Clerks from East African Community (EAC) legislatures have appealed for increased financial support to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Secretariat, citing the need for resources to ensure effective operations.
The call was led by Kenyan National Assembly Deputy Clerk, Jeremiah Ndombi, who urged member countries to institutionalize consistent support for EALA.
“The EALA Secretariat is currently in a challenging situation. They need financial and manpower support to efficiently serve the regional Assembly,” said Ndombi.
He further encouraged member states to maintain their commitment to supporting EALA, adding, “Let us not tire in supporting the EALA Secretariat. We should consistently supplement their commendable work.”
Ndombi’s remarks came during the EAC Clerks meeting at Nairobi’s Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel, which serves as a precursor to the 18th meeting of the Bureau of Speakers of the EAC, scheduled for Wednesday.
EALA Deputy Clerk, John Mutega, informed attendees that staff salaries for October had not yet been paid, highlighting the financial strain the Secretariat faces.
Ndombi expressed his vision of a united East African state and emphasized the role of the EAC Speaker’s Bureau in achieving this.
“I would love to see a united EAC with one anthem that brings the States under one umbrella,” he said, extending gratitude to colleagues from member states for their ongoing support.
Representing the Kenyan Senate, Deputy Clerk Mohamed Ali, standing in for Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye, welcomed the honour of hosting the Speaker’s Bureau meeting in Kenya.
“On behalf of Clerk Nyegenye, I commend the EAC Legislature Clerks for their commitment to advancing the Bureau’s agenda, and I assure you of our continued support,” he said.
As technical officers of their assemblies, the Clerks play a vital role in preparing working documents and agendas for the Bureau meetings.
The upcoming Bureau of Speakers meeting will gather leaders from National Parliaments, Senates, and EALA to discuss pressing regional integration issues.
Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Tulia Ackson, Speaker of the Tanzanian Parliament, will chair the session, with an expected handover of leadership to the host, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula of Kenya.
The Bureau serves as a key platform to advance parliamentary roles in legislation, oversight, and representation within the region.
It also advises the EAC Heads of State Summit on parliamentary matters, meeting annually with a rotating Chairperson. South Sudan hosted the last meeting.
The agenda will also cover preparations for the upcoming EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, with speakers reviewing readiness for the championship during the session.
The Bureau of EAC Speakers has been instrumental in bolstering the role of national assemblies in driving the region’s integration.
By Beth Nyaga –