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{
    "id": 1460835,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1460835/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 387,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kipipiri, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Wanjiku Muhia",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Yes, I am. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Regional Integration on its consideration of the Report on the Inspection Visit to the Semi- autonomous Institutions of the East African Community in Uganda from 9th -16th September 2023, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 29th November 2023. The Regional Integration Committee visits several institutions within the central and northern corridor mainly to familiarise themselves with what is happening within our Community, as it is termed the fastest growing economic bloc. In this case, the Hon. Members who visited the institution, like any other institution, have found two major challenges. One, is the lack of staff. This is now becoming a very popular song in all institutions. Second, is the lack of finances. As a Committee, we are trying to think loud and even interact with the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and other Committees of Regional Integration to see whether we can have an alternative funding mechanism for East Africa because the remittance policy is no longer tenable. We are in the process of amending the Treaty. It has been there for a while. One of the key issues that we want to deliberate on as the National Assembly of Kenya is the funding mechanism. We know that remittance depends on the possibility of each member State and capability. We often have countries that have very low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and, therefore, they go for years without making any remittance. That means the East African Community (EAC) is held by only three States that contribute religiously. This has posed a danger to the growth of EAC because what is aimed to be achieved – be it free market or free movement of people and goods – is not achieved. Even though the institutions are there, they lack staff, technocrats and any other avenue that can assist the EAC. As Members traversed Uganda, they interacted with the Hon. Members from there. We found out that within the Community, Uganda enjoys a good relationship with Kenya. As a Committee, we are also working hard to speak to the Council of Ministers to ensure that the Community enjoys a cordial relationship without the traditional perception of some countries. Kenya has found itself in a corner with some countries feeling that Kenyans are aggressive and, therefore, a danger to their interests; thus, continuing with their unwelcome tradition. We will, however, continue speaking and engaging with other partner States so that they can understand that aggressiveness is a Kenyan culture. It is just the same way as other partner States could be slow in the way they handle their matters, and we accept them. This will ensure that when we come together with different cultures and ideologies, we grow one strong EAC. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I was to be seconded by Hon. Adipo, who has stepped out. I beg to stop there. If I am added a few minutes in the next Sitting, I will be happy to speak to two or three more points. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}