House begins process to allow CS’s in chambers
By Mercy.Mwai, November 2, 2022
The National Assembly has commenced the process of amending Standing Orders to allow Cabinet secretaries to appear in the chamber.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula tweeted to confirm the exercise had begun even as he said he was in agreement with President William Ruto that it will be prudent to have the CS appear to respond to queries.
Standing Orders are the rules and regulations that govern the conduct of House businesses and provide for establishment of various offices and their mandates.
“I totally agree with @WilliamsRuto proposal that all Cabinet Secretaries appear before the @NAssemblyKE and we are working on amending the standing orders to accommodate that,” he tweeted.
Increase accountability
The sentiments came after President Ruto asked Parliament to review its laws to allow his CSs to respond to questions by MPs and outline the government agenda.
In his inaugural speech to the joint sitting of Parliament, Ruto said the move would increase government accountability to the people.
“I ask Parliament to consider a mechanism in the Standing Orders to facilitate Cabinet secretaries articulate government agenda, explain policy and answer questions on the floor of the House to enhance Executive accountability to the people of Kenya through their elected representatives.”
Former House Speaker and now Attorney General is on record, saying members will only have to amend Standing Order 253 to allow strangers to address Parliament.
Allow strangers
“To have CSs in parliament all that is required is to tinker Standing Order 253 to allow strangers to appear in the house just like we have clerks who are always in the chamber and we do not call them strangers. The incoming speaker is aware of this and I hope he will make this a reality,” said Muturi.