MPs to discuss CDF constitutionality, SHA in Naivasha retreat

MPs during a recent sitting of the National Assembly. (Photo: National Assembly KE)

By Lucy Mumbi
Sunday, January 26, 2025

Lawmakers will evaluate key finance-related legislation, including the Business Laws (Amendment) Act and the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Act, while also reviewing progress on Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Members of Parliament are gearing up for a long week as they prepare for the National Assembly’s 2025 mid-term retreat, scheduled to take place from Monday, January 27, to Friday, January 31, in Naivasha.

The retreat, themed "Marshalling House Business: Progress Made This Far and Lessons Learnt," will focus on reviewing legislative achievements during the first three sessions of the 13th Parliament and strategising for the fourth session.

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Top of the agenda is the discussion of constitutional amendments to anchor three critical funds: the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), the Senate Oversight Fund, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.

Following several court rulings that declared the NG-CDF illegal due to its lack of constitutional backing, lawmakers have pledged to fast-track efforts to align the fund with the law by February.

A proposal to amend the constitution through a parliamentary initiative has been co-sponsored by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo. The initiative, which seeks to anchor the NG-CDF in the Constitution, is the third such attempt by MPs.

In the 12th Parliament, a similar proposal co-sponsored by Matungulu MP Stephen Mule and Gichugu MP Githinji Gichimu was introduced, but it was not completed.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula directed that the two proposals be considered by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, which is expected to present its report by February 11, 2025.

"As required under Standing Order 114 (7A), the committee shall expeditiously invite and consider submissions from the Attorney General, the commissions and independent offices established under Chapter 15 of the Constitution, and any other body with a law reform mandate," Wetang'ula said.

In-depth discussions on the state of the economy will also feature prominently during the retreat. National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, is expected to provide a detailed analysis of the economic landscape, addressing rising budgetary demands and public service expectations while offering fiscal strategies for the 2025/26 Budget cycle.

Lawmakers will evaluate key finance-related legislation, including the Business Laws (Amendment) Act and the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Act, while also reviewing progress on Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Chairperson of the Social Health Authority (SHA) Abdi Mohammed, will present updates on the UHC rollout, including implementation challenges and proposed solutions under the Social Health Act and the Digital Health Act.

Priority bills, such as the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2023, championed by Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, will also be scrutinised, with a final vote anticipated during the retreat.

The event will further feature contributions from key stakeholders, including the Secretary/Director of Pensions at the National Treasury, Alfred Kagika, former Kipkelion East MP Joseph Limo and former Nominated MP Prof. Jacqueline Oduol.

Additionally, MPs will assess Kenya’s performance in the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games held in December 2024 in Mombasa. Discussions will explore how sports can enhance regional integration.

The retreat will bring together the Presidium, House leadership, the House Business Committee, committee chairpersons, and all National Assembly members.