East African Community Aims to Address Budgetary Challenges Through Enhanced Integration
MOMBASA—The Integration Committee has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening participation in the East African Community (EAC) to address ongoing budgetary challenges faced by the regional bloc. The discussions took place during the Parliamentary Committee on Regional Integration at Serena Mombasa, focusing on budget issues that have been exacerbated by irregular financial contributions from some member states.
According to Kenya News Agency, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Cabinet Secretary Penina Malonza, the committee’s agenda concentrated on evaluating integration efforts and budgetary allocations. Malonza pointed out the need to assess the financial contributions of EAC partner states and stressed the importance of this strategy to enhance regional cooperation and achieve shared goals.
The committee also reviewed the EAC’s performance over the past year, with a particular focus on increasing Kenya’s involvement and improving bilateral relations within the community. Additionally, Malonza detailed her role in emergency response management, noting recent government actions in responding to crises in Machakos and Nairobi.
She reported on the success of operations in Machakos, where boats were deployed for rescue operations and food supplies were delivered. In Nairobi, the response was coordinated by Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, focusing on distributing essential supplies to areas like Mathare, Mukuru kwa Njenga, and Kibera. Malonza added that discussions with the Nairobi Governor led to evacuation notices for those built on riparian land, emphasizing proactive measures in disaster management.
Further actions included the activation of the National Disaster Operation Centre, with Malonza assuring daily updates at 3 p.m. to keep the public informed. A multi-agency committee, overseen by the Deputy President, has been established to develop solutions and collaborate with organizations like the Red Cross and the World Food Program, aiming for impactful humanitarian efforts across the region.