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{
    "id": 837761,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/837761/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 392,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Isiolo North, KPP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Hassan Hulufo",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13348,
        "legal_name": "Hassan Oda Hulufo",
        "slug": "hassan-oda-hulufo-2"
    },
    "content": "There are a number of challenges which are slowing down the integration process. Key among them is the poor state of infrastructure in terms of transport and communication. There has been a lot of effort for the member states to think regionally. The conception of the idea of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) was partly contributed to by the need to come up with improved infrastructure. As we speak because Tanzania has done the same and because of some kind of competition, we may have lost out. As a country, there is something we need to seriously work on - corruption. We may not necessarily be more corrupt than other member states. Probably, our media is freer. We are a more free society compared to other member states. Because of that, whatever is done is highlighted in our free media. Therefore, this is something which we need to work on as a country. That is so that our brothers can view us positively and we achieve what we intend to as East Africa. Actually, the starting point of integration is a customs union where member states are supposed to zero-rate all goods and services which originate from member states. As highlighted by the leader of delegation, in one member state, 859 goods originating from Kenya attract customs duty which I think is not something we should just take lightly. It is something which our authorities need to discuss with that country. That is so that if the same is not addressed, we will need to see what we can do to whatever goods emanate from their end so that they see the importance of not doing the same. The most basic thing we ought to agree on as member states is the customs union or the taxation bit so that we have a common approach in zero-rating whatever originates from the member states and have a common tax. That way, we will be more competitive as a region. I am sure no country is going to lose if we stick to whatever protocols that have been established by the union. We are going to be a bigger economy. The aspect of economies of scale will come in. For other sectors like agriculture and food security, we know we may not be able to meet our requirements most of the times because of drought and other vagaries of weather. Therefore, instead of importing food from elsewhere when our member states have surpluses, it will be cheaper for us to import things like maize and other cereals. It is also important that the East African Legislative Assembly, which is supposed to help us as a country address issues of harmonisation of policies and legislation, is adequately resourced. If there are member states which are not submitting what they are supposed to, the subscriptions which will enable EALA to be effective, this needs to be taken up at the level of our Heads of State so that it can be adequately addressed."
}