The Assembly is recommending that Sensitisation and awareness on the integration process be institutionalised as a continuous activity on its agenda. This is in addition to a raft of resolutions it adopted late yesterday as it debated a key Report on Sensitisation.
The report follows the sensitisation activities carried out by the Assembly between October 27th 2016 to November 7th, 2016 in the Partner States. The sensitisation, the third such series this year for EALA, targeted various stakeholders in outreach and was anchored on the theme: “EAC Integration Agenda: Accessing the gains”
In the report, the Assembly urges the Partner States to fully implement the Common Market Protocol which provides for free movement of people, capital and services among others, to allow citizens of East Africa to enjoy their rights. With it comes the need for the Partner States to eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers which impact negatively on intra- Regional trade activities.
On matters of peace and security, the Assembly wants the matters prioritised for people to appreciate the benefits of integration. This includes the fastracking of the implementation of the EAC Peace and Security Protocol.
The Assembly is also urging EAC Summit of Heads of States to put more efforts to fast track the on-going peace negotiation for the Republic of Burundi.
Other areas include issuance of work permits to facilitate those who wish to work in EAC Partner States as well as addressing the issue of Certificates of Rules of Origin to facilitate cross border trade.
In a bid to foster integration, the Assembly is urging the Summit of Heads of State to upgrade Kiswahili to be one of the official languages of the Community.
The sensitization programmes targeted Parliamentarians, youth groups, representatives of the business community and local government authorities. Other groups include Government officials, students and media in the respective Partner States.
The objectives of the Sensitisation activities included creating awareness amongst the people of East Africa on the integration process; gains and challenges of integration and enhancing the mutual relationships and sustainable networking between EALA and the people of East Africa.
In Rwanda, the EALA Chapter toured the Rwanda Standards Board to hold discussions with the stakeholders. Also visited were the Nemba One Stop Border Post on the Rwanda/Burundi border as well as a tour to the Rusumo One Stop Border Post bordering Rwanda and Tanzania and at Gatuna on the Rwanda/Uganda frontier.
The Uganda Chapter on its part, met with students at the Kyambogo University before meeting with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce. The Chapter also held talks with the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. They later visited the Uganda Heart Institute which is an EAC Centre of Excellence and the Uganda Cancer Institute. The Chapter also visited the Kyambogo University, before holding Public Hearings on four Bills. The Bills are the EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016, EAC Prohibition of Female and Genital Mutilation Bill, 2016, the EAC Whistle Blower Protection Bill, 2016 and the EAC Retirement Benefits for Specified Heads of Organs Bill, 2016.
In Burundi, the EALA Chapter paid a courtesy call on the President of the Burundi National Assembly and the Minister for EAC Affairs before heading to Muyinga Province. There, the Chapter met with the Governor before proceeding to the Kobero One Stop Border Post. The Chapter also held talks with the Business communities living at the border, where discussions on the benefits of integration took centre stage. The EALA Burundi also held discussions in Ngozi Province with various stakeholders as well as public hearings on a number of bills.
The Chapter in the United Republic of Tanzania toured the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam. They also paid a courtesy call on the Chama Cha Mapinduzi Secretary General and EALA Speaker Emeritus, Rt Hon Abdulrahman Kinana, as well as sensitisation of different stakeholders in the coastal areas of Dar, Tanga and the environs. The Chapter led by Hon Makongoro Nyerere, further visited the border post of HoroHoro, which neighbours that of Lunga-Lunga on the Kenyan side where they sensitised citizens who reside on both sides of the borders.
In Kenya, EALA visited Government authorities including courtesy calls on the Immigration department and its parent Ministry of Internal and Co-ordination of National Government. The Members similarly met with the Directorate of Immigration where key matters on the e-Passport and border management were discussed and at the Communications Authority of Kenya.
The report presented to the House also cites a number of challenges of the integration process. They include the overlapping of RECs Memberships by Partner States which continue to pose harmonisation and co-ordination challenges and lack of political commitment among Partner States. Weak institutions that lack the capacity to enforce sanctions against Partner States that fail to implement Protocols are also cited. Other challenges include Non-Tariff Barriers, poor infrastructure and energy shortages and corruption.
Hon Isabelle Ndahayo acknowledged that the sensitization programmes were a success and remarked that Burundi was safe and welcoming, contrary to sections of the report. She however said the issue of certificate of origin was least understood and that there was need for more attention to be given to the matter.
Hon. Shyrose Bhanji supported the report stating unity in the region could only be achieved if there was awareness. “EAC integration is not exclusive to politicians and corporates in the region, but it is a matter for every citizen of the EAC,” she said.
She stressed the point that senistisation is about communicating with stakeholders about what is happening in the Community.
Hon Dr Odette Nyiramilimo on her part, said sensitisation was playing a key part in bringing the Assembly closer to the people.
Others who rose up in support of the report were Hon Dr Martin Nduwimana, Hon Maryam Ussi, Hon Jean Marie Muhirwa, and Hon Oda Gasinzigwa. Others were Hon Martin Ngoga and Hon Yves Nsabimana, Hon Judith Pareno and Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema.
The Assembly resumes its Sitting on Monday next week.
The 6th Africa Regional Platform (AfRP) on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) concluded over the weekend in Mauritius. It was organized by the African Union and United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction and co-hosted by the SADC and the Government of Mauritius. The East African Community was represented both at the Experts segment and in the High Level Ministerial Session by Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana, the Director for Productive Sectors.
The AfRP is a biennial forum that brings together African Member States, intergovernmental organizations and development partners to review progress in the implementation of the continental and global disaster risk reduction frameworks.
The 6th AfRP on DRR is the first continental meeting on DRR organized after the adoption of the Sendai framework on DRR by UN member states in Sendai, Japan in March 2015. The Framework provides a critical strategy for building resilience and addressing the impact of disasters representing a serious threat to millions of people in Africa and across the world. The 6th AfRP was a concrete opportunity for Africa to set up a functional path to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable communities in Africa. The Platform also enabled delegates sharing of good practices, success stories and lessons learnt with a view to enhancing coordination, increasing awareness, and mobilizing commitments to disaster risk reduction across Africa.
The outcome of the 6th Africa Platform on DRR is an Africa Statement of DRR, the Mauritius Declaration on continental commitment and a revised Programme of Action on DRR for Africa.
During the Experts segment, Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana was a panelist under the theme: “Risk governance to showcase the status of EAC in implementing the Sendai Framework and the role of the DRR Act in achieving priority two of the Sendai Framework - Enhancing Risk governance”. Mr. Havugimana further presented during the Ministerial Session the EAC Position Paper and Commitment in the implementation of the Sendai Framework. The Statement was a summary of discussions held by all EAC delegations during their session as a REC. Below is the East African Community Statement:-
6th Session of the AfRP on DRR, 22-26 Nov Mauritius
Statement of the East African Community
Preamble
The East African Community Secretariat wishes to congratulate the Government and the People of the Republic of Mauritius for the excellent hosting and the reception accorded to all delegates during the 6th Africa Regional Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction and management here in Mauritius.
East Africa Community also wishes the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office for Disaster Reduction and Partners success in the on-going preparations for the forthcoming World Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction Scheduled for May 2017 in Cancun, Mexico.
East African Community also wishes to recognize with appreciation the continued support on implementing Disaster Risk Reduction Programme at the sub-regional level provided to the Regional Economic Communities through the Africa Regional Office, in particular the extension of Technical Assistance in form of Technical Advisor to the East African Community Risk Reduction and Management Unit.
Where are we? What are the challenges? And what are our future plans?
EAC has made significant progress in strengthening the Disaster Risk Management capacities and made some milestone achievements, key among of them being the East African Community Disaster Risk Reduction Act, 2016 and the Climate Change Vulnerability Impact Assessment Study.
I am pleased to inform you that the aforesaid Act was passed by the 4th Session of the 5th Assembly held in Arusha on 10th March, 2016, paving the way for the region to take necessary disaster preparedness, management, and protection and mitigation measures as well as in handling disasters in a more co-ordinated manner.
The Act is currently under consideration by Partner States officials and will be assented to during the 18th Ordinary Heads of State Summit scheduled to take place early next year.
Under the Impact Vulnerability Assessment study, Climate Hot spots maps have been prepared and the EAC Sectoral Council on Environment and Natural Resources Management adopted the results.
East African Community is in the process of Building a Climate Information Network and User Interface to respond to the needs of priority stakeholders. Four thematic areas have been identified a) Agriculture & food security; b) water resources & hydro climatic disasters; c) weather and climate; d) land cover, land use change and ecosystems.
We have started the process by designing a regional climate information network through collaborative partnerships with other regional organizations such as FEWS NET, RCMRD/SERVIR, and ICPAC with support from USAID.
Last but not least, EAC has established a dedicated Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit under its structure at the EAC Secretariat under the Direct Supervision of the Secretary General. The Unit reports to the Council of Ministers through the Secretary General.
The unit will play a key role in the implementation of the East African Community Disaster Risk Reduction Act and the implementation of the Sendai Framework in the Region
However, besides the achievements, there are still Challenges, which include the following:
Partner States are at different levels in Disaster Risk Reduction Legislation, which complicates the harmonisation process.
Lack of resources to support: (i) the integration of Disaster Risk Reduction into education curriculum; (ii) Development of regional emergency response plans; (iii) Development of web portal for depositing Disaster Risk Reduction and other related emergencies; (iv) the operationalization of the established Disaster Risk Reduction Unit at the EAC Secretariat; and (v) strengthening and harmonizing existing regional early warning systems. Other challenges include:
Limited budget allocation to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Programme at both regional and national levels.
Out-dated disaster maps
Lack of harmonised mechanisms and coordination in addressing transboundary disasters.
Climate variability, which is impacting key sectors including water, agriculture, health, wildlife and tourism, Energy and infrastructure.
What are our futures plans?
The East African Community commits to implement its Disaster Risk Reduction Law as soon as it is assented to and in line with the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction. In this regard, the EAC priorities will be the following: i. Strengthen existing institutional capacities and set up new institutions established under the Act by 2018. ii. Review the EAC DRR and Management Strategy 2012-2016 and plan of action in accordance with the aligned African Programme of Action by 2017. iii. Update disaster maps and map out disasters evacuation centres by 2018. iv. Ensure DRR Programmes are people-centred. v. Adopt best practice such as the “Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (EcoDRR) Management approach” for reducing disaster risks, and vi. Harmonising mechanisms and coordination for transboundary hazards.
In conclusion
EAC further reiterates its commitment to create the necessary conducive and enabling environment to strengthen resilience of communities to disasters to ensure sustainable development and poverty eradication, and to integrate, as appropriate both disaster risk reduction and building of resilience into policies, plans and programmes.
Therefore, the East African Community calls upon the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, the United Nations Office for disaster Reduction, the World Bank and all our partners, to join EAC in walking the talk in order to have more actions to support the communities that have entrusted us to serve them.
Regional legislators now want Partner States to speedily undertake harmonization and approximation of laws in line with those of the Community saying that delays affect the speed with which the Community is moving. EALA thus says, additional resources should be provided to support the harmonization of laws and to aid implementation of Council of Ministers, decisions that have arisen over the last Financial Years, but are yet to be undertaken.
The recommendations are contained in a report of the Committee on Rules and Privileges of the Oversight activity on approximation of national laws in Partner States, presented and adopted by the Assembly this afternoon. The Report presented to the House by the Chair of the Committee on Legal Rules and Privileges, Hon Peter Mathuki, follows activities of oversight work undertaken by the Committee in the Partner States earlier on in the year.
In a bid to operationalise the implementation of the provisions Article 126 (2) (b) of the EAC Treaty, the Council of Ministers established a Sub-Committee to spearhead the process of harmonisation and approximation of national laws in the EAC context. The Sub-Committee is headed by the Law Reform Commissions of Partner States and it works under the Sectoral Council on Legal and Judicial Affairs. In undertaking its activities, the Sub- Committee considers/analyses national laws to ascertain their convergences and divergences from one Partner State to another. Also, the Sub- Committee determines whether national laws are in line with the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and its Protocols.
The report avers that National Parliaments have play a critical role in the process of harmonization of laws in the Partner States. However, their representation at the various national task forces on harmonization of laws is less visible. At the same time, it states there are coordination challenges among the various Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for harmonization and approximation of laws.
However, all Partner States have amended certain laws thereby approximating them to some of the Acts of the Community. The Republic of Burundi has revised the Immigration Act in 2012 to provide for a six-months pass for EAC citizens; the Law no 1/07 of 26 April 2010 of Code of Commerce and the law governing Public and Private Partnerships.
Republic of Rwanda has amended 10 legislations. They are Law relating to Immigration and Emigration in Rwanda, Law Regulating Labour in Rwanda; Law of Contracts; Law on sale of goods; Companies law and Laws relating to Commercial Recovery and Settling of Issues Arising from Insolvency. Other pieces of legislation are the Laws on the Protection of Intellectual Property; Private and Public Partnerships; Competition and Consumer Protection; and Law relating to Investment Promotion and Facilitation.
In Kenya, the harmonized pieces include; the Insolvency Act, 2015; Partnership Act and the Limited Liability Partnership Act, Kenya citizens and Foreign Nationals Management Act and the Kenya Citizenship and immigration Act as well as the Labour Institutions Act, the Labour Relations Act and the Work Injury Benefits Act.
The United Republic of Tanzania is reported to have made amendment/enacted the following pieces of laws: Amended the Immigration Regulation and the Immigration (Visa) Regulations; enacted the law on employment of non-citizens; enacted a new Companies law; and enacted the Business Names and Registration Act. United Republic of Tanzania has further gone ahead to amend the Forex Exchange Act, 2008; and the Capital Market and Securities Act.
In Uganda, another ten pieces of legislation have been amended. They include the Companies Act; Insolvency Act; Partnership Act; Business Names and Registration Act and the Accountancy Regulation Act. Others are the Trade Licensing Act; Airport Service Charges Act; Civil Aviation (Air Operator Certification and Administration) Regulations No. 26 of 2012; The Civil Aviation (Air Craft Regulation and Marking) Regulations; and the Financial Institutions Act, No. 2 of 2007.
Contributing to the debate in the House, Hon Maryam Ussi called on Partner States to go the extra mile in harmonization of their laws to that of the EAC and stressed the need for sensitization on the importance of EAC laws.
Hon. Martin Ngoga stressed the need to strengthen national policy networks to ensure effective harmonization processes that enable efficient uptake of Community Laws.
Hon. Mwinyi on his part, urged the Council of Ministers to implore Partner States to inculcate strong policy on Integration that will boost the Community and faster the harmonization of the laws.
Hon. Abubakar Zein stated that in order for the integration process to succeed, East Africans need to adhere to the EAC Treaty.
Hon Mike Sebalu remarked that Partner States who delay to approximate or amend their national laws affect the Partner States that have adjusted theirs in particular and EAC in general.
On her part, Hon Shyrose Bhanji congratulated the Republics of Rwanda and Uganda for being ahead in the approximation and harmonization of their respective laws and advised Council of Ministers to play a lead role towards strengthening the integration process.
Hon Joseph Kiangoi also rooted for speedy harmonization saying it would bring the Community together. He recommended for amendment of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC to enable Ministers responsible for the EAC Affairs to reside in Arusha to push the integration process even further.
Hon Susan Nakawuki, Hon Nancy Abisai, Hon Adam Kimbisa, Hon Dora Byamukama and Hon Leonce Ndarubagiye also supported the Report.
The Federal Republic of Germany, KfW Development Bank and the East African Community (EAC) today signed Financing Agreement of 40 million euros in total, to support regional immunization programme and establishment and operations of the Regional Laboratory Network for Communicable Diseases.
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko signed on behalf of the Community while His Excellency Egon Kochanke, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Republic of Tanzania and also accredited to the East African Community initialled on behalf the Germany Government and Dr. Helmut Schon, on behalf of KfW.
30 million euros in financial assistance will be invested in Immunization programmes in the EAC in collaboration with GAVI
Another 10 million euros in financial assistance will be used in the operation of the Regional Laboratory Network for Communicable Diseases consisting of mobile laboratory units located at national reference laboratories.
This new commitment will bring Germany’s contribution to fight child mortality through immunisation programmes to 90 million euros since 2013. So far about 50 million of Rota Virus Vaccines, Pneumococcal Vaccines and Pentavalent Vaccines have been financed in the EAC Partner States. Implicitly, an equal number of children have been vaccinated against the biggest killers of children, namely diarrhea and pneumonia.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, thanked the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for its support to the EAC. ‘’We have truly benefited from the German support which has catalysed other development Partners to support our projects and programmes.
Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko underscored the assistance for the health sector in the EAC reaffirms Germany’s status as a true friend of the people of East Africa.
H.E. Egon Kochanke, Ambassador said: “The new commitments underline that Germany continues to be a strong partner for the EAC, contributing to an integration process that puts the people in the centre”.
On his part, the Director of KfW Development Bank, Dar es Salaam Office, Dr. Helmut Schon said ‘’the support from KfW underlines the importance we give to the East African Community’’ a regional approach under the EAC coordination makes very much sense to address communicable diseases.
Accompanying Amb. Kochanke was Ms Lena Thiede, Counsellor/Head of Regional Cooperation at the German Embassy in Dar es Salaam, and Director of KfW Development Bank, Dr. Helmut Schon.
Others at the function were EAC Deputy Secretaries General (Finance and Administration), Hon Jesca Eriyo; (Productive and Social Sector), Hon. Christophe Bavizamo and (Political Federation), Mr. Charles Njoroge.
The Assembly late yesterday mourned the fallen former Minister for East African Co-operation in the United Republic of Tanzania, the late Hon Samuel J. Sitta.
The House passed a Resolution condoling with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, family and friends of the late Hon Sitta who passed away in Germany on November 7th, 2016. The regional Assembly paid tribute to the late Hon. Samuel John Sitta for his outstanding selfless service to the people of the United Republic of Tanzania and the East African Community.
The Resolution moved by Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana and seconded by Hon Shyrose Bhanji termed the late Hon Sitta as illustrious during his life.
“Hon. Sitta was at the realm and a key factor in the East African Community and exhibited strong commitment and faith in the EAC integration process by contributing immensely to the region’s integration process and development in his capacity as Minister of East African Co-operation from 2010 – 2015,” the Resolution says.
The Resolution seconded was supported by Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro, Hon Makongoro Nyerere, Hon Maryam Ussi and Hon Taslima Twaha.
EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega recently sent a message of condolence to the Speaker, Parliament of Tanzania, Rt Hon Job Y. Ndugai and to the friends and relatives of the late Rt. Hon Sitta.
“EALA had the privilege of working closely with the late Rt Hon Sitta both in his capacity as Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania (2005-2010) and later on as Minister for EAC (2010-2015). We recall with fond memories that the late Hon Sitta played a critical role in ensuring the pillars of integration continue to be implemented. As Speaker, the late Rt Hon Sitta objectively presided over the Parliament and he will be remembered for delivering wise and precise rulings that strengthened the Parliament of Tanzania, its mandate and welfare”, the message of the EALA Speaker said in part.
As a former Minister for EAC, the late Hon Sitta was an Ex-Officio Member of EALA.
The Assembly has this afternoon urged the EAC Council of Ministers to enhance its Monitoring and Evaluation mechanism to enable full implementation of the Council decisions, the recommendations of the Assembly and those of the Audit and Risk Committee.
The Assembly this afternoon debated and adopted the Report of the Committee on Accounts on its meeting with the Risk and Audit Committee held in Nairobi on November 13-16, 2016. it further directed EAC Secretariat to allocate adequate resources to enable the Audit and Risk Committee timely and effectively execute its mandate. In addition, the regional legislators want physical monitoring for verification on the reported status of implementation of their decisions and recommendations.
The Committee met the Audit and Risk Committee earlier on this month to forge a working relationship. The Committee on Accounts being an accountability Committee and an arm of the Assembly as an oversight organ, would work with the Audit and Risk Committee, just like it works with the Audit Commission. The roles of the two Committees are almost similar despite performance in different capacities with different reporting structures.
The report tabled before the Assembly, calls for establishment of an EAC Projects Co-ordination Unit. At the same time, it wants the EAC to convene a tripartite meeting of the EAC Secretariat, EAC Council of Ministers and the Revenue Authorities in all Partner States, to forge a lasting solution on the matter of Value added Taxation (VAT) on goods purchased by the Community. This is pegged on the fact that the EAC needs a conclusive Headquarters Agreement that enables the bloc to enjoy all privileges. The report also calls stringent procurement of goods and services.
“There have been irregularities in the procurement of goods and services in contravention of Financial Rules and Regulations (2012) and EAC Procurement Policies and Procedures Manual (2011)”, a section of the report says.
It thus calls for better management of the processes including adherence to approved thresholds and quorum. On the accounting function at EAC, the Assembly calls on the Council of Ministers to ensure financial transactions are accurately and timely posted in the financial information system. It therefore suggests EAC Management need to enhance capabilities of finance and internal audit staff; and that the Directorate of Finance needs to render its supervisory role over the accountants.
The Audit and Risk Committee informed the meeting that some achievements have so far been registered including improvements of linkages between the Internal Audit function and the Council of Ministers. This is resultant of Internal Audit reports which are now regularly reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee and tabled to Council annually. The Audit and Risk Committee has likewise played a key role in assisting Council of Ministers in analyzing and making recommendations on matters of governance, accountability and effective use of the Community’s resources.
Some levels of success have also been realized in establishment of internal audit functions. At the moment, the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization has established an audit unit headed by a Principal Internal Auditor. In addition, the recommendations from the Audit Commission are now part of the reports of the Council of Ministers enabling them to monitor implementation through the existing EAC Monitoring & Evaluation framework.
During debate, Hon Shyrose Bhanji called for immediate actions to end irregularities in Organs and Institutions.
“We need to give positive impressions to East Africans and end the recurrent malpractices so that we deliver on the objectives and programmes of the Community”, she said.
Hon Mumbi Ngaru informed the House that the Audit and Risk Committee has consistently made raised similar issues in the past and that the Council of Ministers needs to take the recommendations seriously.
“Perhaps the few times that the Council meets each year is not sufficient to deal with the gravity of matters within the Community. May be the Chair of Council of Ministers should permanently reside in Arusha to streamline the activities of the Community”, she said.
Hon Bernard Mulengani urged the Council of Ministers to strive to implement the recommendations of the Assembly and further asked for consistency in the implementation of the same.
On her part, Hon Nancy Abisai cited underutilization of budget funds, unrealistic project budgeting and late disbursement of funds as major challenges at EAC.
EAC Secretary General, Amb Hon Liberat Mfumukeko, assured the August House that all recommendations would be implemented despite the challenges. He further remarked there was renewed confidence within the Development Partners and that the bloc had already received about USD 300 Million for various programmes in this Financial Year.
Other Members who contributed in support of the Report were Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon Mike Sebalu and Hon Dora Byamukama. Others were Hon Adam Kimbisa, Hon Taslima Twaha, Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza and the Chair of Council of Ministers, Hon Dr Susan Kolimba.
Over the next week, the Assembly is expected to deliberate on a number of reports from various Committees. It shall also debate and enact the Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to address the House on Tuesday, November 29th, 2016.
FIRST EAKC KISWAHILI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Call for Abstracts CALL FOR
Theme:
TRANSFORMING THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY THROUGH KISWAHILI
Sub-Themes:
Include, but not limited to, the following:
Kiswahili, Regional Integration and Development.
Kiswahili and access to resources.
Kiswahili, Literacy and Health.
Kiswahili, Trade and Business.
Kiswahili, Education and Change.
Kiswahili, Politics and Democracy.
Kiswahili, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Kiswahili, Environment and Climate Change.
Kiswahili, Media and Public Spaces.
Kiswahili, Globalization and Partnerships.
Venue:
Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania.
Conference Dates:
6th-8th September, 2017.
Excursion:
9th September, 2017.
Synopsis:
The First EAKC International Conference will mobilize policy makers and practitioners, development partners, the media, scholars and other Kiswahili stakeholders into creative thinking on how the East African Community (EAC) can grow and change by adopting and implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) so as to survive and thrive in an ever- changing environment characterized by innovation and transformation.
Creative, innovative and transformative development and use of Kiswahili have the potential for enhancing relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to tackle the challenges that come with SDGs.
The SDGs provide Kiswahili with a huge opportunity to help in solving development challenges facing the EAC. The Conference is premised in the logic that the post-2015 development agenda is going to shape policies, programmes and projects worldwide for the next 15 years.
Each and every SDG and target provides an opportunity for Kiswahili support communication. The goals and targets present great avenues for Kiswahili to demonstrate shared value while contributing towards local, national and regional sustainable growth.
The goal of the Conference is to discuss how the development and use of Kiswahili can stimulate new ideas, solve problems, and implement solutions to challenges of sustainable development in the EAC.
It is hoped that Conference participants will redefine the challenges and opportunities that come with SDGs, come up with new, innovative responses and solutions, and take action.
The Conference will not only help Partner States create better solutions to SDGs, but will engender a positive experience that will help speed up their adoption.
The EAC Climate Change Adaptation Specialist, Mr. Dismas Mwikila has said that all the EAC Partner States have signed the Paris Agreement and that they were at different stages in the ratification processes. He said what was needed now was to review climate change policy documents to accommodate the outcomes of the ongoing 22nd Session of the Conference of Parties (COP22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) taking place in Bab Ighli in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Climate Change Adaptation Specialist, who was making a presentation on EAC Road Map for Implementation of the key Resolution of the Paris Agreement (PA) at a side event organized by the EAC and Partners at the Climate Change Conference, said there was need to make adequate preparations for effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Mr. Mwikila disclosed that the EAC Secretariat had developed a road map to implement key resolution of the Paris Agreement and that the road map had several elements that include; showing how to approach the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) implementation; and translation of the Paris Agreement into concrete steps for the Partner States; and how to take the work forward.
He said the implementation of the road map would involve several interventions, including, among others, identification of the resolutions of the Paris Agreement which are more relevant to the EAC Partner States; assisting policy makers in Partner States dealing with climate change in internalizing the Paris Agreement to come up with country specific implementation framework; identification of common actions across NDCs and develop NDCs Implementation Plans; review of the EAC’s existing Regional Climate Change Policy (2011), Climate Change Strategy (2011/12-2015/16) and Climate Change Master Plan (2013-2033) to mainstream the Paris Agreement.
He noted that there will be need to support the capitalization of the EAC Climate Change Funds through pioneering the accreditation as Regional Implementing Entity (RIE) under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund (AF); and support Partner States to develop capacities for accreditation of their NIE; as well as support Partner States to develop credible projects that may attract funds from AF and GCF.
Other interventions include; promoting the continental climate resilient and low carbon development initiatives such as the Climate Smart Agriculture; promoting the African Adaptation and Loss and Damage Initiative; and lastly; promoting renewable energy and other sustainable development initiatives in a bid to attain global goal of reducing Green House Gas Emissions (GHGEs).
The EAC Climate Change Adaptation Specialist affirmed that implementation of the Paris Agreement must be guided by the principles and objectives of the Convention and that Developed countries should provide adequate, direct and predictable funding to enable Least Developed and Developing Countries to implement their NDCs. There is also the need for Partner States to ensure adequate stakeholders involvement in the implementation of Paris Agreement.
At the same side-event, the Programme Manager, Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Mr. Ali Raza Rizvi highlighted key issues on Ecosystem management and affirmed that IUCN promotes the use of diversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall climate adaptation strategy both at the policy and practice level. He said ecosystem-based adaptation involves a wide range of ecosystem management activities to increase resilience and reduce the vulnerability of people and the environment to climate change.
Addressing climate change impact on water in the EAC region, the Environment and Natural Resources Officer at the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, Mr. Fredrick Mngube outlined some of the water climate change adaptation initiatives that have been put in place in the region. They include water catchments management, water allocation plans, wastewater management, sanitation and hygiene management.
Mr. Mngube reiterated that limited resources and technical support; and population increase by human, wildlife, and livestock were the key challenges the region was facing in addressing adaptation to climate change.
In another side-event organized by the EAC and Partners on Tuesday, 15 November 2016, themed Climate Smart Agriculture, Disaster Risk Management and Mitigation Actions in the EAC Region, the East African Community showcased Climate Change Initiatives sharing with participants, achievements and lessons learnt from Climate Smart Agriculture, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and Climate Change Mitigation Initiatives.
At the side-event, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Hon. Jesca Eriyo highlighted the region’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management, while the EAC Agricultural Specialist, Mr. David Wafula, discussed the Climate Smart Agriculture in the context of Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Progranmme (CAADP) Agenda. Ms Ritah Rukundo, the Technical Officer at the Regional Collaboration Centre of the GiZ, UNFCCC and EADB based in Kampala, Uganda, addressed the Green House Gas Emissions and the EAC.
Meanwhile, the official opening of the high-level segment of the United Nations Climate Conference in Marrakech, Morocco, (COP 22) took place on 15th November 2016 officiated by the Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Ban Ki-moon, during which world leaders showed strong support for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Mr. Ban said that the United Nations will help countries implement the Paris Agreement and he called on developed countries to honour their commitment to mobilize climate finance – $100 billion by 2020 to help developing countries to mitigate and adapt to climate vulnerability.
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) holds its sitting in Nairobi, Kenya, next week. The third Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Third Assembly takes place from Monday, November 21st, 2016 to Thursday, December 1st, 2016.
The Assembly is to be presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Daniel F. Kidega. Top on the agenda during the two week period is the address by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta expected to be delivered at a Special Sitting on November 29th, 2016.
The two key Bills on the agenda are the EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016 as well as the EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2016.
The EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016 makes provision for gender equality, protection and development in the Community. The Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC in Article 121 recognises the significant contribution that women make towards progress of socio-economic transformation and sustainable growth and the importance of full participation of women and men in the economic and social development of the Partner States.
The EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2016 moved by Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga, aims at providing a legal framework for the preservation of a clean and healthy environment through the prohibition of manufacturing, sale, importation and use of polythene materials. The Bill was re-introduced during the Sitting held in August 2016 in Arusha, Tanzania.
Also to be deliberated on during the two week period are reports from various Committees of the House, including that of the sensitisation activities in the Partner States and a Report on the activity with the EAC Audit and Risk Committee. The Report of the Committee on Legal Rules and Privileges on the Oversight activity on Approximation and harmonisation of the National laws in the EAC context and another on procurement of health and group staff insurance shall also be tabled.
The Plenary shall be followed by the Inter-Parliamentary Relations Seminar (Nanyuki Series) held on November 30th – December 2nd, 2016. The Seminar is expected to be attended by legislators from the EAC Partner States’ Parliaments. The Seminar which is the 10th in series since inception, is anchored on the theme: Good Governance and Poverty Reduction in East Africa.
Conceived in 2003, the Inter-Parliamentary Relations Seminar is one of the avenues through which EALA and the National Assemblies of the EAC Partner States interact as per the requirements of Articles 49(2) and 65 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC. The nature of the Nanyuki meetings is rotational with venues in respective Partner States. Nine meetings have so far been held with various themes under the title, “Nanyuki Series”, so named after the venue of the first one held in June 2004.
The forthcoming Seminar is intended to discuss the gap between theory and the realities on the ground in contemporary East Africa as it analyses the correlation between good governance and poverty reduction efforts.
At the end of the Seminar, it is expected that: the interface between governance and poverty reduction focusing on the main anti-poverty reduction strategy in the East Africa Community shall be critically examined and contexualized.
According to analysts, poverty reduction is increasingly becoming a rights-based issue. The international Community has accepted it as a universal agenda through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is being reflected at the national level by the initiation and implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) in many developing countries, including the East African Partner States.
Today, the U.S. Government and the East African Community (EAC) launched a Regional Development Objectives Grant Agreement at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. On behalf of the U.S. Government, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will contribute approximately $194 million over a five year period to shared development goals, deepening the partnership between the two organizations.
About $30 million will fund institutional strengthening within the EAC Secretariat, while the remainder will support other development partners in their efforts to contribute to the EAC regional integration agenda.
Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy to Tanzania and U.S. Representative to the EAC Virginia Blaser, USAID Mission Director for Kenya and East Africa Karen Freeman, and EAC Secretary General Ambassador Liberát Mfumukeko signed a memorandum of acknowledgment to affirm the agreement.
Chargé Blaser noted the tremendous value of fostering regional cooperation, saying that the United States supports “governments and regional bodies such as the EAC in their collaborative efforts to unlock this region’s full potential for the benefit of its people.”
USAID Mission Director Freeman emphasized the joint achievements of the EAC and USAID over the past two decades. “By simplifying customs and border procedures, we have facilitated faster, more affordable and predictable trade. We have increased investment by facilitating the closure of more international deals, which are expanding local industries and manufacturing.”
Under this agreement, the EAC and the United States will work together to (i) advance regional economic integration, (ii) increase trade and investment between member states and with the United States, (iii) improve the sustainable management of natural resources in the Lake Victoria Basin and Mara River ecosystems, (iv) improve access to integrated health services in border areas and (iv) strengthen the EAC’s organizational leadership.
In his remarks, EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko thanked USAID for its continued support to the EAC integration agenda.
Amb. Mfumukeko said that EAC’s partnership with the United States dates back to the Community’s inception.
“The partnership continues to expand and be strengthened through mutual development objectives and funding for programmes such as trade and investment, biodiversity, climate change, agriculture, food security, water supply and sanitation, and institutional support,” said Amb. Mfumukeko.
The Secretary General said that the new EAC-USAID Regional Development Objective Grant Agreement (RDOAG) 2016-2021 would deepen integration, improve cross-border risk management and strengthen regional institutions leadership and learning. He added that the RDOAG would support harmonization of policies and standards, and scale up technologies and best practices in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, and environmental and natural resource management.
Other to be supported by the Agreement are climate change, gender, livelihood, population and health threats.
Also present at the ceremony were the Ms. Candace Buzzard, Deputy Director at the USAID Mission and Mr. Charles Njoroge, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation.
