18 Parliamentary committees to undergo restructuring as tenures expire
Among the committees whose tenure has lapsed are sessional committees, including the House Business Committee, Powers and Privileges Committee, Procedure and House Rules Committee, and Members’ Services and Facilities Committee.
A total of 18 parliamentary committees will undergo restructuring following the expiry of their tenure, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has announced.
Speaking during the opening of the mid-term retreat for members of the National Assembly on Tuesday, Wetang’ula emphasised the urgency of the matter, directing that the committees be reconstituted before the House resumes its sittings.
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Among the committees whose tenure has lapsed are sessional committees, including the House Business Committee, Powers and Privileges Committee, Procedure and House Rules Committee, and Members’ Services and Facilities Committee.
Others include the Appropriations and General Purposes Committees such as the Public Accounts Committee, Budget and Appropriations Committee, Public Debt and Privatisation Committee, Public Petitions Committee, and the Committee on Implementation.
The Committee on Delegated Legislation, Regional Integration Committee, and National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity Committee are also set to be restructured.
Wetang’ula urged the House leadership to prioritise the reconstitution of the committees, emphasising their critical role in parliamentary operations.
“I hereby direct the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader to move in earnest and reconstruct the 18 committees whose life has come to an end with the last session,” he said.
Wetang’ula highlighted the need for the Majority and Minority leaders, along with their Whips, to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the process, while focusing on members’ dedication and performance.
He added that the process should consider attendance, performance, and industry demonstrated by committee members.
“Now get ready to bring to House Business the new list of members to various committees so that we can process and have new leadership or continued leadership,” he said.
“You know none of you can be denied membership in at least one or two committees. The work is going to be done by your leadership. Please don’t visit the office of the Speaker and ask him to help place you on any committee because he has no such capacity.”
In response, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah assured the Speaker that the majority party was working to fill the vacancies promptly.
“We are currently working on their replacements and will communicate the same at the appropriate time so that we fill the gaps available as well as leave some positions for members who will be joining us after the by-elections,” Ichung’wah said.
Wetang’ula reiterated the importance of committees as the engine of parliamentary work and called on members to take their responsibilities seriously to ensure the effectiveness of the House.
He further stressed the need for the committees to align with the objectives of the National Assembly, urging the House leadership to uphold competence and accountability during the restructuring process.
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