EALA Speaker RT. Hon Daniel Kidega receives the Speaker of the Senate of Kenya, Rt. Hon Ekwee Ethuro
President
Uhuru Kenyatta is calling on the region to concert its integration
efforts, showcase the fruits of integration and facilitate the
incremental approach
of the pillars ultimately leading to the Political Federation of the
region.
The
Head of State maintained that the Summit of the EAC and his Government
were committed to the integration agenda as evidenced by accelerated
approach towards the development of infrastructure among other
benefits.
President Kenyatta’s remarks were delivered by the Speaker of the Senate, Rt. Hon Ekwee Ethuro at the commencement of the 2nd Meeting
of the 4th Session of the 3rd Assembly at the Kenya National Assembly this morning.
He reiterated that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) which a couple of years back was a pipe-dream was now a reality.“There
is increased focus towards the development of the Northern corridor.
There are also plans to develop an oil and gas pipeline from Uganda
trough north-western Kenya (Turkana) to the port of Mombasa to ease
transportation of crude oils and to enhance exportation
of mineral oils.
I
see no wavering by our Summit towards this process and I am assured
that in the near future, the fruits of these efforts will come to bear”,
Rt. Hon Ethuro said.Rt.
Hon Ethuro remarked that it was vital for the Common Market Protocol to
be fully implemented and devoid of Non-Tariff Barriers to enable
citizens reap the full benefits.
“While
this Protocol was ratified and came into force almost 6 years, the
people of the region are still not enjoying these freedoms. Non-Tariff
Barriers (NTBs), for instance, are one hindrance to the enjoyment of
these freedoms”,
the Senate Speaker said.
“We strive towards the elimination of NTBs to ease movement of people and goods while adhering to the Rules of Origin,” he added. The Senate
Speaker rooted for amendment of the Treaty in response to a request by his EALA counterpart, Rt. Hon Daniel F. Kidega.
“Mr.
Speaker, I am not suggesting that the 1999 Treaty is obsolete; but I
believe it is time to consider some amendments to the Treaty in order
keep up with
changing times. Amendments that we should consider include those that
allow citizens to play a more active role in the management of the
affairs of the region. Public participation has become a critical pillar
in our modern constitutions”,
Rt. Hon Ehuro said.
He
further hailed EALA for its efforts to ensure peace prevailed in the
region. Rt. Hon Ethuro further commended EALA for its legislative
performance.“Mr.
Speaker, turning to your legislative performance, I want to commend you
and Honourable Members because in the last nine months or so, you have
managed to pass 7 Bills, published 13 Reports and passed 7 Resolutions.
This
is evidence of hard work considering that your sessions last short
periods compared to sessions of National Assemblies and Senates of
Partner States”,
Rt. Hon Ethuro said.
In
his welcome remarks, the Speaker of the EALA, Rt. Hon Daniel F. Kidega
noted that East Africans were interested in seeing more tangible
benefits
of integration. He noted that with the coming into force of the
fully-fledged Customs Union, it was necessary for products to be sold
within the ambits of the Customs Union Protocol and without barriers.
“It
is in this regard that we as an Assembly, are keenly watching the issue
of Sugar given that the Customs Union is now fully-fledged and promotes
intra-EAC Trade. We plead that a divide between politics and
integration be wedged”
he remarked.
With
regards to the Common Market Protocol, the Speaker called on the
Partner States to ensure its full implementation saying that East
Africans
wanted to enjoy full benefits. He cited the process of acquiring work
permits as cumbersome,“The Common Market Protocol was entered into in 2010.
Yet
still today, only few of the EAC citizens would work in another Partner
State because they feel and face too many obstacles. The acquisition
of work/resident permit is one of the major challenges and the
processes need to be harmonized”,
Rt Hon Kidega said.
The
Speaker noted that EALA was now stronger and more united in serving
East Africans. He called for the amendment of the Treaty to reflect the
current times in the integration process.
The
Speaker cited challenges facing the Assembly as that concerning the
Assent of Bills stating that it was necessary to speed up the processes.
We
are of the view that the region takes advantage of the Summit sittings
which can create opportune moment for the Summit Members to exercise
their mandate as stipulated under Article 63.” Speaker Kidega said.
The Speaker also called for the full autonomy of the Assembly which he said was necessary to enable it realise its mandate.
“At the moment, the Assembly has a semi-autonomous status.
–
the ideal scenario would be full autonomy including the direct funding
by Partner States. This is absolutely necessary for the betterment of
the EAC.
It is key that we sit down with the Executive in the near future to
find a lasting solution to the matter”,
he remarked.
The
Speaker hailed the progress in Kenya as commendable. He cited the
economic growth under the mantra of Umoja, Uchumi na Uwazi and progress
of infrastructure including the world's largest Geothermal Plant commissioned in Naivasha last year which adds
140
megawatts of power to the national grid, effectively bringing down
electricity costs as game changers in the development process.
At the EALA Session, the following is the notable business:
- The EAC Electronic Transactions Bill, 2014 – 2nd and 3rd Reading
- The EAC Forest Management and Protection Bill, 2015 – 2nd and 3rd Reading
- The EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2015 -2nd and 3rd Reading
- Debate and adopt Reports of various Committees of the House.
The
Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State is also expected to deliver a
Farewell Address to the House next week. Moving the vote of thanks,
Hon Mike Kennedy Sebalu noted that Kenya had progressed following the
leadership of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He
remarked that EALA Members would continue to spread the integration
message. He acknowledged the role and vital contributions of Speaker
Ethuro
at the Bureau of Speakers Forum. Hon Sebalu said the Senate was
successful so far with regards to its continuation to it mandate.
Hon further thanked the Speaker Emeritus, Rt. Hon Abdirahin Abdi and the former Members who were present for their support.
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