Kenya’s National Assembly Committee on Regional Integration has raised red flags over persistent failures by several East African Community (EAC) member states to meet their financial obligations, warning that the trend threatens the operational stability of the regional bloc.
During a session with officials from the State Department for East African Community Affairs, lawmakers reviewed reports from the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and voiced concern that despite Kenya’s consistent contributions, it reaps limited benefits compared to habitual defaulters.
“The delay in contributions is undermining the EAC’s ability to pay its staff on time and conduct its operations effectively,” Committee Chairperson Irene Mayaka said. She called for legal and policy options to address the situation, including the possibility of sanctions or even expulsion for repeat offenders.
Karachuonyo MP Okuome Adipo emphasized the impact of poor regional cooperation on local communities, especially fishermen along Lake Victoria. “Kenyans are facing serious challenges when it comes to fishing in Lake Victoria,” he said. “Can you guarantee seamless trade with Uganda?”
Principal Secretary for the EAC, Dr. Caroline Karugu, acknowledged the financial strain facing the Community but noted the matter is under review by the EAC Heads of State Summit. “I remain optimistic that we will find a way forward to revitalise the Community,” she said, urging member states to remit their 2024/25 contributions in line with financial regulations.
Dr. Karugu also highlighted broader obstacles to regional integration, such as taxation disparities and regulatory barriers, and called on Parliament to help improve the region’s investment climate.
MPs expressed cautious support for a proposal allowing member states to directly fund the salaries of their nationals seconded to EAC institutions. However, they emphasized that meaningful reform would require amending existing treaties to ensure accountability and fair reward for compliant states.
The Committee’s warnings come amid mounting concerns that the EAC’s cohesion and credibility could be at risk if structural and financial imbalances persist.
Written By Rodney Mbua
