Debate on the Finance Bill (2023) commenced this morning as the Bill entered the Second Reading Stage in the House. 

Moving debate on the Bill, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning Hon. Kuria Kimani (Molo) told the House that the Committee had carried out comprehensive public participation and stakeholder engagement, adding that the Committee would be introducing some amendments derived from the submission received.

The National Assembly Audit Committees yesterday hosted a delegation of Members of Parliament from the Republic of Zambia. The Decentralized Funds Accounts Committee (DFAC), the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Special Funds Accounts Committee (SFAC), and the Public Investment Committee on Governance and Education (PIC G&E) collectively hosted the Zambian delegation in the Main Chambers of the National Assembly.

The National Assembly Select Committee on Delegated Legislation chaired by Hon. Samwel Chekponga (Ainabkoi) held meetings with the Cabinet Secretary for Defence Hon. Aden Duale and Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Mithika Linturi over the Public Finance Management (National Peace Support Operations Fund) Regulations, (2023), and the National Cereals and Produce Board (National Strategic Reserve) Regulations, (2023), respectively.

The National Assembly has approved the appointment of Mr. Noordin Haji as the next National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General.

Through a Special Motion moved by Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations the House voted to approve the appointment of Mr. Haji as the next spymaster general. Mr. Haji takes over from the outgoing NIS boss Major General Phillip Kameru who is headed for retirement.

The National Assembly is currently in the midst of considering Budget Estimates for various State Departments and Agencies in the Committee of Supply for the period 2023/24 Budget, a crucial phase during which supply measures for funding various government programs and undertakings are considered. This period, which began with the examination of the Estimates, will conclude with the enactment of an Appropriation Act.