IPU Conference Commences in Geneva.

 The 129^th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) commenced today at the Centre International de Conferences de Geneve (CICG). The three day Assembly brings together nearly 600 MPs from 129 countries in discussing socio-economic matters relevant to Member States.

In the opening remarks, the President of the IPU, Hon. Abdelwahed Radi said his organisation would revise the statutes and rules to enhance its efficiencies in a bid to render better services to the Member States.  The President maintained that IPU was committed to implementing the new Strategic Plan (2012-17) which inter alia envisages three thematic themes; Better Parliaments and stronger democracies, enhanced international involvement of Parliaments and the IPU as a more effective instrument of Parliamentary Co-operation.

The IPU boss said that more work was necessary to refine democracy and the reforms in various matters taking place in the Member States.  The IPU, he noted, would adopt a gender mainstreaming policy and also invite a new forum of young Parliamentarians to its fold. 

 

Over the three day Assembly, Members’ panel discussions shall delve into three key subject areas. Ridding the world of all nuclear-weaponry as well as weapons of mass destruction shall be among the many pressing global issues that MPs will tackle.  The participants shall examine what they can do on disarmament at a time of increasing concern on the proliferation of nuclear and chemical weapon prowess and in the aftermath of the recent chemical weapon use in Syria. Their deliberations are to inform an IPU Resolution on a nuclear-free world in 2014.

Also on the agenda are deliberations on the role of Parliaments in protecting the rights of children, particularly, unaccompanied migrant children and in preventing their exploitation in situations of war and conflict.    Risk resilient development taking into consideration the demographic trends and natural constraints is another topic that shall be deliberated on.

In addition to the main topics, two other panel discussions on Internally Displaced Persons and on political party control over MPs shall take place. 

The IPU is also expected to fill vacancies arising in the Governing Council. The Governing Council will elect four members to replace Mr. K. Chshmaritian (Armenia), Mr. Nhem Thavy (Cambodia), Mr. K. Ornfjader (Sweden) and Mr. P.F. Veillon (Switzerland) whose terms end in October 2013; and one member to replace Mr. F. Kundi (Pakistan) who is no longer a Member of Parliament and whose term ends on October 2015.

Hon Abdelwahed Radi (Morroco) is the current President of the IPU.  The IPU has four Vice Presidents including Rt. Hon Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda.EALA is represented at the 129^th IPU Assembly by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa and Members, Hon Hafsa Mossi, Hon Sarah T. Bonaya and Hon Susan Nakawuki.  

Also in attendance are Speakers from the Kenya National Assembly, Rt. Hon Justin Muturi and his counterpart, the Speaker of the Senate, Rt.Hon Ekwe Ethuro, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon Rebecca Kadaga and the Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Rt. Hon Anna Makinda among others.  A number of Parliamentarians from the Partner States are also participating.

Meanwhile, the General Council is expected to approve the re-admission of the Parliament of Somalia as a Member of the IPU. If approved, the Assembly shall also consider a proposal to waver the arrears accumulated by the Parliament towards the IPU before its suspension from the Union in 2009.   Parliament of Bhutan has also made a request for admission while on the other side; Egypt shall know its fate once the Assembly pronounces itself under Article 4.2 of the Statutes of IPU.  This follows the dissolution of the Parliament of Egypt on July 3, 2013.

The IPU is the international organization of Parliaments established in 1889 under Article 1 of the Statutes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The Union is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy.

Nairobi International Trade Fair concludes
  

The Nairobi International Trade Fair, themed: ‘Enhancing Technology and Industry for Food Security and National Growth’ closed its doors today at the Jamhuri Park show grounds in Nairobi, Kenya. The seven day event was organized by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK).

The East African Community Secretariat was among hundreds of exhibitors participating at the annual event which attracted exhibitors and show-goers from Kenya, the East African region as well as other countries including China, India and Pakistan.

Speaking at the official opening of the Fair on Wednesday 02 October 2013, President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta encouraged Kenyan participants to embrace the opportunities offered by the event to learn more and take their agribusiness enterprises to the next level. “The Trade Fair has certainly grown in stature, improved its standard and became a world-class agriculture and trade exposition,” he added.

President Kenyatta asserted that the Nairobi International Trade Fair incorporates aspects of cross-sectoral collaboration as well as regional integration and international interaction. “It is a unique space where every participant is a beneficiary, and no one loses,” added the President.

The Head of State urged the youth to take full advantage of the opportunities in agriculture; nothing the transformation of agriculture into a purely commercial activity entails the use of technology presenting a wide array of prospects for young people.

The EAC Secretariat showcased the projects and programmes of the regional integration process and the achievements registered to date by the various Organs and institutions of the Community. The EAC stall received visitors, among them businessmen and women, professionals, academicians and students, all eager to know more about the integration process.

The Nairobi International Trade Fair is the largest Trade Fair in Kenya and the East African Region. It is a 7-day event that runs between Monday and Sunday of late September and early October every year.

Trade Fair offers opportunities for regional, continental and global exhibitors to display and demonstrate their services and products.  It also offers show goers an opportunity to meet people from different countries and backgrounds, hence creating a platform for interaction and exchanging of ideas and experiences.

 EACJ Launches Court User Guide

The East African Court of Justice officially launched its new user guide during a stakeholders’ workshop yesterday in Nairobi at Hotel La Mada which was organized by EACJ in collaboration with Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI) of Lundi University, Sweden.

Ms. Mwanamaka Amani Mabruki representing the Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Kenya, Ms. Phyllis J. Kandie, during the opening of the workshop said that, the Republic of Kenya attaches great importance to awareness creation on East African Community and its benefits. She said that as a Ministry, awareness creation on EAC integration process has been identified as one of their core mandates. To this end, “I am truly honored to be associated with sensitization of stakeholders on the role of the East African Court of Justice and the launch of the new Court User Guide in Kenya.” Ms. Mwanamaka added. 

The Principal Secretary also asserted that this awareness creation is a response to the needs of East Africans in the judicial sector. She noted there were dynamic times where Citizens are litigious and from time to time find themselves in court seeking justice on several areas and hence the need to demystify the EACJ to them and also get the stakeholders on board.

“I appreciate with great humility that the Court has now moved to the next level to engage in valuable discussions with stakeholders like national Courts, members of the Bar, the office of the Directors of Public Prosecution and Attorney Generals’ office. This is an amicable way of awareness creation that the national stakeholders should at once take heed of by instituting and referring cases to EACJ. As East Africans we should be proud of our regional Court, build it and propel it to the highest level of judicial standards. I urge the stakeholders to consider nurturing the EACJ and positively grant it the respect and honor it deserves” Ms. Mwanamaka commended.

Mr. Johannes Eile, Head of Raoul Wallenberg Institute’s International Programmes Department said that the Institute initiated cooperation with the East African Court of Justice in 2003, when the Court was then in its infancy and over time, a strong relationship was established. He added that the partnership with EACJ was revitalized in 2010 to constitute the basis of long-term cooperation program between the Court and RWI supported by Swedish development cooperation, which started in 2011 running up until the end of 2015.

Mr. Johannes pointed out that, the overall objective of the cooperation is to contribute to improving access to Justice for East African citizens through the services of an effective regional Court. He added that the cooperation focuses on activities to promote EACJ to become increasingly visible in matters related to the discharge of its mandate and to have enhanced ability to incorporate human rights into its judgments and decisions.

The President of the Court, Hon. Mr. Harold R. Nsekela commended the cooperation and understanding by RWI and for their generous support to address the knowledge gap in the existence of the Court through developing The EACJ User Guide as well as other activities to promote and increase awareness of the Court. “We will therefore need the support of all stakeholders to work towards overcoming the major challenges facing the Court especially the limited jurisdiction, the ad-hoc nature of the court’s operations, limited resources and inadequate capacity addressing issues of the Court’s structure among others” said Justice Nsekela.

The workshop and launch of the EACJ User Guide was attended by EACJ Judges, Chief Justices and Attorneys General of the Partner States, EACJ Registrar, EALA Members Kenya, Chairpersons of the Media Councils, Members of the Bar Associations in the East African region, among others. 

 Group photo of the participants in the workshop.

H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta today reiterated the need for East Africans to remove all hindrances in order to fast track the East African Community (EAC) integration and enable citizens to enjoy its benefits. “The time has come for the EAC region to collectively work together towards political federation’’.

President Kenyatta made the remarks today when he visited the EAC exhibition booth at the ongoing Nairobi International Trade Fair at the Jamuhuri grounds in Nairobi, Kenya.

Present at the EAC stall to receive the President were, among others, EALA MP Hon Peter Mathuki Mutuku and EAC Communications Chief, Mr Owora R. Othieno.

The East African Community is among several exhibitors participating at the Nairobi Trade Fair that has attracted thousands of show goers from Kenya and the region.

The Nairobi International Trade Fair is running from 29 September to Sunday 6 October 2013.

The Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera has conveyed heartfelt condolences and deep sympathies to His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, the Government and people of Kenya following the deadly Westage Mall siege by terrorists. In the message, the Secretary General says “Terrorism cannot be justified for any reason, and any attempt to justify it is unacceptable”.

 
Agree to refine-tune core 11th EDF Programming Guidelines and draft Regional Indicative Programme

East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, 19 September 2013: Five Regional Economic Communities in the Eastern, Southern Africa, and Indian Ocean region, namely COMESA, EAC, IGAD, and IOC, today concluded a three-day joint mission to Brussels, Belgium to discuss with the European Union’s External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Commission’s Development Cooperation Office (DEVCO) how to deepen and consolidate the cooperation and gains so far made among and between the parties.

Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera, Secretary General of the East African Community; Amb. Jean Claude de L’Estrac, Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Commission; Mr. Sindiso Ndema Ngwenya, Secretary-General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA); and Amb. Eng. Mahboub Maalim, Executive Secretary of IGAD led the respective organization’s officials. In attendance were also officials from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The discussions also delved on the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) architecture in support of regional integration and cooperation in the 5 regional economic communities.

The five Regional Organisations have been implementing regional projects and programmes using EDF resources for more than ten years. They started, as the lead actors to programme by identifying and formulating projects, with the 9th EDF upon signature of the ACP EU Cotonou Partnership Agreement.

During the interaction with the European Union and DEVCO, it was reiterated that the region had a high level of inter-regional coordination, in particular among COMESA, EAC, IGAD and IOC, under the Inter-Regional Coordinating Committee (IRCC) with established mechanisms for consulting with SADC and also with the African Union in respect of the continental integration agenda.

Amb. Sezibera currently chairs the Inter-Regional Coordinating Committee (IRCC) and led the discussions with the EU and DEVCO officials.

The four regional organisations COMESA, EAC, IGAD and IOC have been sharing a common regional indicative programme.  Over the 9th and 10th EDF, the combined total initial envelopes for the region exceeded EUR 1 billion. The 10th EDF shows a strong increased emphasis on regional integration, which has impacted the population of nearly six hundred million over the combined member states.

The 11th EDF will remain fully consistent with the Cotonou principles around a single Regional Indicative Programme (RIP) while at the same time endeavouring to take into account certain specificities of each Regional Organisation.  Three sectors of support have been identified, based on the principles of subsidiarity, complementarity and cost-effectiveness, namely; peace, security and regional stability; regional economic integration; and regional natural resource management

Based on the discussions held in Brussels, all parties have agreed to refine the 11th EDF regional governance framework in the Eastern and Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region.

All parties also agreed to continue refining the core 11th EDF programming guidelines and draft Regional indicative programme. The Regional Organisations also agreed to remain the lead actors in matters of consultation of Member States through the prevailing structures and policy organs. 

All parties agreed to meet again on 12-15 November 2013 in Mauritius.

On the sidelines of the joint mission, the four Chief Executive Officers of the 4 RECs spearheaded visibility drive in the European Parliament and engaged the Press Club Brussels Europe.

At the invitation of Hon. Charles Goerens, European Union Member of Parliament and also Member of the European Parliament’s Development Committee, the four RECs (COMESA, EAC, IGAD, and IOC), were allowed to set up visibility/exhibition stands inside the EU Parliament on the 17-19 September 2013 to show-case the value addition by EU in its cooperation with the RECs.

This first-ever visibility event had four themes lead by each REC as follows; Building Regional Institutions for Trade by COMESA; Building Regional Interconnections for Trade by EAC; Regional security by IGAD; and Natural Resources by IOC.

The visibility events were attended by Parliamentarians, EU Commission Services, and other EU stakeholders and the media influential in the decision processes on support to the RECs.

Within the ACP group of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific States, regional integration is promoted by Regional Organizations (ROs) such as COMESA, EAC, IGAD and IOC in the Eastern and Southern Africa - Indian Ocean (ESA-IO) region. 

This is also supported by the European Union, through a mechanism known as the Inter-Regional Coordinating Committee (IRCC), in the context of the ACP - EU Cotonou Partnership Agreement and the EU Agenda for Change, regional integration being an engine for growth and poverty reduction.

Over one billion Euros has been channeled via these Regional Organizations under the successive European Development Funds (EDF) to assist in building regional institutions, regional interconnections, enhanced peace and security and collective management of natural resources

Chief Executive Officers of the 4 RECs engage members of the Press Club Brussels Europe.

EALA CONGRATS PRESIDENT UHURU KENYATTA AND FELLOW KENYANS

 EALA has today moved a Resolution hailing the Government and the citizens of Kenya for holding peaceful elections last month.

 

The Resolution moved by Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana and seconded by Hon Saoli ole Nkanae  further congratulates other presidential contenders especially the Prime Minister Emeritus, Rt. Hon Raila Odinga and former Vice President, H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka, for accepting the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgement and in so doing, ensuring that peace and stability in the East African region is not undermined.

The Resolution therefore wishes President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy, H.E. William Samoei Ruto success in serving the people of Kenya.  It also appreciates the resolve of Kenyans to embrace democracy and the rule of law given that Kenya had undergone political unrest resulting in loss of lives and displacement of persons following the aftermath of the 2007 general elections.

The Kenyan election was touted as the most complex featuring elections of the Presidency, and polls for the Governors, Members of the National Assembly, the Senate, the County Assemblies and the Women Representatives. 

During debate, Hon Saoli Ole Nkanae remarked that a new generation had for the first time taken over the reins of leadership in Kenya – post independence. He maintained that the elections were held not only peacefully but fairly and credibly and lauded the former Prime Minister noting that he was a great man for gracefully conceding in the contest. 

Hon Leonce Ndarubagiye remarked that a peaceful Kenya would result in tremendous development. Hon Patricia Hajabakiga remarked that Kenya had transcended the dark past that was the year 2007 and had lived up to the Assembly’s expectations. 

Hon Susan Nakawuki hailed the citizens of Kenya for acting within their constitutional rights saying it signified the confidence they had in the new leadership. ‘We must get away from the yoke of colonialism’, she said. She hailed the former Assistant Minister for EAC and now Meru Governor, Hon Peter Munya and wished him well.

Hon Peter Mathuki wished the new Government well saying it was important for them to implement the new Constitution while Hon Mumbi Ngaru remarked that the people of Kenya had decided and remarked that the decision by the CORD leadership to move forward in the wake of the ruling by the Supreme Court was exemplary. 

“In this regard, I want to urge the new leadership to fervently implement the new Constitution.   I am happy that they have today appointed a new Cabinet Secretary for EAC (Commerce and Tourism) Hon Phyllis Kandie”, the legislator remarked.  

Hon Judith Pareno stated the Republic of Kenya had learned to put their country’s interest first.  I was entrusted with important duties in the tallying centre as were my colleagues Hon Nancy(Abisai) and Hon Kiangoi (Joseph) and the moments were anxious.  Even with the failing electronic system which we hoped would bring hope and truth, we still held our peace”, she remarked. 

‘It is time for us to have a Political Federation to check on each other’, she remarked, saying it would bring about important structures where justice can be sought, if one is unhappy with the decisions passed by the highest Court(s) in their respective Partner States.

Other Members who rose in support of the motion were Hon Sarah Bonaya, Hon Fredric Ngenzebuhoro, Hon AbuBakr Ogle, Hon Dan Kidega and Hon Abubakar Zein. Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji, Hon Makongoro Nyerere, Hon Nancy Abisai, Hon Joseph Kiangoi and Hon Emerence Bucumi also rooted for the Resolution.

The Assembly also received the EAC Annual Reports for the years 2009/2010 and the 2010/2011 respectively tabled by the Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine.  The Reports highlight the broad achievements along the four pillars of integration: EAC Customs Union, EAC Common Market; the Monetary Union and the Political Federation. 

The Reports enumerate the challenges faced during the period in reporting including the full integration of the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Burundi into the already ongoing regional projects and programmes including revision of already approved sector strategic plans.  

The period also witnessed overstretched financial and human resources of the Community and the slow pace and delayed contribution by the Partner States of their contributions leading to delayed implementation of critical activities at the Community level.

Other reports debated and adopted in the busy afternoon included the Report on the Committee on Communications, Trade and Investments on the Non-Tariff Barriers along the Northern and Central corridors of the EAC Partner States and the Report on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources on the Orientation Workshop on Extractive Industries.   The Report of the Committee on Legal Rules and Privileges on EAC Laws on SQMT Act and the Competition Act also sailed through.

The Plenary which has been taking place in Kigali, Rwanda since April 12, 2013, wound up business.  The next Session is scheduled for May 26, 2013 to June 7, 2013 in Kampala, Uganda.

 Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana whose Resolution hailing Republic of Kenya for peaceful elections sailed through

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI DELIVERS THE STATE OF EAC ADDRESS

President Yoweri Museveni has this afternoon delivered the State of EAC Address at a Special Sitting at the Parliament of Rwanda in Kigali, Rwanda.

In the Address, President Museveni has reiterated the need for the region to resolve existing strategic bottlenecks if the EAC is to spur integration and to enable citizens enjoy the accrued benefits. The President maintained that it was time for the region to eye political unity as a stabilising factor to development and called on the East African Legislative Assembly to use its legislative agenda and mandate to support the same.

The President in essence, told the EAC to strive to solve what he called ‘the basic yet fundamental challenges’ dogging the bloc as it moves towards the tactical areas. 

“There are a number of strategic bottlenecks which are hampering development in the region.  However, two main issues are with regards to the existence of small markets and inadequate infrastructure, especially the energy issue’ President Museveni remarked.

The Head of State affirmed that during his tenure as the Chairperson of the Summit, he would prioritise on infrastructure development to enable the region take its flight to the next level.  ‘I have recently visited Russia and held discussions with the President.  I expect some investors to begin talking business with the EAC soon’, President Museveni said.

He also undertook to push for the amendments to the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC in response to a request by the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Dr. Margaret Nantongo Zziwa.

The Chair of the Summit noted that the EAC integration was the most progressive and with the brightest future since it aims for a key ultimate stage which is the political integration.

‘Though economic integration is good, there are certain crucial issues that it may fail to address – and which a Political Federation will cushion the region against’, President Museveni added.  He stated that a formula was needed to work how to share benefits arising from the Common Market Protocol.

‘We blame the Europeans for decolonising us – but apart from Ethiopia who were not colonised, the rest of us suffered since we were politically weak’ the President remarked.

‘Africa has a larger area in terms of squares per miles as compared to the likes of China, India and the US and the continent is fertile and well watered.  But we have failed to take advantage of our political strengths’, he added.

The President was categorical that such a move would ensure that Africa taps into further economic growth and enables a stronger voice in the international arena.  In the regard, the Head of State cited the need to harness energy and electricity for development.  He reminded the legislators that Africa’s Kilowatt per capita was extremely low.

“Uganda has 150 kilowatt per capita compared to South Africa and Libya which are edging close to 4200 Kilowatts.   The United States has 12,400 kilowatt per capita and more action is necessary on our part,’ President Museveni said.

The President’s speech delved into other strategic bottlenecks which he termed destructive to regional integration.   He cited tribal, religious and gender ideological disorientations, lack of viable pillars in the judicial and defence sectors leading to collapse of state authority, attacks on the Private Sector initiatives and under-development of human resources and skills.  Other challenges include an under-developed service sector, lack of industrialisation and lack of democracy.

The Chair of the Summit however noted that the region and Africa was on the path to recovery and had started correcting the wrongs. The President tasked the EAC to address existing weaknesses as it explores the continental move.   The President cited a number of challenges including the Non-Tariff Barriers as contributing to the weakening of the integration process.

In attendance was the Rt. Hon. Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, President of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Rose Mukantabana, Speaker of Rwanda Chamber of Deputies and Hon Shem Bageine, Chairperson, EAC Council of Ministers.  Others were the EAC Secretary General, Amb Richard Sezibera, several dignitaries and high ranking government officials.  

On her part, the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Dr Margaret Nantongo Zziwa congratulated the Summit for the wise leadership noting that citizens had continued to enjoy the benefits of integration.  The Speaker however called on the Council of Ministers to bring forth more Bills for debate and legislation.

She remarked that more was required to be done to realise the Common Market Protocol and called on the Partner States to immediately enable their domestic laws to conform to the Protocol.

“Specifically, the Common Market Protocol which was signed three years ago spells out a number of benefits for the region including the free movement of persons, labour, goods and services among others.  We are yet to see real dynamism on the part of the Partner States to facilitate the implementation of the Protocol but we remain hopeful that they will act. Steps like issuance of national identity cards will go a long way in facilitating the free movement of the people especially the common person”, the Speaker remarked.

The Speaker once again called for the removal of Non-Tariff Barriers which she maintained continued to hamper business.

“Inadequate infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly roads, railways and energy have also hindered progress in a number of ways. NTBs continue to pose a big threat to the free flow of business in the region and this limits the people of East Africa from enjoying the benefits of integration. The time has come for the EAC region to collectively seek permanent solutions to the removal of NTBs”, the Speaker said.

In his remarks culminating in the vote of thanks, Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana hailed the President for the remarks which he noted were progressive. The Plenary which has been taking place in Kigali, Rwanda since April 12, 2013, winds up business tomorrow.

 Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Dr Margaret Nantongo Zziwa welcomes President Yoweri Museveni at the Parliament of Rwanda

EAC One Stop Border Posts Bill inches a step closer to Law

EALA has today passed the One Stop Border Posts Bill, 2012, paving way for it to become Community Law if assented to by the EAC Heads of State.

The object of the Bill, initiated by the EAC Council of Ministers, is to provide for the establishment of One Stop Border Posts (OSBP) in the Community in order to facilitate trade through the efficient movement of goods and people within the Community.  Under the arrangement, Partner States shall implement one stop border processing arrangements by establishing and designating control zones at the respective border posts.

The Bill in addition seeks to extend Partner States’ national laws relating to border control officers of adjoining Partner States permitting their free movement within the controlled zone(s) in the performance of their duties, without producing passports, but by simply producing their appropriate identity. 

The Bill makes provision for the application of border control laws and provides for institutional arrangements in the co-ordination and monitoring of the one stop border posts.  In so doing however, the Bill does not affect the rights of any adjoining Partner State(s) to take temporary measures in the interest of defence, security, public safety and public order.

Common Border posts designated in the EAC as One Stop Border Posts include the Taveta-Holili border and the Namanga border (Kenya-United Republic of Tanzania), Busia and Malaba borders (Kenya – Uganda) and the Kanyaru-Akanyaru border (Burundi-Rwanda).  Others are the Mutukula border (United Republic of Tanzania-Uganda), Gasenyi-Nemba border (Burundi, Rwanda) and Lungalunga-Horohoro border (Kenya – United Republic of Tanzania).

Debate on the Bill was preceded by the tabling of a Report of the Committee on Communications, Trade and Investment presented by the Chairperson, Hon Dan Kidega. The report underscores the need for Partner States to develop, upgrade and modernise the required infrastructural facilities and to enhance technological advancement to enable efficient and effective implementation of the Bill.

The report was filed as a result of public hearings held in the Partner States on March 6-12, 2013 and April 11, 2013 to collate views from different stakeholders.  The Committee at that point received views from customs officials, clearing and forwarding agents and members of the business community among others.

The report urges the Council of Ministers to conduct sensitisation programs on the OSBP to the populace and to fast-track the process of processing the needed regulations.  ‘It is true the OSBP has been operating on some border points on bilateral arrangements within the Partner States; therefore the law is critical because it provides a regional legal framework’, the Report said in part.

At debate time, Hon Shy-Rose S. Bhanji commended the Council of Ministers for initiating the Bill noting that it would reduce the unnecessary bureaucracies at the border posts.  ‘This is a major achievement and we want the capacities of the personnel at the borders to be built so as to enhance service delivery’, the legislator remarked.  Hon Mike K. Sebalu noted that it was necessary for the OSBP initiative to be rolled out to all borders when finances permit so as to demystify free movement.   ‘Integration is people centred and we must make the processes easy to implement the Common Market Protocol’, he noted. 

Hon Joseph Kiangoi said the Bill would enable the region to open up for trade terming the region ‘a major economic bloc’ in the continent and bloc. Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro said the implementation of the Bill would reduce corruption and significantly eliminate bribes.  Hon Mukasa Mbidde and Hon Abubakar Zein also rose in support of the Bill. 

The Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine remarked that the spirit of working together (EALA and the Council of Ministers) would be the hallmark towards ensuring integration.  He reiterated the Council’s pledge to put in place regulations to support the Act when implemented.  

 “It is our desire and aspiration for example that during the implementation of the Act, the terms and conditions of staff working together to facilitate the OSBP are harmonised to retain staff of high calibre”, the Minister stated.

The Bill successfully passed through the second reading with amendments during the Committee Stage before it was passed for its third reading.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, April 24, 2013), the Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State, President Yoweri Museveni is expected to deliver the State of EAC Address to the Assembly

The Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine.  The Council of Ministers tabled the One Stop Border Posts Bill, 2012