Nairobi, Kenya - The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) successfully concluded its plenary session of the Third Meeting, 2nd Session of the 5th Assembly today in Nairobi, Kenya. During the three weeks long session, several significant bills, motions, reports, and petitions were heard and thoroughly considered, demonstrating the commitment of EALA members towards regional integration and development.
The session kicked off with a special sitting that was graced by H. E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, followed by a series of comprehensive debates on various bills aimed at enhancing cooperation and harmonization within the East African Community (EAC). During this plenary, the EALA Assembly discussed and passed several Bills, including The East African Community Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2024, which provides a regional framework to
enhancing the protection and enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities in the community;
The Assembly also considered and passed several motions including; a motion urging the EAC Council of Ministers and Partner States to Fastrack harmonization of Tax Policies in order to remove tax distortions and promote investment in the community as envisioned in Article49(2)(d), 59(1), 83(2) e of the Treaty and Article 32 of the Common Market protocol and Rule 26 of the Rules of Procedure of the assembly; a motion for the resolution of the Assembly recognizing the EAC Youth Caucus as a forum for members of the Assembly to promote the full participation of Youth programs and activities in the community among other motions; Motion for a resolution of the Assembly urging the council of Ministers to attend the meetings of the General Purpose Committee during the Consideration of the Budget estimates; a Motion for a resolution of the Assembly expressing support for the candidature of the Former Primer Minister of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga , as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
This Assembly also deliberated, considered and adopted several reports from various committees of the Assembly including: The report of the Committee on General Purpose on the Assessment of the role of women, Youth, and vulnerable groups in cross-border trade in the EAC region; the report of the committee on Accounts on the Assessment of Governance Instruments and Implementation of Previous audit recommendations by the EAC Kiswahili Commission; Report of the Committee on the Assessment of Policies and Laws on the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the EAC Partner States ; Report of the Committee on
Legal, Rules and Privileges on the Domestication of EAC Treaty and Laws by the Republic of South Sudan; report of the Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment on Trade Facilitation in the EAC Regions ports of Mombasa and Dar-es Salaam; Report of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources on the on-Spot Assessment on the implementation of the projects and plans by the Lake Victoria Commission and Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization.
The assembly provided a platform for passionate deliberation, fostering an open and inclusive dialogue to shape policies that positively impact the lives of East African citizens. In addition to the substantive agenda, EALA members attentively listened to numerous petitions from East African citizens, ensuring their voices are heard and concerns adequately addressed. The assembly greatly values public participation and remains committed to an open-door policy,
fostering a sense of ownership and inclusivity among East African citizens.
EALA is firmly committed to promoting the socio-economic development of East Africa, and the successful conclusion of this plenary session reflects the collective determination to achieve regional integration goals. By leveraging the diverse talents and expertise of its members, the assembly continues to shape policies that enhance cooperation, solidarity, and prosperity among the EAC partner states.
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the legislative organ of the East African Community (EAC) and is responsible for developing legislation and promoting the principles and objectives of regional integration among the EAC partner states. The assembly consists of elected representatives from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and DRC.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Nicodemus Ajak Bior
Senior Public Relations Officer (SPRO)
East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA)
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255768885633/+254 729157207 (WhatsApp)
Email: nbior@eachq.org
Web: www.eala.org
