The 5-day mid-term retreat in Naivasha, themed “Marshalling House Business: Progress Made This Far and Lessons Learnt,” commenced on Monday, January 27, 2025, and provided a comprehensive review of legislative achievements during the first three sessions of the 13th Parliament. The retreat also set the stage for strategic planning for the fourth session.
A key agenda item was the ongoing effort to amend the Constitution in order to anchor three vital funds: the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), the Senate Oversight Fund, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF). This came in light of several court rulings declaring the NG-CDF unconstitutional due to its lack of legal backing. In response, lawmakers have pledged to fast-track efforts to align the fund with the law by February 2025.
A proposal for constitutional amendment, introduced through a parliamentary initiative, has been co-sponsored by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo. This is the third such attempt to anchor the NG-CDF in the Constitution. Previous efforts in the 12th Parliament, spearheaded by Matungulu MP Stephen Mule and Gichugu MP Githinji Gichimu, failed to pass.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee to expeditiously consider both proposals, with a report expected by February 11, 2025. As per Standing Order 114 (7A), the committee will engage relevant stakeholders, including the Attorney General and various constitutional commissions, to ensure a comprehensive review.
Moses Wetangula
Speaker – National Assembly
As required under Standing Order 114 (7A), the committee shall expeditiously invite and consider submissions from the Attorney General, the commissions and independent offices established under Chapter 15 of the Constitution, and any other body with a law reform mandate
In addition to constitutional matters, the retreat saw lawmakers evaluating key finance-related legislation, such as the Business Laws (Amendment) Act and the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Act.
The progress on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) was also a topic of discussion, with Chairperson of the Social Health Authority (SHA) Abdi Mohammed providing an update on the rollout of UHC, highlighting implementation challenges and proposed solutions under the Social Health Act and the Digital Health Act.
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Finally, the lawmakers reviewed Kenya’s performance at the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games held in December 2024 in Mombasa. The discussions explored the role of sports in enhancing regional integration and fostering cooperation within the EAC.
The retreat underscores the critical role of parliamentary discussions in shaping Kenya’s legislative framework and advancing key social and economic agendas. The swift resolution of the NG-CDF constitutional matter remains a priority for lawmakers as they continue to seek alignment between legal frameworks and national development priorities.
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