Parliament on Wednesday, October 26, invited Kenyans to apply for nomination and election to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), dispelling earlier rumours that the seats were allocated to August 9 poll losers.
In the notice seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the legislative arm of the government declared that the positions will fall vacant on December 17.
"The search for Kenya’s next representatives to EALA is now on. Please see the invitation," the National Assembly stated in a notice signed by its clerk, Serah Kioko.
The Treaty of Establishment of East African Community (EAC) requires the Parliaments of each member state to elect nine members as representatives to the Arusha-based assembly.
Further, the treaty stipulates that the election should factor in the party representation in the Parliaments as well as other factors including gender, and special interest.
Candidates should not be officers at the EAC, or Cabinet and should have experience in consolidating and furthering the aims of the community.
How to Apply
Persons seeking nomination through political parties should physically submit credentials to the clerk of the National Assembly or the Senate by November 2.
They can also deliver their documents via eala@parliament.go.ke before or on November 2.
Among the qualifications set for eligibility include valid citizenship of the sending state and matching the qualifications of an MP in the respective country.
Political parties must also submit the names of nominees by November 9 as approved by the respective party leader in Parliament.
Persons intending to apply as independent candidates were also invited to channel applications by providing the requisite credentials to the clerk.
The nomination and election of members of the EALA sparked a stir after members of various political parties jostle for the available slots.
