What you need to know about the functions of EALA MPs

The EALA MP nominees who were selected from both Houses; Azimio and Kenya Kwanza in accordance with the EALA constitution now await their swearing-in in Arusha, Tanzania in December.

Kenya Kwanza MPs elected include; former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar (253 votes), Zipporah Kering (223 votes), ex-Nominated MP David ole Sankok (223 votes), Godfrey Mwangi (213) and Falhada Dekow (174 votes).

Azimio MPs were Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka's son Kennedy Kalonzo (262 votes), ODM party leader Raila Odinga's daughter Winnie Odinga (247 votes), Kanini Kega (297 votes) and Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal with 181 votes.

As the MPs embark on their new roles, Citizen Digital breaks down the structure, functions and composition of the EALA, as the legislative organ of the East Africa Community (EAC).

According to the East African, EALA MPS earn a basic salary of Ksh.781,776 ($6,408) plus allowances that could amount to about Ksh.1.7 million ($14,000). The 54 MPs are entitled to Ksh.19,520 ($160) each per sitting.

In order to adhere to its rule of legislation, EALA has seven committees that ensure it accomplishes its mandate.

They are the Accounts committee; Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources, General Purpose, Commission, Legal, Rules and Privileges, Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution and Trade Communication and Investment committee.

Every initial partner state in the EAC before the inclusion of DRC Congo, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan is required to present nine members who the parliaments of their respective nations elect.

The members who are then sworn in almost a month after the election have a renewable term of five years which equates to two terms of 10 years.

Here are the functions of the EALA MPs

• Liaises with the National Assemblies of Partner States on matters relating to the Community;
• Debates and approves the budget of the Community;
• Considers annual reports on the activities of the Community, annual audit reports of the Audit Commission and any other reports referred to it by the Council.
• Discusses all matters pertaining to the Community and make recommendations to the Council as it may deem necessary for the implementation of the Treaty.
• Establishes any committee or committees for purposes of carrying out its functions.
• Recommends to the Council the appointment of the Clerk and other officers of the Assembly.
• Makes its rules of procedure and those of its committees.

Currently, the EALA membership stands at 62 with 54 elected members from all the partners and eight ex-official members.

The ex-official members are the six Ministers from each state responsible for regional cooperation, where in the case of Kenya, CS Rebecca Miano is the representative.

The other two officials are the Secretary General of the EAC and the Counsel to the Community who are part of debates but do not participate in voting.

During elections, EALA requires the selection of members to represent the diversity of views in respective parliaments and gender balance.

During this year's election in Kenya, out of the nine members, there are six men and three women.