East African Community (EAC) Heads of State have approved a series of key decisions aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and the management of the regional bloc.

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Speaking during the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania, William Ruto, President of Kenya and outgoing Chairperson of EAC, announced that members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) will no longer have their salaries paid from the EAC budget.

"Members of our East African Network Assembly representing different countries, who today spend almost 30 per cent of the EAC budget, will from the next parliament have their salaries paid by their respective national parliaments,” he said.

Ruto also noted that EAC has not reviewed the salaries of its employees since 2006.

"Therefore, we have decided that a review will take place starting December 2027.”

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He further outlined new requirements for nominations to senior positions within EAC, including Secretary General, Speaker and others

"Countries nominating individuals for senior positions must be up to date with all their obligations to be eligible to make these nominations,” Ruto said.

The summit also saw leaders agree to revise the formula used by member states to contribute to EAC budget, introducing a system where countries with stronger economies will contribute more.