The search for Kenya’s next representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has begun.
This follows a meeting of the Joint Committee from both Houses on the Selection of Members to the Assembly on Wednesday morning, which was co-chaired by former EALA MP Hon. Wanjiku Muhia and Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo.
Candidates seeking a seat in the assembly are expected to work with their preferred political parties for nomination, while those seeking to run as independents may submit their applications to the clerk.
A candidate must be a Kenyan citizen and be eligible to be elected as a Member of Parliament under the Constitution to be considered qualified for the position.
They should also not be a Cabinet Secretary or an officer in the service of the East African Community (EAC).
Candidates should also have demonstrated experience or an interest in consolidating and furthering the Community’s goals and objectives.
According to a statement from National Assembly Clerk Serah Kioko, members seeking to be nominated by a political party must submit their applications to the Clerk by Wednesday, November 2, indicating the political party.
On the nomination day, the party should deliberate and submit the names of the nominees to the presiding officers, which will be confirmed by the Clerk.
Independent candidates should submit their applications to Parliament buildings on Wednesday, November 9th, indicating their party affiliation.
The nomination papers will then be inspected on November 10 and 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Member countries elect nine representatives to the Assembly 90 days before the expiration date of the outgoing Assembly, which is December 17, 2022.
They serve a five-year term and are eligible for re-election for another five-year term.
Members represent their state as much as possible on differences of opinion, gender, and other special interest groups in that Partner State, in accordance with the procedure determined by the National Assembly of each Partner State.
In Kenya, however, the bicameral Parliament is in charge of electing these representatives.
The nine legislators are expected to report to Arusha, the regional legislature’s seat, by December 20th.
EALA is the East African Community’s independent legislative arm, established by Article 9 of the EAC Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
The Assembly is critical to the achievement of the EAC’s goals.
