On Wednesday, November 13, Wetangula was elected President of the Bureau of East African Community Speakers.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Molo Member of Parliament Kuria Kimani have secured top roles in the East African and African regions respectively, which are testaments to their work in their positions which have earned respect in the African continent.
On Wednesday, November 13, Wetangula was elected President of the Bureau of East African Community Speakers. This followed the 18th Meeting of the Bureau of EAC Speakers of National Legislatures and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), held at the Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi.
While expressing his deep honour to accept the position, Wetangula stated “The trust bestowed upon me by my esteemed colleagues to lead our collective vision for a prosperous East African Community fills me with profound gratitude.”
The Kenyan Speaker congratulated his predecessor, Dr Tulia Ackson, Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, for her exemplary leadership and particularly her dedication to fostering unity among Member States, a matter evident in the successful implementation of the East African Games which has set a remarkable foundation for regional cooperation and economic growth.
National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, during a vetting exercise of Cabinet Secretary nominees on August 1, 2024. /PARLIAMENT KENYA
“As I assume this prestigious role, I reaffirm Kenya’s unwavering commitment to advancing the EAC integration agenda. We stand ready to work hand in hand with our counterparts across the region to further our shared aspirations and common objectives,” he announced.
In his statement, Wetangula also assured of Kenya’s readiness to host the upcoming East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) games in Mombasa. “Our coastal city, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, promises to offer participants an exceptional experience,” he continued.
Adding “This gathering will not only serve as a platform for strengthening our bonds but also provide our hardworking members with a welcome opportunity to rejuvenate amidst their demanding schedules.”
He called upon the members of the EALA to enjoy the gathering and utilise it as a platform to not only rejuvenate after hectic schedules but also to strengthen the bonds amongst each other.Â
“During the high-level engagement, I emphasize our steadfast dedication to parliamentary diplomacy as an essential instrument for enhancing regional cooperation and development.Â
“I urged colleagues to know that, It is through our unified efforts that we shall build a more robust and resilient East African Community, creating lasting prosperity for our people. Together, we forge ahead toward a brighter, more integrated East Africa,” he went on.
On his part, Kuria was elected to serve as the inaugural chairperson of the Africa Young Parliamentarians Network (AYPN) after the conclusion of the Conference on Corruption, Fiscal Justice, and Digital Governance. He thanked fellow AYPN members for entrusting him with the role.
“We wrapped up the inaugural Africa Young Parliamentarians Network Conference on Corruption, Fiscal Justice, and Digital Governance with a call to lead the charge in combating corruption and advancing integrity in Africa’s governance systems,” Kuria announced on Tuesday, November 12.
“Assessing the current debt in Africa, there is an urgent need to address its anti-corruption challenges. This highlights the need for regional cooperation, effective legislative reforms, and the empowerment of young leaders to shape Africa’s future.”
Kuria further stated that by working closely with regional and international partners and CSOs, AYPN aims to empower the next generation of African leaders to foster transparent, accountable, and sustainable governance for Africa’s future.
Elected to lead alongside him were Mohamed Kari from Comoros who will serve under Kuria as Vice Chairperson, Vuyolwethu Zungula of South Africa as Secretary General, Zaroua Ouma of Chad as Treasurer, and Amira Saber of Egypt as the Organising Secretary.
The young parliamentarians also elected leaders to represent each African region with Dr Betty from Ethiopia being selected to lead the Eastern Region. Amina Saber, who will also serve as the organising secretary, was elected to lead the Nothern bloc as well.
Ephone from Benin would lead the Western region, Zanele Tanele from Eswatini the South, and finally, Hermione from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) would lead the Central Africa region.
The AYPN is a continental parliamentary caucus that draws membership from serving Young Parliamentarians in the African Continent.
