National Assembly proceeds on a short recess; to resume on 3^rd November

Members of the National Assembly, Thursday 15^th October embarked on a short recess, but not before concluding crucial business that was under their consideration. Sittings are expected to resume on 3^rd November after the two-week recess which is in accordance with the House calendar.

Thursday Sitting saw the Members approve the Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations on the consideration of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kenya and the Government of the Italian Republic on the Luigi Broglio- Malindi Space Centre. The ratification which has been pending since 2012 when the previous pact ended, retires a 1995 deal which was more favourable to the Italians. The approval also allows the two governments to go ahead and sign a 5-year agreement that will see Kenya earn Kshs. 25 million annually for the use of the land hosting the space Centre.

Before the break, the House also passed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The Bill seeks to provide for a mechanism of appointing Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.  This follows the dissolution of the Selection Panel which had been established under the First Schedule, upon appointment of the current Members of the IEBC and hence there exists a vacuum as to the mechanism of appointing Members of the IEBC in case of a vacancy or lapse of office of any member of the Commission.

However amidst the recess, a number of Committees are set to hold meetings to continue with scheduled Business under their consideration. The Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations will be considering sixteen (16) persons nominated for appointment to the positions of High Commissioners and Ambassadors in Missions of the Republic of Kenya abroad.

The Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation will also undertaking the necessary processes with regard to the vetting of Ms. Immaculate Kassait whom the President has nominated for appointment to the position of Data Commissioner.

The Message of the President nominating the 16, which was received by the Speaker after the House had adjourned to proceed on recess was Communicated to the Members via a notification on Friday 16th.

 The Speaker has since referred to Message to the Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations to commence the necessary vetting processes as contemplated under the Public Appointments ( Parliamentary Approval) Act and Standing Order 45 ( Committal of Public Appointments to Committees).

Before taking the break which commenced after the Thursday Sitting, the House had resolved that upon receipt of any name of a person nominated for appointment to a state or public office from the President or any other office in the National Executive, the Speaker shall forthwith refer such Message to the relevant Committee for consideration, without having to recall the House.

Department Committees also have up to 3^rd November to submit their recommendations on the legislative proposals that are pending before them, and whose timeline of 21 days have lapsed. This follows the directive by the House Speaker, Hon. Justin Muturi which was issued on Thursday.