Members of the National Assembly have been summoned for a special sitting on Thursday, January 16, to deliberate on critical matters, as per an official notice issued by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
The sitting was scheduled following a joint request from Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed. The agenda includes addressing urgent messages from the National Executive and Senate, alongside the presentation and discussion of key reports.
Agenda Highlights
- County Governments Additional Allocations Bill
MPs will present and deliberate on the mediated version of the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill (Senate Bill No. 10 of 2024), following the conclusion of the mediation process. - Committee Reports
Several committees are expected to table critical reports:- The Committee on Appointments will present findings on nominees for Cabinet Secretary positions.
- The Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations will submit its review of nominees for High Commissioners, Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives, and Consul-Generals.
- The Departmental Committee on Labour will table a report on nominees for Vice-Chairperson and members of the Public Service Commission (PSC).
- Priority Bills
MPs will also debate priority bills, including the Startup Bill (Senate Bill No. 14 of 2022) and the Persons with Disabilities Bill (Senate Bill No. 7 of 2023).
Senate Speaker Rejects Special Sitting Request
The National Assembly’s upcoming special sitting contrasts with a recent decision by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, who rejected a similar request for a special Senate session.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu had sought a Senate sitting to discuss allegations of abductions targeting critics of the Kenya Kwanza Government. However, Speaker Kingi dismissed the request on procedural grounds, citing non-compliance with Standing Order 33(1).
Kingi noted that such a request must originate from either the Senate Majority Leader or Minority Leader and be supported by at least 15 senators.
This marks a stark difference in parliamentary dynamics, with the National Assembly moving forward with its special sitting while the Senate’s request remains unresolved.
