EALA off to a good start in Football

 Parliament of Burundi pull a fast one on EALA in netball as Uganda beat Tanzania in men’s volleyball

East African Legislative Assembly, Nairobi, Kenya: 5^th December 2016:Football Defending champions, EALA have sent the strongest signals yet of retaining the Inter-Parliamentary Games Tournament.  This afternoon, EALA beat Parliament of Burundi 2-1 in an entertaining Group B match played at the Mbaraki Sports Ground in Mombasa as the tournament entered Day 2.

Dependable striker, Ibrahim Jamal scored the first goal in the second minute following good inter-change of passes in the midfield.  Jamal was on the mark again fifteen minutes later to open the gap.

Wyclif Ketto picked up a loose ball in the midfield dribbled past two defenders to set Jamal to score for EALA to lead 1-0.

Hon, Julius Maganda, Minister for EAC Affairs, Parliament of Uganda, missed a golden chance to double the lead on 25 minutes when he failed to connect a pass from Hon Bernard Mulengani.

In the second half, Parliament of Burundi made serious raids often catching EALA off guard.   EALA defender handled the ball in the box but Burundi’s Hon Jean Marie Niyonkuru, failed to convert the resultant penalty kick.

Hon Dennis Karera then latched on to a loose ball and fired past the EALA goalkeeper to reduce the deficit.

In the first match of the Day, Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Kenya 1-0 in a fast paced Group A match.  The match was a balanced affair in both halves.   Parliament of Kenya strikers missed numerous scoring chances with Hon Augustine Neto and Hon David Ochieng as the main culprits.

On resumption, Parliament of Uganda came back a more rejuvenated side. Kenya’s keeper, Hon Kanini Kega was twice called upon to make saves from the marauding striking force of Hon Odonga Otto, Hon Nsereko Mohammed and midfield dynamo, Hon Mugema “Panadol”.

A perfect combination saw the Uganda midfielders race down to the flank to set up an unmarked Arinaitwe Brian.   Brian, controlled the ball, then beat the Kenyan Parliament Goalkeeper, Hon Kanini Kega on a first time shot to give his side a slim victory.

In netball, Parliament of Burundi put up a sterling performance to upset EALA 37-21 in a Group B match at the Makande Indoor Sports Gymnasium, Mombasa.

Parliament of Burundi who were featuring a netball side for the first time since the Tournament commenced a couple of years ago, were clearly the better side, showing intent from the very beginning of the game.

Goal Attacker, Hon Sintozuma Jacqueline opened the flood gates as Burundi took a 15-13 lead at end of the second quarter.  On resumption, it was one-way traffic for the victors.  Hon Mboneko Sauda and Hon Ndayizeye Gloriose were a constant thorn in the flesh of the EALA Netball team.

In the first match of the day, Parliament of Uganda were awarded the match versus Parliament of Kenya on a 60-0 walk-over in Group A match at the Makande Indoors Sports Gym, following the Parliament of Kenya’s unavailability to raise a team in accordance with the rules governing the tournament.

At the moment, the rules stipulate that only Members of Parliament can feature in the tournament. A number of players are expected to join the team later on today.

In group A of men’s Volleyball, Parliament of Uganda won Parliament of Tanzania 2 sets to 0 in an interesting encounter. Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Tanzania 25-12 in the first set.  They won the same amount of points in the second set.

In Group B, Rwanda was awarded 2 sets to 0 (25-0 and 25-0) over Parliament of Burundi who did not field a team.

In women’s volleyball, EALA were awarded 2 sets to 0 victory following the failure of Burundi to field a team.

The Games continue on Tuesday with a Netball match featuring Defending Champions, Parliament of Uganda and Parliament of Tanzania.  Later on in the afternoon, the football teams of both Parliaments shall face off.

Speaker of Kenya National Assembly, Rt Hon Justin Muturi shakes hands with Hon Khatibu Mwashetani, player of Bunge FC, Kenya.  Kenya lost 0-1 to Parliament of Uganda

The French Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, Ms. Malika Berak, has called on all parties in the Inter-Burundi Dialogue to engage constructively and consensually in the forthcoming consultations to be held in Bujumbura, Burundi.

In a press statement issued today and copied to the EAC Secretariat, Amb. Berak said that only a political solution would enable Burundi to achieve a peaceful exit from the crisis.

“We reiterate our full support for the continuation of sessions on Inter-Burundi Dialogue, within the framework of the mandate given to it by the East African Community,” said the envoy.

Amb. Berak further hailed the determination and commitment H.E. Benjamin William Mkapa, the former Tanzania President who is also the Facilitator of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue.

In a press statement issue by his office on December 1^st, 2016 H.E. Mkapa disclosed that a roadmap for the Burundi Dialogue process was developed and presented to the Mediator, H.E. President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda on November 2^nd, 2016. The roadmap provides for a series of engagements between December 2016 and June 2017 that will culminate in an agreement.

H.E. Mkapa said that in implementing the roadmap, will in due course be visiting the Republic of Burundi to confer with H.E. President Pierre Nkurunziza and also consult with other political players, adding that this would lay the ground for a series of both formal and informal engagements with and among various stakeholders, in and outside Burundi and also with international actors.

The Facilitator observed that since his appeal in May 2016 to Parties to the Conflict to desist from violent acts and give dialogue a chance, there has been a noticeable improvement on the security situation in Burundi.

H.E. Mkapa said he would continue to urge all Parties to adhere to a non-violent approach to solving the political crisis, adding that the improved security situation in the country had been acknowledged by the international community.

“It is important that as this process proceeds, and for which the Barundi and the EAC citizens will continue to be briefed on the progress, all parties should strive to avoid actions and utterances that are not helpful to the healing process and remain seized of the commitment to a political process,” said the Facilitator.

The Italian Government has appointed Counsellor Roberto Mengoni as Italy’s Permanent Representative to the East African Community.

The Envoy (Roberto Mengoni), who is also the Italian Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, presented his letter of accreditation signed by the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Paolo Gentiloni, to the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, today at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

Welcoming Amb. Mengoni to the EAC Headquarters, the Secretary General commended the Italian Government and people for showing interest in furthering the existing cooperation between Italy and the Community.

Amb. Mfumukeko briefed the Envoy on the key millstones recorded in integration process and pledged to link up the envoy with the East African Business Council through which Italian investors could explore available opportunities. 

On his part, Amb. Mengoni commended the EAC Secretariat for spearheading the integration agenda and highlighted a few areas that the Italian Government was interested in supporting the EAC, especially the Renewable Energy sector. He disclosed that his government was pushing for a policy change on Africa that will see a more robust engagement with the continent and the EAC.

Amb. Mfumukeko and his guest also discussed also the status of negotiations of the EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement and the Inter-Burundi dialogue. With regard to the Inter-Burundi Dialogue, Amb. Mengoni hailed the efforts of the Facilitator, H.E. Benjamin Mkapa, and the EAC Secretariat in spearheading the process and called upon all the parties and stakeholders to give peace a chance in Burundi. 

Also present at the ceremony was the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo.

 Italian Counsellor, Roberto Mengoni(R), presents his letter of accreditation to EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko

EALA swears- in Hon. Celestine Kabahizi from Rwanda

EALA has this afternoon sworn in its newest Member, Hon Celestin Kabahizi from Rwanda. Hon Kabahizi was elected on Monday this week by the Parliament of Rwanda, replacing Hon Jacqueline Muhongayire, who was appointed Rwanda’s Minister for EAC Affairs in July 2013.

The brief ceremony was conducted by the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa and the Deputy Clerk, Alex Obatre. The Member took the oath in accordance with Rule 6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly. The Rules of Procedure say in part that: “No Member can sit or participate in the proceedings of the House until the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the Treaty is taken”.

Rule 6(3) specifically states that “when a Member first attends to take his or her seat other than at the first sitting of a new House, he or she shall be brought to the table by two Members and presented by them to the Speaker who shall then administer the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance”. 

Hon Kabahizi was escorted into the House by Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo and Hon Mike Sebalu at exactly 2.40 pm.According to the New Times daily of Rwanda, Hon Kabahizi has over 30 years’ experience in governance, from various levels. He is no stranger to issues of governance, decentralization and rural development 

Formerly, the Governor of Western Province, Hon Kabahizi holds two degrees in economics and statistics.Hon Kabahizi did his first degree in statistics and then obtained another in economics in Rwanda before enrolling for a master’s degree in management development economics in 2002 in Germany.

The Member is multi-lingual with a good command of English, French and Swahili. He can fairly communicate in German as well.

Rwanda’s other eight EALA members are Hon Patricia Hajabakiga,  Hon Christophe Bazivamo, Hon Dr. James Ndahiro and  Hon Straton Ndikuryayo. Others are Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon Abdul Karim Harelimana, Hon Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo and Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema.

The House is expected to be adjourned this evening.   Tomorrow, Members shall attend a one-day Sensitization workshop on the East African Monetary Union (EAMU).

  Hon Celestin Kabahizi takes the Oath administered by the Deputy Clerk of EALA, Alex Obatre as Hon Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo looks on.

  CTI’s  report on the monetary union sails through the house

EALA yesterday debated and adopted the Report of the Committee on Communications, Trade and Investments (CTI) on the Consultative Workshop on the East African Monetary Union (EAMU). 

While the Assembly maintained that the EAMU was a defining moment for the integration process, it reiterated the need for the region to move with haste to fully implement the Customs Union and the Common Market Protocols. Full implementation of the two Pillars, the Assembly ascertains, will pave way for entry of the single currency. 

The Report presented by Hon Angela Kizigha, Chairperson of the CTI summed the findings of a Consultative Workshop held in September 9-11, 2013 in Kampala, Uganda.   The Kampala meeting was organized to acquaint Members with the state of play of the progress of EAMU with regards to negotiations, opportunities and challenges involved.

The Report states that once in place, the EAMU would promote and sustain a zone of sound monetary policy and prudent fiscal policies to reinforce EAC’s monetary policies.  The roadmap of the EAMU provides for its implementation over a ten year period, time within which, the single currency shall be realized.  At the same time, the exchange rate policy shall have a convergence phase and the conversion of exchange rates shall be formulated and irrevocably fixed by the Council of Ministers.

Ideally, the pre-requisites for the EAMU pre-suppose the implementation of the Customs Union and the Common Market, integration of financial systems, harmonization and co-ordination of statistics and macro-economic policy.  Other areas include the need to establish a mechanism for surveillance, compliance and enforcement, establishing an inflation ceiling of 8% and indicative criteria including fiscal deficit ceiling of 6%. 

The proposed institutional framework under the EAMU envisages the establishment of the East African Monetary Institute (EAMI), East African Central Bank as well as a number of institutions dealing with statistics, finance, surveillance and compliance. 

At debate time Hon James Ndahiro remarked that it was important for the Protocol to be comprehensive.   “The Committee responsible for finalization of the Monetary Union Protocol needs to meet and liaise closely with the policy leaders including the Ministers and the Economists in order to ensure a common position on sticky matters”, he said.

The legislator remarked that EAC needed to protect itself from external shocks and to avoid situations that were replica of what happened in the EU especially Greece and Spain.   “There are complex issues to deal with and this take time.  It is therefore necessary that we harmonise pre-requisites in time.  I am pleased the Protocol allows for three Partner States to progress at a given time and this shall not delay the Monetary Union,” he added.

Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro informed the House that the single currency was an important component of the Monetary Union capable of helping East Africans to realize their aspirations.  Hon Abdul Karim Harelimana was optimistic that the Monetary Union would be realized and suggested that at an appropriate time a unifying name for the currency be sought.  He further reckoned that all efforts were needed to address the issue of currency convertibility.

Hon Dan Kidega said the Committee had held discussions with technical persons and  experts who had enriched the process.  He remarked that the Principle of Variable Geometry was increasingly becoming an important component of the integration process. Hon Kidega called for better management of statistics so as to give a true and factual picture of the Monetary Union and thus enable the complexities to be demystified. 

EALA Adopts Audited Accounts report

 EALA has today debated and adopted the Report of the Committee on Audited Accounts. Debate on the Report which was presented to the House by the Chairperson of the Accounts Committee, Hon Straton Ndikuryayo last week on Thursday, was suspended by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa to allow Members to study it further.

The Report notes that currently, the EAC Secretary General has a minimal supervisory role over the EAC Institutions which include inter alia the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO), Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) and the Lake Victoria Environment Management Programme 11 (LVEMP11).  

It therefore calls for the amendment and harmonization of legal instruments to comply with the provisions of Article 67(3) of the EAC Treaty to allow for more engagement by the Secretary General.  At the same time, there is need to elevate the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit into a directorate and to further develop a strategy for monitoring of performance.

The Accounts Committee further reveals that the EAC has funding gaps owing to faulty funding mechanisms and recommends for the need to comply with the funding obligations in a timely fashion and manner.  The EAC Council of Ministers is further urged to direct the relevant EAC Organs to stop forthwith, the use of General Reserves unless,  otherwise approved by relevant authority.

Hon Ndikuryayo’s Report further delved into a number of financial and administrative issues including internal controls and accounting systems, review of ICTs and integrated systems and human resource management and offered various recommendations. 

The Report enumerates other concerns and the shortcomings, and cites poor assessment of accommodation needs and space and unsatisfactory finishes in some parts of the recently completed EAC Headquarters and the non- implementation of Treaty provisions.

On Resumption today, Members called for speedy completion of the institutional review and the full  implementation of the audit Reports.

Hon Yves Nsabimana said there was need for the Council to allocate EALA more time to review the Report of the Committee. He urged the House to request for an audit on investment and value for money issues in order to assess the feasibility of investments and decision making.

Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji lamented that insufficient funding and understaffing were factors that could hamper progress within the EAC.  The legislator urged the Council to urgently recruit the necessary staff.

She called for efforts to fight the water hyacinth currently choking East Africa to enable the waters of Lake Victoria to be useful to the citizens of the region.

Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema disclosed that the procedures of recruitment were lengthy and cumbersome.   “There are gaps currently occasioned by resignations and natural attrition but they are yet to be filled affecting the overall performance of the Community”, he noted.

Hon Susan Nakawukki said it was improper for the institutions to borrow from the gratuity fund for their own use and to repay back when Partner States fulfilled their obligations. The legislator cited the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) as one of the institutions borrowing from the said fund.   Hon Nakawuki urged the Inter-University Council of East Africa to improve its accounting operations and systems. 

The legislator indicated that institutional memory was absolutely key.   “Currently, the contracts of the Officers (Clerks) within the Office of the Clerk shall end at the same time and this may throw the Assembly into shambles.   We should consider performance based contracts where we can renew the contracts of those who have performed above expectations as opposed to the current fixed period of two- five year terms”, Hon Nakawuki stated.

 

Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana called for more scrutiny of the Organs and Institutions of the EAC. “The financial audit of any institution is actually the mirror and we must pay due diligence to this fact”, he remarked. He called on the Council of Ministers to elaborate on the position of EADB as an institution.   “I thought we as the Community need to have some ownership by way of finances as well”

The Counsel to the Community (CTC), Hon Wilbert Kaahwa, however reiterated that the EADB was an institution of the EAC and that the audit Committee could in fact, audit the Bank.  The CTC clarified that the EAC did not have any shareholding at the moment but that its Membership was based on the previous relationship (original EAC).

Also rising in support of the Motion was Hon Christophe Bazivamo, Hon Mike Sebalu, Hon Bernard Mulengani.

The Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine took cognizance of the recommendations of the Report and said the Council would spare no efforts to ensure they were implemented expeditiously.   On the Supervisory roles of the Secretary General as the Chief Accounting Officer, the Minister noted that all Institutions would henceforth furnish the Office of the Secretary General with periodic reports.

The Minister was categorical that all Partner States had been directed to submit all outstanding arrears by 31^st December 2013 in order to meet the funding gaps in some of the Institutions.  The Council he remarked had initiated a study for alternative financial mechanism.   Hon Bageine said his Council would further expedite the filling of vacant posts even as the Institutional Review progresses.  

On VAT refunds, the Minister assured the House that it had directed the EAC Secretariat, Organs and Institutions to liaise with the Ministries in the Partner States to acquire the tax exemption certificates.    He supported the use of uniform accounting software and maintained the integration system would be finalized by March 2014.

The Minister also said the Community was aware of future expansion plans and that the architectural drawings of the EAC Headquarters had taken the matter into consideration.

Education key for development in the region says Zziwa

 The Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa is calling for concerted efforts to improve the quality of education as a pre-cursor to the region’s development.  Rt. Hon Zziwa was speaking over the weekend at Kirera University in Gitega Province, Burundi, where she led EALA Members in Community day (Ibikorwa Rusangi) activities.

The Speaker commended the Government of Burundi for initiating free primary school education and noted that community participation in building schools had helped to contribute to enhance the number of schools resulting in improved education.

“That the local community has helped to contribute to the construction of the University here and that of many other schools is laudable.  Education leads to liberation and can help transform a society”, she remarked.  She informed the public that EALA would make its contribution in terms of monetary value to the project.

The 2^nd Vice President of Burundi, H.E. Gervais Rufyikiri remarked that the University which opens its doors for admission of students next year, was the inaugural one for the region. 

“We want to ensure the youth in the country have a chance to benefit from quality education”, the Vice President remarked.

In the same respect, the Vice President said Burundi was committed to creation of jobs and expansion of the opportunities to improve the lives of its citizens.

The Rector of the University, Prof Joseph Ntawuyankira, noted that the University would offer an array of courses beginning 2014.  “We shall offer Bachelor degrees in Commerce Studies, Telecommunications and Information and Environment Sciences among others” the Rector disclosed.

The University has been built entirely by the Community at the cost of 1 Billion Burundian francs and is situate on a 25 acre piece of land donated by the Government. The EALA Members later visited the Karera Falls and the source of the Nile in Gitaba before returning to Bujumbura.  The EALA Plenary enters its second and final week beginning today.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa gestures as she presents the EAC flag to the Rector of the Kirera University, Prof Joseph Ntawuyankira as other EALA Members look on.

EALA Stataes Assembly further condoles with Republic of Kenya following the Westgate attack

The push to defer the criminal cases against the President and the Deputy President of Kenya today received overwhelming support from the East African Legislative Assembly. The Assembly has passed a Resolution in support of the position adopted by the African Union at its extra-ordinary meeting of the Summit held in Addis Ababa on October 12, 2013.

The Resolution moved by Hon Christophe Bazivamo and seconded by Hon Mike Sebalu was emphatic that the ICC needs to defer the cases against the Kenyan leaders for the period that they shall be in office.

In the same respect, the Assembly has implored the Summit of the EAC Heads of State to establish a Court with criminal jurisdiction at which the Kenyan cases should be referred to and that it caters for future criminal cases of a similar nature.

The Resolution avers that whilst President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Deputy President, H.E. William Ruto have pending cases, they have a constitutional mandate to execute by virtue of their respective offices. “Their very absence while attending trial is thus not compatible with the principle of service to the people of Kenya”, the Resolution reads in part.

The Resolution states that the Constitution of Kenya makes provision for the protection of the President or person performing the said functions from criminal proceedings during their tenure of office.

The mover of the Resolution further notes that the EAC Summit of Heads of State, the Kenyan National Assembly and the Senate have shown unequivocal support for the deferral as has been the case from most African leaders.

During debate, Hon Patricia Hajabakiga said nobody could take away the responsibility of the two elected leaders to rule.  “I do not support impunity but the ICC has not been fair to Africans she said. We are not second-class citizens”, she added.

Hon Mumbi Ngaru said it was important for the case of the third accused, Joshua Arap Sang to deferred as well.  In as much as the chorus: Don’t be Vague, go to the Hague is still fresh in our minds, it is humiliating "I stand by the President and Deputy President while maintaining that the Post Election Violence was a moment of madness and that our dilemma in the Hague today was self-inflicted. She stated that there was a new Constitution which promoted peace". she remarked.

Hon Joseph Kiangoi remarked that the mandate of the Presidency was handed over by the citizens of the country. “It is unacceptable that a Head of State should be facing trial in a foreign land” he noted.  “What we are calling for now is deferment to alleviate the suffering of the Kenyan people at the moment”.

Hon Susan Nakawuki supported the motion saying although the ICC had granted the permission to miss out on some sessions, deferment at this point in time was still fundamental.

Hon Mukasa Mbidde however opposed the motion on the basis that it was practically impossible to defer the case for a period of more than 12 months. As a matter of fact, the ‘indicted persons’ were later elected President and Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya.

“At the moment, there is no Court that has jurisdiction to try such cases even after EALA passed a Motion in that direction.   Even non-state parties can be tried in the ICC such as the Darfur matter”, he said.

The Chair of the Council of Ministers Hon Shem Bageine however said the cases need withdrawal all together.

Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro said the will of majority of Kenyans needed to be respected.

Others in support of the motion were Hon Saoli Ole Nkanae, Hon AbuBakr Ogle, Hon Peter Mathuki and Hon Sarah Bonaya.

Last Year (April 2012), EALA passed a motion urging the ICC to refer the Kenyan cases related to the post 2007-2008 election violence to the East African Court of Justice for hearing and final determination.  With that, EALA has resolved that the Council of Ministers further submits the resolutions to the 10^th Extra-Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State sitting on 28th April, 2012 to amend Article 27 of the EAC Treaty. Amendment of the Article shall provide jurisdiction to the EACJ giving it retrospective effect, the Assembly stated.

The Deputy President, H.E. William Samoei Ruto is currently at the Hague together with journalist Joshua arap Sang as the trial continues.

Meanwhile, the Assembly has today urged the EAC Council of Ministers to expedite the establishment and ratification of a regional mechanism for the effective implementation of decisions made in peace and security.    In the regard, EALA moved a Resolution to condole with the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya following the tragic loss of lives at the recent Westgate mall attack.

The motion moved by Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana notes that agents of terror had the agenda of perpetrating grievous mayhem in the Partner States including killings, maiming and traumatizing harmless and innocent people.  It notes that peace, security and strong political relations are critical factors in creating a conducive environment for regional co-operation and integration.   

The motion thus condemned in the strongest terms possible the Westgate attack where more than 60 shoppers, staff and soldiers were killed.  The attack, allegedly occasioned by al-Shabab saw over 200 persons injured and properties worth millions of dollars damaged.

The Resolution paid special tribute to the gallant soldiers, the General Security Unit (GSU), and the police for putting their lives on the hook so that victims of the siege could live.   It named the medical and rescue teams for working tirelessly to save lives.

Hon Mike Sebalu said it was important for EALA to associate with any Partner State at a time of need and called for concerted efforts to ensure peace prevailed. “The response of Kenyans to the attack was unifying with citizens putting Kenya first. Leaders regardless of political affiliation joined the Head of State and this was commendable”, the legislator stated.

Hon Emerence Bucumi noted that the region has continuously suffered from terrorism. “We must rise together and jointly confront the ugly acts of terrorism”, Hon Bucumi noted.

Hon Dr. James Ndahiro remarked that Partner States had agreed under Article 5 of the Treaty to jointly purge terrorism and called for development of a sustainable mechanism to stem the terrorist groups in the region and internationally.

Also rising in support was Hon Abdul Karim Harelimana who called for immediate preventive measures including the Peace and Security Protocol, Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji, Hon Taslima Twaha, Hon Hafsa Mossi and Hon Maryam Ussi Yahya. Others were Hon Benard Mulengani and Hon Pierre C. Rwigema.   

The Chair of the Council of EAC Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine affirmed that the Peace and Security Protocol was already signed and is currently undergoing ratification.  “I wish to confirm that there is collaboration between the Partner States now in various areas in peace and security matters”, the Minister added.

Earlier on, the Assembly debated on the Report of the Committee on Accounts on the Audited Accounts of the EAC for the year ended June 2012.  The Report was presented by the Chairperson of the Accounts Committee, Hon Straton Ndikuryayo. 

Debate on the Report was suspended by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa to allow Members to study it further. The Report shall now be deliberated when Parliament resumes on Tuesday next week.

Tomorrow, EALA Members shall meet with the officials of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to take stock of matters related to conflict in the region.

Hon Mumbi Ngaru makes a point during the debate on the Kenyan ICC cases at the Burundi National Assembly.

President Kenyatta calls for Strong Regional Academia-Private Sector partnership

His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya has called for development of a strong academia-private sector partnerhsip with the support of the East African Community (EAC) governments for the realization of the regional aspirations.

 

“Such a partnership is critical for ensuring that the private sector, as a major employer of human resources from higher education institututions,contributes to curriculum development and delivery processes, as well as research and innovation programmes in our academic institutions,” he said when opening the two-day second Academia-Private Forum and Exhibitions in Nairobi at the Kenyata International Conference Centre, 24 October, 2013.

 

President Kenyatta, whose speech was read by Hon. Phyllis Kandie, Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of EAC Affairs,Commerce and Tourism, pointed out that by doing so, the private would ensure the development of skilful,adaptive,competent and enterprising human and capital capable of meeting its needs.

 

“This has the potential to stimulate socio-economic development of the region,” he underscored, adding that the acdemia-private sector partnership would inspire creativity and boost entrepreneurship among young people across the region as they pursue their studies.

 

H.E President Kenyatta said: “This means our graduates will leave university well equipped to spearhead our industrialization; they will come out job creators and not job seekers.”

 

He also urged harmonisation of higher education and training systems in the region that would allow young East Africans to study in a university of their choice and allow for cross border movement of graduates.

 

The acting Chairman of the EAC Council of Ministers Hon. Prof. Tarsis Bazana Kabwegyere from Uganda  commended efforts made by the East Africa’s Academia and Private sector to give a spin to the education sytem and make it contemporary.

 

“This is among efforts by East Africans to turn our economies and education to much higher levels and turn the region productive and prosperous,” he said.

 

The EAC Secretary General Amb.Dr Richard Sezibera  said that the dialogue between academia and private sector was critical for transforming the region into sustainable knowledge-based economy.

 

“There is a sense of urgency for this agenda.We are at historic junction in Africa’s march to socio-economic development,” he said, adding that East Africa must seize the moment to lift millions of its citizens out of abject poverty.

 

“We cannot afford to remain in the deceptive cacoons of low expectations,dreamt markets and parochial national concerns,” he cautioned.

 

He also said that EAC should value its scientists and their important role in transforming our latent potential into tangible common benefits.

 

The Chairman of the East African Business Council (EABC) Mr Vimal Shah assured the meeting that the private sector was committed to getting involved in the development of curricula, supporting research and also commercialising the research output and innovations.

 

“The private sector has for a long time lamented the paucity of right skills among workers, especially the graduates being churned by the local universities. This will now come to an end,” he said in his speech read on his behalf by EABC Director Jim Kabeho.

 

The Execuitve Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa, Prof Mayunga Nkunya, informed that the idea of Academia-Private Sector was mooted in 2011 after realizing the need to provide the point of connection between knowledge/human resources and the private sector.

The First edition of the East African Higher Education Forum was held 24th – 26th October 2012 in Arusha, Tanzania. At the end of this Forum, resolutions focused on consolidating the IUCEA and EABC partnership by providing sustainability mechanisms. 

In this regard, EABC and IUCEA developed a medium term plan of action to guide implementation of the resolutions and recommendations, to be undertaken under the auspices of EAC. Among the items in the plan of action agreed upon was to organize a regional academia and private sector partnership forum and exhibitions on an annual basis, on rotation among the EAC Partner States.