Leaders of national parliaments from East African Community partner states and the East African Legislative Assembly have agreed to strengthen mechanisms for tracking decisions to enhance cooperation and regional integration. This agreement was reached at the 21st Ordinary Meeting of the Bureau of Speakers of National Parliaments of the EAC and EALA in Arusha. The meeting concluded with a resolution to improve the implementation of decisions made by the Bureau.
The meeting, which followed a session of Parliamentary Secretaries-General and Clerks, was attended by high-profile leaders including the Speaker of Kenya's National Assembly, Moses Wetang'ula. He emphasized the need for an effective mechanism to monitor the implementation of decisions, suggesting an action plan with clear timelines and responsible institutions. Wetang'ula also highlighted the importance of peace as a foundation for economic development in East Africa.
Tanzania's Deputy Speaker, Daniel Sillo, noted that the meeting provided a crucial platform for assessing progress and planning joint programs to strengthen parliamentary performance and improve citizens' welfare. The platform allows partner states to discuss, assess, plan, and implement agreed programs, thereby enhancing parliamentary performance and contributing to citizens' welfare.
During the meeting, the Bureau formally adopted its Rules of Procedure, providing a framework for meetings, quorum requirements, and leadership rotation. The Speaker of EALA, Joseph Ntakirutimana, was tasked with presenting a legal proposal to formally recognize the Bureau as an EAC organ under the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
The meeting also addressed financial concerns, with partner states having contributed only 17 percent of their assessed contributions for the 2026/27 financial year. Outstanding arrears owed to the EAC exceeded $125 million. The Speakers pledged to work with their respective governments and finance ministries to clear the outstanding arrears.
On a different note, preparations for the 16th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games were confirmed, scheduled to take place in Arusha from December 4 to 15. The games, themed "Our Unity, Our Wealth," have a budget of $134,900, jointly financed by the seven partner state parliaments and EALA. Somalia will continue serving as Chairperson of the Bureau for another year, while Burundi is set to assume the chairmanship in 2028.
A special meeting on the election of EALA Members and matters relating to their welfare in the Sixth Assembly is scheduled for Nairobi, Kenya, on October 29. This will be preceded by a meeting of Parliamentary Clerks on October 27 and 28. The agreements and resolutions from the meeting aim to enhance cooperation and integration among EAC partner states.
Key points
- EAC parliaments agree to strengthen decision tracking mechanisms
- Partner states face financial concerns with only 17 percent of assessed contributions paid
- Preparations confirmed for 16th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games in Arusha
