The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Glady Boss led a discussion on the free movement of persons across Africa at the 18th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) African Region, in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Hon. Boss emphasized the crucial role of African legislatures in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She highlighted their responsibilities, including ratifying and domesticating the agreement, providing oversight and monitoring, and creating awareness.

One of the key issues brought up by Hon. Boss was the challenge posed by travel restrictions among African countries and the lack of a common denominator in the region. She told participants there is the need to take serious steps to address visa-related challenges and establish efficient and profitable airlines.

The conference's theme has been divided into four essential topics: the devastating impact of climate change and the need for more Parliamentary intervention, the role of African Parliaments in AfCFTA's implementation, addressing food security challenges in Africa through agricultural investments, and the role of Parliaments in promoting openness, transparency, and accountability.

While seconding the Motion on the Roles of African Parliaments in the Implementation of the African Continent free trade area, Hon. Boss proposed that African Parliaments form working groups aligned with the membership of Regional Economic Blocs. These groups should draft model laws that can aid National Parliaments in domesticating the AfCFTA, streamlining the process and ensuring its successful implementation.

"We propose that African Parliaments form working groups with timelines in line with the membership of Regional Economic blocs and draft model laws that can be used by the respective parliaments to domesticate the African Continent free trade area", Hon. Boss said. 

The Deputy Speaker is leading a Kenyan delegation composed of Hon. Peter Kaluma (Homa-Bay town), Hon. Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga County), and Hon. Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South).