Perennial conflicts, climate change, and delays by member states in fulfilling their financial commitments are among the major challenges facing the East African Community (EAC).
In a meeting held under the Bureau of EAC Speakers in Nairobi, leaders from all eight East African nations gathered to discuss solutions to these issues in hopes of propelling the community towards greater integration and development.
Outgoing chairperson of the Bureau, Tulia Ackson, who is also the Speaker of the Tanzanian Parliament, highlighted the EAC Secretariat’s need for an annual budget of US$120 million (Ksh.15.5 billion) to effectively run its operations. She noted that the Secretariat is underfunded due to delays in contributions from member states.
This financial shortfall hampers our ability to implement essential programs and projects that promote peace and security and address the pressing challenges posed by climate change,” Ackson said.
She urged partner states to fulfill their financial obligations, emphasizing that “a financially empowered EAC is crucial for achieving our integration objectives.”
Ackson also stressed the importance of regional collaboration, stating, “By supporting one another, we can establish a foundation of peace and security that enhances our development efforts and ensures sustainable futures for all our communities.”
Other leaders present at the meeting included Joseph Ntakirutimana, Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly; Deng Deng Akon, Speaker of the South Sudan Council of States; Amason Kingi, Speaker of the Kenya Senate; Emmanuel Sinzohagera, President of the Burundi Senate; Sama Lakonde Jean Michael, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Gertrude Kazarwa, Speaker of the Rwanda Chamber of Deputies; Francois Xavier Kalinda, Speaker of the Rwanda Senate; Shekh Adam Muhamad Nur “Madoebe,” Speaker of the House of the People of the Tederd Parliament of Somalia; and Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, Speaker of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
By Fred Azelwa