NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

ISSUE 009 DECEMBER 2020 Inside:

President assures Parliament State of the Nation is Steady; urges lawmakers to expedite approval of seminal Bills

One on One with The Youngest MP ever elected in Kenyan History

Kenyan lawmakers hold virtual conference with their Chinese counterparts in a bid to enhance fight against COVID - 19

Fun Facts About Parliament’s History You May or May Not Know Merry

Christmas 1 ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 Foreword Contents President Uhuru assures Parliament the EDITORIAL TEAM State is Steady; urges Lawmakers to pri- 4 Peter Chemweno - Team Leader oritise Seminal Bills Joe Okong’o Mainah Wanjiku Salem Lorot One on One with Hon. Ndrirangu Waihenya; The Youngest MP ever elect- James M. Macharia ed in Kenyan History 6 Laureen Wesonga Winnie Kiziah CONTRIBUTOR Kenyan legislators hold virtual confer- Emmanuel Muyodi ence with their Chinese counterparts; seek collaboration in the fight against 8 COVID-19

Uzinduzi wa Machapisho ya Kiswahili 4 na Kiswahili-Kiingereza ya Kanuni za 10 Kudumu za Bunge la Taifa

ay I take this opportunity to welcome you to the Do you know the youngest Member of Parliament ever elect- 9th issue of the National Assembly E-newsletter, ed in the history of ? Well, he is a Member of the 12th House approves motion for the estab- 4 which is also our last issue of the year. Parliament. Our team got an opportunity to interview the lishment of Birth Certificate Centres in 12 M Hon. Member. Find out who this is and read his interview all Sub-Counties In this issue, our lead story focuses on the 7th State of the featured on page 6. Nation Address by His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyat- ta. In his Speech the President assured Parliament and the Unfortunately, during the period covered by this issue the entire nation that the State is strong, steady and resilient, and National Assembly lost two Hon. Members namely; Hon. Kenys Passes Tea Bill 13 urged lawmakers to expedite the passage of seminal Bills. A Justus Murunga Makokha Member of Parliament for Matun- number of those have since been considered and approved gu and Hon. James Lusweti Mukwe, Member of Parliament before the House proceeded on recess on 4th December. for Kabuchai Constituency. This issue carries tributes for the 8 Pictorial departed Hon. Members. 14 After delivering his Address, the President was the Chief Guest during the occasion of the launch of the National As- With regard to the sittings of the House, I wish to take this sembly Bilingual and Kiswahili Standing Orders. opportunity to inform our readers that the House adjourned The National Assembly Leadership for end-of-session recess on Friday 4th December, 2020 and Profiles 21 From the Floor, the House passed the Tea Bill which pro- will resume its sittings on Tuesday 9th February, 2021. Simi- vides for regulations, development and promotion of the tea larly, all committee sittings are suspended from 14th Decem- industry. Please turn to page 11 for more on this and other ber 2020 and resume on 29th January, 2021. stories. Parliament Architecture & Art In conclusion, I wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and 29 Additionally, in conforming with the “new normal” and a Prosperous New Year. 28 Covid-19 protocol, Hon. Members held a virtual conference DID YOU KNOW? Fun Historical Facts with their Chinese counterparts. The conference themed Download your copy and enjoy reading these and more sto- About Parliament “Strengthening Parliamentary Exchange to Promote Mutual ries 31 Development” explored a number of areas of collaboration in the fight against Covid-19. Find details of the conference on this issue. Mr. Michael R. Sialai, EBS Amendment of the Constitution by pop- Clerk of The National Assembly of Kenya ular initiative: highlight of the Process 32

2 3 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 the pandemic, as well as in the approval of statutory to a recent court ruling which has hamstrung their President Uhuru assures Parliament instruments issued under the Public Health Act and legislative business, the President called on the two the Public Order Act. Chambers to strive as much as possible to resolve the State is of the Nation is Steady; urges issues of concern by consensus building. He was President Kenyatta appealed to the lawmakers to pri- quick to note that though the divergence is expect- Lawmakers to prioritise Seminal Bills oritize the consideration of various seminal Bills that ed as is the case across all bicameral legislatures, the are pending before the two Houses. These include two Houses should seek ways to better exercise their the National Aviation Management Bill, which once institutional mandates. He offered that the Executive enacted, will anchor the turnaround of the fortunes will always be at hand to aid in consensus building of loss-making national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ). and to foster internally mediated outcomes within Other crucial legislations include the Statute Law Parliament. Miscellaneous (Amendment) Bill, Business (Amend- With regard to fulfilling the international obligations ment) Bill No. 2 of 2020, and the proposed legislation of the Republic, the president noted that Kenya, as a on the administration of referenda and on enhancing respected member of the community of nations, has governance and deepening the country’s anti-cor- continued to fulfil her obligations on the regional, ruption efforts. continental, and global stages. He observed that the President Kenyatta also expressed his gratitude to the government had been keen on keeping sight of the country’s health personnel and all frontline work- opportunities available regionally, continentally and ers noting that the country will forever be grateful globally for Kenya to deepen our shared prosperity. to them for their selfless service under tremendous In this regard, he reported to the august House that strain and challenging conditions. Decrying that a exports within the East African Community had number of health workers were among the over 1,200 jumped to a six-year high in 2019. Kenyans who had lost their lives to the disease, the “As we join ranks with our brothers within the Afri- President led the legislators in observing a moment can Continent, Kenya and Ghana were the first coun- of silence in their honour. tries to not only sign but also ratify the landmark Further noting that the pandemic had greatly dis- agreement creating the African Continental Free rupted the academic calendar, President Kenyatta Trade Area in March 2018. This agreement brings assured the House that the gradual and phased re- the 54 African nations under one common market opening of schools was being carefully monitored with a population of over 1.2 billion and a combined to ensure safety of students. He underscored that gross domestic product of more than three trillion though he shared in the pain of parents whose chil- US Dollars. As a champion of Africa’s integration, I n 12th November, 2020, President Uhuru this pandemic. If the people fall short of giving their dren have been home since March, these measures am elated that this agreement has officially entered Kenyatta delivered his Seventh State of the best at this time, we the leaders have no option but were taken in the interest of the children. into force and became operational from 1st July, 2020”, explained the President. Nation Address with a strong urge to polit- to give our all. We must know the way, and show the “As a parent and a grandparent, I share in the pain Oical leaders in the legislature and across the coun- way”, urged the President. and frustration of most parents in having our chil- The Head of State further apprised the legislators try not to let their guard down in the fight against dren home for nearly an entire year. However, as a of the government’s robust engagements with the COVID-19. The President observed that the pandemic had led to an unprecedented loss of life, global economic slow- responsible Government, we put the health and safe- United Kingdom to evolve an arrangement that In an address delivered to an expectant House and down, and the postponement of major cultural, re- ty of children as the paramount consideration, “ex- would guarantee continued access to the UK market, an equally expectant nation given the challenges the ligious, political, and sporting events including the plained the President. following its exit from the European Union. He in- country has faced this year, the President was em- 2020 Olympic Games. formed the lawmakers that the government was pro- Conscious of the fact that the pandemic had neces- actively consulting with the United States of America phatic that the “State of our Nation is Strong, Steady sitated the enhancement of school infrastructure, in- and Resilient”. Noting that he was addressing the august House in for a solution that will ensure Kenya’s continued ac- the midst of extraordinary global economic, social, cluding the construction of over 12,500 classrooms, cess to the United States market beyond 2025, when This year’s address cast a spotlight on the adverse ef- and health disruptions which had necessitated the re- the President appealed to legislators to deploy a the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) fects that the COVID-19 pandemic has visited upon scheduling of his address for a period of six months, significant amount of resources that they oversight, comes to an end. the country and the government’s effort to combat it. he took time to enumerate to the House the steps the towards this cause. The State of the Nation Address is delivered in ac- The President appealed to the legislature as part of government had made in combating these effects, “In this regard, I appeal to you to re-prioritise the the larger political leadership, to lead the fight against among them economic stimulus programs and var- cordance with the provisions of Article 132 of the use of discretionary funds under your oversight to Constitution, which mandates the President to re- the pandemic from the front and to avoid succumb- ious containment measures. respond to the immediate and short-term needs of ing to the ‘COVID-19 fatigue’. port on measures taken and progress achieved in the He commended the two Houses for their swift sup- our learners,” he urged. realization of the National values set in the Article, as “We must not succumb to COVID-19 fatigue. We port towards the measures sought by the executive Perhaps taking the perfect opportunity to address the well as the progress made in fulfilling International must not backtrack from our vigilant fight against with regard to the National Emergency Response to frequent jostling between the two Houses, resulting Obligations.

4 5 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 Q: You are on record as the youngest Member of Hon. Waihenya: I pride myself in having utilised Parliament ever elected in Kenya, what led you to the National Government Constituency Development politics at the age of twenty-two (22)? Fund (NG-CDF) for development and providing oth- er crucial services to the Constituency like building Hon. Waihenya: Well, it is a combination of many schools, police stations and giving bursaries to needy things. If you remember early 1990s were marked by students. When I became the MP for Roysambu Meet The the clamour for multi-party democracy in Africa and Constituency, the transition rate from primary to the former Soviet Union. People had become tired of secondary schools was 28%, but I have contributed Youngest single-party rule and dictators. Coincidentally, this to improving this to 85% by increasing the number of time was also marked by the death of Dr. Robert Ouko. secondary schools in the Constituency. MP Ever In 1990 as the nation was mourning Dr. Ouko, stu- Also, through a Petition I presented to the National dents were rioting all over. I was in college that time. Assembly on behalf of the residents of Roysambu Con- Elected In The then Member for Nyeri Constituency Hon. Waru- stituency, the House approved that land meant for ru Kanja claimed that the government had eliminated public utilities that had been grabbed be given back The History Ouko and was kicked out of KANU thereby losing his to ‘wananchi’. The land will be used for construction parliamentary seat. As a student leader at Kimathi of public utilities. Of Kenya School of Technology I felt the need to contest for the seat because I wanted to bring change to the Constitu- Q: You are the Vice Chairperson of the Depart- ency and the country at large. mental Committee on Finance and National Plan- ning where you have been for a while, would you Q: What was your experience as a political novice, enumerate the Committee’s agenda and accom- especially given that you were to fight it out with plishments? political titans? Hon. Waihenya: The Departmental Committee on Hon. Waihenya: I won the elections because of peo- Finance and National Planning has provided legal ple-power and revolutionary sovereignty of the voter framework for the achievement of the ‘Big 4 Agenda’. as well as the sheer determination of the youth to bring For instance, the Committee amended the Retirement about change in the political landscape at the time. Benefits Authority Act, 2012 to enable people to use I am happy to have participated in the signing of the their retirement benefits to purchase houses hence new section 2A of the Constitution which opened up playing a role in the growth of the housing sector which the democratic space. In fact, I attended the 1st Multi- is one of the pillars of the ‘Big 4 Agenda’. party Mega Rally at Kamukunji. The Committee has been engaging in oversight by car- Q: You finally won and served for two years, then rying out inspection visits to agencies that the Com- a twenty-one (21) year hiatus, what happened? Did mittee oversees so as to ensure that funds allocated to you fall out with the electorate? the agencies are well utilised. Hon. Waihenya: I unsuccessfully vied for the MP Q: From your experience, what advice would you seat in 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2007. I was denied the give to young aspiring politicians? nomination certificate in the 1992 and 1997 General Hon. Waihenya: Young aspiring politicians should Elections. I then vied for the MP seat in Kasarani Con- have a family before embarking on politics because stituency in 2002 and 2007 General Elections. politics can give one a wrong impression of them- Q: For twenty-one (21) years you were away from selves. Having a family makes one more responsible. Parliament, what did you engage in? Additionally, they should always remember that one Hon. Waihenya: After serving my two-year term as can only serve as an MP through God’s favour and an MP, I tried to look for employment in Nyeri but should keep in mind that they are serving at the mer- no one was willing to hire me due to the fact that I cy of their constituents. was a former MP. I moved to in search of em- Q: You are now serving your third term, what are ployment but was not successful. I sold my car and your future political plans? ventured into the ‘jua kali’ sector selling scrap metals, flowers, manure and tree seedlings. Hon. Waihenya: I will still contest for MP seat in Roysambu in the next General Elections. Q: What would you say are your achievements so far as a legislator?

6 7 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 Kenyan legislators hold virtual conference with their Chinese counterparts; seek collaboration in the fight against COVID-19

Deputy Speaker, Hon. Moses Cheboi led the Kenyan delegation in the virtual conference

He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government Participants further noted that there’s need for in- of Kenya for China’s extended support to Kenya to- ternational cooperation in the global governance of wards the containment of the COVID-19 Pandemic. public health and that the global community must as far as possible, be prepared in the event another “China has extended support to Kenya in terms of pandemic breaks out. medical supplies and equipment towards the con- tainment of Covid-19, which is highly appreciated,” To give new impetus to the China-Kenya relationship he noted. and ensure sustainable development, the Chinese n Friday, 20th November, 2020, Deputy The lawmakers also discussed ways of enhancing delegation undertook to offer more direct invest- On his part, Vice Chairman of NPC, H.E. Cao Jian- Speaker of The National Assembly, Hon. Kenya-China relations under the framework of Fo- ments in infrastructure development, e-commerce, ming reaffirmed the commitment of his Government Moses Cheboi, led a delegation of National rum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC); a and manufacturing, and to initiate business-to-busi- OAssembly in a Virtual Conference between the Na- multilateral cooperation between China and African in maintaining strong and unbreakable China-Kenya ness partnerships. This is in a bid to create employ- friendship both at the Executive level and between tional Assembly of Kenya and the National People’s Countries and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). ment among the Kenyan youth while offering men- Congress (NPC) of the People’s Republic of China. the two Legislatures. Addressing the opening session of the forum, Hon. torship to start-ups. The Chinese delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Cao Ji- The Chinese delegation submitted that their country Moses Cheboi expressed his appreciation for the Moving forward the two delegations agreed to deep- anming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee has managed to control COVID-19 by implementing prevailing strong and sustained parliamentary re- en and maintain friendship through increased par- of NPC. a very elaborate control strategy, including early de- lations between the two legislatures. He noted that liamentary exchanges under the auspices of the Chi- tection, testing, cessation of movement, isolation and The conference, themed “Strengthening Parliamenta- in support of the ongoing efforts on the fight against na-Kenya Friendship Group.The Kenyan delegation treatment. The delegation also attributed the success ry Exchanges to Promote Mutual Development” ex- COVID-19, it is imperative that the two nations col- led by Hon. Cheboi comprised of the Deputy Major- to good will and cooperation across the Chinese so- plored a number of areas of collaboration including laborate to improve health infrastructure, provide ity Whip, Hon. Maoka Maore, Hon. Shakeel Shabbir ciety. The two teams agreed to strengthen their part- how the two countries can partner in the fight against technical and medical support on diagnosing and (Chair, Kenya-China Friendship Group), Hon. (Dr.) nership in combating not only the current pandemic COVID-19 and in the formulation of post-pandemic treating COVID-19 patients as well as co-operate on Robert Pukose, Hon. Esther Passaris, Hon. Beatrice but also future pandemics. economic recovery strategies while addressing the capacity building. Adagala, Hon. Sophia Abdi Noor and Hon. Chachu huge trade imbalance between the two countries. Ganya.

8 9 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 ibara ya 120 ya Katiba, lugha rasmi za Bunge ni Kiswa- jeki kwa kuteua maafisa wenye ujuzi wa utaratibu wa Uzinduzi wa Machapisho ya Kiswahili na hili, Kiingereza, na lugha ya ishara. Aidha, shughuli ya Bunge na matumizi ya Kiswahili. Ombi hilo lilikuba- Bunge inaweza kufanywa katika Kiingereza, Kiswahili liwa, na Bw. Athman Hussein (Mkurugenzi wa Hudu- Kiswahili-Kiingereza ya Kanuni za na lugha ya ishara. ma za Kamati) na Bw. Mossy Lukuvi kutoka Bunge la Muungano wa Jamhuri ya Tanzania na dada Vidah Kudumu za Bunge la Taifa Hivyo basi, nafasi ya Kiswahili imejikithi katika Katiba Mutasa kutoka Baraza la Kiswahili la Tanzania (BAKI- na hii ni mojawapo ya sababu ambazo zilimpa Katibu TA) wakahusishwa katika kazi hii. Tajriba yao pamoja wa Bunge la Taifa msukumo wa kuteua Jopokazi kwa na ushauri wao, haswa katika kusawazisha Kiswahili ajili ya kutafsir Kanuni za Kiingereza hadi Kiswahili. kwa sajili ya Bunge na msukumo wao katika kufaniki- Isitoshe, kulikuwa na hamu ya kutekeleza maono ya sha zoezi hilo ni wa kupigiwa mfano. Rais mwanzilishi wa taifa, Hayati Jomo Kenyatta, Zaidi ya hayo, Jopo lilinufaika pakubwa na mchango kuhusu matumizi ya Kiswahili bungeni. Mnamo tare- wa kitaalamu na tajriba ya miaka mingi ya wataalamu he 4 Julai 1974, Rais Jomo Kenyatta alitoa amri kuwa wa lugha ya Kiswahili kutoka vyuo vikuu vya Kenya lugha ya Kiswahili ndiyo itakuwa lugha ya taifa na na wataalamu binafsi. Wao ni Prof. Iribe Mwangi, itumike katika kuendesha shughuli za Bunge. Siku il- Mwenyekiti wa Idara ya Kiswahili Chuo Kikuu cha iyofuata, mnamo tarehe 5 Julai 1974, Spika Fred Mati Nairobi, na mwenzake Dkt. Prisca Jerono; Dkt. Robert alitoa taarifa kwa wabunge kwamba lugha ya Kiswahili Oduori na Bw. Vincent Magugu kutoka Chuo Kikuu ilipaswa kuwa lugha rasmi ya Bunge kama ilivyoagizwa cha Moi; Prof. Geoffrey Kitula King’ei na Dkt. Miriam na Rais kwamba lugha ya Kiswahili itumike ukumbini Osore kutoka Chuo Kikuu cha Kenyatta; na Prof. Clar- mara moja. Kulingana na historia, Mheshimiwa Mut- ah Momanyi na Bw. Nuhu Bakari. iso-Muyu, aliyekuwa Mbunge wa eneo Bunge la Yatta, alielekezwa kuanza kuchangia kwa lugha ya Kiswahili. Vile vile, Jopo lilitoa nakala kwa Idara zote katika Bunge la Taifa kwa ajili ya kupata maoni kuhusu ra- Ili kusetiri matumizi ya Kiswahili katika Bunge she- simu ya tafsiri ya Kanuni hizo. Baadaye, Jopo lilifanya ria, Katiba ilifanyiwa marekebisho mawili. Rekebi- vikao na kufaidika kwa kiasi kikubwa na uhakiki wa sho la kwanza, almaarufu the Bw. Jeremiah Ndombi (Naibu Katibu), Bw. Samuel (Amendment) Act (No. 1 of 1975), lilifuta kifungu Njoroge (Mkurugenzi, Huduma za Utungaji wa She- cha 53 cha Katiba na kuchopeka kifungu kipya chenye ria na Utaratibu), Bw. Rana Tiampati, Dkt. Phillip masharti kwamba Kiswahili ilipaswa kutumika katika JUU: Mhe. Rais , akabidhiwa nakala za Buchere, Bw. Ken Angwa, Bi. Dorcas Ambuto na Bi. Machapisho ya Kiswahili na Kiswahili-Kiingereza ya Kanuni za shughuli za Bunge la Taifa. Hata hivyo, uendeshaji Nelly Jarah. Wakufunzi Sheila Muchiri, Boniface Mu- Kudumu za Bunge la Taifa na Spika wa Bunge la Kitaifa, Mhe. wa shughuli kuhusu miswada, sheria na maamuzi ya tuku, Brian Wechabe na Maxwel Koome pia walikuwa Justin Muturi, baada ya kuzindua machapisho hayo. kifedha pamoja na marekebisho yake bado yalisalia wa manufaa kwa Jopo. he. Uhuru Kenyatta mwezi jana alizindua kuwa katika lugha ya Kiingereza. CHINI: Mfano wa nakala ya chapisho la Kiswahili la Kanuni za rasmi machapisho ya Kiswahili na Kiswa- kudumu za Bunge iliyo zinduliwa na Rais Uhuru Kenyatta Hafla hii ilihudhuriwa na Naibu wa Rais Dkt. William hili-Kiingereza ya Kanuni za Kudumu za Miaka minne baadaye, mnamo mwaka wa 1979, re- Ruto, Spika wa Bunge la Taifa, Mhe. Justin Muturi, MBunge la Taifa katika hafla iliyofanyika katika Bustani kebisho la pili la Katiba lijulikanalo kama the Con- Spika wa Seneti, Mhe. Kenneth Lusaka, Naibu Spika la Bunge la Kenya. Kanuni za Kudumu ni mkusanyiko stitution of Kenya (Amendment) Act (No. 1 of 1979), wa Bunge la Taifa Mhe. Moses Cheboi, na Naibu Spi- wa sheria zilizotungwa na wabunge ili kudhibiti utara- lililegeza kamba kidogo na kueleza kwamba mijadala ka wa Seneti Mhe. Margaret Kamar. Wengine walio- tibu wa vikao vya Bunge. ukumbini ingeweza kufanywa kwa lugha ya Kiingere- hudhuria ni Kiongozi wa Chama cha walio Wengi za au Kiswahili. Masharti haya yalianza kutekelezwa Mchakato wa kutafsiri Kanuni za Kudumu ulianza katika Bunge la Taifa, Dkt. Amos Kimunya, Kiongozi mnamo tarehe 2 Mei, 1979. Katika mfumo huu, Taar- wa Chama cha walio Wachache katika Bunge la Taifa, Februari 2019, baada ya Katibu wa Bunge la Taifa, ifa Rasmi za Bunge la Taifa (Hansard) zilikuwa ziki- Bw. Michael Sialai, EBS, kuteua Jopo lililojukumika na Mhe. John Mbadi, Mratibu wa Chama cha walio Wen- andikwa kwa lugha ya Kiingereza na Kiswahili. Hapo gi katika Bunge la Taifa, Mhe. Emmanuel Wangwe, shughuli ya tafsiri. Jopo la Kutafsiri Kanuni za Kudu- awali lugha ya Kiswahili ikiwa lugha rasmi ya Bunge mu za Bunge la Taifa liliongozwa na Bw. Kipkemoi Mratibu wa Chama cha walio Wachache katika Bunge la Taifa, Taarifa Rasmi za Bunge la Taifa zilikuwa kwa la Taifa, Mhe. Junet Mohamed, Kiongozi wa Chama arap Kirui, Naibu Mkurugenzi wa Huduma za Sheria lugha ya Kiswahili. na Utaratibu katika Bunge la Taifa na lilijumuisha wa- cha walio Wengi katika Seneti, Sen. Samuel Poghisio, najopo wafuatao: Salem Lorot, Benson Inzofu, Anne Licha ya Katiba kutambua Kiswahili kama mojawapo Kiongozi wa Chama cha walio Wachache katika Sene- Shibuko, Mwambeo Mwang’ombe, Mwahunga Kala- ya lugha za Bunge, Kanuni za Kudumu za bunge la ti, Sen. , Mratibu wa Chama cha walio ma, Rabecca Munyao, na Assumpta Mbugua, ambao Taifa (sheria za uendeshaji wa shughuli za Bunge na Wengi katika Seneti, Sen. Irungu Kang’ata, na Mrati- ni maafisa katika Idara mbalimbali katika Bunge la Kamati za Bunge) zimekuwa katika Kiingereza. Hivyo bu wa Chama cha walio Wachache katika Seneti, Sen. Taifa. basi, azma kuu ya kutafsiri Kanuni hizo kwa Kiswahili Mutula Kilonzo Junior. ni kuwapa Wabunge na maafisa wa Bunge msimbo wa Msukumo wa kutafsiri na haja ya kutimiza mashar- Katibu wa Bunge la Taifa, Bw. Michael Sialai na Katibu kurejelea wanapoendesha shughuli za Bunge katika wa Seneti, Bw. Jeremiah Nyegenye pia walijumuika ka- ti ya Ibara ya 7 ya Katiba, kwamba lugha ya taifa ni lugha ya Kiswahili. Kiswahili na kwamba lugha rasmi za Kenya ni Kiswa- tika hafla hii. Wabunge katika Bunge la Taifa na Seneti, hili na Kiingereza. Pia, inaeleza kuwa serikali ita- Katika kufanikisha shughuli ya kutafsiri kanuni, Ka- wanajopo, wageni walioalikwa wakiwemo wataalamu heshimu na kukuza maendeleo na matumizi ya lugha tibu wa Bunge la Taifa alimwomba mwenzake wa wa Kiswahili na waajiriwa wa Bunge pia walishiriki za kiasili na lugha ya ishara. Vile vile, kwa mujibu wa Bunge la Muungano wa Jamhuri ya Tanzania kumpiga katika uzinduzi huu uliofana.

10 11 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 Cecily Mbarire (Nominated); Hon. Gichimu Githin- House approves motion for the House Passes the ji (Gichugu); Hon. Brighton Yegon (Konoin); Hon Ben Momanyi (Borabu); and Hon. Millie Odhiambo establishment of Birth Certificate Tea Bill (Suba North). Due to the high number of proposed amendments and in keeping with the provisions of Centres in all Sub-Counties Standing Order 131, the Speaker directed that the amendments be harmonized by the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock. The Committee held more than twenty-one (21) sittings including with the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Coopera- tives; National Treasury; Kenya Tea Development Agency Holding Limited (KTDA); East African Tea Trade Association; and the East African Tea Grow- ers Association. The Committee also visited the Tea Auction in Mombasa. The Committee received and considered submissions from the Ministry of Agri- culture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives; Ken- ya Tea Development Agency; and Prof. Paul Kiprono Chepkwony, Governor of the County Government of Kericho. n Thursday, 3rd December, 2020, the Na- tional Assembly passed the Tea Bill which Following the extensive deliberations and consul- seeks to provide for the regulation, develop- tations, the Committee enriched the Bill to provide Oment and promotion of the tea industry and propos- clarity on the role of national and county govern- he National Assembly wants the government on Administration & National Security which over- to establish database centres in all Civil Regis- sees the Civil Registration Service, noted that as at es to establish the Tea Board of Kenya composed of ments in the development of tea, registration of var- tration Centres for purposes of storing all the 2019, the national statistical coverage rates stood at eleven members. ious tea dealers, regulation of tea imports, regulation Tnecessary information required for birth certificates. 75.5 per cent for births and 38.8 per cent for deaths of the auction process, provision on blended teas, The Bill, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Cheruiyot, was taxation of teas, and provisions on tea value addition. This follows the passage of a Motion by the Member against the Department’s target of 100 per cent cov- submitted to the National Assembly for consider- for Maragua, Hon. Wamau Njoroge that also calls for erage of registration of births and deaths. Further, he ation in accordance with the provisions of Article 110 The Committee also proposed, the imposition of a the setting up of measures to ensure that every child observed that the Department had 124 sub-county of the Constitution. levy on import and export of tea to be paid into the is automatically issued with a birth certificate before offices out of the 324 sub-counties in the country. proposed Tea Fund. The amendment provides that attainment of the age of three years. This, coupled with low staffing, has made registration The Tea Bill seeks to remove regulation of the tea fifty per centum of the tea levy shall be applied by the difficult for citizens especially in rural areas. While sector from the ambit of the Agriculture and Food Board for income or price stabilization for tea grow- While moving the motion, Hon. Wamaua observed calling for enhancement of the department includ- Authority and revert it to the previous regime under that the Constitution and the Kenya Citizenship and ers. The levy shall also be remitted to the proposed ing increased budgetary allocation, Hon. Koinange the repealed Tea Act (Cap. 343). Tea Research Foundation and be used for infrastruc- Immigration Act, 2011, provide that every citizen is noted the need to implement the Births and Deaths The Bill was read a First Time on Wednesday, 26th ture development. entitled to any document of registration or identifica- Registration Act, {Cap. 149 of the Laws of Kenya} June, 2019, and subsequently committed to the De- tion issued by the State. This includes national iden- which provides for compulsory registration of births The House also proposed the establishment of the partmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock tification cards and birth certificates, especially for and deaths immediately they occur. Tea Research Foundation following concerns from children. The Member noted that issuance of birth for facilitation of public participation pursuant to various stakeholders who proposed that tea research certificates during civil registration for children is a In support of the Motion, Members noted the frus- Article 118 of the Constitution and Standing Order ought to be given more attention. Currently, the tea challenge across the country due to various reasons, tration by parents in obtaining birth certificates, 127. research function is undertaken by the Tea Research among them, missing parents’ information, improp- which has affected registration of children by the The Committee tabled its report on the consider- Institute under the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock er or incomplete or damaged documentation, and Ministry of Education under the National Education ation of the Bill on 26th November, 2019. The Second Research Organisation (KALRO). lack of registration of children born outside hospital Management Information System (NEMIS). They Reading on the Bill commenced on 19th February, environments. This has resulted in delays, and some- proposed that the databases should be decentralized The House also approved the proposal to regulate 2020 and was concluded on 26th February, 2020. times refusal of registration of children which goes to ensure timely issuance of the certificates. the tea auction process in order to streamline the against the constitutional provisions. Establishment During consideration of the Bill by the House, it process by providing for an electronic trading plat- Acknowledging the importance of birth certificates, of the proposed database centres will allow for cen- elicited a lot of interest from Members of Parliament form and clarity on timelines and roles of various the Motion, which was passed on Thursday, 3rd De- tralized access to required information for purposes and the general public. The following Members pro- value chain players. cember, 2020, calls for the automatic registration and of registration. posed amendments to the Bill: Hon. Eve Obara (Ka- issuance of this document to every child in the coun- The Senate will now consider the amendments sipul Kabondo); Hon. Ronald Tonui (Bomet East); While contributing to the Motion, Hon. Paul Koin- try before the age of three. passed by the National Assembly in accordance with Hon. Ezekiel Machogu (Nyaribari Masaba); Hon. ange, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee the provisions of Article 112 of the Constitution.

12 13 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 From left, the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Pictorial Jeremiah Nyegenye, Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Michael Sialai, Senate Deputy Clerk, Mr. Mohammed State of The Nation Address In Pictures Ali, Deputy Clerk in the National Assembly, Ms. Sarah Kioko and the Chief Sergeant at Arms, in the National Assembly, Mr. Aloisio Lekulo, await to receive H. E. President Uhuru Kenyatta in Parliament during the State of the Nation Address.

BELOW: President Uhuru Kenyatta flanked by the two House Speakers ; Hon. ABOVE: President Uhuru Kenyatta, is flanked by the two Speakers , Hon. Justin Muturi (in red gown) and Rt. Hon. Kenneth Lusaka ( in Justin Muturi (National blue gown and wig) and senior Parliamentary staff pose for a photo after the State of the Nation Address. Assembly) and Rt. Kenneth Lusaka( Sen- ate), and the respective RIGHT: The Chief Sergeant at Arms in the Senate and National House Clerks stand Assembly (in blue-Senate), Maj. Sorobit, (in green-NA) Mr. Aloise attention for the Na- Lekulo, match in the Speaker’s procession with their respective tional Anthem after the House maces during the STON. President delivered his 7th State of the Nation BELOW: H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta acknowledges greetings Address. from the Clerk of the National Assembly (in green gown) Mr. Michael Sialai, and his Senate Counterpart (in blue gown) Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye when he arrived in Parliament for the 7th State of the Nation Address.

14 15 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 Launch of Kiswahili Standing Orders

ABOVE: H.E Acknowledges greetings from The Speaker of The National Assembly Hon. Justin Muturi and The Speaker of The Senate Hon. Kenneth Lusaka upon arrival at the State of The Nation Address ABOVE: H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta signs a copy of bilingual Standing Orders shortly after he BELOW: An aerial view of the sitting during the State of the Nation Address by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the publication after delivering his State of the Nation Address to Parliament, as the Deputy President and Speaker of the National Assembly look on

RIGHT: H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta receives copies of the Kiswahili Standing Orders from the Speaker of the National Assembly during the launch of the publication.

BELOW: The Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Michael Sialai who was the master of ceremony

16 17 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 ABOVE: The new Kiswahili Standing Orders launched by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta during the State of the Nation Address event.

RIGHT: The Deputy President, H.E. (Dr.) William Ruto follows the launch ceremony of the Kiswahili Standing Orders after the State of the Nation Address in Parliament

BELOW: From left, Mr. Kipkemoi Arap Kirui ( Deputy Director L & P) Senate Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kenneth Lusaka, H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Justin Muturi, H.E. (Dr.) William Ruto, and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Michael Sialai hold the new bilingual and Kiswahili Standing Orders during the launch.

18 19 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES IN PICTURES The Team Behind the Translation of the

Standing Orders to Kiswahili Members of the Departmental Committee on Fi- nance and National Planning led by the Chairperson Hon. Gladys Wanga arrive in Lamu County where the Members undertook a fact-finding tour of the Lamu Port Project.

Members of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning during an inspection tour of the Grain Bulk the team behind the translation of the Standing Orders to Kiswahili and the Publication of the bilingual Standing Orders, pose for Handlers Limited photos during the launch of the publications. (GBHL) facility at Berth No.3, Port of Mombasa.

Members of the National Assembly Special Funds and Accounts Commit- tee during an inspection visit of Siyoi-Muruny Water Supply Project in West Pokot. The team visited West Pokot County to inspect various projects under the Equalization Fund.

20 21 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 LEADERSHIP PROFILES SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF KENYA THE HON. JUSTIN B.N. MUTURI, EGH, MP

The National Assembly Leadership Profiles on. Justin B. N. Muturi is a lawyer/Consti- tutional Law Consultant by profession. He • Speaker of the National Assembly, holds a Bachelor of Laws from University Parliament of Kenya & Chairman, Hof Nairobi in 1981 and a Diploma in Law from the Parliamentary Service Commission; Kenya School of Law in 1982.

• He is also Chairperson of the CPA He served as Member of Parliament for Siakago Con- Africa Region Executive Committee & stituency in Kenya for two consecutive terms from 1999 to 2007. From 2003 – 2007, he served as the • Chairperson, the East African Opposition Chief Whip and the Chairperson of the Community Bureau of Speakers & Public Investments Committee (this was the longest serving in Kenya’s history at the time). In addition, he • Vice-Chairperson, Global was a Member of the Select Committee on Constitu- Organisation of Parliamentarians tional Review from 1999 – 2004. Against Corruption (GOPAC). From April 2011 to 2013 he served as the Chairper- son of the Centre for Multi-Party Democracy. Before joining Parliament, he worked in the Kenyan Judicia- ry from 1982 – 1997 and retired at the level of a Prin- cipal Magistrate at the Nairobi Law Courts. While at the Judiciary, he was elected the Chairman of the Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association.

He is currently the Speaker of the National Assem- bly, where he is serving his second term having been first elected in March 2013 – August 2017 and August 2017 to date respectively.

22 23 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 LEADERSHIP PROFILES LEADERSHIP PROFILES DEPUTY SPEAKER OF The Leader Of The Majority Party THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF KENYA In The National Assembly Of Kenya HON. MOSES KIPKEMBOI CHEBOI, CBS, MP Hon. (Dr.) Amos Kimunya, FCPA, EGH, MP

on. Moses Cheboi is the Deputy Speaker in the National Assembly, a position he has held since 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Law HDegree (LLB) from the 1989- 1992 and a Post Graduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law1993-1994.

Hon. Cheboi who is serving his third term is the Member of Parliament for Kuresoi North Constit- uency. He was first elected to Parliament in 2002 as Member for the former larger Kuresoi Constit- uency.. He is Chairperson of Liaison Committee of Kenya National Assembly; Leader of Delegation of Kenya to the African Caribbean Pacific and Europe- an Union (ACP-EU) Parliament, Vice Chairperson, Procedure and House Rules Committee and Com- mittee on Appointments

Between 2002-2007, he served as a Deputy Whip of the Official Opposition (KANU), Member Adminis- tration of Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, Pub- on (Dr.) Amos Kimunya is a third term He serves as Chairperson of the Committee on Se- lic Investments Committee (PIC), Secretary, Parlia- Member of Parliament for Kipipiri Con- lection as well as a member of the Committee on Ap- mentarian for Global Action – PGA, Kenya Branch, stituency and is the Leader of the Majority pointments and of the House Business Committee. a member of Bunge Football Club and a member of HParty in the National Assembly. He is the second Bunge Marathon Team. Member of Parliament to hold the position since it He served in the Cabinet in various dockets between was established in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. 2003 and 2013 including: Minister for Transport Before joining Parliament, Hon. Cheboi was as a He was elected into the Office on 22nd July, 2020. from 2010 to 2013; Minister for Trade from 2008 to Legal Officer at the Municipal Council of Nakuru 2010; Minister for Finance from 2006 to July 2008; and later established his own Law Firm, Cheboi & and Minister for Lands and Settlement from 2003 to Company Advocates. 2006. He has also served as Director, Nyayo Tea Zone De- He holds a Doctorate Degree in Business Adminis- velopment Corporation and a member for Centre tration (DBA) Finance, a Global Executive Masters of for Multi-Party Democracy (CMD) steering com- Business Administration (GEMBA) and a Bachelor mittee where he chaired, the Resource Mobilization of Commerce degree (Accounting option). He is a Team. Fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountant In the 11th Parliament, he served in the Speakers - Kenya (FCPA-K) and a Fellow of the Institute of Panel and was a member of the Justice and Legal Certified Public Secretary (FCPS- K). He previous- Affairs Committee. ly served as Chairperson of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

24 25 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 LEADERSHIP PROFILES LEADERSHIP PROFILES The Leader Of The Minority Coalition In The National Assembly Of Kenya Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi Hon. (CPA) John Mbadi Ng’ongo, EGH, MP Deputy Leader of The Majority Party

on. Jimmy Angwenyi, a Certified Public Ac- countant, is the Member of Parliament for Kitutu Chache North Constituency and Hthe Deputy Majority Leader, in the National As- sembly. He was first elected to Parliament in 1996 in a by-election and he is currently serving his fifth term as a Member of Parliament. Hon. Angwenyi is the longest serving Member of Parliament in the Nation- al Assembly. He has served twice as a Commissioner in the Parliamentary Service Commission (2003 to 2007 and 2013 to 2017). He was among the Members of Parliament who championed for the amendment of the Constitution resulting in establishment of the Parliamentary Service Commission after passage of the Parliamentary Service Act of 2000.

Hon. Angwenyi is a member of the Departmental Committee on Finance & National Planning; Com- mittee on Appointments; and Committee on Selec- tion. Before joining politics, he was a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi heading the Department of Business and Economics.

on. (CPA) John Mbadi is a third term Mem- ber of Parliament for Suba South Constitu- HON. ROBERT MBUI ency. He is the Leader of the Minority Party Hin the National Assembly. He is also the Chairman Deputy Leader of of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He The Minority Party ranks 3rd in the National Assembly after the Speaker and the Leader of the Majority Party. on. Robert Mbui is a second term Member of Parliament for Kathiani Constituency Hon. Mbadi holds a bachelor’s degree in Commerce and is the Deputy Leader of the Minori- (Accounting) and is a Certified Public Accountant. Hty Party in the National Assembly. He serves in the He previously served as Assistant Minister in the Committee on Delegated Legislation and the Com- Office of the Prime Minister. He also worked as an mittee on Appointments. accountant at University of Nairobi and at Med-Air East Africa as the Finance Director. Hon. Mbui holds a Bachelor of Education degree and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Before He is a Member of the House Business Committee; joining politics, he was a teacher at Milimani Sec- the Budget and Appropriations Committee; and ondary School in Nairobi, managed the Education Committee on Appointments. Department of Future Kids (EA) limited, managed private business and was the Chairman of the Kath- iani Constituency Development Fund Committee.

Hon. Robert Mbui is the National Organizing Secre- tary of Wiper Democratic Movement (K).

26 27 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 LEADERSHIP PROFILES LEADERSHIP PROFILES

HON. Emmanuel Wangwe Majority Party Whip of Hon. Richard Maore Maoka The National Assembly of Kenya Deputy Whip of The Majority Party in The Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe is a second term Member National Assembly of Kenya of Parliament for Navakholo Constituency. He is the current Majority Party Whip in the National As- on. Richard Maore Maoka is the Member sembly, a position he has held since June 2020. of Parliament for Igembe North constitu- ency and a sociologist by profession. He is He is a Member of the Departmental Committee on Hthe Majority Deputy Whip in the National Assembly Justice & Legal Affairs; the Committee on Appoint- and a Member of the Departmental Committee on ments; the Committee on Selection; and the House Defence and Foreign Relations; and the Procedure Business Committee. Before joining Parliament in & House Rules Committee. He previously served as 2013, Hon. Wangwe served as the Head of Marketing Member of Parliament for the then Ntoyiri Constitu- at Jade Petroleum Limited. He holds a Masters of Sci- ency for three consecutive terms from the year 1992 ence degree in Entrepreneurship and a Bachelor’s de- to 2007. He also served as an Assistant Minister in gree in Business Administration (Marketing option). the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, and as Deputy Secretary General for KANU. He has previously served as Vice Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture & Live- stock, and as a Member of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Com- mittee; the Departmental Committee on Transport, Public Works & Housing; and the Select Committee on Regional Integration.

HON. David Eseli Simiyu HON. Junet MOhammed Deputy Whip of The Minority Coalition Whip of Minority Coalition in The The National Assembly of National Assembly of Kenya Kenya on. Dr. David Eseli Simiyu is serving his on. Junet Mohammed is a second term third term as Member of Parliament Member of Parliament for Suna East Con- for Tongaren constituency (previously stituency and the Minority Party Whip in HMember of Parliament for Kimilili 2007-2012; and Hthe National Assembly. 2013-2017). He is the Deputy Minority Whip of the minority coalition and Secretary General of Ford He began his political journey as a councilor in 2003, Kenya. Hon. Dr. Simiyu is a Member of the Public and later served as the mayor of Migori Town Coun- Accounts Committee, the Committee on Appoint- cil. He made his maiden stab at constituency level ments, and the departmental Committee on Health. politics in 2007, and lost. In 2013, he won the Suna Before joining parliament he was a medical doctor East seat, retaining it in 2017 being the only MP from by profession, specializing in pediatric care and child Migori County to be re-elected. services and a Senior Lecturer School of Medicine University of Nairobi department of pediatrics and Hon. Mohamed serves in the House Business Com- child health. mittee and the Public Accounts Committee. At Party level, Hon. Junet is the Director of Elections & Cam- paigns for the ODM Party.

28 29 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 Parliament Architecture and Art ing’s interior design. The southern wing was added after Kenya gained independence in 1963 as evidenced by the fact that the wall that faces Harambee Avenue is engraved with statues symboliz- ing the people of Ken- ya celebrating their in- dependence from the colonial government.

Two mechanical clocks top the clock tower; one is facing Parliament Road and the other one bringing with them great historical memories of the facing Uhuru Highway. A flag pole atop the tower insitutuion. The interior section of the Main Cham- enhances the uniqueness of these clocks. ber features mosaic decorations, paintings, wooden and metallic carvings depicting Kenya’s culture, The iconic entrance gate also known as the Ministers’ heritage and history.It also features a stunning ceil- gate (sometimes referred to as the Senate gate) over- ing design decorated with a shield and two spears looks the Kenyatta International Convention Centre painted in Kenyan flag colours. Over and above the (KICC). It features an arched top with a huge hang- hey say good architecture is modest. This Diplomatic Boxes provided for the sitting of distin- ing star ornament, and two flag poles on either side. describes the building that houses the Parlia- guished guests of the House, the Chamber has the ment of Kenya, whose architecture is neutral Speaker’s Gallery as well as the Public Gallery to The corridor into the Main Chamber features enor- Tyet sublimely beautiful. The Kenya Parliament build- accommodate guests. mous concrete pillars that support part of the single ing is one of the best architectural landmarks in the storey building. On the opposite wall, potraits of Nairobi city centre. Every Kenyan should aim to visit and have a per- Speakers of the National Assembly line the corridor sonal experience of this said beautiful work. Parliament building was designed by Amyas Douglas Connell in 1951. He managed to design it in a way

that largely avoided luxury. The reason, speculatively, was that the colonial administrators wanted the leg- islators to focus on their core business of lawmaking for a country that was to gain its independence a de- cade later. But even in this unobtrusive architectural environment, there are incredibly impressive parts of the building. These are the southern wing, the clock tower, the main entrance gate, and the entire build-

30 31 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 Amendment of the Constitution by popular initiative: highlight of the Process

Kenyans of all walks contributed close to K£ 100,000 towards the construction of the Southern Wing of the Kenyan Parliament 1Building. The extension was opened on 4th No- vember, 1965.

The Northern Wing of the Kenya Parliament Building has similarities with the Palace of 2Westminster, United Kingdom. The foundation stone of the Northern Wing of Parliament Building was recovered from the Palace of Westminster when it was dam- 3aged during the Second World War.

Parliament Square is geometrically cut out of the CBD by four roads; 5City Hallway, Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue and Uhuru Highway.

The first sitting of the forerunner of the present Parliament was conducted on 17th August, 1907 in Nairobi in an old cor- rugated, iron-sheet building that housed the Railway Institute. 4Currently, the site is occupied by the Railway Golf Club.

32 32 33 THEISSUE NATIONAL 009 - DECEMBER ASSEMBLY 2020 E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 The National Assembly on December Recess, 2020 Got Views?

n accordance with its Sessional Calendar (2020 Fund from the suspension to allow for consider- Regular Sittings), the National Assembly pro- ation of certain urgent business expected during the ceeded to the end-of-Session recess from De- month of December. Icember 04, 2020 to February 09, 2020. The recess will provide Members of Parliament an opportunity Despite the unprecedented challenges brought about to spend valuable time with their families during the by the COVID-19 global pandemic during the Ses- Enjoying the National Assembly holiday season and also attend to their constituents sion, the House managed to transact a number of key while allowing staff to prepare for the next Session. businesses, including passage of the 2020/2021 na- E-News? Got questions regarding some tional budget, the Finance Act, 2020 which provided of the articles? Have ideas on what you Similarly, in accordance with the Calendar of the various tax reliefs to reduce the impact of COVID-19 would like to see in the next issue? Got House, all Committee sittings stand suspended from on the economy, passage of several public orders ideas on how we can improve? 14th December 2020 and will resume after 29th Janu- and regulations relating to the movement of persons ary 2021. Consequently, no Committee Sittings shall across the country, sanitation and other preventative be convened during the said period unless special health protocols. The House considered nominations We would like to hear from you. Give consideration is granted by the office of the Speak- for appointments of various State officers including us your feedback on; er of the National Assembly upon written request. High Commissioners and Ambassadors, the Data [email protected] However, in a Communication issued to the House Commissioner, among others. on Thursday, 3rd December 2020, the Speaker ex- empted the Departmental Committee on Finance & A comprehensive report on the activities of the National Planning and the Select Committee on the House will be made available in the parliamentary National Government Constituencies Development website once concluded.

34 35 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 Tributes Tributes

HON. JUSTUS MURUNGA MAKOKHA HON. JAMES LUSWETI MUKWE (MP, MATUNGU CONSTITUENCY 2017-2020) (MP, KABUCHAI CONSTITUENCY 2013-2020)

he Late Hon. James Lusweti Mukwe was first elected to the National Assembly in the year he Late Hon Justus Murunga Makokha was 2013 General elections on a Ford Kenya Party elected as Member of Parliament representing Tticket to represent the People of Kabuchai Constit- Matungu Constituency in August 2017, on an uency. Having served his people diligently, Hon. TAmani National Congress (ANC) Party ticket, and Lusweti was re-elected to the National Assembly in was serving his first term as MP until the time of his the 2017 General elections, a position in which he demise. served until his untimely demise.

Speaker Hon. Justin Muturi eulogised, the Late Hon. House Speaker, the Hon. Justin Muturi, eulogised Murunga as an active member of the House, who the late MP as a humble, sociable and hard-working served the people of Matungu with utmost passion leader, who will be fondly remembered for his spir- and commitment In his tribute to the the late Hon. ited advocacy for the education rights of children, Murunga through a Communication to the House, and the entrenchment of sound fiscal management the Speaker noted that he was an active Member of of public funds allocated to ensure universal access to the Departmental Committee on Agriculture & Live- basic education. This was evidenced by a Motion he stock, where he passionately advocated for various is- tabled, seeking for the government to employ school sues particularly in the Tea and Sugar sectors. He was bursars to ascertain prudent utilization and manage- also a Member of the Committee on Parliamentary ment of funds allocated for free primary education. Broadcasting & Library. Over the years he was a Member of Parliament, the Hon. Lusweti served in various House Committees The Parliamentary fraternity will remember him including: National Cohesion & Equal Opportuni- as a humble, amiable and diligent personality. Hon ties; Budget &Appropriations; Departmental Com- Murunga died after a short illness on November 14th mittee on Trade, Industry & Cooperatives; NG-CDF, 2020, and was laid to rest in his home in Matungu on as well as the Departmental Committee on Trans- December 2nd 2020. port, Public works & Housing. May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace. After bravely battling illness for several months, the Late Hon James Lusweti Mukwe died on Friday, De- cember 4th 2020, and was laid to Rest on Saturday 19th December 2020 at his home in Kabuchai. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

36 37 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY E-NEWS ISSUE 009 - DECEMBER 2020 Published by:

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