Members of Parliament have called out some East African Community (EAC) countries for failing to pay their agreed-upon contributions.
The National Assembly Committee on Regional Integration met the State Department for EAC in Mombasa to discuss reports from the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) on June 6.
The lawmakers stated that this failure is threatening the effective functioning of the regional bloc, including the timely payment of staff salaries.
During the meeting, MPs questioned why Kenya continues to fulfil its financial obligations on time, but others don't.
They further voiced dissatisfaction with the benefits Kenya receives despite consistently meeting its financial commitments to the EAC.
The MPs called for an enforcement mechanism within the EAC framework to ensure compliance.
During the meeting, lawmakers suggested that those who repeatedly fail to pay should face penalties or even be removed from the EAC if necessary.
The committee, however, supported a proposal allowing each country to pay staff salaries directly.
MPs stated that the EAC treaty needs to be amended to ensure that countries that meet their financial obligations, like Kenya, receive fair treatment and are not placed at a disadvantage.
Dr. Caroline Karugu, the Principal Secretary for the EAC, admitted that the situation is difficult. She said the issue is being discussed at the highest level in the EAC and promised that efforts are being made to ensure all member states pay their dues for the 2024/25 financial year.
Dr. Karugu also urged the Committee to look into other regional trade barriers, such as taxes and the ease of doing business, in order to attract investment in the region.
As part of the challenges raised by leaders during the meeting, Karachuonyo MP Okuome Adipo raised a concern over the trade disruptions affecting the Kenyan fishermen and called for seamless trade with Uganda.
"Kenyans are facing serious challenges when it comes to fishing in Lake Victoria. Can you ensure the seamless trade with Uganda?" he asked
