East African Legislative Assembly; Kigali, Rwanda; 15 March 2017: The regional Assembly is calling on the EAC bloc to work closely with cross border pastoral communities to ensure the proactive and effective implementation of the Common Market Protocol.
At the same time, it is anticipated that effective operationalization of One Stop Border Post (OSBP) in the Namanga frontier shall ease trade in the area and specifically in the border areas of Longido, Tanzania and Kajiado, Kenya.
The House yesterday unanimously passed a Report of the Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution on the Public hearing on Pastoral Communities on Longido in Tanzania and Kajiado in Kenya on the implementation of the Common Market Protocol projects. The report presented to the House by Hon. Mike Sebalu follows a Public Hearing by the Committee on the Pastoral Maasai Communities of Longido in Tanzania and Kajiado in Kenya on February 19-27, 2017, in the context of the Common Market Protocol.
The assessment was a follow up of the fact-finding mission earlier conducted by the Assembly’s Committee on Pastoralists living in Kapenguria and Kacheliba in Kenya and Nakapiripirit in North Eastern Uganda, in May 2012.
The Committee examined the free movement of persons in the pastoral communities as it sought to understand the level of security among pastoral communities. It further sought to identify the challenges faced by pastoralists in the context of the Common Market Protocol; and the problems thereto.
In its findings, the Committee observed that the two cross border pastoral communities of Longido, Tanzania and Kajiado, Kenya, are interrelated by blood and marriage. Essentially, the report depicts the Maasai speaking people transcend the Tanzania and Kenya borders thus share a cosmology and history that predates colonial experience.
One of the negative impacts of the Berlin Conference, the report states, is the interference and interruption of family and cultural ties of the Maasai that occupy the Longido and Kajiado plains.
“This is the historical context under which the Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution undertook the oversight visit to the Maasai communities living on both sides of the Namanga border”, a section of the report states.
The report calls for proactive measures when it comes to providing rapid response, investigation and dispute resolution at community level.
According to analysts, pastoralism is a viable livelihood for a considerable population of East Africans, for over a century now. However, pastoralists have suffered prejudicial treatment reinforced by discriminatory laws and state policies. Developmental interventions in pastoral areas have been characterized by ignorance about pastoralists and the pastoral system.
The Committee’s report further states that many developmental projects have failed in pastoral areas because of stereotypical views held by those in authority (development agencies, NGOs and CSOs). Pastoral areas today are characterized by poverty, lack of economic opportunities, conflicts, low education and poor infrastructure.
The report also states in part that Namanga OSBP did not make provisions for livestock trade and still restricts trade in livestock.
The report observes that a majority of stakeholders on the Tanzanian side of the border lack sufficient knowledge on the operations of the EAC Common Market.
“Most of them thought of an existence of a big market under one roof where people meet for trading purposes”, the report says in part.
Stakeholders at Longido (Tanzanian side) expressed concern about the issue of special passage fee charged per head of cattle transiting on private parcels of land and or boreholes while taking them to the market at the Kaijado County on the Kenyan side.
On the reverse, stakeholders and pastoral communities on the Kenyan side lamented about the challenges encountered, including high population growth rates, encroachment of crop farming on grazing lands, privatization of rangelands and resultant land grabbing as well as insecure land tenure and environmental degradation.
Other challenges faced include conflicts (violent/arms), climate change and variability, unsound development and unfavourable trade policies biased in favour of crops. At the same time, the report cites cheap cows and or beef from Tanzania leading to distortion of prices, ineffectiveness of pastoral traditional risk management strategies, increased food insecurity and poverty levels among pastoralists.
During debate, Hon. Dora Byamukama noted that infrastructure had been enhanced on both sides of the border and said this was a good move aimed at enhancing trade and the integration process. “There is also a good foundation and every reason for the communities living at the border to speed up integration. The people are already moving and integrating”, she said.
“Policy makers must do their part to ensure we realise the objectives of integration”, Hon. Byamukama added.
Hon. Martin Ngoga said the communities living at the border points were ahead of the technocrats when it comes to enabling movement, mutual support to each other and business.
“In future planning, we should think of joint sensitisation programmes and joint on-spot assessments so we can understand the issues together and understand integration”, Hon Ngoga said.
Hon. Sarah Bonaya said women were key stakeholders in the pastoralists communities since they were the home makers. Hon. Bonaya remarked that the vast lands the communities owned and inherited were no longer tenable due to the increase in investments among other things.
“It is time the Communities began looking at cottage industries including other value addition initiatives as alternatives”, she said.
Others who raised support during debate were Hon. Susan Nakawuki, Hon. AbuBakr Ogle and Hon. Dr Nderakindo Kessy.
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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 Court of Justice; Arusha, Tanzania; 15 March 2017: The First Instance Division heard an Application filed by Castro Pius Shirima a Tanzanian resident against the EAC Partner States and the Secretary General. The Applicant is seeking the Court’s order for stay of signing the European Partnership Agreement (EPA). According to the status of the Partner States on the signing of EPA, the Counsels representing the Respondents confirmed that the Republics of Kenya and Rwanda have signed the Agreement. And Kenya has even ratified. However they are asking Court to order the 2 Partner States stay any other pending procedures.
The Applicant’s agent Mr. Moto Matiko Mabanga, submitted that, it is very clear that Kenya and Rwanda have signed the EPA, however they also have to come to an agreement with other EAC Partner States to sign one single document of the Agreement. He also said that the Republic of South Sudan as a state which did due diligence before joining the Community and the fact that it is a member of the EAC, makes it automatically part of the negotiation and therefore it cannot say it was not involved in the negotiations.
He further urged that the Community must ensure that it does not fall into the same disagreements and different conclusions by different Partner States which led to the collapse of the previous EAC, but rather achieve the fundamental Principles of the Community, to build a sustainable Community and its economy.
Moto also said that, the legal representatives of the EAC should not be involved into arguing on the technicalities but look at what will sustain the region. He again added that, even if Kenya and Rwanda signed the EPA, due to purposes of Justice, it can be reversed. He finally called Court grant orders as sought.
Mr. Nestor Kayobera representing Burundi submitted that, the Applicant is requesting Court to stop the Partner States which have not signed stay from signing but did not ask for withdrawal of those that have signed already. He further said that, it is the 1st Respondent’s contention that, the Application is not necessary neither desirable in accordance to Article 39 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community on granting of interim orders. Article 39 provides that, “the Court may in a case referred to it make any interim orders or issue any directions which it considers necessary or desirable”
He also added that Burundi as sovereign state will sign EPA at an appropriate time as other Partner States have signed.
Further still, Kayobera submitted that, the Court has set three conditions for granting interim orders; 1) that if the Reference has a pre-mafacie case and a probability of success. That in his view there is no pre-mafacie case and no probability of success; 2) that if the Applicant will suffer irreparable injury, he urged that, the Applicant has not shown court which economic injury he will suffer if the 1ST Respondent signs the EPA; 3) that the other important condition is that the Court will consider the balance of convenience. He also added that the Applicant has not shown why he is requesting for the stay but rather based on his arguments which are speculative. He asked Court to dismiss the Application.
2nd Respondent Kenya represented by Ms. Jenifer Gitiri, submitted that they raised points of pre-preliminary objections pursuant to rule 41 of the EACJ Rules of Procedure; whether the Court has jurisdiction to hear the matter; whether the disputes raised by the Applicant are a dismissible; whether an order of stay should be granted especially for Kenya which has signed the agreement already.
Ms. Gitiri urged that, pursuant to Article 27 (1) of the Treaty which provides that; “Court’s jurisdiction to interpret under this paragraph shall not include the application of any such interpretation to jurisdiction conferred by the Treaty on organs of Partner States”. She further said that the signing of EPA is a Treaty making process which is a mandate of the sovereign state and therefore jurisdiction of the Court does not extend to the sovereignty of the Partner States in EAC.
She also submitted that the process of signing of EPA begun way back in 2004 under the APC African Pacific Caribbean group of states under EU and that mandate was in exercise of their sovereignty as states, that so it cannot be challenged in this court. She again stated that EPA negotiation were made pursuant to Article 37 of the Protocol for the Establishment of EAC Customs Union as well as Article 37(1) of the Protocol for the Establishment of EAC Common market, that therefore it cannot be admissible in this Court.
Ms. Gitiri also urged that Article 130 (3) of the Treaty provides that “with a view to contributing towards the achievement of the objectives of the Community, the Community shall foster co-operative arrangements with other regional and international organizations whose activities have a bearing on the objectives of the Community” She therefore added that when EAC Member States agreed to negotiate on the EPA, they were doing it to foster the activities that are a bearing to the objectives of the Community. That therefore the Applicant cannot purport to stop the functions of the sovereign states in signing this agreement. Again she added that on the 17th Extra-ordinary Summit, the Heads of State discussed the issue and agreed that they will meet at a later time so that other Members which have not signed can sign. She therefore submitted that if the Summit have seized the issue then it is not admissible to this Court.
The 2nd Respondent (Kenya) further contended that according to Article 30 (2) of the Treaty which provides that; “any proceedings must be constituted within two months from the day the Applicant came into the knowledge of the complaint”. She added that the negotiation in EAC started in 2004 and the EAC Member states chose configuration where they will negotiate as the block. From that time the Summit met in 2004 and 2007 and made decision that they will negotiate. That the negotiation were completed in 2014 when the agreement was initiated by the Heads of State which signified the finalization of the EPA negotiation and the Partner states proceeded with the legal translation of the documents and completed in September 2015. She therefore challenged the Applicant that failure to file the dispute within the time limit as stipulated in the Treaty makes the application being time barred and so asked Court to dismiss the Application.
In addition Ms. Gitiri submitted that, the Applicant has not tendered any evidence to Court, how he will be prejudiced by the signing of the EPA. That failure to do that the Application should not be granted.
Mr. Onguso also for the 2nd Respondent added that the Applicant failed to demonstrate the other processes that should be stayed as against the States which have already signed and ratified (Kenya and Rwanda) and also that he failed to show which errors those two Partner States have made by signing the EPA. So in conclusion he said that, on that basis the applicant doesn’t qualify to benefit from the prayers he sought.
The 3rd Respondent (Rwanda), the Counsel Mr. Nicholas Ntarugera submitted that he fully supports the submissions of the 2nd Respondent (Kenya), he went ahead and said that the Applicant has failed to clarify the damages he will suffer from the signing and the Community as whole and that Rwanda signed EPA as its obligation as a Member of EAC. That the un mentioned pending procedures the Applicant is complained of should not be entertained by this court.
The 4th Respondent (South Sudan), represented by Mr. Moses Swake submitted that, RSS was not part of the negotiations which took place before its admission to EAC and that the ruling this Court will deliver will not be binding South Sudan. He furthers added that the Applicant has not exactly mentioned what the issue is but he just said that the EAC Member states are not working together. In his view he said that, the members came together for the benefit of the region and its people.
The 5th Respondent (Tanzania), represented by Mr. Mark Mulwambu submitted that the Applicant has no cause of action against the 5th Respondent. He also said that, Tanzania has not signed EPA and has not indicated that they intend to sign the Agreement, that the allegations by the Applicant don’t have anything substantive and therefore wastage of time and abuse of process and should be dismissed with costs.
The 6th Respondent (Uganda), represented by Elisha Bafirawara, submitted that, they associate themselves with other respondents and also added that looking at the benefits of signing EPA Agreement will bring to the EAC as a region, that they find that to injunct the process of signing will cause a lot of inconvenience to the EAC Partner States and the Applicant will not be affected at all.
The 7th Respondent Secretary General represented by Stephen Agaba, submitted that, the Secretary General disapproves the urgency of the application and that it is based on misinformation and speculation because he did not show the cause of action against the 7th Respondent. He again said that the order sought by the Applicant court to direct the Secretary General to withdraw from negotiations, that the applicant does not know the role of the Secretary General in the negotiations of signing the Agreement.
Agaba still said that, the negotiations are spearheaded by the Heads of State and therefore the SG cannot be directed to withdraw from the negotiations. Further, that there are no negotiations going on, they were concluded and now on the level of signing and ratification and so the 7th Respondent from something that is not taking place. That they find the order sought misplaced and so be dismissed.
The Court will deliver its ruling on notice.
The matter was before Honorable Mr. Justice Isaac Lenaola (Deputy Principal Judge), Honorable Dr. Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, Honorable Mr. Justice Fakihi A. Jundu
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For more information, please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo, Registrar, East African Court of Justice. Tel: +255 27 2162149 Email: Okubo [at] eachq.org East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania http://www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
East African Legislative Assembly; Kigali, Rwanda; 10 March 2017: The regional Assembly is recommending for the improvement of the extensive rail network and penetration in the region. With the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway underway, EALA wants the region to enhance information sharing on the upgrade of the rail network especially that concerning the timelines by Partner States given that the construction is at different levels. In the same regard, Partner States should continue with rehabilitation of the existing railway networks to complement the new ones.
A report of the Committee on Communication, Trade and Investments adopted by the House late yesterday afternoon recommends that Partner States should set aside annual budgets to sustainably fund the implementation of railway projects in the region.
The Committee further recommends that the East African Community should create an EAC infrastructure fund.
The report presented to the House by the Chair of the Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment, Hon. Fred Mukasa Mbidde, follows an oversight activity of the railway infrastructure in the Partner States undertaken on December 12th – 15th, 2016, in the Partner States. The objectives of the workshop were to: understand the status of the Railways Master plan in the EAC; as well as that of EAC specific Partner States’ Railway Infrastructure development and thereafter come up with recommendations.
The Committee further reviewed the EAC Railways Master Plan identifying a number of issues including high cost of transport making products expensive and international trade uncompetitive. At the same time, there are low freight volumes, reduced market share for railways. The Committee takes note of a weak business regulatory environment in the transport and rail sub-sector. It calls for strategic leadership and review of national policies and laws on the rail as well as enhanced public private partnerships. The Committee further emphasises the need for development of excellence in railway capacity building, ICT and technology development.
According to the report, a feasibility study for the Isaka - Kigali / Keza - Musonagati Railway Project, was done in March 2009 including the Upgrade of the Dar es salaam - Isaka Railway Line and this would ideally serve the Republic of Burundi.
The preliminary field studies on the Dar es Salaam - Isaka line were also undertaken to determine the requirements for converting the existing meter gauge track to an AREMA-based (North American) standard gauge track and offered suggestions.
Kenya is implementing the railway infrastructure as per the EAC Railways Master Plan. The country is constructing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) projects for Vision 2030, and these include the Mombasa – Malaba route in phase one while phase two includes the Nairobi - Malaba sector.
The use of local content is pegged at 40% of the Civil Works contract with an amount of KShs 81 Billion spent to facilitate supply of cement, sand, aggregates, transport equipment, earthmovers, hygiene and food items, general purpose steels and timber. Similarly included are small contracts such as drainage works, slopes protection, labour contracts as well as clearing and forwarding.
The report states that in order for SGR not to disrupt the operations of the National Park, a number of mitigations are in place. The SGR according to the report crosses the park on a single line bridge spanning the total width of the Park (6.0 Km) and its average height starts at 8 metres at the entrance into the northern side of the Park and 41 metres at the exit on the southern end of the Park.
In Tanzania, the SGR will traverse the Northern and Tanga development corridor as well as the Southern/Mtwara development corridor.
In Uganda, the report alludes to the fast tracking of the development of Standard Gauge Railway in order to significantly contribute to transforming the country in to a middle- income status. It is envisaged that a total of 1,724Km will be constructed countywide in phases.
As provided for under Article 91 of the Treaty for the establishment of East African Community, the Partner States agreed to establish and maintain co-ordinated railway services that would efficiently connect the Partner states within the Community and, where necessary, to construct additional railway connections.
During debate, Hon. Ole Nkanae Saoli remarked that the modern train system was going to change the rail road sector in the Republic of Kenya. “The plan is ahead of schedule by 4 months and this should see the launch done soon. This is a positive move for the region”, Hon. Ole Nkanae said.
Hon. Susan Nakawuki on her part remarked that ‘good infrastructure was good’ for the region. She however said the cost of transportation was still high therefore hampering the costs of setting up of automotive industry. She further lamented that the SGR should duly be a regional project and not purely undertaken on singular or bilateral basis.
Hon. Mumbi Ngaru called for strategic political leadership at the EAC saying it was necessary for the integration process to thrive.
Hon. Makongoro Nyerere said it was necessary for the transport sector to target both cargo and passengers in order to be sustainable. He hailed the EAC Heads of State for the initiatives taken to enhance the railway. “I congratulate President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and President John Pombe Magufuli for been steadfast in enhancing the rail network”, Hon. Nyerere said.
Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza said the sub-optimal infrastructure in the region had led to increased cost of doing business and said the completion of the SGR would boost business.
Others who supported the debate were Hon. Bernard Mulengani, Hon. Dr James Ndahiro, Hon. Mike Sebalu, Hon. Taslima Twaha and Hon. Dora Byamukama.
The 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC Affairs, Rt Hon. Dr Kirunda Kivenjija representing the Chair of the Council of Ministers said complementarity was the way to go as opposed to competition among the Partner States to develop the region.
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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 Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 09 March 2017: The East African Community (EAC) women led by Hon. Jesca Eriyo, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration (DSG F&A), yesterday participated in a colorful march to the local market in Arusha; ‘Soko Kuu’ in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD). Other key EAC women representatives among the front-liners of the march included the Director of Social Sectors; Mary Makoffu and the Principal Human Resource Officer; Ruth Simba
The march also brought together a broad spectrum of women stakeholders from various organizations such as women and men in support of women from EAC, Germany International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Arusha Municipal Council, Women’s Organizations, Vision for Youth representatives as well as secondary school students from the International School of Moshi and Arusha Day Secondary School.
The market march orchestrated by the Tanzanian Army Brass Band based in Monduli, Arusha, was organized by EAC and the Arusha Municipal Council in collaboration with GIZ and ILO, in a bid to offer material support aimed at improving the working conditions of the market cleaners who are mostly women.
On arrival at the market, participants engaged in a cleaning exercise of the market’s environs before officially handing over the purchased cleaning equipment to the market’s management. Witnessing this were Council representatives including Acting City Director; Mariam Kimolo and the Ward Councilor; Abdulrasul Tojo.
Speaking briefly at the market, Hon. Jesca Eriyo urged women to work towards taking up leadership positions at the work place, noting that there are very few women worldwide in top positions within the labor force. She also called for men’s support of women not only at the workplace but the society at large and highly commended those present at the event for taking time to participate in the IWD celebrations.
On behalf of the market businesswomen was Mariam Okashi who particularly thanked EAC and GIZ for their generous support in not only providing cleaning equipment but for having a bigger picture in mind: a clean and safe working environment for the market vendors as well, both men and women.
Participants marched back to the EAC headquarters where they gathered for the official IWD celebrations. Gracing this momentous occasion as Guest of Honor was the East African Court of Justice Judge President; His Lordship Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja.
In her official opening remarks at the event, Hon. Jesca Eriyo highlighted that IWD can be an important catalyst and vehicle for driving greater change for women and moving closer to gender parity bearing in mind, article 5(e) in the EAC Treaty which stipulates gender mainstreaming in all its endeavors and enhancement of the role of women in cultural, social, political, economic and technological development, whereas articles 121 and 122 emphasize the role of women in socio economic development and in Business. She also encouraged men to support women at the workplace by creating a conducive environment for them to thrive and fully unleash their potential.
This year’s IWD campaign theme is Be Bold for Change with a focus on ‘Women in the Changing World of Work, Planet 50-50 in 2030. The theme aims at encouraging effective action for advancing and recognizing women in all aspects of life.
The theme was developed in cognizance that the global understanding of work is changing with significant implications on the day to day lives of women. While in most parts of the world, women have made tremendous progress in building competencies to access decent work, there exists huge inequalities, informality of labor, violence and environmental impacts in other societies.
Also addressing participants at the official opening was the GIZ Deputy Programme Manager; Kirsten Focken, who began by stating that ‘the presence of both men and women at the event was a symbol of unity, support and solidarity to the gender parity and equality campaign which is reinforced by the commemoration of IWD at EAC”.
She particularly emphasized GIZ’s support towards women in small scale cross-border trade adding that this is what triggered the development of the Simplified Guide for Micro and Small Scale Women Cross Border Traders and Service Providers within EAC.
Delivering the keynote address was the ILO Director-East Africa Office; Mary Kawar. She commended EAC for its efforts this year in engaging women at different capacities at the event to consolidate their efforts towards this year’s IWD theme. She also challenged EAC to set labor standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for women for them to thrive in the work place within the region, reiterating; “…for women to have equal opportunities, they have to be protected by laws”.
Presiding over the official IWD celebrations was East African Business Council Executive Director; Lilian Awinja, East African Sub-regional Support Initiative (EASSI) Director; Marren Akatsa-Bukachi, who gave a motivational talk at the event and the East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP) Coordinator; Nancy Gitonga.
EAWiBP brings together business and professional women from across the EAC region. The Platform is taking proactive steps to increase women’s participation in intra – EAC trade, EAC integration process and economic empowerment. EAWiBP works towards achieving its goals through policy advocacy and by linking business women to skills, information, markets, capital and technical assistance.
The programme also included presentations on opportunities for Women in the EAC-Case Studies of the Incubator for Integration and Development in East Africa women projects.At the closing, the Director of Social Sectors; Mary Makoffu was pleased to give a vote of thanks to all the participants at the event on behalf of EAC and later, together with the Hon. Jesca Eriyo and the ILO and GIZ representatives, officiated the launch of the Simplified Guide for Micro and Small Scale Women Cross Border Traders and Service Providers within the EAC for dissemination.
International Women’s Day is annually held on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.
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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; Kigali, Rwanda; 08 March 2017: Today is the International Women’s Day. As the globe came together to commemorate the day under the theme; “Be Bold for Change”, EALA legislators sitting in Kigali, Rwanda prized the region with passage of the EAC Gender Equality, Equity and Development Bill, 2016 as the House resumed.
The EAC Gender Equality, Equity and Development Bill, 2016, whose mover is Hon. Nancy Abisai makes provision for gender equality, equity, protection and development in the Community. The Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC in Article 121 recognises the significant contribution that women make towards progress of socio-economic transformation and sustainable growth and the importance of full participation of women and men in the economic and social development of the Partner States.
The Bill contends that whereas the Partner States recognize the importance of gender equality and have developed programmes and enacted legislation in this pursuit, these efforts are at different levels and contain differences particular to each Partner State. As a result, gender initiatives affect women, men and children differently across the East African Community.
The passage of the Bill whose debate started yesterday, followed the successful 2nd Reading and 3rd Reading. The Bill was preceded by a presentation of the Report of the Committee on General Purpose on the public hearings held in the Partner States. Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo presented the report in the House.
During the Public Hearings, stakeholders in Republic of Kenya welcomed the EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016, stating it would give effect to the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In the spirit of the EAC, the Bill should propose programmes and policies that would curb cross border practices of FGM in a bid to eradicate the practice and adopt a mutual assistance strategy.
In Uganda, stakeholders called for broadening of the terms with regards to affirmative action including that around deliberate actions and initiatives in favour of marginalized groups, the child as well as issues around discrimination against women.
Republic of Uganda according to the report, states that Governments should have legislations that make it mandatory for all schools to have facilities that are accessible to disabled persons and sanitary facilities that are separate for girls and boys.
In Republic of Burundi, as far as Health sector is concerned, the Bill is considered helpful since it serves to strengthen the policies already put in place by the Government of the Republic of Burundi even though a law governing gender equality is not yet enacted.
In the United Republic of Tanzania, stakeholders recommended the proposed Bill awaits the EAC policy document on Gender Equality and Development in order to align/adhere to the decision of the responsible Sectoral Council.
In Rwanda, stakeholders maintained the importance of addressing Gender based violence, the right to life, dignity, integrity and security of persons at all levels. Towards this end, the Bill expressly prohibits all forms of exploitation, cruel, inhuman or degrading traditional practices. The stakeholders in attendance were also of the view that FGM practices should be prohibited to protect women rights to physical integrity.
Members who rose up in support of the Bill during debate were Hon Maryam Ussi, Hon Mumbi Ngaru, Hon Shyrose Bhanji, Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro, Hon Oda Gasinzigwa and Hon Martin Ngoga. Others were Hon Sarah Bonaya, Hon Dora Byamukama, Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon Mike Sebalu, Hon Peter Mathuki and Hon Dr James Ndahiro.
In their contributions, Hon AbuBakr Ogle and Hon Abubakar Zein remarked it was necessary for the Bill to be in consonance with respective Partner States’ Constitutions and in line with the Islamic law.
The enacted Bill shall now await assent by the EAC Heads of State.
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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; Kigali, Rwanda; 07 March 2017: President Paul Kagame yesterday addressed Parliament at the commencement of the Fifth Meeting of the Fifth Session in Kigali, Rwanda.
The President maintained that Rwanda’s commitment to the regional bloc, ten years after acceding to the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC was stronger than ever before, he said, lauding the Partner States for their significant contribution to the EAC and for working together to deepen regional integration.
“Much of this is as a result of political will in responding to the needs and the aspirations of our citizens of the region,” H.E Kagame said. The President said a united Africa was key and took the opportunity to inform the regional legislators of reforms aimed at strengthening the African Union by ensuring it is sustainably financed by Africa’s own resources.
“We need an African Union that is fit-for-purpose. Our continent must also have a strong and unified voice that clearly communicates the aspirations and positions of Africa on the global stage”, President Kagame said.
The President said the Heads of State had agreed to transform the annual July Summit of the continental bloc into a co-ordination meeting with the Regional Economic RECs.
“This means that greater contributions will be needed from all of you as the region’s legislators, both as strong advocates for the imperative of reform and as champions for closer cooperation between the EAC and the African Union Commission,” he added.
President Kagame further challenged the regional Assembly to enhance its oversight role in ensuring the EAC meets its desired objectives. “We therefore count on you, in the oversight role of our regional legislature to help ensure we maintain momentum and stay on course”, he said.
The President took the opportunity to speak a few words in Kiswahili much to the applause of the legislators.
“Napenda kumalizia kwa kuwakaribisha tena Rwanda na kuwatakia kila la heri katika majadiliano yenu wakati wote wa kikao (It pleases me to welcome you once again to Rwanda and to wish you well during your entire Plenary Sitting here), he said.
“I am happy as has been mentioned that Rwanda has adopted Kiswahili as an official language, in line with one of the key resolutions of the East African Legislative Assembly”, the President reiterated.
In attendance were Members of the Senate, Chamber of Deputies and high ranking government officials from the Republic of Rwanda.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega in his remarks reiterated the need for the region to collectively address and find solutions to the challenges it faces citing some of them as pursuit for peace and security, drought, climate change and the unemployment bulge.
“Ideally, time has come for the EAC to draw on its collective economic, social and intellectual resources to address the imminent challenges it faces”, Speaker Kidega said.
“Excellency, of equal importance is tolerance by Partner States within the framework of the integration process, to tackle the region’s pursuit for peace and security, drought, Climate Change, the unemployment bulge and other pressing issues”, he added.
The Speaker called for concerted effort towards the industrialization process of the region.
“There is need to embrace industrialization by instituting supportive trade related policies and frameworks that grant Partner States the right to nurture nascent industries in order to develop their competitiveness and grow economies”, Speaker Kidega noted.
He said the EAC was looking towards greatly benefitting from the operationalization of the Single Customs Territory resulting in increased intra-regional trade. In this regard, Rt Hon Kidega called for emphasis on investor confidence, enterprise and creation of a conducive environment to spur trade.
The Speaker appealed to President Kagame and his colleagues at the Summit of EAC Heads of State to ensure the funding situation which he deemed as dire, is speedily addressed.
The Speaker hailed President Kagame for his selfless commitment to the integration process.
In his remarks, the President of the Rwanda Senate, Rt Hon. Makuza Bernard hailed the rotational sittings noting it had enabled regular interactions with citizens of the Partner States. He said it was therefore necessary to reflect on the developments over the last five years at the Assembly and at the EAC while calling for the intensification of the integration process.
In her vote of thanks, Hon. Nusura Tiperu hailed Rwanda for taking the lead in implementing decisions agreed upon at the region level. She hailed Rwandans as hardworking people, committed to duty of serving their motherland and the region.
At this sitting, which is the last for Kigali under the principle of rotation before the 3rd Assembly winds its tenure, three key Bills are on the agenda. These are the EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016, the EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2016 and the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Bill, 2016.
The EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016 makes provision for gender equality, protection and development in the Community. The Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC in Article 121 recognizes the significant contribution that women make towards progress of socio-economic transformation and sustainable growth and the importance of full participation of women and men in the economic and social development of the Partner States.
The EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2016 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 EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Bill, 2016, on its part, 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 and to provide for assisted reproductive technology and for related matters.
Also to be deliberated on during the two week period are reports from various Committees of the House, including that of the Communications, Trade and Investment Committee on the status of the Railway Infrastructure Development in the Partner States and another on the oversight activity on the One Network Area in the EAC.
A report on the newly established EAC Institutions and another one on the Pastoral Cross-Border Communities of Longido, Tanzania and Kajiado in Kenya shall also be tabled and debated. The latter report follows an oversight activity carried in the Kenya-Tanzania border by the Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution while the former is as a result of an oversight activity by the Assembly’s Committee on Accounts.
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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 Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 06 March 2017: A delegation of African Development Bank (AfDB) Executive Directors paid a working visit to the EAC Headquarters and held discussions with the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko and other EAC Senior officials.
The purpose of their visit was to discuss the Bank’s collaboration with the Community since the signing of a cooperation agreement in 1998. The agreement has resulted in the funding of several regional projects by the Bank, mainly in the transport and energy sectors.
In his welcoming remarks, the Secretary General thanked the African Development Bank for being the first bilateral partner way back in 1998 to sign a Cooperation Agreement with the EAC signalling a commitment to support the developments in the nascent Community then.
He disclosed that on the basis of the Cooperation Agreement, AfDB has not only emerged as the foremost development partner in supporting the integration process in the EAC, but has also supported some of the most transformative projects and programmes in the Community.
“I, therefore, wish to warmly appreciate the current Bank administration under the leadership of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and all the previous Bank Administrations for the enormous support that has been extended to the Community over time.’’
Amb. Mfumukeko assured the Bank that EAC is committed to deepening the regional integration process and align well with the Bank’s initiatives that aim to realize an Africa that effectively trades with itself, able to feed her population, interlinked through efficient infrastructure and services, develops and unleashes its human capacities, as well as applies science and technology in its developments among others.
The Secretary General also briefed AfDB Directors on the status of implementation of the project/programmatic which indicates the extensive support that the Bank has availed to the EAC.
Accompanying the Secretary General, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Hon Jesca Eriyo, briefed the AfDB delegation on the major developments taking place in the integration process, notably the status of implementation of the infrastructure projects going on in the region.
On her part, the leader of delegation from AfDB , Ms. Mmakgoshi E.P. Lekhethe thanked her host for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to them and commended the EAC Secretariat for the enormous work done that has led to important milestones in the integration process.
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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; 02 March 2017: The East African Global Impact Challenge 2017 was launched today by the East African Community Secretary General, Amb Liberat Mfumukeko in the company of Dr. Nicholas Haan, Director of Global Grand Challenges at Singularity University in California, United States America.
The purpose of the SingularityU East Africa Global Impact Challenge is to foster moonshot innovations and startups that positively impact the lives of people living in East Africa, with an ability to scale and impact a billion people worldwide in 10 years.
The challenge is to submit an innovative idea to solve a critical social or environmental issue. This year’s theme is Climate Change, including solutions for prevention, adaptation, and mitigation. The innovative idea must have relevance in the East Africa Region as well as address a global issue. The innovation should utilize cutting-edge technology.
With financial support from Google, Singularity University will provide the winner full scholarship to its prestigious Global Solutions Program—a 10 week program held at Singularity University’s campus within the NASA Ames Research Park in the centre of Silicon Valley, United States.
The deadline for submission of applications is 23rd March 2017. The winner of the Challenge will be selected during a pitch event that will be held on March 23rd this year in Nairobi, Kenya.
Addressing the media at the launch, the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko stated that the East African Global Impact Challenge 2017 comes at a very important and appropriate time for EAC because it provides an opportunity for citizenry to get involved in getting solutions to critical social or environmental issues.
“The East African Community recognizes Climate Change as a very critical issue. We have addressed it in the 4th EAC Development Strategy and will continue to address it in both the EAC Vision 2050 and the 5th EAC Development Strategy’’, asserted the Secretary General.
The Secretary General informed the media that EAC aspires to build the region’s ICT capacities to encourage innovation and increase competitiveness. “We are delighted to collaborate with Singularity University to build bridges between the Silicon Valley in the USA and East Africa’’
On his part Nicholas Haan, Director of Global Grand Challenges at Singularity University said the overall mission of Global Impact Competition is to encourage East Africans to develop innovative solutions to regional pressing problems with the hope that some of these solutions would be actually implemented in those areas.
He informed the media that increasingly, technology was in the hands of innovators around the world–including the people who are most facing challenges. This is a great transformation and is certain to create a plethora of solutions on local and global scales.” added Nicholas Haan.
Director Haan disclosed to the media that the climate change was selected as a theme for this year because it has consequences for every industry, geographic region, and way of life.
“We are looking for applicants from any technology or science discipline because we know a challenge as huge as climate change can only be solved within the convergence of multiple disciplines and exponential technologies’’.
Application Criteria:
The challenge is open to residents and citizens in East Africa Countries
You must be age 21 or older on the first day of the GSP
Must be fluent in written and spoken English
Able to participate for the entire GSP17 program
Applicants selected as finalists will be interviewed by a panel of judges on 23rd March 2017
Assessment Criteria:
Degree of solution’s relevance to the theme of the challenge
The regional relevance in solving the challenge in East Africa
Feasibility, Viability and Coherence of implementing the idea
Entrepreneurial and innovative potential, with a focus on technological novelty
Applicant’s leadership experience and quality, profile, achievements, and potential
For more information on how to apply for the East African Global Impact Challenge 2017,please visit http://giceastafrica.info/
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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 Health and Research Commission; Arusha, Tanzania; 02 March 2017: Preparations are in high gear for the 6th Health and Scientific Conference & International Health Exhibition and Trade Fair scheduled to take place from 29th to 31st March 2017 in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Themed: Preparedness for and control of disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, in the context of climate change, globalization, and gaps in health systems, the event is being organized by the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC) of the East African Community in collaboration with the EAC Partner States through their respective National Ministries responsible for Health, EAC Affairs, and other relevant institutions and bodies, and in close collaboration with regional and international health-related NGOs, civil society organizations, individuals, and other stakeholders in the region.
According to the Executive Secretary of the EAHRC, Prof. Gibson Kibiki, the National Steering Committee and its Scientific sub-committee are on top of things and so far over 500 participants are expected to attend and the process for registration is ongoing. Key resource persons and Development Partners have also confirmed their presence.
The Conference’s participation fee for citizens of the EAC Partner States is US$ 50, Students is US$ 10, Students with selected abstract: free, and Non EAC Citizens is US$ 200. The Exhibitors’ Fee is US$ 250 per day.
The Executive Secretary has also confirmed that six (6) Symposia as side meetings to the Conference will be held as follows, the first one will look at lessons learnt from:
Ebola and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1: Way forward for Preparedness for and control of outbreak
Managing recurrent epidemics: Experiences and opportunities for strengthening preparedness and control of epidemics in EAC
HIV pandemic: Preparedness for and control of the adverse events associated with chronic administration of ARV agents.
The second one will tackle Gap between (mis) use of antimicrobial agents and policy on antimicrobial agents: the role of the Partner States and EAC, the third will be on Mitigating impact of globalisation and climate change on health, the forth will focus on Integrated Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and HIV/AIDS, the fifth will be about the importance of Academic Health Centers as part of the health improvement agenda in low and middle-income countries, and lastly there is a symposium on strengthening collaboration between civil society and key research stakeholders in promoting health research and innovation in Africa.
The East African Community Secretariat has also confirmed that the 14th Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health will be held from 23rd to 28th March 2017 in Bujumbura, with the Session of Senior Officials (EAC Sectoral Committee on Health) taking place from 23rd to 25th March 2017; Session of the Coordinating Committee (Principal/Permanent Secretaries) on 27th March 2017, and the Ministerial Session (the EAC Sectoral Council on Health) on 28th March 2017.
The 12th Joint and separate meetings of the various EAC Partner States’ National Health Professional Statutory Regulatory Boards, Councils, Associations, Societies and Federations will also be held from 27th to 28th March 2017.
Journalists from the EAC Partner States intending to travel to Bujumbura to cover these events should submit by email: a scanned Official Permission letter from the Editors/Media Houses allowing them to travel to Bujumbura, Burundi to cover the event, a scanned copy of the press card; 2 recent passport size photographs, a copy of passport, and a list and type of equipment they will carry etc etc for accreditation purposes to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., CC: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; The Conference participation fee for Journalists will be waived.
The 12th Ordinary Session of the EAC Council of Ministers in the year 2006, approved the regional East African Health and Scientific Conference & International Health Exhibition and Trade Fair to be convened in East Africa and hosted on a rotational basis by the EAC Partner States through their respective National Ministries responsible for EAC Affairs, the Ministry responsible for Health, and other relevant institutions and bodies, and in close collaboration with regional and international health-related NGOs, civil society organizations, individuals, and other stakeholders in the region.
The EAC Health and Scientific Conference is an opportunity for scientists and the decision makers of the region to share and discuss updated findings from health research for policy translation and practice.
The main theme and sub themes of the conference are identified following a participatory process in Partner States and are approved by the EAC Ministers Responsible for Health.
The 10th ordinary meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health held in Arusha, 16th October 2014, approved the hosting of the 6th East African Health and Scientific Conference & International Health Exhibition and Trade Fair in 2016 by the Republic of Burundi.
Based on the Protocol establishing the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC), the Commission is tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the East African Health and Scientific Conference & International Health Exhibition and Trade Fair.
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
OR
Dr. Jean de Dieu Ngirebega Deputy Executive Secretary (Research) East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC) E-mail: jngirabega [at] eachq.org Telephone: +255753693811
About the East African Health and Research Commission:
The East African Health and Research Commission (EAHRC), an Institution of the East African Community, is a mechanism for making available to the Community, advice upon all matters of health and health-related research and findings necessary for knowledge generation, technological development, policy formulation and practice, and for related matters. It is the principal advisory institution to the EAC on Health Research and Development (R&D).
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 02 March 2017: The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) holds its sitting in Kigali, Rwanda, next week. The Fifth Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Third Assembly takes place from Monday, March 6th, 2017 to Thursday, March 16th, 2017.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega shall preside over the Sitting. President Paul Kagame is expected to address a Special Sitting on March 6th, 2017, in line with Article 64 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC as is customary whenever EALA sits in the Partner States.
The three key Bills on the agenda are the EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016, the EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2016 and the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Bill, 2016.
The EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016 makes provision for gender equality, protection and development in the Community. The Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC in Article 121 recognises the significant contribution that women make towards progress of socio-economic transformation and sustainable growth and the importance of full participation of women and men in the economic and social development of the Partner States.
The EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2016 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 EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Bill, 2016, on its part, 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 and to provide for assisted reproductive technology and for related matters.
Also to be deliberated on during the two week period are reports from various Committees of the House, including that of the Communications, Trade and Investment Committee on the status of the Railway Infrastructure Development in the Partner States and another on the oversight activity on the One Network Area in the EAC.
A report on the newly established EAC Institutions and another one on the Pastoral cross border Communities of Longido, Tanzania and Kajiado in Kenya shall also be tabled and debated. The latter report follows an oversight activity carried in the Kenya-Tanzania border by the Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution while the former is as a result of an oversight activity by the Assembly’s Committee on Accounts.
- ENDS -
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 Community Secretariat:
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.
