President William Ruto on Thursday presided over a meeting of the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group at State House in Nairobi.
The purpose of the meeting was to solidify Kenya Kwanza’s leadership and membership in key Parliament committees that will be crucial in the approval of government policies and expenditure plans.
The MPs debated the proposed Hustler’s Fund of KES 50 billion, as well as the process for approving government spending and policy initiatives.
The Hustler Fund is one of the President’s top priorities, and it is expected to go live in December, with the government allocating KES 50 billion annually to provide affordable credit to small and medium-sized businesses.
Furthermore, the meeting was expected to resolve a stalemate among MPs over who will lead four key House Committees: Administration and National Security, Energy, Blue Economy, Transportation, and Mining.
The impasse is expected to be resolved by the end of the week. The composition of these committees is critical for keeping the government in check and evaluating the suitability of Principal Secretaries once the President has made his 50 selections. The nominees will be scrutinized by the relevant House Committees.
The members of the parliamentary committees established by the Constitution elect their leaders, according to the House Standing Orders.
As the ruling coalition, Kenya Kwanza Alliance legislators will chair departmental committees, and housekeeping committees with the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya MPs chairing the watchdog committees which include the Public Account Committee and Public Investment Committee.
According to Article 125 of the Constitution, any member of the public may be called before either House of Parliament or any of its committees to present testimony or information.
The meeting brought together Kenya Kwanza allied parties with parliamentary representation including United Democratic Alliance (145), Amani National Congress and United Democratic Movement (eight), Ford Kenya (six), Pamoja African Alliance (three), Maendeleo Chap Chap and The Service Party (two), DP and Movement for Democracy and Growth (one MP each).
