National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the East African Community Bureau of Speakers to strive into nurturing the body into an enviable regional integration block across the world.

In his acceptance Speech after his election to head the regional body, he noted that the Bureau remains central in bolstering regional unity, cooperation and shared prosperity of the region as embodied in the East Africa Community Statutes and Protocol.

“The Bureau is a key body in enabling EAC achieve its unity and integration dream. As Members of the Bureau our community are looking at us to steer the dream to reality,” he added.

Wetang’ula made the remarks during the official opening of the 18th Meeting of the EAC Speakers Bureau at Emara Ol-Sereni hotel in Nairobi today.

The Speaker also took over the leadership of the regional body that brings together National Parliaments of eight EAC Members countries from the outgoing Chairperson, Ackson Tulia.

Tulia is the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Tanzania.

“Our meeting today is more than just a routine Assembly. It is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of the East African Community. Let us draw inspiration from our past, our shared heritage, and our collective aspirations to build a future that is inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful for all our people,” he said.

Wetang’ula added: “I reaffirm Kenya’s unwavering commitment to the EAC integration agenda. Our Parliament is ready to work closely with our counterparts to advance these shared priorities and realize the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united East Africa,” he added.

He challenged the Speakers to be guided by the high calling to the responsibilities bestowed upon them by our respective citizens during the meeting. 

Wetang’ula said the Bureau of Speakers has demonstrated remarkable strides in advancing the realization of her mandate as an institution of EAC.

“Key among them being capacity building by operationalizing the East Africa Parliamentary Training Institute (EAPI),” he added.

 Wetang’ula commended the Bureau of Speakers for ensuring the harmonization of procedures through amendment of rules of procedures governing the forum and enhancing the relations between National Legislatures and East African legislative Assembly (EALA). 

"It is indeed through the concerted efforts of the Bureau of EAC Speakers that the EAC has experienced enhanced effectiveness with regard to the realization of its mission of creating a prosperous, competitive, and politically united East Africa,” he said.

He explained that he EAC Bureau of Speakers conceptualized the Inter-Parliamentary Games in a bid to foster relations between the EALA and the national parliaments of the EAC, as well as to popularize EAC integration.

He added that Kenya was ready to host the 14th Edition of the Inter-Parliamentary Games slated for December 6th to 18th at the Coastal City of Mombasa.

"Allow me to highlight that adequate facilities have been assessed to ensure compliance to the required set standards. I can confirm to the Bureau that I am satisfied by the level of preparations for the championship.

He notified the meeting that teams that delay booking for accommodation might be stranded owing to the fact that Mombasa attracts more local and international tourists during the festive season.

"Owing to the fact that Mombasa is a renowned tourist destination globally, more so at the end of the year, it is advisable that attendees to the games do their reservations in good time to avoid last minute rush which may provide limited options on both variety and convenience,” he advised.

 Tulia commended the Speakers for their commitment and dedication in driving the Bureau’s Agenda.

“Together we have made significant strides in promoting the EAC’s mission, strengthening our regional cooperation and continuing the legacy of unity envisioned by our founding fathers for the region,” she added.

She added that since re-establishment of the EAC in 1999 the regional body has grown to encompass eight partner States bringing together more than 312 million people across the nation’s diverse.

She noted that the Bureau of Speakers established in 2008 has been instrumental in fostering a strong working relationship between national legislatures and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

She used the meeting to welcome the Republic of Somali who are the new members of the EAC Speakers Bureau.

Tulia regretted that the Bureau faced financial challenges occasioned by failure by some member countries to remit their contributions as required by the law.

She noted that the Bureau required USD 120 million annually to run its operations effectively but underfunding due to delayed remittance by member states hampered their smooth operations.

“I therefore urge each partner state to fulfill its financial commitments, understanding that a financially empowered EAC id crucial to achieving its integration objectives,” she added.

EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana raised concerns that the regional body was facing financial challenges and asked Member States to pay up their arrears.

He noted that the Assembly had passed several Bills that had not been assented to thereby affecting their legislative Agenda.

He noted that the Bills that were pending assent included, The EAC Human Rights and People’s Rights, 2012, Inter University Council for EAC 9Amendment Bill)2-012, The EAC Public Holidays Bill, 2013, The EAC Cooperative Societies Bill, 2015 and The EAC Counter Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2016.

Others are, The Prohibition of Anti Female 2016, Genital Mutilation Bill, The EAC Court of Justice Bill, 2016, The EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2017, The EAC Integrity and Anti-Corruption Bill, 2021 and The EAC Customs Amendments Bill, 2022.

Other Speakers attending the 18th EAC Speakers Meeting included; the Speaker of the National Assembly of Uganda, the Rt.Hon. Anita Annet Among, Speaker of the Senate of Burundi, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Emmanuel Sinzohagera, Speaker of the Senate Somalia, the Rt. Hon. Abdi Hashi Abdalahi, Speaker of the National Assembly of South Sudan, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Jemma Nunu Kumba, Second Deputy President of the National Assembly of Burundi, the Rt. Hon. Abel Gashatis and Speaker Chambers of Deputies Rwanda, the Rt. Hon. Gertrude Kazarwa who participated virtually.