EAC clerks push for increased funding for the EALA Secretariat
By Amina Wako |
Ndombi stressed that the commitment to supporting EALA should be unwavering, noting, “Let us not tire of supporting the EALA Secretariat. We should consistently supplement their commendable job.”
Clerks from East African Community (EAC) legislatures have urged member states to enhance financial backing for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Secretariat. The call was made during a meeting on Monday, where clerks emphasised the need for consistent support to bolster the Secretariat's capacity and ensure effective operations.
Speaking at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Deputy Clerk of the Kenyan National Assembly, Jeremiah Ndombi, led the appeal, highlighting the challenges faced by the EALA Secretariat.
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“The EALA Secretariat is not in a good state now,” Ndombi stated. “They require financial and manpower support to be able to effectively serve the regional assembly.”
Ndombi stressed that the commitment to supporting EALA should be unwavering, noting, “Let us not tire of supporting the EALA Secretariat. We should consistently supplement their commendable job.”
The meeting aims to discuss logistical support for the Secretariat and align the roles of clerks in advancing the EAC's legislative agenda, serving as a routine precursor to the upcoming 18th Bureau of Speakers of the EAC.
Speaker Tulia Ackson of Tanzania will chair the Bureau meeting on Wednesday, preparing to hand over leadership to Speaker Moses Wetang'ula of Kenya.
John Mutega, the Deputy Clerk of EALA, highlighted the financial burden on the Secretariat by revealing the unpaid salaries for October. This, he says, illustrates the immediate need for institutionalised financial backing from member countries.
The clerks’ role, typically focused on preparing working documents and setting the agenda for Bureau meetings, was acknowledged as crucial by Senate Deputy Clerk Mohamed Ali, who represented Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye.
“It’s an honour for Kenya to host the Speaker’s Bureau meeting,” Ali said, adding that the clerks play an instrumental role in advancing the EAC’s legislative goals.
Ndombi further shared his vision for a united East African state with a shared identity, symbolised by a common anthem.
“I would love to see a united EAC that has one anthem that is sung during events that bring the States under one umbrella,” he said.
The EAC Speakers Bureau, meeting annually with a rotating chairperson, serves as the main platform for advancing parliamentary legislation, oversight, and representation within the region. It also advises the East African Heads of State Summit on parliamentary issues.
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