Public participation to be held in constituencies as Parliament ends confusion
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Speaker Wetang'ula highlighted that the proposed Public Participation Bill aims to address existing gaps that have led to confusion in the courts regarding public participation challenges.
Constituency offices will now serve as venues for public participation exercises, according to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge.
Speaking during a retreat in Naivasha, Nakuru, on Monday, Njoroge outlined the measures being implemented to facilitate this initiative.
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"In an effort to ensure that the public participation was effective and meets the laid-down regulations, the National Assembly will use constituency offices for public participation exercises," Njoroge explained.
He said that public participation is vital in a democratic nation, providing a platform for citizens to share their views on legislation.
The retreat, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, included key leaders such as Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed.
Speaker Wetang'ula highlighted that the proposed Public Participation Bill, currently with the Attorney General, aims to address existing gaps that have led to confusion in the courts regarding public participation challenges.
"The proposed Bill will seal all the loopholes in public participation that have been causing confusion in our courts," Wetang'ula stated, urging MPs to expedite the legislation process.
Members of Parliament welcomed the decision to utilise constituency offices for public participation, noting the numerous benefits it will bring.
Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba said that this initiative will also create job opportunities for constituents, as personnel will be needed to facilitate the services.
"We support this decision because it will create job opportunities for our voters," Milemba said, who is also a member of the Speaker's Panel.
Additionally, Clerk Njoroge urged MPs to ensure that all equipment in constituency offices is insured to protect against damage from violence or fire.
He noted that the Parliamentary Service Commission had not allocated funds for repairs following damages caused by protesting youths who invaded Parliament, highlighting the importance of insurance.
Earlier in the session, Njoroge presented statistics on the House's performance, indicating that 17 bills had been passed, with eight already signed into law.
He noted that three bills were awaiting assent, six had been forwarded to the Senate, and eight were at the mediation stage.
"Although we have made progress, 49 bills are set to lapse while 67 motions await debate," he added, calling on legislators to accelerate the processing of pending legislation.
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