GERMANY CONTRIBUTES 24 MILLION EURO TO EAC SUPPORT MEDIA RELATIONS AND WATER SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

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PRESS RELEASE
GERMANY CONTRIBUTES 24 MILLION EUROS TO EAC TO SUPPORT MEDIA RELATIONS AND WATER SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 11 December 2013: The Federal Republic of Germany today announced a new commitment to the East African Community (EAC) in order to support higher education and training for future journalists and media professionals.
Germany makes available a financial contribution of 14 million Euros in support of the Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) of the Aga Khan University, a recently established Centre of Excellence for media education in East Africa.
The education and training programmes of the GSMC will have a strong regional focus and will foster a diverse array of media leaders, enterprises and institutions that will be distinguished by high standards of competence, ethics, professionalism and social responsibility. The GSMC will closely cooperate with the Deutsche Welle Akademie (DWA), which is the media development division of Germany’s well known international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW).
Furthermore, the Federal Republic of Germany announced a new commitment to the East African Community in the water and sanitation sector. The EAC and Germany believe that coordinated trans boundary investment approaches are needed to cope with the growing demand for safe water, to fight increasing pollution of water systems and to deal with climate-related challenges.
In this regard, Germany committed a first tranche of 10 million Euros to the ‘Trans boundary Water Supply and Sanitation Programme’ in order to contribute to improved water and sanitation infrastructure in selected EAC border towns. The programme will be implemented with the Lake Victoria Basin Organisation (LVBC) of the EAC as Project Executing Agency.
The commitments were announced by a high-ranking German delegation, led by Ralf-Matthias Mohs, Head of Division East Africa, Federal Ministry for Development Cooperation, including Hans Koeppel, Chargé d´Affaires at the German Embassy Dar es salaam, Lena Thiede, Head of Cooperation EAC at the German Embassy Dar es salaam, as well as Burkhard Hinz, Regional Manager West and East Africa, KfW Development Bank.
Speaking at the ceremony Secretary General of East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera said today’s  signing  demonstrates the strong partnership between the EAC and the Federal Republic of Germany. He applauded Germany for its commitment and consistent support  towards EAC Project and Programes. 

Amb Sezibera affirmed EAC’s readiness to continue close cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany.
Hans Koeppel, Chargé d´Affaires at the German Embassy in Tanzania, said: “The new commitments underline that Germany continues to be a strong partner for the EAC, contributing to an integration process that puts the people in the centre”.
Since as early as 1998, Germany’s development cooperation, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), contributes to the capacity development of the Secretariat of the EAC and the regional integration in East Africa through a variety of programmes and projects. Germany’s funding for Technical and Financial Cooperation with the EAC amounts to a total of 125.9 million Euros. Germany also provides substantial support for the water and governance sectors in selected EAC member states.

FINLAND BOOTS EAC PARTNERSHIP FUND

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East African Community

PRESS RELEASE

FINLAND BOOSTS EAC PARTNERSHIP FUND


East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 10 December 2013: The Finnish Government  has granted 3 million Euros  to support various regional integration activities through the EAC Partnership Fund. The Grant Agreement was signed by EAC Secretary General Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera and Finnish  Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania who is also accredited to EAC bloc Her Excellency Amb. Sinikka Antila  during the ceremony held  at the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania.

“ It is a great pleasure for me to make the commitment  for 3 additional year’’  It is worth noticing that after DFID ,Finland is the second biggest supporter to the Fund since 2008,remarked Finnish Ambassador

According to the signed agreement between the Government of Finland and East African Community, the Government of Finland shall make available on a grant basis and subject to annual  parliamentary approval in Finland ,a contribution  amounting up to a maximum of three million Euros to support the EAC  Partnership Fund during the period of  2013-2016.

The first payment of one million Euros shall be made against a written  request upon the entry into force of the agreement. Subsequent payments shall be made in accordance with the actual progress of the activities and on the basis of the financial needs for the coming period, against a written request.

EAC Secretary General Amb. Richard Sezibera thanked the Government of Finland for their continued support in the Partnership Fund . He commended Finnish Government for seeing the need to intensify development co-operation within the EAC.     

Amb Sezibera said that the signing of multi-year agreements with development partners made it possible to predict the contribution to the Partnership Fund and therefore facilitated the development of EAC multi-year plans.

Meanwhile EAC Secretary General today  held  a High Level Dialogue with the Heads of Missions and supporters of Partnership Fund. The dialogue between the two parties focused on the on-going institutional review, financing of the Community, trade and investment, the EAC Partnership Fund, negotiations of South Sudan to join the Community ,signing for the Monetary Union Protocol, Economic and  COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite talks

EAC Chief briefly  informed  the Heads of Mission about  move towards a single customs territory in 2014 was high on the region’s agenda; as well as implementation of the Common Market Protocol. He added the region was also focusing on infrastructure development and recently signing of the Monetary Union Protocol by the EAC Heads of State in Kampala

In attendance were  representatives from UK/DFID, Germany, Finland, France, Sweden, Norway, European Union, USA, World Bank, Belgium, Canada, Japan, Denmark, Turkey, Netherlands, among others.

The EAC Partnership Fund is a basket fund mechanism with annual contributions from Development Partners (DPs) aimed at supporting the EAC projects and programmes that are geared towards regional integration. It was established on 15 September 2006 and is open to DPs who finance it through Contribution Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between DPs and the EAC

EAC-WORLD BANK PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COORDINATION AND HARMONIZATION PROJECT IN EAC PARTNER STATES LAUNCHED

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The World Bank's Financial Management Manager of East and Southern Africa, Ms. Patricia McKenzie  hands over the Grant Agreement to Dr. Enos Bukuku, as EAC and The World Bank Officers look on 


PRESS RELEASE

EAC-WORLD BANK PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COORDINATION AND HARMONIZATION PROJECT IN EAC PARTNER STATES LAUNCHED


East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania 4 November 2013:
A two-year EAC-World Bank Public Financial Management Coordination and Harmonization Project in the Partner States was launched this morning at the EAC Headquarters by the Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) in charge of Planning and Infrastructure Dr. Enos Bukuku. Present at the launch were Ms. Patricia McKenzie, the Financial Management Manager of East and Southern Africa at the World Bank, Mr. Patrick Umah Tete, the Senior Financial Management Specialist and Sector Leader Regional Integration and Task Team Leader for the Project, and senior officials from the EAC Secretariat.
Addressing stakeholders at the launch, the Deputy Secretary General commended the World Bank for the contribution it has made to support various initiatives geared towards strengthening the regional integration agenda.
Dr. Bukuku disclosed that the World Bank had committed United States Dollars One million to support public financial management coordination and harmonisation in the Partner States “and this is indeed a positive gesture worth commending by the people of East Africa”.
He said transparent public financial management was a critical facet for a robust fiscal regime which was vital for the implementation of the Monetary Union, the third Pillar of EAC integration process.
He noted that currently, EAC Partner States had varying public financial management structures at different levels of performance as measured by the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) indicators. 
He said with the World Bank support, public financial management initiatives will now be implemented with a regional focus. The project will involve the reform in public procurement, public financial accounting/management and oversight practices in the EAC region, critical elements for a successful EAC Monetary Union.
The Financial Management Manager of East and Southern Africa at the World Bank, Ms. Patricia McKenzie said the project was in line with the Bank’s Regional Integration Strategy. She said the project will support the development of a robust Regional Fiscal environment and will among others; contribute towards the attainment of several benefits including the harmonisation of EAC Partners’ Public Financial Management Systems.
Other benefits include, among others;
a)    the development of an EAC regional procurement legislation to support regional programs;
b)    the harmonization towards international public-sector accounting and auditing standards for the management and oversight of regional initiatives;
c)     the promotion of EAC regional mutual recognition agreements amongst the EAC Partner States Accountancy bodies to facilitate mobility of Finance Professionals through the harmonization of the Accountancy Profession’s Syllabus;
d)    the coordination of the EAC regional oversight role of the Partner States Parliamentary Public Accounts Committees in collaboration with the East African Association of Public Accounts Committees to develop good practice guidelines and standards that will harmonize how the Committees oversee the utilization of public funds to achieve value for money;
e)    Coordination of the strengthening of financial reporting amongst the Media and promoting the use of civil society as key players in the monitoring of service delivery. 
The Project Coordinator and the Senior Accountant at the EAC Secretariat Mr. Godfrey Magadu said the implementation of the project will be done by the EAC Secretariat working closely with the Governments of the Partner States and bringing together key stakeholders to agree on harmonized standards. Technical support to implement the agreed standard will also be provided.
 

EAC YOUTH CONVENTION KICKS-OFF IN KAMPALA, UGANDA

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East African Community

PRESS RELEASE

EAC YOUTH CONVENTION KICKS-OFF IN KAMPALA, UGANDA

EAC Headquarters Arusha, Tanzania, 4 November 2013: University students, youth  from a cross the region, as well as the EAC Youth Ambassadors are in Kampala discussing how best they can tap opportunities as well as close the information gap on the EAC integration agenda at the first edition of the EAC youth Convention.

The 4-6 November 2013 Convention themed: Youth as Drivers in Leveraging Constitutionalism and Rule of Law in the Integration Agenda is organized by the EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform, EAC Secretariat and the Ministry of EAC Affairs (Uganda); co-organizers include the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA), East African Business Council (EABC) and Development Partners led by GIZ, is being held at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.

The inaugural Convention aims at giving EAC Youth an opportunity to deliberate on the 2nd Annual High Level Dialogue on Governance and Democracy in Africa: Trends, Challenges and Prospects, covering a wide range of activities including the launch of the EAC Youth Ambassadors Facebook page, an awareness walk, tree planting, as well as information sharing booths on EAC integration.

The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge stated that the EAC Youth Convention will be an annual event that will be coordinated by the EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform, through which EAC sponsored programs for the youth will be developed to accord University Students/Youth a forum for debate, interaction, cultural exchange, sports, entrepreneurship and innovations.

In addition to the Convention, Mr. Njoroge noted there will be National Sensitization Workshops in the course of implementing the EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform Plan of Action. “The aim of the Workshops is to foster youth participation and interest them on the EAC integration agenda through peer-to-peer sensitization and knowledge sharing initiatives” he said.

The objectives of the Convention are to raise awareness among University students and the youth in general, on the EAC integration agenda and enhance their participation in the integration process; engage the East African youth in the crafting of the Africa 2063 Agenda; and develop a youth led and oriented agenda for promoting constitutionalism and rule of law in Africa in relation to the AU Youth Consultation on the 2nd Annual High Level Dialogue on Governance and Democracy in Africa, among others.


Notes to Editors

The African Governance Architecture - High Level Dialogues
The principle aim of the High Level Dialogues is to provide a conducive avenue for Member States, AGA Platform Members, civil society and other stakeholders including the private sector, philanthropists, and development actors to engage and share comparable experiences and lessons on how to improve governance, consolidate democracy and foster effective realization of human and peoples’ rights on the continent. The high level trends dialogue is being held under the Auspices of the African Governance Architecture.

The African Governance Architecture (AGA)1 is the overall continental framework for promoting, nurturing, strengthening and consolidating democracy and governance in Africa. The AGA seeks to achieve these objectives by among other initiatives facilitating dialogue among Member States, African Union organs, institutions, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), African citizens, civil society and other stakeholders on emerging trends, threats, challenges and opportunities on democratic governance in Africa.

The inaugural High Level Dialogue was held in November 2012 in Dakar Senegal and focused generally on the state of governance and democracy in Africa. At that consultation, delegates reiterated the need to ensure a systematic African Union driven assessment and review of Member States compliance and implementation of continental norms and standards on democracy, governance and human rights.

In line with a key resolution of the inaugural High Level Dialogue to convene the consultation annually, and the offer by the Senegalese Government to co-host the Annual Dialogues, the AGA Platform Secretariat - the Department of Political Affairs, African Union Commission - in consultation with the Platform Members identified the issue of  strengthening constitutional order and the rule of law
 as an appropriate and timely theme for the 2013 High Level Trends consultation.

The Youth Consultation calls for the youth in the region through the EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform to deliberate on inclusion of youth voices and perspectives into discussions on the state of constitutionalism and rule of law in Africa; initiate a process of engaging African young people in the crafting of the Africa 2063 Agenda; encourage the promotion of African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and other related AU instruments on popular participation, human rights and governance; and develop a youth led and oriented agenda for promoting constitutionalism and the rule of law in Africa.
-ENDS-

For more information please contact:
Owora Richard Othieno,
Head of Department;
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs;
Tel: +255 784 835021;
Email:
othieno@eachq.org;

EACJ 4TH QUARTER SESSIONS TO RESUME THIS WEEK

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EACJ 4TH QUARTER SESSIONS TO RESUME THIS WEEK


East African Court of Justice Arusha, 4 November 2013:
The Court’s one month session will start this week on Tuesday 5th November and end on Friday 29th same month 2013. The two divisions will both be sitting starting with the Appellate Division which will handle only 2 matters, that is a hearing of arbitration case and to deliver one judgment for an Appeal of Mary Ariviza versus the Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya and Another.

The First Instance Division also continues and is expected to handle 9 matters coming before it. Among these will 3 judgments to be delivered, 3 References, 1 claim, and 1 Application will come up for hearing plus 1 scheduling conference. All matters will be in open Court apart from arbitration case which is only involves the parties and a few judges. In total 11 cases will be handled.

The Court will also hold a plenary to review on the progress, new developments, challenges and opportunities as the year ends. At the same time bidding farewell to Hon. Lady Justice Stella Arch Amoko, Deputy Principal Judge of the First Instance Division, from the  Republic of Uganda who will be retiring in November 2013 as her tenure at EACJ ends.


About the EACJ
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.

Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The High Courts of the Partner States serve as sub-registries.


For more information please contact:
Prof. Dr. John Ruhangisa, Registrar
Email: ruhangisa@eachq.org

Ms. Geraldine Umugwaneza, Deputy Registrar
Email: umugwaneza@eachq.org

Mr. Owora Richard Othieno,
Head of Department;
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department;
EAC Secretariat
Tel: +255 784 835021;
Email: othieno@eachq.org

East African Court of Justice
Arusha, Tanzania
http://www.eacj.org


TAARIFA YA BURUNDI NA TANZANIA KUHUSIANA NA MASUALA YA JUMUIA YA AFRIKA YA MASHARIKI

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East African Community

PRESS STATEMENT

STATE OF EAC AFFAIRS

01 NOVEMBER 2013

The Republic of Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania have made public their concerns regarding the meetings held by the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda during a number of meetings at Heads of State level.
There have also been persistent press reports including misrepresentations on the matter.
The Secretary General of the East African Community has consulted the five Partner States on this state of affairs. On the sidelines of the 19th Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for East African Community Affairs, the Ministers in the spirit of consolidating and strengthening East African Integration have exchanged on progress occasioned by the meetings mentioned above as well as the challenges that have arisen.
East Africans are urged not to be unduly alarmed because the challenges are being addressed and will be further considered by the Council of Ministers at its 28th Meeting scheduled for 28th November 2013 and make recommendations to the Summit.
Partner States committed themselves to implement the protocols on the Common Market and the Customs Union, and in particular laying the requisite infrastructure, and removal of barriers to the free movement of goods, services and people.
DR. RICHARD SEZIBERA
AMBASSADOR
SECRETARY GENERAL
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY


-ENDS-

BUNGE LA AFRIKA YA MASHARIKI : MASWALI NA MAJIBU YA KABLA YA KUAHIRISHWA OKTOBA 31,2013

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EALA ADJOURNS

EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI; October 31, 2013: EALA has this afternoon adjourned sine die (indefinitely).   The Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine this afternoon answered questions posed by EALA Members, Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji and Hon Angela Kizigha.

The just ended plenary was the 2nd Meeting of the 2nd Session of the 3rd Assembly.

                      EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY


2ND MEETING OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE
EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY


Bujumbura, Burundi
20th October -1st November 2013


PRIORITY QUESTIONS FOR ORAL
ANSWERS

 October 2013


1.0         QUESTION : EALA/PQ/OA/3/23/2013 (By Hon. Angella Kizigha)

A visa is a necessary travel document to a foreign country. Embassies issue guidelines on how to access visa’s prior to travel to a particular country. Some of the guidelines require that applications are made three months prior to the date of travel to allow for sufficient time for verification which sometimes results into denial of visas. Given the scenario;

(i)           Is the Chair of Council aware that a number of people passing through the East African Community airports for their visa’s on arrival? Is he further aware that this gives limited time for verifications to determine who qualifies or does not qualify for entry visa’s?
(ii)          Could he give assurances that the above situation does not abet irregular immigration and insecurity
(iii)        What measures has the EAC put in place to safeguard itself from the “freely walk into East African and easily get a visa on demand at the port syndrome?”

Madam Speaker,

I wish to inform this August House that the issue of Visa guidelines and  issuance by each EAC Partner State is guided by the prevailing Immigration law, policies  administrative guidelines, Manuals and other government directives which are reviewed as and when need arises, informed by the circumstances which warrant  such reviews.

Each country has different Visa categories which range from transit, single entry, multiple entry, official, diplomatic, tourist, group tourist, Business, education and medical visas. The conditions attached to the issuance of whichever category are stipulated in the instruments I have mentioned which prescribe the charges and duration of the category of the visa to be issued and which differ from one Partner State to another.

Madam Speaker,

With regard to issuing Visas on arrival, preconditions are specified in the visa regulations, policies, and management guidelines of the Partner State.  

Countries that require referral visas normally have their applications processed at the Immigration Headquarters ahead of someone’s travel. In some cases, it may take over a month or two to conclude the visa processing requirements. . It is true that some Partner States have also enabled visitors to apply for their entry visas online  but since the visa payments have to be done at the entry point, the visa stamp/sticker is issued on arrival depending on the bilateral relationships existing between the particular Partner State and the national(s) of the specific foreign country seeking to enter the destination.

Madam Speaker,

The issuance of visa at the point of arrival does not necessarily abet irregular immigration and insecurity. In fact, the challenge of irregular immigration and insecurity is contributed more by those who enter East Africa through the unmanned entry points than those who  enter the countries legitimately.

Madam Speaker,

The processes towards harmonizing the visa regimes in the context of the Community are ongoing. Upon Council’s directives, Partner States’ Chiefs of Immigration Offices continue to meet, deliberate of matters of mutual interest and propose on modalities for strengthening the modus for allowing them carry out their mandate as stipulated by their Partner States’ laws.  Partner States continue to install online bio-data capturing and verification equipment at entry points.

Madam Speaker,

The above outlined procedures notwithstanding, I wish to inform this august House that the processes towards harmonizing the visa regimes in the Community are ongoing. We are aware that not all Partner States have diplomatic presence in every foreign land yet applicants are from every corner of the world. As such, we are developing a mechanism by which Partner States Diplomatic Missions will be processing visas on behalf of each other as contained in the protocol on foreign relations cordination. The guidelines will be worked out and where some Partner States’ visa issuance instruments will require amendments, we shall ensure those areas are looked into.

The East African Community has also signed an MOU with Interpol which aims at accessing assistance as a region, including training, equipment, information alerts management, among others. Furthermore, we are in advanced stages of operationalising the EAC Regional Forensic Centre, to be hosted in Uganda, which will also complement the Community’s other multi-faceted interventions on, among others, migration security.

Madam Speaker,
It is therefore clear that all EAC Partner States continue to put in place measures aimed at guaranteeing security of visa issuance. They are also working together to share best practices and to contribute to a secure East Africa.  
2.0         QUESTION : EALA/PQ/OA/3/24/2013 (By Hon. Shy-Rose Bhanji)

The East Africa Market Newsletter of 2nd July 2013 emphatically reported that, starting January, 2016, the EAC passports will gain international acceptance and utilisation. It was also reported that the process of internationalising the passports will commence in July 2015 when the Partner States are expected to procure booklets and issuance systems and conclude the exercise by October 2015.

(i)    Arising from the reports, can the Chair of the Council;-

a)                   Confirm this development to the August House?
b)                   Inform this August House what the roadmap is and what the process will involve?
c) Indicate to this August House which countries have been lined up to pioneer the acceptance of the EAC Passports?
d) Inform this August House what the Council intends to do to popularize the acquisition and usage of the internationalised EAC Passports.

(ii)   Furthermore, given that the current EAC Passports as they are now play a key role in assisting East Africans to move freely in the region; what measures are currently being taken by the Council to enhance their acquisition by ordinary East Africans? In addition, could the Chair of the Council state to this House how many EAC Passports have been issued by each Partner State as of 30th July 2013? What is the cost of each EAC Passport in the respective Partner States? What is the procedure to obtain EA Passports by the ordinary East Africans?

Madam Speaker,

The report cited by Hon. Shy-Rose Bhanji may have been derived from the record of the proceedings of the 18th Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning which took place in Arusha from the 18th -21st June 2013. The Community has prioritized the internationalization of the new Generation EAC Passport. The Sectoral Council at its 18th Meeting adopted the Minimum technical Specifications of the Passport and directed the EAC Secretariat to design a computer generated graphic  New Generation East African Passport using the adopted minimum technical specifications  and circulate the same to Partner States for comments. The Sectoral Council further directed the Secretariat to convene a multisectoral meeting of experts to develop the roadmap on the internationalization of the new generation East African Passport.

Madam Speaker,
The Secretariat has already designed the new Generation East African Passport and has circulated it to the Partner States. Currently there is no agreed upon Roadmap by the Partner States on this process, as the meeting of experts to develop the Roadmap is yet to convene. The development of the Roadmap is expected to involve stakeholders and experts from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Internal Affairs and Security in order to give the process a broader perspective.

 However the process has a lot of budgetary implications for the Partner States when it comes to the launch, production and issuance of the document. It implies migrating from the current passport issuance machines and upgrade of technology or acquisition of completely new software and personalization machines. The Council will therefore need to direct Partner states to factor in their budgets, funds for rolling out the new generation East African Passport. This will include procurement of the Software, the personalization Machines, printers and booklets. There will be further need to build the capacity of few passport issuing officers on the usage of the new machines from each Partner State.

Madam Speaker,

I wish to further inform this august House that the process of countries being lined up to pioneer the acceptance of the EAC Passport is not necessary. This is because, once Partner States have printed the passports booklets and have commenced issuance to nationals, the passport Issuing Authorities will be obligated to inform the international Community of States, through their missions abroad, on the coming into use of the new Generation East African Passport and also provide detailed information on the security features of the passport and provide at least a specimen copy to all foreign nations. They shall also be obligated to provide a phase out program for the old generation national passports.

The Council will be expected to adopt a programme to popularize the acquisition and usage of the New Generation East African Passport which will be implemented through the Ministries responsible for EAC Affairs, Immigration and Foreign Affairs at each Partner State level. Partner States will be urged to educate citizens on the importance of using the new Generation East African passport and further be encouraged as much as possible to acquire the East African Passport in the spirit of the East African Community integration.

The current East African passport is still being issued by Immigration Departments in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The Republics of Rwanda and Burundi after signing the accession Treaties in June 2007, found the process of reviewing and upgrading the current passport in terms of enhanced Security features and to conform with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommended standards for international travel documents ongoing. Therefore the citizens from the two Republics are utilizing the Lasser Passe travel document in the region.
The agreed upon cost of an East African passport is US$ 10.00 converted to the equivalent in local Currency.

The current   number of issued passports by each Partner State is not available but will be provided to the next session of the Assembly after the next meeting of the Chiefs of Immigration scheduled to take place before end of this year. The procedures and requirements to obtain an East African Passport by the citizens of each Partner State are the same as those for acquiring a National Passport currently in force.                                

3.0         QUESTION: EALA/PQ/OA/3/25/2013(By Hon. Shy-Rose Bhanji)

The EAC and the United States are currently engaged in trade negotiations and opportunities for trade amongst themselves. Discussions have also been held at the highest level involving the Secretary General of the EAC and representatives from the US government led by Amb. Froman.

Could the Chair of Council confirm this development and highlight the areas of focus? 

Madam Speaker,

I wish to inform this august House that in June 2012, the East African Community and the United States resolved to upscale their Trade and Investment Framework Agreement into (TIFA) a Trade and Investment Partnership (TIP) that includes the following:-

a)            A regional investment treaty;
b)            A trade facilitation agreement;
c)            Continued trade capacity building assistance; and
d)            A commercial dialogue between the EAC and U.S. private sectors.

Both Parties agreed that the TIP could also serve as a building block towards a more comprehensive trade agreement over the long term.

The East African Community deems the TIP to be important for the region for the following objectives:-

a)                    Strengthening regional integration in the EAC;
b)                    Contributing to promoting value addition and addressing production, supply and trading capacity in the EAC region;
c)                     Creating a conducive investment climate in the EAC region;
d)                    Attracting targeted foreign direct investment from the U.S. that contributes to income generation, employment and transfer of appropriate technology in the region;
e)                     Increasing intra-regional and international trade;
f)                       Enhancing competitiveness in trade;
g)                    Enhancing reliable and flexible market access;
h)                     Facilitating infrastructural investment within the region;
i)                        Enhancing industrialization investment; and
j)                        Creating a forum for EAC and U.S. private sector interaction.

Madam Speaker,

Exploratory discussions and information sharing were undertaken between the EAC and the U.S. in July 2012, September 2012 and April 2013 at the technical and senior official’s level. Two ministerial meetings were also held on 19th October 2012 and 11th August 2013 which assessed the progress made and agreed on the next steps on the TIP.

The following has been achieved to date:-

a)                A Letter of Intent establishing the EAC-U.S. Commercial Dialogue was signed by both Parties on 19th October 2013. The Letter of Intent provides the principles and objectives that will guide the Parties’ cooperation in the Commercial Dialogue;

b)                On 30th November 2012, the Commercial Dialogue was launched with a breakfast meeting which included the EAC SG, Ag. U.S. Secretary of Commerce, EABC, EAC and U.S. private sector operators, and a ceremonial signing of the Letter of Intent during the EAC Summit.
c)                Agreement on the Terms of Reference for the Commercial Dialogue which establishes modalities and priority topics for dialogue between the EAC and U.S. private sectors as well as the public-private sector dialogue.

The following are the agreed priority topics for the Commercial Dialogue which will be reviewed every three years or earlier upon the request of either Party:-
(i)                 Trade-related infrastructure;
(ii)               Agro processing/Agribusiness;
(iii)              Market access;
(iv)            Services sectors, including Financial Services, Business Process Outsourcing, Tourism and Information communications technology (ICT);
(v)              Energy;
(vi)            Trade Facilitation; and
(vii)           Trade Capacity Building covering Standards harmonization, Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights and Entrepreneurship Development.

d)                The first public-private sector EAC–U.S. Commercial Dialogue was held during the EAC – U.S. Ministerial Meeting on 11th August 2013 (on the sidelines of the AGOA Forum in Adis - Ababa).

e)                Discussions have been held on the U.S. Model Bilateral Investment Treaty. The Parties reiterated that they are still in exploratory discussions, which will determine whether or not to launch the negotiations on the regional investment treaty.

f)                   Discussions have also been held on the proposed Trade Facilitation Agreement and on Trade Capacity Building assistance.

g)                A study is currently being undertaken to develop a regional framework for EAC’s engagement in trade and investment negotiations with third Parties (U.S., China, India, Turkey and Brazil) which will provide inputs to EAC’s positions on the Regional Investment Treaty once the discussions are formalized.

Madam Speaker,

During the EAC-U.S. Ministerial Meeting on 11th August 2013, both Parties agreed to launch formal negotiations on a Trade Facilitation Agreement. They also added a fifth component to the TIP focused on sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures and technical barriers to trade.

4.0         QUESTION: EALA/PQ/OA/3/26/2013(By Hon. Shy-Rose Bhanji)

One way of popularising / educating the citizens of East African on EAC integration is through the Mass Media, that is: live coverage in all Partner States and broad coverage in print and social media. All these strategies cost money. Now that we have our own equipment to connect with other TV Stations to televise live, will the Council avail funds to enable National and Private TV Stations to televise the Assembly’s proceedings?

Can the Chair of the Council also agree that there is a need to raise funds to facilitate the media to come to Arusha to do the coverage of the proceedings?

Madam Speaker,

Let me first of all thank the Honourable Member for asking the question and indeed confirm that one of the effective ways of reaching out to the citizens of East Africa is through the mass media.  Live broadcasts of EALA proceedings will enhance its profile and leverage the image of the organization while influencing and educating the public about their duties and functions.

I wish to inform the House that the initiative to set up a Mobile Broadcasting Unit for the Assembly was mooted by the 2nd Assembly to enhance its visibility.  The original idea was to transmit EALA Sessions and activities, carry out outside broadcasting and enable access to Free on Air Broadcasting thus enabling interested TV stations to pick up the signal. It was anticipated that providing feeds to media houses would also enhance relations with the media as part of the commitment to good governance, openness and accountability.

The Assembly reached out to Development Partners to assist in the initial set-up of the Unit which was then estimated to cost up to USD 600,000. The African Capacity Building Foundation agreed to support the initial phase of the project to the tune of USD 159,995.
Following a directive of the House Business Commission to source for broadcast equipment, a tender for the supply, installation and commissioning of the equipment was issued by EALA/EAC appearing in the regional papers and on the website in September 2011. Two bids were received and after evaluation, Adwest Communications Ltd won the tender to supply the equipment.

Adwest Communications ltd supplied the equipment which was received by the Secretariat on December 4, 2012.  The process was delayed due to the lengthy nature of procurement at the EAC and the corresponding delays and bureaucracies in clearing the consignment with the Revenue authorities.
I wish to report that EALA has in its custody the following equipment:

-       Satellite dish,
-       Transmitters,
-       Uplink amplifiers,
-       Audio and Visual mixers,
-       cameras,
-       a back-up generator and
-       Mobile trunk cabinets.
The equipment however only enables EALA to undertake in-house production of video (short documentaries) but it is not sufficient for live broadcasting.

 There are still some outstanding equipments necessary for the full commissioning of the broadcasting unit which include:
-       the acquisition of the Satellite Space (Air frequency),
-       Broadcasting studio screens,
-        sub-title creator machines,
-        convertors that enable relay from analog to the digital television and
-       The Outside Broadcasting (OB) Van.  
Should EALA be able to purchase the said key equipment, then it shall be able to fully commission the unit and commence work.  

I am informed that the EALA Commission is considering the same and expects to engage a Consultant

Hon Members having said that, I wish to add that this is a long-term investment for the Assembly and the EAC in general.  Due to constraints in funding, the best approach to realizing the objective is by phasing it in stages as is already been done.
 The EAC will carry out the following activities once we are ready to roll out:

a)               Market the fact that the Assembly/EAC is now free on Air TV Broadcasting to enable anyone with a decoder to hook in and view.
b)               Interest the Television Stations to pick the signal during the plenary and air the same to the public.

Once the Assembly is done with the equipment, the matter of trained personnel to handle the unit shall be a priority. The staff compliment required may include: Camera Operators as well as a Transmission/Satellite Technician.

On the question of funding for the television stations to televise the proceedings of EALA, the Council shall indeed pursue the matter with the relevant authorities in each Partner State to budget for the same. 

Broadcasting/televising is an expensive affair although given the importance of integration; the aspects can be explored and possibly worked out.   At the moment, some of the Partner States have their arrangements with the national broadcasters – which today have semi-autonomy to televise the Parliamentary proceedings.  The Parliaments are footing the said costs.  Generally, if we can interest the TV Stations – national and private, then they may offer to consider setting aside airtime for airing integration.  

 I am further in agreement that there is need to raise funds to enable facilitate media to attend the plenary in Arusha.  This again should involve the partnership with the media stations.   One of the modalities through which we could address both challenges is by taking collaboration with the Media agencies to the next level.  Already the EAC Secretariat hosts the annual EAC Media Summit bringing together EAC officials and media chief executives to discuss pertinent issues around integration.   The matter should also be explored at the symposia.


5.0         QUESTION : EALA/PQ/OA/3/28/2013 (By Hon. Shy-Rose Bhanji)

Partner States have entered into bilateral or tri-lateral agreements in some of the areas of the EAC integration e.g bilateral agreement between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda on tax harmonisation policies development of a Railway line between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda; development of an oil pipeline between Uganda and Kenya etc.

Could the Chair of Council inform this August House if these agreements are in conformity pipelines with the Treaty for the establishment of the EAC?  Are there any other agreement signed in addition to the above and if so, what do they provide for.

Madam Speaker,

The Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, the implementation of which takes cognizance of the principles of variable geometry and complementarity, does not prescribe the conclusion of bilateral agreements. In principle some of these agreements are concluded as part of the implementation of the integration agenda.

According to the joint communiqués issued, the issue of Tax harmonization was not a subject of discussion during the trilateral talks between the Republics of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda held in Entebbe on 26th June 2013, and at the 2nd Infrastructure Heads of State meeting held on 28th August, 2013 in Mombasa.

The only reference to tax during the trilateral talks was in the context of the single customs territory, where the Partner States committed to “strengthen the single customs territory and implement all the provisions therein where taxes will be collected at the entry points like Mombasa, Mpondwe, Oluhura”.

Madam Speaker,

The oil pipeline between Uganda and Kenya specifically Kampala and Eldoret is at a bilateral level. EAC only takes note of progress and is therefore not involved.
There are no other agreements signed.