Clerks from East African Community (EAC) legislatures have called for enhanced financial backing for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Secretariat, emphasizing the need for adequate resources to ensure the effective functioning of the regional legislative body. The appeal, made during a meeting held in Nairobi, is a direct response to the financial challenges facing the Secretariat, including delayed staff salaries and insufficient operational funding.
Jeremiah Ndombi, the Deputy Clerk of Kenya’s National Assembly, led the charge, urging the EAC member countries to provide more consistent and institutionalized support for EALA. He pointed out that the Secretariat is grappling with limited financial resources and inadequate manpower, which hampers its ability to perform effectively in servicing the regional assembly. “The EALA Secretariat is currently in a challenging situation. They need financial and manpower support to efficiently serve the regional Assembly,” Ndombi said during the EAC Clerks meeting at Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi.
Ndombi’s remarks were supported by EALA Deputy Clerk, John Mutega, who shared concerning information about the Secretariat’s current financial constraints. Mutega revealed that staff salaries for October had not been paid, illustrating the financial strain the Secretariat is under. This has raised alarms about the sustainability of the Secretariat’s operations and its ability to continue fulfilling its role effectively.
While advocating for increased support, Ndombi urged the member states not to waver in their commitment to EALA’s growth and functionality. “Let us not tire in supporting the EALA Secretariat. We should consistently supplement their commendable work,” he stressed. This sentiment underscores the critical importance of a strong and fully supported EALA Secretariat in fostering regional integration and advancing the legislative agenda of the EAC.
The clerks’ meeting in Nairobi also set the stage for the upcoming 18th Bureau of Speakers meeting, which is slated for Wednesday. The Bureau of Speakers plays a vital role in advancing parliamentary affairs in the region and advising the EAC Heads of State Summit on matters related to parliamentary work. The Bureau’s meetings are instrumental in strengthening the capacity of national assemblies to contribute to the EAC’s integration and development goals.
One of the key discussions during the meeting will focus on the EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, which are set to be held in Mombasa. The Bureau’s review of the preparation for the games is expected to touch on the readiness of the regional legislators to participate in the event, which aims to promote unity and cooperation among EAC member states through sports.
Reflecting on the future of the EAC, Ndombi shared his vision of a united East African community, stressing the importance of institutionalizing cooperation and fostering a sense of solidarity among member states. “I would love to see a united EAC with one anthem that brings the States under one umbrella,” he said, expressing hope that the regional bloc would continue to evolve towards greater unity and integration.
Kenya’s Deputy Clerk, Mohamed Ali, who represented the Kenyan Senate during the meeting, expressed pride in hosting the Bureau of Speakers meeting. He acknowledged the commitment of the EAC Legislature Clerks in advancing the Bureau’s agenda and assured them of continued support from Kenya’s parliamentary leadership. Ali’s remarks highlighted the role of the clerks as technical officers in preparing the working documents and agendas for the Bureau meetings, which are crucial for ensuring smooth proceedings.
The Bureau of Speakers is a key platform for advancing parliamentary roles in legislation, oversight, and representation within the region. As a rotational body, the Bureau meets annually with a rotating chairperson, and the upcoming meeting in Nairobi will see the leadership handed over to Kenya’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, from his Tanzanian counterpart, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Tulia Ackson.
The calls for increased financial support for the EALA Secretariat come at a time when the importance of the EAC as a regional integration platform is more evident than ever. With the growing need for robust legislative structures to support the integration process, ensuring that the EALA Secretariat has the resources it needs is critical to the success of the EAC’s long-term goals. As regional integration continues to take center stage in East Africa’s political and economic landscape, the appeal from the clerks reflects a critical moment for the EAC to strengthen its institutions and move towards a more unified future.
