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{
    "id": 875225,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/875225/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 411,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nominated, ANC",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Godfrey Osotsi",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13172,
        "legal_name": "Godfrey Osotsi",
        "slug": "godfrey-osotsi"
    },
    "content": " Thank you Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this very important Motion. This is a Motion on two Bills from the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA): the East African Community Custom Management (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2018 and the Administration of the East African Legislative Assembly (Amendment) Bill, 2018. I listened to the Chair of the Committee make a presentation. It is clear that the amendment to the East African Community Custom Management Bill is very important because these are some of the legislations that will facilitate the East African Community to become a functional custom union. One of the things it seeks to deal with is counterfeit goods. This is a major problem here in Kenya. We have a lot of counterfeit goods all over. Even countries in the region have raised concerns about this problem that is now getting into their countries. So, this particular legislation will help in managing the problem. Secondly, on detection of high-risk consignments, it is important for us to have this kind of legislation in this era of terrorism where weapons have been transported through our ports. It is important to have the capability and the legal framework that will help us to deal with the challenge. On the second Bill on the administration of the EALA, the Chair said that this Bill contravenes the East African Community Treaty. What is not clear is what happens if a Bill done by EALA contravenes the East African Community Treaty. What are parliaments of the member states supposed to do? Does it therefore become law? For example, once we pass this Motion, what happens to this Bill that contravenes the Treaty? It is important for EALA Members to be responsible for their financial and administrative affairs just like here in Parliament where we need to have our own substantive Parliamentary Service Bill. Other people think that by having the Bill, we are going to increase our salaries. It is law. This is the only independent commission that does not have a piece of legislation to support it. Those peddling rumours out there that we have come up with a law to increase our salaries, it is important they take time to read the Bill to understand its provisions. They should also know that all independent commissions have relevant Acts of Parliament that support their operations. So, it is important for the Parliamentary Service Commission to have a legislation to support its operations. If EALA can have a law or attempt to create a law to deal with its financial and administrative affairs, then it is necessary for our Parliament to have a law to support its administrative affairs. I support the Motion."
}