National Assembly prepares for committee leadership elections

The National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, has issued a firm directive requiring parliamentary committees to elect their leadership within seven days, setting the deadline set for Wednesday next week.

In a communique to Members Speaker Wetang’ula emphasized the urgency for the elections and instructed the Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge to release the schedule of committee meetings by 8 a.m. Thursday.

The elections will take place in designated rooms under the supervision of the Clerk and his team.

“You are obligated in the committees that have been constituted to elect leadership chairpersons and vice-chairpersons within seven days. So 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 noting that committee placements remain a “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 however reminding the MPs to ensure those elected as leaders were performers.

“Go on and elect and give us leadership that will help this house,” he asserted.

As committee elections commence, the Speaker urged newly elected chairs and vice-chairs to take their responsibilities seriously.

“I beseech you be the first to create quorum in the House at all times. To whom much is given, much is expected. Those given the privilege to lead committees should be the first to arrive and the last to leave,” he added.

With the elections now in motion, 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 finalized in the coming days.

This directive marks a crucial step in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of parliamentary committees, which play a significant role in oversight, legislation, and governance.

The National Assembly has made key appointments to various select committees, ensuring effective parliamentary oversight and service delivery. Among the notable committees is the Committee of Powers and Privileges, which will be chaired by Gonzi Rai.

Public participation remains crucial, and the Public Petitions Committee received a boost with members key in facilitating citizen engagement in governance.

These appointments reflect a strategic balance of experience, regional representation, and commitment to national development.