Shollei pushes for merger of parliamentary committees over overlapping mandates
By Cy Muganda, January 27, 2026Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Boss Shollei has called for a review of the Standing Orders to address overlapping mandates among parliamentary committees, hinting that some committees may need to be merged to enhance efficiency.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2026 National Assembly Retreat in Naivasha Constituency, Nakuru County, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Shollei noted that jurisdictional disputes arising from overlapping mandates have previously required the Speaker’s intervention.
“It may be necessary to merge some of the Committees whose mandates are not distinct or may seem to overlap, in order to resolve this and other procedural grey areas,” she said.
Committee performance
The Deputy Speaker, who also chairs the Liaison Committee, lauded the robust performance of National Assembly Departmental Committees during the Fourth Session of the 13th Parliament.
She revealed that committees held 1,323 sittings, considered 65 bills out of 99, processed 37 legislative proposals—16 of which were approved for publication—and vetted 95 state and public officers.
“Our objective this week is to establish a shared vision for the legislative and oversight priorities that will define our collective legacy. The decisions we make will shape the remainder of our term and ensure a stable and effective transition for the institution of Parliament,” Shollei stated.
Institutional continuity
Shollei emphasised the importance of institutional continuity as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election, urging Members to safeguard institutional memory.
“A smooth transition is the hallmark of a mature democracy. We must ensure the parliamentary baton is passed to the next House without dropping it. We are the custodians of this institution, and we must leave it stronger than we found it,” she said.
The Deputy Speaker urged legislators to ensure that Parliament finishes its term with dignity and excellence.
Quoting from Ecclesiastes 7:8, she reminded Members: “Finishing a task is better than merely starting it… let us finish strong.”
The retreat, attended by Members of the National Assembly, aims to review progress made during the Fourth Session, align legislative priorities for the Fifth Session, and deliberate on national issues including the status of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), health sector reforms, electoral preparedness and the state of the economy.