The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, has appointed Members of Parliament to four mediation committees to resolve legislative deadlocks on key Bills between the National Assembly and the Senate.

In a communication to the House, the Speaker invoked Articles 110, 112 and 113 of the Constitution, underscoring the role of mediation in reconciling differences on ordinary Bills concerning counties. He noted that where the two Houses fail to agree, mediation committees provide a structured mechanism to forge a consensus version for passage.

“Where the two Houses of Parliament fail to concur. the Constitution provides for a mediation process as an avenue for attempting to develop a version of the Bill for consideration,” the Speaker stated.

The Committees will handle four Bills, each carrying significant policy implications. Top among them is the Election Offences (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024—a product of the bipartisan National Dialogue Committee (NADCO). The Bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework governing electoral conduct, including tightening penalties for offences and enhancing accountability to safeguard the integrity of elections.

Speaker Wetang’ula named a nine-member National Assembly team comprising Hon. George Murugara, Hon. Mwengi Mutuse, Hon. Gladys Boss, Hon. Silvanus Osoro, Hon. John Makali, Hon. T.J. Kajwang’, Hon. Beatrice Elachi, Hon. Harold Kimuge and Hon. Abdikadir Mohamed. The Senate has already constituted its side, paving the way for immediate commencement of talks.

“Having been fully constituted, the mediation committee should, as soon as is practicable, meet and commence the process of developing a version of the Bill for consideration by the Houses of Parliament,” the Speaker directed, signalling urgency around consensus on electoral reforms.

Also referred to mediation is the Fire and Rescue Services Professionals Bill, 2023, which aims to professionalise fire and rescue services in the country. The proposed law seeks to establish standards, regulate training and certification, and improve coordination of emergency response services—critical in addressing rising incidents of fires and disasters.

Memers nominated include Hon. Peter Lochakapong, Hon. Liza Chelule, Hon. Joseph Munyoro, Hon. Kenneth Tungule, Hon. Esther Passaris, Hon. Fatuma Mohamed and Hon. Jared Okello.

The Public Service (Values and Principles) (Amendment) Bill, 2022, is equally significant, as it seeks to entrench constitutional values in public administration. It proposes to enhance accountability, transparency and ethical conduct within public service, aligning operations with the principles outlined in Article 232 of the Constitution.

The Bill will be handled by Hon. Omboko Milemba, Hon. Rahim Dawood, Hon. Rahab Mukami, Hon. Dorice Donya and Hon. Fatuma Jehow.

Meanwhile, the National Construction Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2022, targets reforms in the construction sector. It aims to strengthen regulation, improve compliance with building standards and enhance oversight of contractors—measures intended to curb substandard works and address the growing concern over building collapses.

The Bill will be negotiated by Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi, Hon. Jane Kagiri, Hon. John Wanjiku, Hon. Joseph Cherorot, Hon. Zamzam Mohamed, Hon. Tim Wanyonyi and Hon. Irene Mayaka.