East African Community Secretariat; Kigali, Rwanda; 24 May 2017:
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Rt. Hon Anastase Murekezi said the EAC Member States, need to continue working as one team by harmonising policies that will boost the manufacturing sector in the region.
Rt. Hon Murekezi who was the chief guest at the official opening of the 2nd East African Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition (EAMBS 2017) at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda said ‘’The Collective action and harmonised policies will help the region to manage the consequences of economic growth as we work to stimulate the manufacturing sector”.
He disclosed to the summit that to date, the average contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP of EAC is about 10%. It is planned that this contribution will reach 25% by 2032. It is also expected that by the same year 2032, EAC will have diversified the manufacturing base and raised the value of the local content of manufactured exports to at least 40% from the currently estimated value of 8%.
To be able to achieve these targets, EAC must focus on full implementation of the Common Market Protocol as well as on value addition for export products. Therefore, the EAC Industrialization Strategy and its Action Plan cannot simply be shelved documents. They must guide all our policy actions and deliver results, said Prime Minister
The Prime Minister also urged the region to promote Intra- African Trade by deepening Africa’s market Integration and significantly increasing the volumes of trade that African Countries undertake among themselves. ‘’As EAC Partner States, we should embrace the COMESA, EAC and SADC Tripartite Agenda which will open up a much wider market for our goods’’
Rt. Hon Murekezi reiterated the importance of the Private Sector as the engine of the transformation in manufacturing sector and called for all participants attending 2nd East African Manufacturing and Business Summit to use their experience and skills to advise EAC on how our region can better engage with the Private Sector to leverage higher levels of investment in manufacturing.
In his part, Rwanda Minister of Trade, Industry and EAC Affairs, Hon François Kanimba informed the participants that EAC Industrialisation Policy provide an avenue to promote the competitiveness of the modern industrial sector by placing strength on diversifying manufacturing base, improving capacity, developing a strong Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) manufacturing sector and boosting exports of manufactured goods.
“I believe that this is the right time for stronger partnerships to be forged amongst various partners especially among the public and private sectors and member states but also the EAC and our fellow Regional Economic Communities. Let us therefore seize this moment and translate the political will prevailing in the EAC region into tangible results. ‘’
Addressing the same occasion, the EAC Secretary General, Amb Liberat Mfumukeko said that the region have the geographical and comparative advantage in terms of resource endowments in form of minerals, oils, gases and agricultural commodities, which are the key ingredients for manufacturing. We are also creating competitive advantage by developing infrastructure i.e. our road network; railway network; sea and lake ports; air transport and Information and Communications Technology, added Amb Mfumukeko.
The Secretary General called for private sector to steadfastly work with the government of EAC Partner States to identify industrial sectors where targeted support is required so as to unlock their growth and developmental potential. He urged the Partner States government to be keen in creating enabling environment for competitive investment in the region.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, called for sustainable investment in an integrated manner in the region and noted that EAC was the gateway for Africa. Dr Kituyi said the region needs to model itself to the realities of the market; otherwise it will be left behind on the global market.
The Executive Director of the East African Business Council Ms. Lilian Awinja said for the region to become a middle income economy, or even to achieve Industrialization by year 2032, the manufacturing sector should be given the due attention it deserves, in terms of setting up a conducive environment for the manufacturing sector to continue to grow, prosper and become competitive within and outside the region.
She called for the EAC region to formulate Regional Local Content Policy with the aim of boosting the domestic value-add in the region.
Over 300 top executives in the manufacturing and agri-business sectors, high-ranking policy and decision makers, as well as leading financial institutions from Africa and beyond are participating in the 2nd East African Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition themed ‘’Harnessing the Manufacturing Potential for Sustainable Economic Growth in East Africa ‘’
The EAMBS 2017 is being organized by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the East African Business Council, the host Government of Rwanda and other EAC Partner States with the support of Development Partners.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly; Tanzania; 19 May 2017:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) holds its sitting in Arusha, Tanzania, next week. The Sixth Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Third Assembly takes place from Monday, May 22nd, 2017 to Thursday, June 1st, 2017.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega, shall preside over the Sitting. Significantly, this is the last Sitting for the 3rd Assembly, whose life and tenure ends on June 4th, 2017.
A number of issues are to be deliberated on at this Sitting. The key highlights include the reading of the EAC Budget Speech for the Financial Year 2017/18 and consideration of 2 key Bills, the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill, 2016 and the EAC Polythene and Materials Control Bill, 2016.
The Budget Speech for the Financial Year 2017/18, is expected to be delivered by the Council of Ministers on Thursday, May 25th, 2017, by the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers. Last Year in June, EALA debated and passed the 2016/17 Budget totaling $101,374,589. The 2016/2017 Budget themed Towards Full Implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol and Enhancing the Implementation of the Monetary Union Protocol was a drop down from USD $110,660,098 presented to the House in the previous Financial Year. It prioritized on the full implementation of the EAC Single Customs Territory, enhanced implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol and interconnectivity of border immigration systems.
This Sitting shall also debate on the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Bill, 2016. The Bill moved by Hon Dr Odette Nyiramilimo, anticipates provision of legal framework for matters relating to sexual and reproductive health, to protect children, adolescents and young children from sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation.
The EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2016 on its part, moved by Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga, aims at providing a legal framework for the preservation of a clean and healthy environment through the prohibition of manufacturing, sale, importation and use of polythene materials. The Bill was re-introduced during the Sitting held in August 2016 in Arusha, Tanzania.
The Session marks the end of the 3rd Assembly with a new Assembly expected to be sworn in on June 4th, 2017. EALA is the regional Legislative Assembly of the East African Community. Under Chapter 9 of the Treaty, EALA is mandated with core functions of Legislation, approval of the EAC budget, Representation and Oversight.
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For more information, please contact:
Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 17 May 2017:
The EAC Secretariat, East African Business Council, the Government of Rwanda and other Partner States are finalizing preparations for the 2nd East African Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition (EAMBS) to be held in Kigali, Rwanda from 23rd to 25th May, 2017.
Over 300 top executives in the manufacturing and agri-business sectors, high-ranking policy and decision makers, as well as leading financial institutions from Africa and beyond have already confirmed their participation.
H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, has been invited to grace the official opening ceremony of the Summit.
Other high level dignitaries expected to attend include: Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, the EAC Secretary General; as well as line Ministers from all EAC Partner States, who shall engage the private sector on critical steps needed to leverage higher levels of investment in manufacturing.
Dr. Reginald Mengi, the Executive Chairman of the IPP Media Group Tanzania (Ltd), Mr. Ali Mufuruki, Chairman & CEO, Infotech Investment Group LTD, Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga, CEO, Kenya Association of Manufacturers are among the private sector heavyweights who have confirmed their participation in the Summit.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, the EAC Deputy Secretary General, in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, said the EAMBS offers an important platform for governments in the region to engage the private sector on critical steps needed to leverage higher levels of investment in manufacturing.
“The private sector, on its part, is expected to use the Summit to advocate for the acceleration of industrial reforms aimed at improving the investment climate in the EAC strategic sectors,” added Hon Bazivamo.
Hon. Bazivamo said that the EAC region has already identified strategic areas for industrial development in the region that bear comparative advantages and where significant private sector investment is needed to unlock potentials.
Hon Bazivamo disclosed that the EAMBS would put a special emphasis on the role of diaspora investors and will come up with special provisions on how they can be attracted to invest in the region.
The 2nd EAMBS will among other comprise the following sessions:
Manufacturing in the EAC Region, Public and Private Sector perspective;
The EAC Treaty and its’ protocols, objectives vis-à-vis reality;
Long-Term and Innovative Financing for the Manufacturing Sector & the Participation of the Diaspora;
The Role of EAC Governments in Promoting Local Content with a focus on Iron, Steel, Mining and Construction Materials;
High level dialogue on the Manufacturing—Trade nexus in the EAC;
Improved Competitiveness through skills and innovation;
Partners Roundtable /Financing to support Industrialization; and
Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: “Growing EAC’s nascent pharmaceutical industry.
The EAMBS is being organized by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the East African Business Council, the host Government of Rwanda and other EAC Partner States with the support of Development Partners.
Registration
For further Information or Registration Attendance, Exhibition or Sponsorship please contact:
Mrs. Angelika Farhan-Reimpell, Business Development Manager, East Africa Business Council (EABC) afarhan[at]eabc-online.com and manufacturingsummit[at]eabc-online.com)
OR
Ms. Jennifer Gache, Senior Industrial Engineer, EAC Secretariat gache[at]eachq.org
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 17 May 2017:
The European Union (EU) will continue to offer its assistance, to the best of its abilities, to the East African Community (EAC).
The Head of the EU Delegation to Tanzania and the EAC, Amb. Roeland Van de Geer, said that over the seven year period from 2014 to 2020, the EU and the EAC were addressing key challenges in East Africa by jointly implementing an ambitious development programme through the 85 million Euro 11th European Development Fund.
Amb. Van de Geer further said that, in addition, EU Member states were also making available considerable amounts in development support to the EAC.
“However important aid may be, trade and investment are crucial for a better future for all East Africans,” said the envoy.
Amb. Van de Geer said the EU would continue to partner with the EAC in development cooperation and the promotion of peace, security and democracy in the East African region.
He noted that the two blocs had witnessed increased cooperation over the past two decades, adding that the wide ranging cooperation would continue in the political, economic and developmental fields.
Amb. Van de Geer was addressing guests during a cocktail event to mark the Europe Day 2017 at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
He acknowledged that despite many years of unprecedented economic growth, Europe today suffers from serious economic difficulties.
“Difficult as the times may be, our Union, built on solidarity and on the strong commitment to peace and development, see these tough times as an opportunity for change, improvement and reform. Our collective European response is a new level of joint economic governance intended to speed up economic recovery, thus contributing to global improvement,” he said, adding that there was a silver lining to these challenges.
“Europe is not turning inwards; on the contrary, the current situation calls for well-coordinated and determined international action and narrow cooperation with our partners worldwide, in Asia, the Americas, Oceania and certainly also in Africa, the continent to which Europe feels so closely connected,” said Amb. Van de Geer.
In his remarks, EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said that the EU provides good lessons to the EAC on the integration journey.
Amb. Mfumukeko said the EAC was particularly keen to learn from the EU on how it had managed crises such as war, poverty and disease over the years.
The event was attended by EAC staff, the business community and members of the diplomatic community in Arusha.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 16 May 2017:
The 18th Ordinary East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit has been set for the 20th May, 2017, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Top on the agenda is the consideration of EU-EAC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and Sustainable Financing Mechanism for the Community. The Summit will also consider the status of the EAC Political Federation, the appointment of a Deputy Secretary General from the Tanzania, the appointment of a Judge from South Sudan to the First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice.
The Summit will also receive a report on the roadmap for the accelerated integration of South Sudan into the EAC, and consider progress report on the implementation framework for the EAC Institutional Review.
Also on the agenda are: a progress report on the verification exercise for the admission of the Republic of Somalia into the EAC; a report on the modalities for promotion of motor vehicle assembly in the region and to reduce the importation of used motor vehicles from outside the Community, and; a report on the review on the textile and leather sector with a view to phasing out importation of used textiles and footwear.
The Summit will consider assenting to Bills passed by the East African Legislative Assembly and will also present awards to the winners of the EAC Students Essay, 2016. The Summit will also declare the transformation of the EAC into a Common Higher Education Area.
The Summit is being preceded by the 34th Extraordinary Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers that is currently underway at the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel from today 16th to 18th May, 2017.
Media Alert
All Local and Foreign Journalists intending to cover the 34th Extraordinary Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers and the 18th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State are alerted that the Accreditation Process will be done at the Maelezo offices (Tanzania Information Services-TIS) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 15 May 2017:
The Tripartite Task Force Infrastructure Sub-Committee meeting to consider progress of projects and programmes under the Infrastructure Pillar of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (FTA) concluded on 12th May, 2017 in Arusha, Tanzania.
The two-day meeting chaired by the Director of Infrastructure at the EAC Secretariat, Dr Kamugisha Kazaura was attended by the representative from Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the host EAC.
Delivering his opening remarks on behalf of the Secretary General, Dr Kazaura, appreciated the support from the EU for funding the Tripartite Transport and Transit Facilitation Project (TTTFP) from the EDF 11 funding cycle for the next five years. The support will go a long way in facilitating harmonization of the transport standards, regulatory frameworks and specifications in the Eastern and Southern African Region.
The representative of SADC, Mr. Lovemore Bingandadi, thanked the EAC for convening the meeting and reiterated SADC’s commitment to work with COMESA and EAC to accelerate the implementation of the Tripartite Infrastructure programmes.
On his part, Mr. Bernard Dzawanda from COMESA, pledged to work with the other RECs in the implementation of the Tripartite Infrastructure programmes. He lauded the EAC for enacting regional legislation that made it easier for Partner States to implement regional policies and standards and called for replication of the practice across all Tripartite RECs.
The meeting discussed the progress in the implementation of the Tripartite Infrastructure Projects and Programmes in the areas of Tripartite Transport and Facilitation Programme, Corridors Infrastructure Development, Civil Aviation, Maritime Transport, Ports, ICT and Energy. The Tripartite RECs and Member States have developed Tripartite Transport and Transit Facilitation Programme (TTTFP) which has received funding amounting to 18 million Euros under the 11th EDF.
Implementation of the programme is expected to commence in July 2017. It was noted that the lack of an integrated and liberalized road transport market in the East and Southern African (EA-SA) region poses numerous obstacles to trade by causing severe delays and increased transport costs, as well as challenges to road safety and durability. This programme (which builds on previous REC programs) addresses these challenges through the implementation of harmonized road transport policies, laws, regulations, systems and standards that affect drivers, loads, vehicles and road infrastructure in the countries of the EA-SA region.
All REC’s forming the Tripartite have prioritized the development of corridors to facilitate transit transport and expand trade within and between the respective regions.
In the Civil Aviation Sub Sector, the meeting noted that the Tripartite is currently playing the key role in the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision and establishment of a single African Air Transport Market as adopted by the African Union Assembly in January 2015. The full liberalization in the Tripartite region will lead to the removal of all restrictions on access, price, frequency and capacity in intra-African Air Transport market, free exercise of the first five freedom rights and the reduction of Air Transport Cost.
The report of the Tripartite Task force Infrastructure Sub-Committee meeting will be considered by the Tripartite Sectoral Committee of Ministers of Infrastructure (TSCMI) scheduled in July 2017.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 09 May 2017:
East African Community Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko has sent a message of condolence to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency John Pombe Magufuli, following the demise of 35 people including 32 students in a road accident near Arusha last Saturday.
In his message, Amb. Mfumukeko on behalf of the EAC and on his own behalf expressed his heartfelt condolences to the President, the bereaved families, relatives and friends of those who perished in the accident, the Government and the people of Tanzania.
Amb. Mfumukeko said it was unfortunate the students and their teachers met their untimely end while in the noble pursuit of knowledge.
The Secretary General said the Community would continue to work together with all Partner States to improve transport infrastructure and road safety throughout the region.
“The entire East African Community and I share with Your Excellency, the bereaved families, the Government and the people of Tanzania, the feelings of great loss at this moment of sorrow. May God rest the souls of the departed in eternal peace.”
The 32 pupils of Lucky Vincent English-Medium School in Arusha, their two teachers and the driver of the bus died when the vehicle crashed into a roadside gorge along the Arusha-Karatu road on Saturday morning.
A national funeral was held for the deceased persons at the Sheikh Abeid Karume Stadium in Arusha on Monday. The government delegation at the funeral was headed by Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 26 April 2017:
The East African Community Secretariat significantly reduced traveling expenses over the 10-months period running from May 2016 – February 2017 compared to a similar period from May 2015 – February 2016.
EAC Travel expenditures fell to US$ 9.1 million in the period ending February 2017 compared to US$ 12.5 million the previous financial year, a drop of US$ 3.4 million.
EAC travel expenditure includes air tickets for EAC Staff, air tickets for Partner States’ delegates and other participants at EAC meetings, and Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for EAC Staff, Partner States delegates and other participants in EAC meetings.
Making the disclosure, EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said that some of the most significant cost reductions were in expenditure on air tickets which dropped by US$ 456,491 and air tickets for Partner States’ delegates and other participants to EAC meetings which declined by US$ 408,273.
The Secretary General said that DSA for EAC Staff from also plunged from US$ 4.5 to million to US$ 3.2 million over the same period, a difference of US$ 1.36 million.
Expenditure on DSA for Delegates to EAC meetings went down from US$ 4.4 million to US$ 3.5 million, a drop of US$ 1.05 million.
Also worth noting is that the EAC overall Travel budget has declined significantly over the past three financial years. The Community’s travel budget was US$ 28.1 million in the 2014/2015 Financial Year; US$ 28.0 million in the 2015/2016 Financial Year, and; declined significantly to US$ 21 million in the 2016/2017 Financial Year.
The Secretariat has since April 2016 been undergoing administrative and institutional reforms aimed at cutting down on costs and reducing wastage in its expenditure.
The ongoing reforms have helped the Community to adapt to the reduction of its travel budget and to the overall financial constraints it has been facing.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly; Arusha, Tanzania; 09 May 2017:
EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega has sent a message of condolence to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania H.E. Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, following the tragic weekend accident in Karatu District, Arusha, that claimed lives of over 30 children.
The pupils and teaching staff from St Lucky Vincent School in Arusha perished on Saturday morning when the minibus they were travelling in, veered off the road and plunged in to a river in Rhotia area, Karatu, under rainy conditions.
In his message, Rt Hon. Kidega, who is away on official duties, termed the tragic accident a national tragedy.
“Death has robbed the United Republic of Tanzania and the region at large of young pupils who had a great and promising future. I am indeed saddened by this national tragedy”, the condolence message read in part.
“The Assembly and I condole with the families and relatives of those who lost their loved ones and pray to the Almighty God to grant all comfort at this hour of grief”, the Speaker said.
The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E Samia Suluhu Hassan, led government, leaders of all walks of life, as well as thousands of Arusha residents to pay last respects to the demised at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, where the public farewell took place.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036| Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
East African Legislative Assembly; Arusha, Tanzania; 25 April 2017:
EALA late last week commenced on its last leg of sensitisation activities for the Financial Year 2016/17 in the Partner States.
The twelve-day activity which started on April 20th, 2017, is premised on the theme; EAC Integration Agenda: Accessing the Gains. The sensitisation phase hopes to bring EAC citizens up to speed on the overall integration process, promote liaison with EAC National Assemblies and key stakeholders and create awareness among the populace on the gains and challenges of integration. It also seeks to enhance mutual relationships between EALA and the citizens of the region. Each EALA Chapter shall engage with different stakeholders in-country. The stakeholders include institutions of learning, Member of Parliaments, civil society and private sector representatives, media and the border communities among others. The Ministry responsible for EAC Affairs in each Partner State is coordinating the activity.
This is the third and last sensitization activity to be carried out by the 3rd Assembly before its tenure ends in June 2017. EALA held two other phases of sensitization in the Partner States in April and June 2016 respectively.
The Assembly in August 2016 debated and adopted the sensitization report of the last activity. The Sensitisation report presented by Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, Chair of EALA Rwanda Chapter, was a culmination of outreach and sensitisation activities carried out in the Partner States by the various country Chapters of EALA in June 2016.
EALA’s Sensitisation activities, emanate from the policy guidance by the Summit of EAC Heads of State and the decision by the Assembly’s Commission to reach out to the people of East Africa as part of its mandate on representation, on the one side. On the other, the move is in accordance with EALA’s Strategic Plan (2013-2018) that is based on a people-centered approach.
The Assembly is of the view that the region would totally benefit if the Common Market Protocol is fully embraced. Members have further underscored the importance of sensitisation saying if the citizens are informed, then full integration is bound to be achieved.
The legislators have urged the House to ensure sensitisation is institutionalised in the calendar of activities of EALA and rooted for use of Kiswahili as a key language that bonds and enables citizens of the region to communicate effectively and efficiently.
At the same time, the Assembly has also recommended that the EAC Anthem and the flag should go hand in hand with respective national ones (flags) at all times.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
