The National Assembly  Public Investments Committee on Social Services Administration and Agriculture today continued with the interrogation of officials from State Agencies from the list of 24 that have never been audited by the office of the Auditor-General (OAG).

The Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (KECOPAC) was the first to appear before the Committee to respond to five issues as asked by the Committee. Among the issues they were required to explain was the reason the institution’s audit books have never been reviewed by the office of the OAG.

Members of the National Assembly began debate on a Bill seeking to amend the Penal Code to repeal sections pertaining to the offences of idleness and disorderliness.

 Hon. David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East)  who sponsored the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill (2022),  cited inconsistencies with the 2010 Constitution as it infringes upon the fundamental human rights and freedoms of Kenyan citizens trying to earn a living. He added that the existing legal framework is being misused by law enforcement officials to harass innocent individuals. 

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education Committee led by Hon. Julius Melly (Tinderet), has directed state agencies responsible for examination management to prioritize the protection of Kenya's academic qualifications and maintain their credibility.

After a meeting with officials from the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Hon. Melly stressed the importance of upholding the integrity of national examinations.

The Departmental Committee on Education chaired by Hon. Julius Melly (Tinderet) has raised concerns over the prolonged tenure of teachers serving in acting capacities.

During a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Dr. Nancy Macharia, Members  emphasized the need for immediate action to address the challenge, which they noted affects many tutors.

The National Assembly has  granted approval for the establishment of Kenya's first virtual university, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional higher education for Kenyan students. Last week, the House approved the preliminary charter for the Open University of Kenya (OUK), paving the way for the admission of the initial cohort of 7,100 distance e-learners.

The university, leveraging the country's digital infrastructure, is anticipated to charge fees ranging from Kshs.10,400 to Kshs.10,900 per module, depending on the course.

The National Assembly has debated the first ever Report dedicated to oversight of the Consolidated Fund Service (CFS) in the history of Kenyan Parliament. 

In the Report from the Committee on Public Debt and Privatization Chaired by Hon. Makali Mulu (Kitui Central), recommends that the National Treasury should in future consider availing to Parliament a statement indicating all obligations of the National Government, at the time of submission of the Budget Estimates. 

The Report analyzed the CFS expenditure for the Supplementary Estimates No.1 FY/2022/23.