EACSOF Meeting with the Rt. Hon. Speaker of EALA
Yesterday, 25th September 2014,representatives from EALS, EABC, EANNASO and EACSOF held a collaborative meeting with the Rt. Honorable Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly Dr. Zziwa Nantongo Margaret at her offices in Arusha.
Describing her as an exemplary leader in Africa, the delegates expressed a need for closer collaboration between EALA and civil society in order to further support EALA in its triple role of representation, legislation and oversight.
The Speaker recognized the parties for their important role in a people centered East African. She elaborated past examples of successful collaboration between EALA and civil society, including passing the EAC HIV Prevention and Management Bill, which was spearheaded by EANNASO.
She briefed delegates on current legislative processes in EALA, including the recently concluded Bill on Polythene Bags, which has not been assented to by partner states.
The Speaker invited the parties to take a keen interest in the EALA Calendar and feel free to participate in the Nanyuki Series, bring their views on the Anti-Counterfeit Bill and Cooperative Organizations Bill, which are in pipeline. The parties agreed to find effective channels for continuous consultation collaboration and cooperation, in such a way that will increase citizen participation in a “People Centered Integration Process” – which is the over arching theme of EALA Strategic Plan 2013 -2018.
The parties agreed that going forward, increased consultation with stakeholders could improve the readiness of partner states to assent to EALA bills.
