Kitui Central MP Dr Makali Mulu has been listed as the most active member of the National Assembly.
According to a recent report by Mzalendo Trust, there are four most active Members of the National Assembly including Mulu, Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), James Nyikal (Seme) and Ken Chonga (Kilifi South).
The report notes that the MPs were vocal on the floor of the house about issues to do with food security, drought and conservation of the environment.
“Kenyans went to the polls on 9th August 2023, to elect amongst other positions, members of the 13th Parliament, with high expectations on the leadership to immediately address the high cost of living, the youth unemployment bulge and empowerment of lower-income businesses and earners. An analysis of individual and institutional performance for the past year shows a mixed bag of outcomes,” Mzalendo noted.
In the Senate, Samson Cherargei (Nandi) was listed as the top contributor followed by Eddy Oketch (Migori), John Kinyua (Laikipia) and Mohamed Faki (Mombasa).
“Some of the issues that they (Senators) raised touched on land historical injustices, promotion of mental health and education for learners with disabilities,” Mzalendo added.
According to the report, Kenyans are most concerned about the high cost of living, high rate of unemployment, prolonged drought, insecurity, the Shakahola Massacre, cost of energy, implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum, public debt, sexual abuse in workplaces, welfare of migrant workers, state of healthcare and NHIF, food security, police brutality, climate concerns, state of mental health and land matters.
“There has been a mismatch between citizens’ expectations and Parliament’s actions. Whereas citizens have invested heavily on public participation, the results have not been reflected in the most anticipated legislative proposals,” said Mzalendo Trust Executive Director Caroline Gaita.
Motions considered by MPs, Senators
Between September 29, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the two Houses considered a total of 66 bills with a major focus on recurrent public finance legislation and area of the Executive.
The National Assembly considered 191 motions, 297 questions, 59 statements and 32 petitions. In the Senate, 31 bills were considered with two originating from the National Assembly.
In terms of members’ contributions, a Member of the National Assembly averagely spoke 10 times, with 187 (68.14%) members speaking less than that. Conversely, a Senator spoke an average of 41 times, with only one Senator speaking less than 10 times.
The most active counties in Parliament were Nandi with 7.8%, Nairobi with 6.0%, Kisumu (4.8%), Laikipia (3.9%) and Bungoma (3.9%).
On the other hand, the least active counties were Tana River (0.30%), Tharaka Nithi (0.30%), Vihiga (0.50%), Nyandarua (0.60%), Samburu (0.70%) and Garissa (0.70%).
