Holili/Taveta, Kagitumba/Mi- rama Hills, Mutukula, Kabanga/Kobero, Malaba, Busia and Namanga. However, OSBP operations at Ruhwa have been temporarily suspended.
Sensitization in Namanga and Kijiado County was attended by among others; Customs, Trade and Immigration border officials from both Tanzania and Kenya, District Commissioners from Longido, United Republic of Tanzania and Kajiado, Republic of Kenya, Members of Parliaments from Longido and Kajiado County and OSBP coordinators from Ministries of EAC, Tanzania and Kenya.
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania: March 15th 2018:
The Assembly is set to pick up and finalise nine pending bills which were not completed as at time the 3rd Assembly wound its work in June 2018.
In order to set the ball rolling, the House late yesterday passed a Resolution to save, retain and continue in the Assembly, Bills that were introduced by the 3rd Assembly. The Motion moved by Hon Fatuma Ndangiza, Chair of the Legal Rules and Privileges Committee, names the subsequent Bills as follows:
The East African Community Whistleblowers Bill, 2016
The East African Community Retirement Benefits for Specified Heads of Organs Bill, 2016
The East African Community Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2016
The East African Community Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2014
The East African Community Trade Negotiations (Repeal) Bill, 2014
The East African Community Youth Council Bill, 2017
The East African Community Cross Border Trade in Professional Services Bill, 2017
The East African Community Mining Bill, 2016
The East African Community Integration and Anti-Corruption Bill, 2016.
Hon Ndangiza reiterated that lapsing of business before a legislature at time of expiration is deeply embedded in the longstanding parliamentary principle that provides that one Parliament cannot bind another Parliament. However, Rule 94 of the Rules of Procedure provides for any Bill, motion of resolution that is left pending as at time of dissolution of the House if may be retained if a resolution of the House so moved is passed.
Meanwhile, the House has granted leave of absence to Hon Chris Opoka-Okumu to introduce a Private Members Bill entitled the EAC Customs Management Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018. The amendment of the Bill seeks to enhance and streamline purchase and use of exempt vehicles under the EAC.
The Motion was widely debated and received varied views during the debate.
Hon Dennis Namaara said the Motion was anchored on the need to provide flexibility with regards to movement for legislators and said it would result in efficiency for legislators.
Hon Abdikadir Ogle supported the move and said previous Members of the House had made similar requests in the past and that the mover should be granted the said opportunity to amend the Bill.
Uganda’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC Affairs, Hon Dr Kirunda Kivejinja remarked that further consultation was vital. “The mover ought to have consulted with the Council of Ministers in advance”, Hon Dr Kirunda Kivejinja said adding that it was necessary for the Community to check if there were any financial implications. “We must be clear on this aspect,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The Counsel to the Community, Hon Dr Anthony Kafumbe remarked there was need for the mover of the Bill to consult further saying any amends to the fifth schedule of the Customs Management Act should be a preserve of the Council of Ministers.
Hon Susan Nakawuki reiterated that the Assembly was the legislative arm of the Community and had the powers to enact legislation. “Anything that needs legislation should pass through the legislature in order to embrace the doctrine of separation of powers”, she added. The legislator affirmed EALA was not trying to usurp the mandate of the Council of Ministers.
Hon Dr Jumanne Maghembe while supporting the motion reiterated that issue of purchase of two vehicles per Member was tricky and said more consultation was vital. “We must work closely with the Council of Ministers and Summit of Heads of State to pass bills that will see assent at the end of the day”, he reiterated.
Hon Mary Mugyenyi, Hon Dr Woda Odok Jeremiah, Hon Kim Gai and Hon Simon Mbugua said EALA was a House of making laws while Hon Noor Aden said the desire to amend the Bill was occurring as a result of convenience. Hon George Odongo said the Executive and the Legislature need to be seen to be acting in the best interest of East Africans while Hon Rose Akol remarked that it was necessary for the House to grant leave to the Member to present the Bill before ensuing debate can proceed.
- ENDS -
For more information, please contact:
Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 14th March, 2018:
The East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the EAC Secretariat, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Sustainable Energy For All (SEforALL) and the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Republic of Rwanda (MININFRA) are jointly organizing the Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa 2018 in Kigali Rwanda.
Hosted by the government of Rwanda from 19th to 21st March 2018, the Forum aims to foster economic transformation of the EAC Partner States through equitable access to sustainable energy for all. It is further hoped that it will forge effective partnerships for achieving Sustainable Development Goal- 7 targets - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all - in the EAC Partner States by the year 2030.
Energy is essential in the running of daily domestic activities and operation of industry. Availability of sufficient, reliable and affordable energy is crucial for the functioning of the economies of the EAC Partner States. As a service and productive sector, energy plays a catalytic role in stimulating investments and higher levels of productivity. Article 101 of the Treat for the Establishment of the EAC calls for the EAC Partner States to explore measures to supply affordable energy to the people of the region while taking into account the protection of the environment.
The Forum will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies on the harmonization of renewable energy and efficient energy (RE & EE) policies, upscaling financing in RE & EE projects and technologies, as well as exchange knowledge, experiences and inform about ongoing and planned regional programmes. In addition, the Forum seeks to strengthen the regional network and provide a platform for knowledge- and experience sharing.
The Forum will bring together policy makers, experts, civil society and private sector representatives and development partners to share best practices, identify opportunities and challenges, and find solutions to the energy challenges in East Africa. These include EAC Secretary General Amb. Libérat Mfumukeko; Sustainable Energy for All CEO, Rachel Kyte; UNIDO Director of Energy, Tareq Emtairah; Austrian Development Agency Managing Director, Martin Ledolter; International Solar Alliance (ISA) Director General, Upendra Tripathi; and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Deputy Director General, Sakari Oksanen among others.
The 2018 edition of the Sustainable Energy Forum will focus on the following seven thematic areas: (i) Access to Energy; (ii) Roadmap of a Sustainable Energy future for East Africa; (iii) Financing Sustainable Energy projects in the EAC; (iv) Energy and Gender in the EAC region; (v) Sustainable City development in the region; and (vi) Geothermal Energy.
Follow the conversation online Twitter: #SEF4EA Facebook: #SEF4EA
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, March 14, 2018:
Speaker of EALA, Rt Hon Martin Ngoga has pledged EALA’s continued collaboration with respective Partner States’ Parliaments to bring integration closer to the people. This, the Speaker says is not just an obligation as stipulated for under the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC but a concomitant desire by the Assembly to ensure citizens fully embrace the economic bloc. To this extent, Rt Hon Ngoga says deeper and more frequent consultation with respective Partner States’ Parliamentary Committees is of the essence.
The Speaker made the remarks while meeting separately with two key Parliamentary Committees of the Parliament of Uganda and Parliament of Kenya respectively.
At the meeting with Uganda’s Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Committees and Public Enterprises (COSASE), the Speaker reiterated the need for effective oversight of public enterprises and corporations saying such institutions contributed to the success or failure of governance and in the utilization of efficient public resources for economic prosperity.
The leader of the delegation, Hon Hood Katuramu reiterated the need for the pursuit of monetary policy in the region, and lauded EALA for the decision to table the East African Monetary Institute Bill, 2017 and the EAC Statistics Bureau Bill 2017, both of which sailed through the First Reading at the recent Sitting in Kampala (2nd Sitting of the 1st Session). Hon Katuramu further termed peace and security as the hallmark for progress saying it would enable the region to think about progress. The Meeting was attended by eight Members of the Committee and two staff Members.
The Speaker also held consultation with the Select Committee of the Regional Integration Committee of the Kenya National Assembly. Senator Janet Ongera led the delegation. The Speaker informed Members that EALA had continued in its quest to pass relevant legislation that strengthen the integration process and said the Parliaments were key stakeholders to be consulted at the public hearings and prior to enactment of Bills.
The Members of the Parliamentary Committees who are in Arusha to familiarize themselves with the work of EALA are also expected to meet with different EALA Committees. The Committee from the Parliament of Uganda has met with the EALA Accounts Committee and the Committee on General Purpose. The Committee from the Parliament of Kenya will also interface with the Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution as well as consultation with the Deputy Secretary General, Political Federation.
Article 65 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC espouses the enhanced relations between the Assembly and the National Parliaments of the Partner States.
The East African Legislative Assembly has legislative functions as well as oversight of all East African Community matters. The enactment of legislation of the Community is effected by means of Bills passed by the Assembly and assented to by the Heads of State, and every Bill that has been duly passed and assented to become an Act of the Community takes precedent over similar legislations in the Partner States. EALA has to date passed 79 pieces of legislation.
- ENDS -
For more information, please contact:
Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, March 13, 2018:
Two senior Ministers in the region were this afternoon sworn in as ex-Officio Members of EALA. Uganda’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC Affairs, Republic of Uganda, Rt Hon Dr Ali Kirunda Kivejinja and the Cabinet Secretary for EAC and Northern Corridor Development in Kenya, Hon Peter Gatirau Munya, took the oath administered by the Clerk of EALA, before the EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon Ngoga K.Martin.
The Oaths of Allegiance to the House were administered in accordance with Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly. The Rules of Procedure say in part that: “No Member can sit or participate in the proceedings of the House until the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the Treaty is taken”.
First to take the Oath of Allegiance was the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community and Northern Corridor Development in the Republic of Kenya, Hon Peter Gatirau Munya. The Cabinet Secretary was ushered into the House by Hon Mpuru Aburi and Hon Abdikadir Aden.
Hon Peter Gatirau Munya was sworn in as Cabinet Secretary for EAC and Northern Corridor in the Republic of Kenya on February 16th, 2018 following his appointment by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta. Prior to his appointment as Cabinet Secretary, Hon Munya served as the first Governor of Meru County, where he was credited with many firsts among them, encouraging investment in sectors providing stable market to the local farming, creating employment and provision of vital services to the local business community.
As Governor, Hon Munya also served as the second Chairman of the Council of Governors. He previously served as a Member of Parliament for Tigania East Constituency in Meru County (2002-2007) and as Leader of the Party of National Unity (PNU). In December 2007 while serving in his second term as MP, Hon. Peter Gatirau Munya was appointed the Assistant Minister, East African Community, where he called for expansion of roads, improvement of existing harbours and building of new ports.
Hon Munya holds a Master’s Degree in International Law (International Economic Integration Law) obtained from University of Brussels in 1995 and a second Master’s Degree in Law (Public Law) obtained from the University of Georgia, USA. He is a holder of a Bachelor of Law degree (LLB Hons), from the University of Nairobi.
On his part, Hon Dr Ali Kirunda Kivejinja was led in by Hon George Odongo and Hon Rose Akol. He was appointed to cabinet by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in November 2015 and then re-appointed in June 2016 following the elections in the country.
Rt Hon Kivejinja has served in several positions in the Government of the Republic of Uganda. In 1986, he was appointed Minister of Relief and Social Rehabilitation. He has also since served as Minister of Internal Affairs. Rt. Hon Dr Kivenjinja, who holds a MSc in Zoology has been Senior Presidential Advisor for Internal Affairs to President Museveni.
Rt Hon Dr Kivejinja, who has also served as the head of the Veterans’ League of the ruling NRM, is also author of Uganda: The Crisis of Confidence, a book about Uganda's political history. The Minister of State for EAC, Uganda, is Hon Julius Wandera who according to Article 48 of the Treaty may participate in the Sittings in absence of Rt. Hon Dr Kivejinja.
EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Ngoga K. Martin, hailed the swearing in of both Ministers and said EALA and the region stood to benefit a great deal from their experiences.
The Sitting today was also attended by legislators from the Republic of Kenya and Uganda who are currently in Arusha familiarizing with the activities of EALA and deepening the relationship with the National Parliaments. Kenya’s Regional Integration Committee is headed by Senator Janet Ongera while Hon Hood Katuramu leads the Committee on Commission, Statutory Committees and Public Enterprises (COSASE) from Parliament of Uganda.
- ENDS -
For more information, please contact:
Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
