The Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetangula, has directed the expeditious reconstitution of House Committees, emphasizing that their effectiveness is critical to the productivity of parliamentary work. Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 mid-term retreat for Members of Parliament, Wetangula highlighted the pivotal role committees play in discharging the mandate of the House.
“Committees are the engine of parliamentary work,” he stated, urging Members to demonstrate dedication, competence, and accountability. Performance, regular attendance of committee meetings, and active participation will be key factors in determining membership in the restructured committees.
The reconstitution process will affect 18 committees whose terms have ended, including sessional committees such as the House Business Committee (HBC), Powers and Privileges Committee, Procedure and House Rules Committee, and Members Services and Facilities Committee. Also included are major standing committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Budget and Appropriations Committee, Public Petitions Committee, and the Committee on Implementation.
Hon. Wetangula tasked the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, and the Leader of the Minority Party, Hon. Junet Mohamed, alongside their respective Whips, to expedite the process. He underscored the importance of ensuring inclusivity and fairness while prioritizing expertise to maximize the committees’ effectiveness.
“Please don’t visit the Speaker’s office requesting committee placement. That responsibility lies with your leadership,” Wetang’ula firmly reminded Members, calling for the list of reconstituted committees to be presented promptly for approval before the House resumes its sittings.
Hon. Ichung’wah, who also chairs the Committee on Selection, acknowledged the urgency of filling gaps left by Members who have transitioned to the Executive. He reassured that the reconstitution would reflect the capacities and expertise of Members while leaving room for new legislators joining after by-elections.
Meanwhile, Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Samuel Njoroge, raised concerns over the backlog of over 200 legislative proposals pending before committees. He urged committee chairpersons to expedite the processing of these proposals to ensure legislative efficiency.
“The performance of committees is under scrutiny. Members must prioritize clearing the legislative business before them,” said Njoroge.
The directive underscores the National Assembly’s commitment to enhancing parliamentary operations and ensuring that committees are well-positioned to tackle the legislative agenda effectively.
