Public services such as health, education, and social protection are not merely amenities, but essential tools for individuals and communities to enjoy their economic, social and cultural rights as provided for under various regional and international treaties. Regrettably, severe socio-economic inequalities persist, thus impeding progress towards the attainment of quality life through the provision of quality public services. 

In light of these challenges, the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER) which hosts the African Coalition on Public services has taken the opportunity to submit a petition to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) highlighting the deteriorating state of public services in the East African Community (EAC) member states. The petition underscores factors such as underinvestment, limited resources, illicit financial flows, corporate tax exemptions, under-utilisation of natural resources, the member states growing debt burden and the inadequate regulation of private actors involved in the provision of public services as significant contributors of the deteriorating state of public services.  

The petition calls on member states of the EAC to reinforce their commitment in ensuring proper stewardship, adequate financing and public commitment to equitable, quality public services while also emphasising the need for robust regulation of  private actors engaged in providing public services.  

For more information consult the petition below: