Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

EAC speakers convention

East African Community (EAC) speakers will today, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, convene in Nairobi for the 18th meeting of the Bureau of Speakers of EAC.

The Bureau of Speakers will bring together speakers from the national parliaments, senates and EALA to discuss critical issues related to regional integration.

Tulia Ackson, Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania will chair the Wednesday meeting.

Ackson is expected to hand over EAC Speakers Bureau leadership to the host, Moses Wetang’ula.

The Bureau of EAC Speakers serves as the primary platform for promoting parliamentary roles in legislation, oversight, and representation within the region.

It also advises the East African Heads of State Summit on Parliamentary matters.

The Bureau meets annually under the guidance of a rotating chairperson. South Sudan hosted the previous meeting.

The agenda for today’s meeting will also include discussions on the upcoming EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, which will be held in Mombasa.

Speakers will also review the preparations for the championship during their session.

Reactions to SHA CEO suspension

The suspension of the acting Social Health Authority Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) Elijah Wachira barely two months after the rollout of the medical scheme is expected to continue eliciting mixed reactions.

The board of the SHA on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, sent Wachira on compulsory leave.

In a letter seen by People Daily Digital, the board indicated that Wachira was to proceed on leave for 90 days.

“This is to inform you of the resolution of the board to send you on compulsory leave effective immediately for a period of 90 days to allow for further investigations on your professional conduct and performance as the acting CEO of the Social Health Authority,” the letter read in part.

“While on leave, you shall be entitled to all your current remuneration and benefits. The board has further appointed Robert Ingasira as the Acting CEO while you are on leave. Therefore, please hand over the office to him immediately.”

SHA was officially rolled out in Kenya on October 1, 2024, to replace the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).