From its inauguration on 30 November 2001 until it was dissolved in November 2006, the First EALA successfully established itself into a strong and effective regional legislature and registered a number of achievements. The presentation of these achievements is outlined here below around the mandate and functions of the Assembly through legislation, oversight, and through membership to and participation in activities of other bodies
2.0 EALA MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS: 2001 – 2006
From its inauguration on 30 November 2001 until it was dissolved in November 2006, the First EALA successfully established itself into a strong and effective regional legislature and registered a number of achievements. The presentation of these achievements is outlined here below around the mandate and functions of the Assembly through legislation, oversight, and through membership to and participation in activities of other bodies.
2.1 Legislative Function
As the legislative organ of the East African Community the core mandate of the Assembly is to legislate on all matters relating to the operationalisation of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
(a) Laws Enacted
In pursuance of this function, the First EALA enacted the following laws during its term in office:
i. The Community Emblems Act (No.1) 2004.
ii. The East African Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act (No.2), 2004.
iii. The East African Community (Appropriation) Act (No.3) 2004
iv. The East African Community (Appropriation) Act (No.3) 2004
v. The East African Community Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2005
vi. The Acts of the East African Community Act (No.5), 2004.
vii. The Laws of the Community (Interpretation) Act (No.6) 2004.
viii. The East African Community Customs Management Act (No.1), 2005.
ix. The East African Community Competition Act, 2006.
x. The East African Community Standardization, Quality Assurance, Metrology, and Testing Bill, 2006
xi. The East African Community (Appropriation) Bill, 2006
The Assembly also debated and approved the EAC Budgets for the Financial years 2002/2003; 2003/2004; 2004/2005; 2005/2006; and 2006/2007.
(b) Private Members’ Bills
The First EALA published and introduced in the House the following Private Members’ Bills:
i. The East African Trade Negotiations Bill, 2003
ii. The Inter-University Council for East Africa Bill, 2004
iii. The East African Community Immunities and Privileges Bill
iv. The East African Community Budget Bill, 2004
2.2 Oversight Function
The First EALA effectively exercised its oversight role through the following activities:
(a) Questions for Oral Answers
Rule 17 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly provides for EALA priority questions to the Council of Ministers relating to matters of the Community. The First EALA asked a total of thirty priority questions on the implementation of the Treaty, which were duly answered by the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers.
