-President Kikwete expected to address the EALA Assembly today-
By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City
The 1st Meeting, 3rd Session, 2nd Assembly of the East African legislative Assembly (EALA) on 6th August 2009 passed the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) Bill, 2008 after adopting the report presented to it by the Committee on Communications, Trade and Investments Chaired by Hon. Catherine Kimura of the EALA.
Article 92 of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community, requires the EAC Partner States to harmonize their policies on Civil Aviation in order to promote the development of safe, reliable, efficient and economically viable Civil Aviation with a view to developing appropriate infrastructure, aeronautical skills and technology, as well as the role of civil aviation in support of other economic activities.
The Protocol on the establishment of the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency was signed by the three founding member states (Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania) on 18th April 2007.
The CASSOA Bill therefore aims at consolidating the provisions of the Protocol to establish and empower a regional body that will streamline and ensure that the highest international standards are maintained in the aviation industry.
The Bill is now awaiting Presidential Assent before it becomes an act of the community that will regulate matters of air safety and security oversight in the Aviation Industry within the EAC region.
Meanwhile, H.E Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the republic of Tanzania is expected to officially address the EALA and official open the 1st Meeting of the 3rd Session today 7 th August 2009 at 2:30 PM at the National Assembly-Old Chambers (Karimjee Hall), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
Background
The EALA is the legislative arm of the Community, which came into being on 29th November 2001 with representatives from the three Partner States of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The Membership expanded in July 2007 with the admission of two sister Republics of Burundi and Rwanda. The MPs from the two Partner States took oath on 13th May, 2008 and have since then continued to make their valuable contribution to the EAC integration agenda.
The EALA comprises of a total of 52 Members, 45 elected Members (9 from each Partner State) and 7 Ex-Officio Members comprising five Ministers responsible for EAC affairs, the Secretary General of the Community and the Counsel to the Community. The legislative lifespan of the Assembly is 5 years having commenced on 5th June 2007.
It is important to note that the laws enacted by the EAC have the full force of law and take precedent over similar laws in the Partner States on matters related to the Community. In addition to passing legislation, the Assembly has adopted several resolutions and reports relating to the developments in the Community.
The Assembly is keen on the integration process and will seek to provide the required legislative framework and oversight to ensure that the integration agenda remains on track.
Ends
leooderaomolo@yahom.com
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From: Leo Odera Omolo
Date: Fri, Aug 7, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Subject: EALA PASSES CASSOA BILL