𝐒𝐲𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐲, 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Members of the National Assembly have paid tribute to former Alego Usoga MP, Hon. Peter Oloo Aringo who passed away on Friday the 1st of November, 2024 while undergoing treatment at a Hospital in Nairobi. 

This follows a general statement made by the current Alego Usoga MP, Hon. Samuel Atandi commemorating the achievements of the late legislator who served for 25 years as a Member of Parliament for two stints between 1974–1988 and 1997–2002.  

A watchdog Committee of the Senate has faulted Governor Fatuma Achani of making adjustments to the approved budget of Kwale County Executive without seeking the authority of the people as required by the law.

The County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) also raised concern over a litany of gaps in the county’s budgeting process adding that the Governor has done little to raise the county’s own source revenue since she seized power in 2022.

The National Assembly is set to resume sittings tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5, 2024 for the Third Part of the Third Session following a two week working recess.

Top on the agenda are several Bills including the Land Control Bill, 2023 sponsored by Hon. (Dr.) Wilberforce Oundo, which seeks to regulate land use.

Also to be considered is the Kenya Roads Board (Amendment) Bill, 2024 which proposes amendments to the Kenya Roads Board Act, to enhance the Board’s capacity to manage and maintain road infrastructure.

The National Assembly Plenary has a full in-tray as sittings resume. 

To catch up on this and more from last week’s events, check out the 77th Edition of our 𝑩𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒍𝒚 publication through the link;

https://online.pubhtml5.com/spbae/ubbe/

H.E. Dr. William Ruto, has assented to the Sugar Bill (National Assembly Bills No. 34 of 2022) which seeks to revitalize the sector, enhancing growth, regulation, and support for cane farmers nationwide.

Sponsored by Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe and co-sponsored by Sen. David Wakoli, the Bill was considered by both Houses and approved by the National Assembly on Friday, 18th October 2024, and by the Senate on 29th October, 2024.

The Bill now enacted into law seeks to provide a framework for the regulation, development, and promotion of the sugar industry.

In a decisive blow to proposed constitutional reforms, the Senate Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights has recommended the rejection of a controversial bill that sought to extend the terms of elected officials from five to seven years.

The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Senator Samson Cherarkey, faced public opposition during the consultation phase, with 99.99% of submissions expressing strong disapproval.

In a spirited exchange during a public participation forum on the Sports Amendment Bill, 2024, the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare pushed back against a proposal by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Kipchumba Murkomen, suggesting that counties independently manage the establishment of sports academies without a statutory framework. Sponsored by Senators Prof. Tom Ojienda (Kisumu) and Raphael Chimera, the Bill seeks to establish county sports academies nationwide and includes protections against abuse and exploitation of minors in sports.

National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang'ula led Parliamentary staff in mourning John Mwendwa the Son of Director Litigation Mr. Sheriffsam Mwendwa.

A sombre mood engulfed the New Apostolic church in South B as mourners among them the Speaker, MPs and Parliamentary staff gathered for a requiem mass for John, 22 years, who passed on last week.

The Leaders of the Majority and Minority Parties in the National Assembly have emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between Parliament and the private sector to drive essential policy reforms.

Recognizing the critical role that effective legislation plays in fostering a conducive business environment, both leaders are advocating for a partnership that prioritizes economic growth, investment, and sustainable development.

National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon (Dr.) joined President Dr. William Ruto at the State House where he hosted the Hindu Community for Diwali Celebrations.

Hon. Wetang'ula said hosting the Diwali celebrations at the State House for the first time was a great honour to the Hindu community.

The National Assembly is in the process of enacting three Bills aimed at dealing with corruption, enhance fair business competitiveness and make Kenya a more attractive destination for foreign direct investment.

National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula said the proposed legislations would be one of the key catalysts for the economic advancement of Kenya.

Sen. Hezena Lemaletian has raised concerns about the longstanding land ownership dispute over Oljorai Farm in Mbaruk-Eburu Ward, Gilgil Constituency, Nakuru County.

While seeking a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources on the floor of the House this afternoon, the Nominated Senator asked the Lands Committee to report to the Senate the reasons for the non-implementation of the 1998 directive by the then President, the late Daniel Moi. 

A Bill seeking to protect consumers and promote competition in the telecom sector is before the National Assembly.  

Members of the National Assembly debated the Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 52 of 2022)  which is at the second reading stage.  

The County Public Accounts Committee has directed Uasin Gishu Jonathan Bii to submit a schedule detailing how the County spent Sh654 million of the revenue it received in the 2022/23 financial year.

The receipts of the revenue accounts indicate that the County received Sh9.3 billion during the financial year. However, the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) indicate that the county’s transactions totaled Sh9.9 billion, translating to a disparity of the Sh654 million.

The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare today heard an emotional petition from Beatrice Likiwop, a resident of Narok County living with multiple invisible disabilities. Representing Persons With Invisible Disabilities (PWIDs), Beatrice shared her challenges in navigating life with Status Epilepticus, Bradycardia and Fibromyalgia. These conditions, she explained, bring abrupt comas, social isolation and significant difficulties in accessing employment and as a result, medication.

North Horr MP Hon. Adhe Guyo has called on the government to implement sustainable solutions to alleviate the devastating impacts of recurring drought and hunger in northern Kenya. 

Legislators have voiced concerns about an impending food security crisis, citing plummeting maize prices during the ongoing harvest season. 

In a session held on 17^th October 2024, Hon. David Kiplagat (Soy) expressed alarm over the reduced budget allocation for strategic food reserves in the 2024/2025 budget, which he believes puts the country at risk of food insecurity.  

Constituency offices will now be used as venues for public participation exercises, National Assembly Clerk Mr. Samuel Njoroge has said.

Mr. Njoroge made the remarks during the retreat in Naivasha, noting that mechanisms are being put in place to facilitate the plan.

The Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations met with Busia Governor Paul Otuoma today to deliberate on the county government of Busia's low expenditure on development projects. 

Senate invited the Bungoma County boss to explain the variance in the approved budget for development and subsequent supplementary budget and the gap in development and expenditure budget allocation for the 2022/2023 Financial Year.