By KPC Reporter
The Bureau of Speakers of the East African Community (EAC) has concluded its Extraordinary Meeting in Arusha, Tanzania, with landmark resolutions that underscore regional solidarity, modernization, and urgent financial reforms.
The meeting brought together parliamentary leaders from across the region and confirmed that the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) will host the 16th Edition of the Inter-Parliamentary Games in Arusha this December.
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Chaired by the Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi, Speaker of the Senate of Kenya, the session was convened after Somalia, the current chair, was unable to host due to ongoing political processes.
Kingi emphasized the urgency of preparations, noting, “These Games have evolved into much more than a sporting event. They are a powerful symbol of regional integration, solidarity and friendship among our legislatures. They embody the resilience and enduring commitment of our parliaments to strengthen the bonds that unite the peoples of East Africa.”
The Bureau resolved that EALA would prepare an indicative budget by June 26, 2026, to be shared with national parliaments, with costs distributed among Partner States.
South Sudan, while reaffirming its commitment to the Community, explained that preparations for its first post-independence elections made hosting impossible.
Speaker Joseph Ngere Paciko pledged South Sudan’s largest-ever delegation and proposed cost-saving measures, including private-sector sponsorship and shortening the Games’ duration.
“We remain unwavering in our commitment to the principles and objectives of the EAC. I am confident that our deliberations here will strengthen parliamentary cooperation and contribute to the successful organization of the 2026 Inter-Parliamentary Games,” he said.
The Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana, Speaker of EALA, welcomed the decision, stressing the symbolic importance of hosting the Games at the heart of the Community.
“The Inter-Parliamentary Games are a vital platform for promoting unity, friendship, solidarity, cultural exchange, and regional integration among East African legislators and parliamentary staff. Hosting them here in Arusha carries deep symbolic meaning,” he remarked.
In addition to the Games, the Bureau approved the rollout of a digital registration system developed by Mr. Amos Kimanthi of Kenya’s National Assembly.
The application will modernize participant management, offering real-time results tracking, automated scheduling, and secure multi-device access.
Kingi commended the innovation, saying, “Once adopted, the application will ensure efficiency, reduce manual errors, and provide a seamless experience for all national delegations.”
The meeting also addressed the financial crisis threatening the EAC, with Kingi warning of budgetary shortfalls and urging stronger collaboration between legislative and executive arms.
“Our parliaments must work hand in hand with the executive to secure the future of the EAC. The decisions we make today will determine whether this Community thrives or falters,” he cautioned.
