Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi has been elected as the new chairperson of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, taking over from Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. Nyoro did not seek re-election and was absent from the election process.
Atandi secured the position unopposed, as he was the only candidate who submitted nomination papers before the deadline, making him the automatic winner under parliamentary rules.
According to the presiding clerk, Atandi’s nomination was proposed by Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematia and seconded by Taveta MP Danson Mwashako. Endebess MP Robert Pukose was also elected as vice chairperson after being nominated by Kitui Central MP Mulu Makali and Atandi.
“I declare Atandi as duly elected as chairperson and Endebess MP Robert Pukose as duly elected vice chairperson,” the clerk announced.
In his acceptance speech, Atandi, a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their confidence in his leadership. He acknowledged the critical role of the committee and assured lawmakers of equitable resource distribution.
“This is a demanding responsibility. I applaud the broad-based government. We have reached this point because of the broad-based government,” Atandi stated.
He also extended his appreciation toODM leader Raila Odinga andPresident William Ruto, attributing the formation of the broad-based government to their efforts.
Atandi takes over the committee amid concerns regarding the previous leadership’s performance. He emphasized thatfair distribution of national resources is essential for maintaining peace and stability.
“We know the map of the Republic of Kenya and understand that resource sharing affects peace and stability. We will ensure each county benefits from the resources entrusted to us,” he said.
His deputy, Robert Pukose, echoed the sentiment, promising to advocate forequitable budget allocations.
The election followsNational Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s directive for all parliamentary committees to elect their leadership within seven days after their reconstitution. The approval of the new list of committee members last week ended apolitical deadlock that had delayed critical legislative processes, including the2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS)and theSupplementary Budget II for the 2024-2025 financial year.
The delay was largely attributed to a standoff betweenPresident Ruto’s ruling coalition and Raila Odinga’s opposition alliance, which had hindered the formation of theBudget and Appropriations Committee (BAC), a key entity in financial decision-making.
Now, with leadership in place, the committee is expected to play a vital role in steering the country’s budgetary allocations and ensuring financial oversight.
