The National Assembly has formally adopted changes to the membership of several key House committees, following the passage of a motion tabled by Majority Whip Hon. Silvanus Osoro. The motion, which was adopted during the Tuesday afternoon sitting in the National Assembly Chamber, comes as part of a realignment aimed at strengthening committee operations and accommodating recent appointments and vacancies.
Among the most notable changes is the reconstitution of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation, where Hon. Muiruri Muthama Stanley takes over from Hon. Chepkwony Charity Kathambi, and Hon. (Dr.) Joyce Bensuda Osogo fills the seat left vacant by the late Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were.
In the Departmental Committee on Labour, Hon. Njoroge Mary Wamaua has replaced Hon. Liza Chelule Chepkorir, who has now been moved to the Departmental Committee on Regional Development, taking the place of Hon. Mary Emaase Otucho.
Hon. Leah Sopiato Sankaire has been appointed to the Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, replacing Hon. (Dr.) Edwin Mugo Gichuki, who now joins the influential Budget and Appropriations Committee, replacing Hon. Ndindi Nyoro. In turn, Hon. Nyoro has been reassigned to the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee, succeeding Hon. Leah Sankaire.
In the Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Committee, Hon. John Okano Bwire has stepped in to succeed Hon. Geoffrey Ruku, who was recently appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.
Meanwhile, Hon. Nimrod Mbithuka Mbai now sits on the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, replacing Hon. Eric Muchangi Karemba. Both Hon. Karemba and Hon. Patrick Munene Ntwiga have now been reassigned to the Public Petitions Committee, taking over from Hon. Ernest Ogesi Kagesi and Hon. Mbai, respectively.
Further shuffles include a return swap between Hon. Chepkwony Charity Kathambi and Hon. Muiruri Muthama Stanley, with Kathambi now serving on the Committee on Implementation.
On matters of parliamentary conduct and oversight, Hon. Jane Njeri Maina and Hon. Shakeel Shabbir have been appointed to the Committee on Powers and Privileges, replacing Hon. John Bwire and Hon. James Oyoo.
In addition, Hon. Anne Muratha and Hon. Peter Ochieng’ Orero have joined the Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity. Hon. Orero’s appointment fills the vacancy left by the passing of Hon. Ong’ondo Were.
As part of the continued reshuffling, Hon. James Oyoo will now serve in the Decentralized Funds Accounts Committee, taking over from Hon. Joyce Bensuda Osogo, while Hon. Mary Emaase Otucho moves to the Public Accounts Committee, filling the position left by Hon. Geoffrey Kariuki Ruku.
These changes, officials say, are part of Parliament’s continuous efforts to enhance legislative oversight, improve the efficiency of committee operations, and reflect shifts necessitated by both political appointments and unforeseen vacancies such as those resulting from the deaths of sitting members.
The full list of realignments and committee changes can be accessed through the National Assembly’s official Order Paper here: https://parliament.go.ke/the…/house-business/order-paper
Written By Rodney Mbua
