The 3rd Meeting of the 3rd Session of the 3rd Assembly commenced in Nairobi, Kenya, this afternoon.The Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly, Rt Hon Justin Muturi opened the session. In his remarks, Rt. Hon Muturi lauded EALA for ensuring citizens of the region were fully brought on board on matters concerning integration through the principle of rotation.
“Thanks to the wise decision of this 3rd Assembly, EALA rotational sitting in the Partner States has continued to draw the attention and engage the citizens of East Africa on the progress being made in achieving the objectives of EAC integration in general and the performance and visibility of EALA in particular”, Rt. Hon Muturi said.
The Speaker noted that the region was already enjoying the tangible benefits of integration arising from the on-going implementation of the EAC pillars.
The Speaker noted that EALA as an institution had done commendably well in its core function of legislation.
“Since 2002 to 2014, EALA has passed over sixty Acts and Bills which are at various stages of operationalization or consideration,” Rt. Hon Muturi said.
Rt Hon Muturi congratulated the Assembly following the successful hosting of the 8th Inter-Parliamentary Relations Seminar (Nanyuki VIII) in Kigali, Rwanda, early this month, that addressed the challenges of terrorism. He noted that terrorism was a global threat that needed interventions.
“It is my earnest hope that the Assembly will not only strengthen the implementation of the Resolutions of the forum but also continue to strengthen the linkages between the Regional Assembly and the Partner States National Assemblies.
The Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly however challenged the regional legislators to address the turbulent times facing the Assembly.
“EALA has also been going through some turbulent times this year. The failure of EALA to conduct plenary business uninterrupted since march this year is a matter of grave concern that if not urgently addressed has the real potential to destroy the whole Community with its Organs and Institutions given the critical role that the Assembly is expected to play”, Rt. Hon Muturi said.
He remarked that East Africans had invested too much in terms of resources, energy and hope in the future of the Community - to let it go down again.
“I believe honourable members would appreciate the pressure that Summit Members have to put up with when taken to task by their citizens and national constituencies to respond to the continued funding of the activities of EALA when it is unable to transact its core business. I wish to plead with this august House to put emotions and personal interests aside to do what is best for the people of East Africa” Speaker Muturi added.
On her part, the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa, lauded the Kenya National Assembly for its role in strengthening the integration process adding that more regional matters were now been debated in the House.
“We laud the Kenya National Assembly for establishing the Committee on Regional Integration which is a very vibrant Committee. It has been instrumental in pushing forward the integration agenda and it closely collaborates with us. I am happy to note that the Speaker continues in his wisdom to prioritize the Committee’s business, further attesting to his support for the integration dispensation. I thank you Mr. Speaker for your utmost support and for the dedication, zeal and enthusiasm with which you attach to matters of integration.
Rt. Hon Zziwa congratulated the Parliament for the joint participatory approaches involving citizens of the region and for bringing the Parliaments closer to the people.
“I am further delighted to note that it is during your tenure in the life of Parliament, that you and the Speaker of the Senate, Rt. Hon Ekwe Ethuro, have championed joint participatory approaches by engaging with citizens from all walks of life to enable them to comprehend the work of the legislature. The successful Parliamentary week held sometimes mid this year in July 2014, is a true testimony to that move”, the Speaker of EALA noted.
Rt Hon Zziwa said the move had contributed to demystifying the notion of what the parliament does and positioning it as an institution where every Kenyan is represented and their voice heard.
The Assembly is expected to deliberate on the Rules of Procedure at a meeting that kicks off tomorrow morning for the rest of the week. The Plenary sitting proper resumes on November 25th, 2014, Rt. Hon Zziwa noted in her communication from the Chair at the end of the business today.
DOWNLOAD: Statement by Rt. Hon. Justin Muturi
DOWNLOAD: Statement by Rt. Hon. Margaret Zziwa
ENDS
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East African Legislative Assembly.
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