Budget tops agenda as MPs resume business

National Assembly resumes sittings this afternoon, with the budget making process expected to dominate.

The 2022/23 budget will be read in February next year as opposed to the traditional June, due to the August General-Election.

The Finance Bill will also be prioritised and will be coming in early February. 

“Budget process is already and the policy statement will be out before we break for Christmas,” said Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu (pictured below), a member of the Budget and Appropriation Committee. 

The Executive will also be tasked to lobby members to support two crucial Bills that have been delayed due to differences among members. 

Amendment Bills, among other things, seek to create Prime Minister post and two deputies while the other one is proposing to have ministers picked from among MPs.

Take control

Chairman of the Constitutional Implementation and Oversight Committee Jeremiah Kioni will table the Bill this week.

MPs have at the same time vowed to shoot down the proposed amendments to the Kenya Roads Act that seeks to reduce the minimum qualifications of the Director-Generals of the three roads’ agencies.

Lawmakers claim the amendments are tailored to benefit some individuals close to powerful forces in the government.

Legislators are also determined to defeat the Health Laws Amendment Bill that seeks to have Government take control of all the agencies in the health sector.

The two contentious Bills were withdrawn before they reached the Third Reading after Leader of Majority Amos Kimunya sensed defeat.

Chairman of the Transport, Public Works and Housing Committee David Pkosing had sought to have the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill 2021 following resistance by members.  He is expected to move the Bill again today.