A recent report by Mzalendo Trust, a Kenyan Parliamentary Monitoring Organization, has shed light on the performance of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators in the country’s current legislative term. The 2024 Parliamentary Scorecard highlights both the most active and dormant lawmakers in the National Assembly and the Senate, revealing stark contrasts in representation and participation.
Dormant Lawmakers: A Cause for Concern
The report identifies 20 MPs who failed to speak on the floor of the House throughout the past year. These legislators, drawn from various political parties, include UDA’s Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), ODM’s Paul Abuor (Rongo), and ANC’s Charles Gumini (Hamisi). Others on the list are George Aladwa (Madaraka) and Irene Kasalu (Kitui), among others.
The dormancy is not limited to MPs, as three senators also ranked lowest in participation. ODM’s Issa Boy (Kwale) and nominated Senators Betty Bat (ODM) and Shakilla Mohamed (Wiper) were the least active, contributing minimally during debates.
This lack of participation undermines their core mandate of representing constituents and debating critical issues of national importance. Mzalendo Trust noted that many of these lawmakers were often absent during key votes, including on bills like the Affordable Housing Bill and the Primary Health Care Bill, despite earning over Sh1 million monthly in salaries and allowances.
Active MPs and Senators: Leading the Way
In stark contrast, the report celebrates the efforts of Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, who emerged as the most active legislator in the National Assembly. Oundo spoke a record 103 times, addressing diverse issues, from university registration challenges to fee-related withholding of KCSE certificates. His engagement extended beyond debates, as he notably voted against the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, and rejected former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
Other highly active MPs include ODM’s Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North) and James Nyikal (Seme), who spoke 98 and 94 times, respectively. Makali Mulu (Kitui Central) and Adan Keynan (Eldas) also ranked among the top five, with Keynan noted for his legislative longevity and consistency across five terms.
In the Senate, youthful leaders dominated the floor. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei led with 209 contributions, followed by Eddy Oketch (Migori) and nominated Senators Tabitha Mutinda and Gloria Orwoba, who made over 130 contributions each.
Recognizing Women and Youth Leaders
Women and youth leaders have also made significant strides in legislative activity. The report ranks ODM’s ZamZam Mohamed (Mombasa), UDA’s Jane Njeri (Kirinyaga), and Catherine Omanyo (Busia) among the most active female MPs. Youthful MPs such as Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga) and Cynthia Muge (Nandi) are commended for their robust participation.
Legislative Outputs: Bills Sponsored
The report highlights MPs Didmus Barasa, Rahim Dawood, and Sabina Chege as prolific lawmakers, having sponsored the highest number of bills. In the Senate, Cherargei and nominated Senator Crystal Asige led in legislative productivity, with six and five bills, respectively.
The Way Forward
While the scorecard praises active lawmakers, it also serves as a wake-up call for those who have underperformed. According to Adan Keynan, MPs must understand their dual roles as lawmakers and representatives of public aspirations. He urged legislators to adapt to emerging trends, including the influence of social media and globalization, to remain relevant.
The report’s findings underscore the need for lawmakers to prioritize their constitutional duties and justify the taxpayer funds allocated to them. As Kenya continues to grapple with pressing national issues, active representation and robust debate in Parliament remain crucial.
