Speaker Wetang’ula Urges MPs to Prioritise Economic and Social Issues in Parliamentary Agenda
Nairobi, The Gulf Observer: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has renewed his call for Members of Parliament to prioritise legislative matters that directly affect the economic and social well-being of Kenyans.
Speaking on Tuesday while chairing the House Business Committee, Wetang’ula emphasised the need for leaders across the political divide to mobilise their members for full and active participation in parliamentary proceedings.
“The Committee resolved that, in scheduling business on the Order Paper, priority should be given to matters that directly impact the economic and social well-being of the people,” the Speaker noted, as Parliament resumed sittings after a brief recess that began on July 2.
He further urged both the Majority and Minority Whips to encourage MPs to take their legislative, representative, and oversight responsibilities seriously, particularly during plenary debates and committee engagements.
The House is scheduled to hold regular sittings until August 14, after which it will adjourn for a long recess running from August 15 to September 15.
Addressing concerns previously raised during the 2025 Mid-Term Retreat in Naivasha, Wetang’ula reiterated his disappointment over recurring absenteeism in parliamentary committees, calling it a major impediment to the institution’s effectiveness.
“I have heard of situations where committee chairpersons plead with members to attend meetings to meet quorum and then leave immediately after,” Wetang’ula said, reminding legislators that their role extends beyond merely making up numbers. “Your duty as an MP is not just to create quorum for committee meetings but to actively participate in proceedings in line with laid-down requirements.”
He stressed that committees remain the engines of parliamentary work and must be given the necessary attention and time. “Attend meetings promptly to give your chairperson and the Secretariat ample time to focus on tackling matters before the committee, instead of making calls to MPs seeking quorum,” he urged.
Wetang’ula’s remarks come at a critical time as Parliament works to chart a responsive and citizen-centered legislative agenda for the remainder of the year.
