“I found a better CASSOA than the one I saw”, Says Sen. Judith Pareno
29th August 2019. Four Legislators from the Senate of the Republic of Kenya made a visit to EAC CASSOA offices on 27th August 2019. Senator Pareno Judith, Senator Enoch Wambua, Senator Chebeni Mercy and Senator Gona Zawadi who are members of the committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration had a one day visit to CASSOA aimed at understanding what the Agency does and benefits Kenyans and the people of East Africa can draw from the works of the Agency. Sen. Judith Pareno said, “We are basically on a mission to understand our Institutions and see what we can do as Legislators to make our Integration smooth”.
Eng. Mohamed Besta, Director Technical, made an opening remarks on behalf of the Executive Director followed by a presentation which was made by Manager Airworthiness, Mr. Henry Okech. Honorable members had an opportunity to Interact with Agency’s staff during a plenary session, a number of questions were asked and Aviation experts in attendance also made several clarifications.
Sen. Enoch Wambua appreciated CASSOA for setting up systems that other countries outside EAC region are borrowing or committing to benchmark. He was also happy to know that CASSOA is establishing a center for aviation medicine.
Hon. Enoch asked CASSOA on what policy position will the Agency take in terms of infusing efficiency within Airlines to make sure issues of open skies remain a reality. Eng. Besta clarified that CASSOA draws its Mandate in two aspects which are safety and security, the aspect of movement and efficiency is covered under economic regulation in aviation, he also added that there is a need for Partner States to upgrade their bilateral air service agreement in order to allow an Airline from one Partner State to conduct domestic movement in another Partner State without necessarily going back to its country or state of registration.
Sen. Judith Pareno said that one thing that came into her mind was the cost of air travel in the region and urged everyone to do something about it. She also said “We are happy that Kenya is doing its best as much as our mandate is concerned which is the laws or regulations, so if there is anything that is required we are always ready as legislators to fill in that gap”.
The honorable members commended CASSOA for its contribution to aviation safety and security in the region and the warm welcome. Honorable Senators then proceeded to IUCE offices located in Kampala – Uganda.
EAC CASSOA