A Ugandan Member of Parliament (MP) has called for the removal of roadblocks hampering the functioning of the East African Community.
The Dokolo District MP, Ms. Cecilia Ogwal urged the Member States and other stake holders to ensure the impending barriers were eradicated to allow free flow of goods and even people across the countries.
“The East African Community must work, stakeholders and key players must be brought to the political arena and demolish walls which are a stumbling block to the working of the community,” said Ms. Ogwal on Wednesday when she paid a courtesy call to the Makueni County Commissioner (CC), Maalim Mohammed in his office.
The MP who is leading a five member delegation, said there was need to know the areas of specialization that Member States could benefit from one another.
“As members of East Africa Community, we can converge at our commonalities and share knowledge, experiences and challenges for mutual benefits,” noted the MP.
She was accompanied by her Kakumiro counterpart, Ms. Robinnah Nabbanja and Ugandan Parliament Director of Administration, Benson Masereka.
The delegation is on a three day bench marking tour in Makueni County whose main focus is service delivery in the devolved unity. The tour will also evaluate the public participation approach in development which has been touted as a success story in the county.
On his part, Mr. Mohammed lauded devolution saying since its inception, resources have trickled to all parts of the country especially the marginalized areas.
At the same time, he said close working relations between the national and county governments was laudable as focus was on service delivery to wananchi. “We have a progressive Constitution, resources are reaching every corner of the country. We are even ahead of U.S.A,” claimed Mohammed.
He also said that public participation has made Kenyans get involved in the affairs of their counties leading to prompt development. “Wananchi are part of decision making in development matters. This has come to pass courtesy of the 2010 Constitution,” noted the county commissioner.
By Patrick Nyakundi
