The Induction Program for House Committees at the Pride Inn Paradise Resort, Convention Centre and Spa, in Mombasa County, resumed yesterday afternoon after a break-through in the negotiations that had been going on over the delayed disbursement of the National Government-Constituency Development Funds (NG-CDF). 

The Program which had kicked off successfully on Monday had been halted to allow for negotiations between the Members of the National Assembly and the National Treasury. Legislators had lamented that the delayed release of the funds has affected students whose parents and guardians rely on the bursary kitty drawn from the fund to pay their school fees. Schools open this week, while pupils transiting to high school are expected to report by end of this month. 

Earlier in the day, the legislators held a closed meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly the Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula after which the sessions resumed. After the meeting, the National Assembly NG-CDF Committee chair, Hon. Musa Sirma informed the media that they had reached a consensus that Kshs. 4 billion would be released to the NG-CDF accounts by the close of business today.

Today’s sessions focused on inducting Committees under the Directorate of Audit, Appropriations and other Select Committees into the workings of Parliamentary Committees. Members serving in these committees got the opportunity to engage with experts,stakeholders and counterpart lawmakers from regional Parliaments on the role of Audit committees in holding the Executive to account; enhancing law making, and effective representation. 

Experts drawn from Uganda, Malawi and Ghana who serve as Chairpersons of their respective Legislature’s Public Accounts Committees,shared their insights and experiences on effective examination of audited accounts. The external resource persons were led by Hon. Medad Lubega- Uganda, Hon Mark Botomani-Malawi and Hon James Avedzi. 

On their part, Members of the Select Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library engaged with the Ag. Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Mr. Samuel Maina on the Role of KBC in the provision of Broadcast Services to Parliament. 

Mr. Maina highlighted the possible areas of  collaboration between National Assembly and KBC towards the realization of an independent Parliamentary TV channel and Radio Station.

Parliament has been in partnership with KBC to broadcast live plenary proceedings since 2008.

The Select Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers engaged Dr. Shem Ochuodho, the Global Chairperson, -Kenya Diaspora Alliance on how they can facilitate the participation of the Kenyan diaspora and migrant workers in the economic and social-cultural growth of the nation.

The Committee which debuted at the inception of the 13th Parliament, was established in recognition of the significant role the Kenyan Diaspora plays in the economic and social development of the country, and the need to develop a mechanism through which the House can engage the Kenyan Diaspora and migrant workers on matters.

Other Committees that met today include the Committee on Members Services and Facilities chaired by Hon. Stephen Wachira, the Committee on Constitutional Implementation Oversight, chaired by Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, the Committee on Delegated Legislation chaired by Hon. Samuel Chepkonga, the Budget and Appropriations Committee chaired by Hon. Ndindi Nyoro and the Committee on Regional Integration, chaired by Hon. Wanjiku Muhia. 

The Sessions continue today.

MOMBASA COUNTY, 25th Jan:- House Committees’ Induction in Mombasa County, Resumes