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President Ruto to address EALA parliament on Tuesday

A previous EALA plenary session on November 2, 2023. (Photo: EALA)

By Farhiya Hussein | Monday, March 4, 2024

The session will also welcome members of Kenya’s Parliament, along with High Commissioners and Ambassadors from other EAC partner states.

President William Ruto is expected to address on Tuesday as the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) returns to Nairobi.

The session will also welcome members of Kenya’s Parliament, along with High Commissioners and Ambassadors from other EAC partner states.

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The plenary session of the legislative branch of the East African Community (EAC) is slated to take place until March 20, 2024, in Nairobi.

This marks a return to Kenya for the regional body, with its last rotational plenary in the country occurring in 2018.

Nairobi, renowned for its bustling economic and diplomatic activities, serves as a strategic hub for the EAC, embodying the aspirations of the bloc.

Holding the EALA plenary in Nairobi emphasises the city's significance in driving regional integration efforts.

As a member of the EAC Summit of Heads of State, the President's words play a pivotal role in shaping the Assembly's agenda.

Rotational sessions

The scheduled rotational sessions of the Assembly, mandated by the EAC Treaty, play a vital role in boosting visibility, and public participation, and fostering closer collaboration with the Parliaments of Partner States.

Nairobi offers a unique opportunity for the EALA to receive insights and direction from Kenya's Head of State, providing valuable input from the EAC Summit of Heads of State, the Community's primary decision-making authority.

Additionally, being in Nairobi facilitates direct engagement with the Kenyan public, increasing awareness about the EALA's role in the integration process.

The Nairobi session is set to address a robust legislative and oversight agenda. Lawmakers will deliberate on five pivotal Bills, reflecting the EALA's mandate to draft laws that bolster regional cooperation.

Additionally, they will examine seven oversight reports, showcasing the Assembly's role in ensuring the effective functioning of EAC institutions and their adherence to the Treaty.

Moreover, six Motions for Resolutions will be considered, affirming the EALA's commitment to representing the voices of East Africans.

The EALA's plenary session in Nairobi serves as a timely reminder of the city's crucial role in propelling East African integration efforts.

It presents an opportunity to boost visibility, strengthen relationships with Kenyan institutions, and receive direct guidance from regional leaders, all with the overarching goal of keeping the integration process centred on the welfare of the people it aims to serve.