Parliament invites applications for EALA positions

The process of looking for Kenya’s next set of representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has kicked off.

This follows a Wednesday morning meeting of the Joint Committee from both Houses on the Selection of Members to the assembly co-chaired by former EALA MP Hon. Wanjiku Muhia, and Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo.

Candidates interested to seat in the assembly will be expected to liaise with their preferred political parties for nomination, while those interested in vying as independent candidates may submit their applications to the clerk.

To be deemed  qualified for the position, a candidate should be a Kenyan citizen and be qualified to be elected a Member of Parliament under the Constitution.

They should also not be holding office as a Cabinet Secretary and should also not be an officer in the service of the East African Community (EAC).

The candidates should also have proven experience or interest in consolidating and furthering the aims and objectives of the Community.

A statement from the National Assembly clerk Serah Kioko stipulated that members seeking to be nominated by a political party should submit their applications to the Clerk indicating the political party by Wednesday, November 2.

The party should then deliberate and submit the names of the nominees to the presiding officers on the nomination day, which will be confirmed by the Clerk.

For independent candidates, they should submit their application indicating their party on the nomination day set for Wednesday, November 9 at Parliament buildings.

Inspection of the nomination papers shall then happen on November 10 and 11 from 9AM to 4PM.

Member States elect nine members each to the Assembly, 90 days before the expiry of the date of the outgoing Assembly which is on December 17, 2022.

They hold office for five a 5-year term and are eligible for re-election for a further term of five years.

The members represent their state as much as it is feasible on shades of opinion, gender and other special interest groups in that Partner State, in accordance with such procedure as the National Assembly of each Partner State may determine.

In Kenya’s case however, the election of these representatives is carried out by the bicameral Parliament.

The nine Legislators are expected to report to Arusha, the seat of the regional legislature by 20th December.

EALA is the independent legislative arm of EAC, established under Article 9 of the EAC Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.

The Assembly plays a critical role in the furtherance of the EAC objectives.