SPEAKER KINGI APPLAUDS HIS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COUNTERPART, AS KENYA TAKES HELM OF REGIONAL BUREAU 

Nairobi, Kenya 
Wednesday, November 13, 2024

In a significant display of regional unity, East African Community (EAC) Speakers gathered in Nairobi on Wednesday for their 18th Bureau of Speaker’s Meeting, marking a crucial moment in the bloc's push for deeper integration and cooperation, as Senate Speaker congratulates Speaker Wetang’ula for his election to Chair the Bureau. 
“I take this opportunity to congratulate my colleague, my brother, the Speaker of the National Assembly for his elevation to lead this important forum. I have no doubt that he’s up to the task to take the Bureau to the next level”, said Speaker Kingi. 
The meeting saw Kenya assume the Chairmanship of the Bureau from Tanzania, with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula taking the helm for a one-year term. 
"Our Parliament stands ready to advance our shared priorities and strengthen the foundations of our community," Wetang’ula declared during his acceptance speech.
Outgoing Chairperson Hon. (Dr.) Tulia Ackson of Tanzania highlighted the EAC's remarkable growth, noting that the community has expanded to eight partner states with a combined population exceeding 312 million. 
"Our Bureau acts as the legislative backbone of the EAC integration Agenda," she stated, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary coordination in achieving regional goals.
EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana raised concerns about pending legislation and regional challenges. "We have several crucial bills awaiting assent, including the EAC Human Rights and People's Rights Bill and the EAC Integrity and Anti-Corruption Bill," he revealed, calling for expedited action on these important pieces of legislation.
Kenya's Senate Speaker Amason Kingi brought attention to climate action, announcing his recent appointment to mobilize regional support for climate initiatives. 
"An empowered regional Parliamentary caucus on climate change would provide unfettered support to the exceptional work being done by the EAC Summit," Kingi emphasized.
The meeting also addressed practical matters of regional cooperation, including Kenya's upcoming hosting of the 14th Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa this December. 
Dr. Wetang’ula assured delegates of Kenya's preparedness, stating, "We are fully equipped to host the entire EALA fraternity in Mombasa, though early reservations are advisable given the city's popularity as a tourist destination."
The gathering reflected the EAC's growing influence in African affairs, with speakers acknowledging the community's unified support for various regional initiatives. Looking ahead, the Bureau committed to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy as a tool for fostering regional cooperation and development, while addressing challenges such as climate change, economic integration, and cross-border collaboration.
As the meeting concluded, the Speakers reaffirmed their dedication to the principles of unity and shared prosperity that have guided the EAC since its revival in 1999, setting a positive tone for the year ahead under Kenya's leadership.