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{
    "id": 767141,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/767141/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 131,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "As I conclude, I challenge the political parties to ensure that their candidates meet the statutory qualifications for election as Members of Parliament. It is also advisable for nominating parties to comply with the provisions of Rule No. 6(2), which provides, that, and I quote: “In nominating its candidate, each party shall as much as it is feasible, take into account the need for fair representation of various shades of opinion, regional balance, gender and other special interest groups in Kenya and shall ensure that at least one third of its nominees are women.” The Committee shall, upon being seized of the names of the nominees under Rule 13 ensure that the nominee fully meets the requirements of Article 50 of the East Africa Community (EAC) treaty and Rule No. 6 of EALA Rules, 2017. The reason as to why I am emphasizing on compliance with rules is to avoid the unlikely scenario that may compel the Joint Committee to have no option but to recommend to this House a fresh nomination in terms of Rule 13, thereby prolonging the process for a second time. The fact that Kenya’s submission of members to EALA is long overdue has become a concern within EAC and cannot be overemphasized. Those of us who have met EALA parliamentarians from the other East African countries may have heard the concerns that they have. They feel bad regarding how our situation has dragged on for long. The House has not been able to sit for close to six months because of this delay. As a matter of fact, Kenya is the only party state of the EAC that is yet to present its members to the Assembly. Considering that the Assembly cannot be inaugurated without representation from any partner state, Kenya can no longer be the country holding the takeoff of the regional Assembly in abeyance; not at a time like this when we have so many issues that can be addressed at this Assembly. Finally, in view of the foregoing, I request that this House and political parties note the key timelines of this election process and support the Joint Committee in steering the election of Kenya’s representative to the EALA to its logical conclusion. The Joint Committee will be convening next week on Tuesday, 5th December, 2017, to receive a Report from the presiding officers and the nomination papers of candidates who shall have been dully nominated on 30th November, 2017. I thank you."
}