Parliament set to resume session after long recess
The bi-cameral house is set to resume sittings tomorrow February 14, 2023 after a month long break.
The National Assembly and Senate have Key pending businesses set for debate including consideration of the first Supplementary Budget under the new administration which sought to reduce borrowing by Sh68billion and President William Ruto’s legislative agenda drive.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa said their top priority will be the Supplementary Budget and the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill 2023 and omnibus sponsored by the majority party.
“We are aiming to complete the Supplementary Budget by March 1, 2023 hence we expect the various committees to conclude on their deliverables by in a week’s time so as to start engaging the supplementary committee by February 20, 2023,” Ichungwa said.
The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill 2023 set for a second reading intends to amend various statues among them section 62 (6) of the anti-corruption and economic crimes act 2003.
Their senate counterparts under Speaker Amason Kingi will also be determining the sharing formula of revenue amongst counties upon resumption of sessions.
Although treasury has already submitted the first supplementary budget for the Kenya kwanza government, departmental committees will be occupied in considering the estimates with principle secretaries.
The committees are expected to submit their reports in two weeks.
MPs will also consider the budget policy statement for 2023-2024.
The house is also expected to consider the debt management strategy for 2023 as well as debate on the proposal to establish the official office of the opposition leader.
Other key legislative proposals expected before the house include a bill to entrench NGCDF and national government affirmative fund in the constitution and the finance bill that will spell out Kenya Kwanza’s taxation policy.
Political muscles at the August house are also expected to manifest between legislators allied to two rival camps of President Ruto and Azimio One Kenya Coalition’s Raila Odinga following recent visits and hosting of eight Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party members and one independent from Nyanza and over 30 Jubilee Party lawmakers at State House.
Soon after the National Assembly proceeded for their break, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula confirmed to have received a memorandum sent to the house by President Ruto proposing the creation of an official opposition leader position and inclusion of CDF into the constitution and the finance bill.
Already, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) chairperson George Murugara concurred that the committee is set to discuss the President’s proposals before retreating to draft a report on whether to go the parliamentary or public participation way.
