NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: MPs Set For Week-Long 2025 Mid-Term Retreat in Nakuru
Members of the National Assembly will begin their 2025 mid-term recess in Nakuru County on Monday, January 26.
According to a statement, the retreat will focus on the problems of operating and implementing the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The Presidium, House leadership, the House Business Committee, Chairpersons of House Committees, and all Members of Parliament will convene from January 27 to 31, 2025.
The retreat, titled ‘Marshalling House Business: Progress Made and Lessons Learned,’ will also address key issues on the state of the economy and examine methods to overcome the challenges posed by Kenya’s growing youth population.
The legislators will deliberate on priority legislation, strengthen oversight measures, and assess the competence of parliamentary committees in carrying out their responsibilities.
The retreat will also allow for discussions about House business, MPs’ well-being, and Parliament’s role in East African Community integration.
Members of the National Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang'ula, are set to convene next week for the 2025 Mid-term Retreat for Members of the National Assembly, which will be held from Monday, January 27, 2025 to Friday, January 31, 2025 in Naivasha, Nakuru… pic.twitter.com/JJuNSOmupt
— National Assembly KE (@NAssemblyKE) January 25, 2025
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula noted that Parliament achieved considerable progress in 2023 and 2024 by approving crucial legislation to execute the government’s universal health coverage (UHC) plans.
One of the outcomes was the formation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which would be implemented by the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Wetang’ula did, however, accept the framework’s apparent implementation issues.
“This session will provide an opportunity for Members of Parliament to engage with Dr Mohamed Abdi Mohamed, Chairperson of the Social Health Authority (SHA), who will provide an update on the status of the framework’s implementation, the challenges faced, and the corrective measures being taken,” the Speaker said.
Beyond health changes, the Speaker stated that the retreat will also cover the country’s economic outlook and plans for Kenya’s expanding youth population.
“The National Assembly plays a pivotal role in budget-making and the management of public finance, including but not limited to oversight of public spending and debt management,” Wetang’ula added.
“In light of increasing budgetary needs and public demand for services, the National Treasury has been invited to present on the state of the economy and related matters.”
The Speaker stated that this session will allow MPs to address any concerns made by their people about the country’s economic predicament and clear up any misunderstanding.
MPs will be encouraged to contribute feedback and improve the plan before its final publication.
Members will also discuss issues affecting the continuity of legislative work and set a direction for the balance of the session.
Coming at a vital period in the life of the present Parliament, the Speaker stated that the retreat will also provide a forum to reflect on past triumphs and explore potential legislation needed to support the National Treasury.
MPs will debate proposed constitutional revisions aimed at establishing three specialized funds in the constitution.
“In the first half of this Parliament, several critical legislations have been passed, including the Social Health Act, the Digital Health Act, and key economic sector laws like the Business Laws (Amendment) Act and the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Act,” Wetang’ula said.
“As you may be aware, the House has been instrumental in passing various other legislations affecting diverse sectors of society including agriculture, water, housing, education, and security.
He continued: “The session in Naivasha will showcase the outputs achieved over the last three sessions and highlight the priority legislative agenda for the House.”
These include the NG-CDF (National Government Constituency Development Fund), the Senate Oversight Fund, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.
For the previous two years, proposals for these modifications have been considered, with numerous MPs, including Stephen Mule of Matungulu and Githinji Gichimu of Gichugu, co-sponsoring them.
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A Joint Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee was also formed in 2022 to study the proposed revisions, although it has yet to report to Parliament.
In December 2024, another request to permanently establish the three funds was received and approved by the Speaker in accordance with the parliamentary process.
The proposal, co-sponsored by Samuel Chepkonga from Ainabkoi and Otiende Amollo from Rarieda, seeks to amend the Constitution under Article 256.
“This session will provide an opportunity for Members to deliberate on the proposed amendment and ensure that the views of the people’s representatives are taken into account before the Bill is published,” Wetang’ula said.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: MPs Set For Week-Long 2025 Mid-Term Retreat in Nakuru
