The Budget and Appropriations Committee met with different Legislators who presented their Legislative Proposals before the Committee on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

The Committee heard from Wajir East MP, Hon. Aden Daud who presented a Legislative Proposal on the National Government Constituency Development Fund (Amendment), 2023, that seeks to amend Section 4 of the NG-CDF Act 2015, to enhance allocation to the Funds by incorporating five percent of the Sports Arts and Social Development Fund and five percent of the Universal Service Fund as additional sources of funds to the NG-CDF.

In addition, the Bill proposes to introduce a new development project for the construction and provision of communication equipment including masts and voice connectivity, at an allocation not exceeding five percent of the total allocation to the constituency in any Financial Year.

Kimilili MP, Hon. Didmus Barasa also appeared before the Committee with the Council of Elders Bill, 2024, that aims to establish a legal framework for alternative dispute resolution within communities, to be administered by the Council of Elders under each clan.

The Bill supports traditional dispute resolution mechanisms as outlined in Article 159 of the Constitution, acknowledging the cultural roles of elders in resolving disputes.

“By promoting these mechanisms, this will significantly reduce congestion in courts, ensure timely and cost-effective case disposal and facilitate access to justice,” Hon. Barasa said.

The Committee also met with Kesses MP, Hon. Julius Rutto on his proposal to amend Section 10 of the Energy Act, 2019, on the functions of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), in order to remove the function of setting the ceiling of petroleum product prices from EPRA, so that the prices are determined by international market prices.

According to the Legislator, the Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2024 will strengthen the regulatory frameworks that ensure fair competition, transparency in pricing, and consumer protection in the energy sector.

The Kesses lawmaker also presented a Proposal on the Institute of Bankers Bill, 2024, that seeks to establish an Institute of Bankers, responsible for training, registering and licensing bankers as well as regulating the banking profession in the country.

The Bill intends to enhance the professional standards of bankers, increase regulation and oversight to ensure compliance, promote banking education across different levels of education, increase public confidence in the sector and support the overall economic growth.

Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Mary Emaase (Teso South) who chaired the session assured the Legislators that their proposals will be considered by the Committee.