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The National Assembly has appointed a team of seven MPs to join their senate counterparts in the Mediation Committee to consider the Employment (Amendment) Bill, 2022 that was rejected by the House.

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula (pictured) said the move follows the rejection of the bill which must then be considered in line with Standing Orders.

“The National Assembly’s rejection of the said Bill essentially remitted the Bill to a Mediation Committee in line with Standing Order 149(1) (b),” he said.

Equal number

Members of the committee include Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes) as the co-chairperson as well as Gitonga Murugara (Tharaka), Mary Emaase (Teso South), Lilian Siyoi (Trans Nzoia Woman Rep), Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula), Irene Mayaka (Nominated) and Ruth Odinga, (Kisumu Woman Rep).

Said Wetang’ula: “Article 113 of the Constitution contemplated that whenever a bill is referred to a mediation committee, the Speakers of the Houses of Parliament shall appoint an equal number of members from both Houses to attempt to develop a version of the bill for consideration by the Houses of Parliament.”

The Speaker added that the Mediation Committee will be fully constituted upon appointment of Senators to the Committee.

The Mediation Committee, once fully constituted, will attempt to reconcile differing positions and develop a mediated version of the Bill for consideration by the National Assembly and the Senate.