Parliament Addresses Wide Array of Concerns Across Kenya
In a recent session, Members of Parliament (MPs) fervently addressed a multitude of pressing issues affecting various regions of Kenya. Over a span of just under a month, 40 statements were raised, encapsulating the diverse challenges faced by citizens across the nation.
One of the paramount issues discussed pertained to the recruitment process for National Youth Service volunteers, the management of funds allocated to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), and the distribution of subsidized fertilizers to farmers. Additionally, concerns were raised about delayed pension payments to retirees of the defunct Pyrethrum Board of Kenya.
Hon. Julius Melly, Chair of the Education Committee, presented responses on behalf of the Ministry of Education, focusing on the delayed salaries and staffing shortages in special needs schools. Furthermore, attention was drawn to the withholding of academic certificates by school principals and the challenges encountered by non-teaching staff in special needs institutions.
Addressing matters of security, Hon. Dorice Donya, Hon. Timothy Toroitich, and Hon. Omboko Milemba raised concerns about insecurity in specific areas, including Kisii County, Emuhaya Constituency, and banditry-prone regions. Additionally, questions were posed regarding the disappearance of a citizen and the deployment of National Police Reservists.
Environmental concerns were not overlooked, with Hon. Mohammed Adow highlighting allegations of toxic waste dumping in the North Eastern Region.
The state of infrastructure emerged as a central theme, with lawmakers prioritizing the condition of roads in various counties. Notable mentions included concerns raised by Hon. Eng. Paul Nzengu, Hon. Joyce Kamene, Hon. Rael Kasiwai, and Hon. Joseph Munyoro about roads in Tana River, Machakos, and West Pokot Counties.
Water security also garnered attention, with statements requested regarding stormwater harvesting, water storage, and flooding in different parts of the country.
In response to recent flooding, inquiries were made regarding the preparedness of schools to handle heavy rains and the displacement of residents due to flood damage.
Other noteworthy topics included the delayed disbursement of funds from the Women Enterprise Fund, the operationalization of the Rehabilitation Fund under the Ministry of Health, and prolonged power outages in specific areas.
In a general statement, Hon. Joseph Namuar addressed claims of the abduction of a citizen in Lodwar Municipality, Turkana Central.
The Vice Chair of the Public Petitions Committee, Hon. Janet Sitienei, reported on delays in posting medical interns, absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) contract staff, and the conclusion of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) in the health sector.
The extensive discussions underscore Parliament’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Kenyan citizens across various sectors and regions.
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