Committee kicks off 10-point agenda oversight as ODM pledges focus
By Faith Lagat, August 16, 2025A five-member committee has officially begun oversight of the 10-point national agenda and the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report, marking a key step in the collaboration between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The committee’s launch follows a joint statement by the two leaders on August 6, 2025, and builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 7, 2025, aimed at fostering national cohesion and inclusive prosperity.
Chaired by Senator Agnes Zani, the committee includes Fatuma Ibrahim, Kevin Kiarie, Gabriel Oguda, and Javas Bigambo as vice chair. The team has already submitted its first report and established five subcommittees to engage stakeholders.
“As a committee, we thank the two principals for bestowing their trust in the members, and we are pleased to announce the completion of our first report as per our ToR,” read a statement on ODM’s X dated August 16, 2025, outlining a roadmap for public consultations and stakeholder engagement.
Key focus areas
The 10-point agenda addresses pressing governance and development issues, including full implementation of the NADCO Report, inclusive participation in public life, devolution, youth livelihoods, leadership integrity, the right to peaceful assembly, national debt management, anti-corruption measures, resource efficiency, and upholding constitutionalism.
The committee is tasked with consulting widely with government departments, civil society, trade unions, religious institutions, academia, youth groups, and marginalised communities, ensuring a participatory approach to oversight.
“The committee will undertake inclusive consultations with members of the public, arms of government, independent commissions, civil society, and other stakeholders,” the statement noted, emphasising the importance of collaboration and transparency in tracking progress.
ODM pledges focus
ODM has reaffirmed its commitment to the agenda, posting on social media on August 16, 2025: “We stay focused,” echoing the committee’s resolve to advance the MoU’s objectives. Progress reports are expected every two months for the principals and quarterly to a joint UDA-ODM Parliamentary Group, with the first session scheduled for August 18, 2025. A final report is due by March 7, 2026, marking one year since the MoU’s signing.
This initiative reflects a pragmatic shift in relations between Ruto and Odinga, who have historically been political rivals. While public participation is encouraged, the committee faces the challenge of ensuring accountability and tangible results amid scrutiny over past governance performance.
“Appreciating the guidance and patriotic spirit of President William Ruto and Raila Amollo Odinga, the committee invites members of the public and stakeholders to participate in scheduled forums as notified,” the statement concluded.