HOUSE EXTENDS PERIOD FOR CONSIDERING PROPOSED CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT

The National Assembly has extended by 90 days the period for consideration of proposed amendments that will entrench three funds in the Constitution.

The Co-Chairperson, Joint Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee on proposal to amend the Constitution to entrench certain specialized funds Hon. Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi) said the move had been necessitated by the complexity of the legislative proposals, which has occasioned the need for more deliberations among Members and key stakeholders.

"We are seeking more time to allow the Adhoc Committee which comprises Members from both the National Assembly and the Senate to conclude discussions and come up with the relevant Constitutional Ammendment Bills," said Hon. Chepkonga.

The Funds listed for entrenchment in the Constitution are the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), the Senate Oversight Fund and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).

Matungulu MP Hon. Stephen Mule who seconded the motion told the House that the time extension would allow for deeper consultations to generate watertight Bills which would meet the intended Constitutional needs.

"We realized we still need more time to ensure that we do our best on this Bill and carry everyone on board, and hopefully for the first time Parliament will be able to ammend the Constitution without having to go to a referendum", said Hon. Mule.

Following the House resolution for time extension the additional 90 days run from Tuesday, April 11, 2023 when the National Assembly resumes from recess .