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{
    "id": 1476403,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1476403/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 316,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mandera North, UDM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Major (Rtd.) Abdullahi Sheikh",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Constitutive Act of the African Union in relation to the Pan-African Parliament. The establishment of the Pan-African Parliament was first envisaged in the treaty establishing the African Economic Community. That Treaty aimed to harmonise policies among existing and future economic communities as a means to gradually establish the African Economic Community. It outlined a phased approach to its realisation, culminating in the final stage where the Pan-African Parliament will be established with its members elected through continental universal suffrage. The Treaty recognised the Pan-African Parliament as one of the essential organs of the African Economic Community and Article 14 provided for the establishment of that Parliament – the Pan-African Parliament – to ensure the full participation of African people in the continent's economic development and integration. The Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union related to the Pan-African Parliament as adopted by the Member States of the African Union, establishes the legal framework governing the functioning of the Pan-African Parliament. It aims to ensure the full participation of African States in the continent's economic development and integration. The Pan-African Parliament serves as a platform for representatives from across Africa to engage in discussions and decision-making on the challenges and opportunities facing the Continent. The vision behind the Pan-African Parliament was to provide a common platform for African people, both within the Continent and in the diaspora, to contribute to the dialogue on Africa's development and integration. Kenya, as a country, stands to gain significant benefits from ratifying this Protocol, including demonstration of Kenya's commitment to democratic values, inclusivity and citizen participation. Kenyan Parliamentarians will have a platform to engage in the Continent's decision-making, contribute to policy discussions, build networks and advocate for the interests of the Kenyan people at the continental level. Kenya will align itself with the broader objectives of African unity and integration to strengthen its co-operation with other African nations in addressing common challenges, promoting regional stability and fostering economic co- operation. The Protocol will grant Kenyan Parliamentarians a voice in shaping continental policies and initiatives. This will allow them to propose resolutions, contribute to discussions on matters such as peace and security, human rights and development, and advocate for positions aligned with Kenya's national interest. Active participation in the Pan-African Parliament will elevate Kenya's profile within the African Union and the Continent as a whole. This will provide an opportunity to showcase Kenya's achievements and contributions, potentially attracting investments, tourism and other forms of co-operation. The Pan-African Parliament serves as a critical platform for shaping continental policy initiatives. Kenya's participation enables its Parliamentarians to propose resolutions, influence decisions and discussions on peace, security, human rights, economic integration and sustainable development. Active engagement will allow Kenya to assert herself as a regional leader and ensure that her perspectives are considered in continental decision-making processes. This Protocol has 17 Articles and of importance are three Articles, that is Article 4, Article 5 and Article 7. Article 4 talks about election of Members to the Pan-African Parliament. It provides that five members be elected by Parliament from outside its membership and Parliament to ensure that there is political diversity. This is actually in line with how we elect the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Members. So, the same way EALA Members are elected is the same way the Pan-African Parliament Members will be elected. Article 5 provides that the term of office is five years and a Member can be re-elected for a further one more term. 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."
}