…I now dissolve 3rd Assembly – Rt Hon Kidega pronounces
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania: 2 June, 2017: The third Assembly has concluded its tour of duty. EALA late yesterday passed three Bills, two key reports and three Resolutions before dissolving.
In addition to passage of the EAC Budget and the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2017, the Assembly also enacted the EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill 2017. The Bill moved by Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, seeks to provide a legal framework for the preservation of a clean and healthy environment through the prohibition of manufacturing, sale, importation and use of polythene materials.
In March 2017, debate on the Bill was adjourned by the regional Assembly, then sitting in Kigali, after the Private Sector under the aegis of the East African Business Council, asked for further consultations, while the government of the United Republic of Tanzania was given some more time to submit its views.
The Report of the Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment on the Single Customs Territory in the EAC region and that of the Committee on Accounts for the Oversight activity of the new EAC Institutions (The East African Science and Technology Commission and the Kiswahili Commission) were also adopted.
The day-long Sitting also witnessed debate and approval of three key resolutions. A Resolution of the Assembly to introduce East African Community integration syllabus in EAC Schools was moved by Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji.
Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana on his part, moved a Resolution condoling with the families and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania on the tragic accident and loss of lives of 32 pupils of Lucky Vincent Primary School in Arusha. Both resolutions received overwhelming support on the floor of the House.
An annual EAC Film Festival is also to be established following passage of the Resolution on the same moved by Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro.
As the Assembly completed its term, out-going Speaker, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega hailed the Members and staff for their contribution to the process. He said the 3rd EALA had realised significant achievements including passage of 31 Bills, over 90 reports and 67 Resolutions. The Speaker said EALA had further instituionalised the sensitisation programmes in the Partner States.
Meanwhile, the inauguration of the 4th Assembly earlier on scheduled for Monday, June 5 2017, has been shelved until further notice. This follows extensive consultations held by the leadership of the Assembly occasioned by the incomplete EALA electioneering process in the Republic of Kenya.
“As you may be aware, the Parliament of Kenya is still in the process of electing its Members to the 4th Assembly. Due to the foregoing, we are unable to proceed with the activities related to the inauguration of the 4thAssembly. We require the presence of all Partner States in order to transact any business”, a letter signed by the EALA Clerk, Mr Kenneth Madete, to his counterparts in the National Legislatures said in part.
“The first sitting of the Assembly and its related activities as communicated to you earlier, is hereby suspended until further notice”, the Clerk’s communication added.
-Ends-
For more Information, contact:
Mr. Bobi Odiko,
Senior Public Relations Officer;
East African Legislative Assembly;
Tel: +255-27-2508240 Cell: +255 787 870945+254-733-718036;
Email: bodiko@eachq.org
Web: https://www.eala.org
Arusha, Tanzania
