MUSYOKA TAKES STRONG STANCE ON EAC BUDGET, CALLS FOR URGENT REFORMS

 MUSYOKA TAKES STRONG STANCE ON EAC BUDGET, CALLS FOR URGENT REFORMS

By Joseph Ngilisho | ARUSHA

Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Kennedy Musyoka, has expressed concern over the budgetary situation of the East African Community (EAC), noting that it has remained relatively stagnant despite the continued expansion of the bloc’s institutions and mandate.

Contributing to the parliamentary budget debate, Musyoka said lawmakers are not satisfied with the current financial trend, where the budget has either remained unchanged or increased at a rate that does not match the growth of EAC institutions and the rising number of staff within the Community.

He warned that the situation could undermine the effective implementation of key responsibilities, which form the foundation of regional integration efforts.

“We are not satisfied as Members of Parliament to see that the budget is not increasing while institutions are expanding and responsibilities are growing. We urge the Council of Ministers to take this matter seriously so that the budget is aligned with the actual needs,” Musyoka said.

The EALA legislator also emphasized the need to recruit additional staff within EAC institutions, noting that understaffing continues to hinder the execution of core functions of the Community.

He further pointed to audit reports highlighting several challenges that require closer attention, warning that weaknesses in oversight could put the proper management of funds and protection of Community resources at risk.

“Through audit reports, we have identified areas of concern that are not satisfactory. Without strong oversight and adequate staffing, there is a risk of losing Community resources,” he added.

Musyoka called on the EAC Secretariat and the Council of Ministers to take swift action to enable the Assembly to effectively carry out its oversight role.

The House continues to deliberate on the financial year budget, with lawmakers emphasizing the need for reforms aimed at strengthening the East African Community.