The newly reconstituted parliamentary committees have been given until next Wednesday to complete the process of electing their leadership.
MPs approved the appointment of members to the respective committees of the House during the Wednesday afternoon sitting through a motion by Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro.
It was seconded by Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo. According to Osoro, in constituting the committees, they took into consideration regional and gender balances and ranking among other factors.
In a communique to members, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula emphasised the urgency of the elections and instructed the Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge to release the schedule of committee meetings by Thursday.
The elections will take place in designated rooms under the supervision of the Clerk and his team.
“The committees that have been constituted are obligated to elect chairpersons and vice-chairpersons within seven days. This must be done on or before Wednesday next week,” said Wetang’ula.
Acknowledging concerns raised regarding certain committee appointments, the Speaker reassured MPs that adjustments could be made where necessary.
He noted that committee placements remain “work in progress”.
“You can go back to your caucuses and leadership. If they find merit in your concerns, they will discharge one member for another or make necessary replacements and bring them to the notice of the Speaker,” he stated.
Wetang’ula reminded legislators that committee compositions may change due to unforeseen circumstances such as deaths, court rulings, or other factors that could necessitate replacements.
He however reminded the MPs to ensure those elected as leaders are performers. “Go on and elect and give us leadership that will help this House,” he asserted.
He urged those who will be elected to committee leadership to be the first to create a quorum in the House at all times.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.
Those given the privilege to lead committees should be the first to arrive and the last to leave,” he said.
The leadership of key committees such as the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Committee of Powers and Privileges, the Committee on Implementation, the Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity, and the Public Petitions Committee, among others, will be finalised in the coming days, he said.
The National Assembly has made key appointments to various select committees, ensuring effective parliamentary oversight and service delivery.
By Star