MPs say government's proposal to create peace commission misplaced
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya said setting up a new commission will have serious financial implications.
A parliamentary committee has opposed a proposal by the government to create a new commission responsible for peacebuilding in the country.
The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities said plans by the Interior Ministry to establish the National Peacebuilding Commission (NPC) are misplaced and duplication of roles.
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During the joint retreat with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in Mombasa, committee members led by chairman Adan Haji were informed that the proposed commission would also be responsible for managing the Peace Building Fund.
"The proposals are contained in a report drafted by the committee of experts established and funded by the Interior Ministry to come up with the document," NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia told the committee.
Committee members were taken through the peacebuilding architecture report.
The report proposed far-reaching initiatives aimed at promoting peace, cohesion and integration in the country.
"Drafting of the report was initiated by the UNPD who mandated the Interior Ministry to take charge of the process. NCIC was only invited to present their views to the committee of experts just like any other entities."
The report also empowers national peacebuilding institutions to undertake ambitious, sustained nationwide initiatives to educate Kenyans, especially youths about their rights, roles and responsibilities in peacebuilding among other proposals.
But MPs vehemently opposed the creation of another commission, saying Kenyans were not ready to shoulder any more financial burdens.
Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino said the government should empower the NCIC instead of creating another commission.
"This business of creating new commissions that don't serve Kenyans adequately has caused a lot of discomfort among citizens. Creating a new commission, yet we have NCIC, will cause jitters among Kenyans," he added.
Kaspul MP Charles Were noted that the creation of a new commission would kill NCIC.
"How do you kill your baby because you want to give birth to another one?" asked the MP.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya said setting up a new commission will have serious financial implications.
He noted that it is Kenyans who will be forced to carry the financial burden.
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