EAC Speakers set for crucial meeting in Nairobi

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya will play host to the 18th meeting of the Bureau of Speakers of the East African Community (EAC). 

The meeting will take place on November 13, 2024 at a Nairobi Hotel, preceded by a two-day meeting of the Clerks of the EAC Legislatures which commenced today. 

Speaking on the first day of their meeting, Clerks called for financial support to the secretariat of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). 

Led by the Kenya National Assembly Deputy Clerk Jeremiah Ndombi, the Clerks asked the Member countries to institutionalise support to EALA Secretariat, so as to ensure smooth operations.

"The EALA Secretariat is not in a good state now. They require financial and manpower support to be able to effectively serve the regional Assembly," said Mr. Ndombi.

"Let us not tire in supporting the EALA Secretariat. We should consistently supplement their commendable job,” he added.

On his part, EALA Deputy Clerk John Mutega told those present that they had not paid staff salaries for the month of October.

The Clerks, who are technical officers of the respective assemblies, play a key role in preparing the working documents and agenda for the Bureau meeting.

The Bureau of Speakers will bring together Speakers from the National Parliaments, Senates, and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), to discuss critical issues related to regional integration.

The meeting will be chaired by Tulia Ackson, Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and his Senate counterpart, Amason Jeffa Kingi expected to be among the attendees.

The Bureau of EAC Speakers serves as the primary platform for promoting Parliamentary roles in legislation, oversight, and representation within the region. It also advises the East African Heads of State Summit on Parliamentary matters.

The Bureau meets annually under the guidance of a rotating Chairperson. South Sudan hosted the previous meeting.