MPs Back Plan to Use Constituency Offices for Public Participation, Job Creation
In a significant shift aimed at enhancing public engagement, constituency offices will now serve as designated venues for public participation exercises, according to the National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge.
Speaking at a parliamentary retreat in Naivasha, Njoroge confirmed that plans are underway to implement this initiative, ensuring more accessible public participation that meets regulatory standards.
“In an effort to ensure that the public participation is both effective and compliant with established regulations, the National Assembly will utilize constituency offices as hubs for public engagement,” Njoroge stated.
During the retreat, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula emphasized that the transition to using constituency offices will simplify the public participation process.
He highlighted that the upcoming Public Participation Bill, currently under review by the Attorney General, will be instrumental in addressing legal challenges often raised in court.
“The proposed Bill will close all loopholes that have led to judicial disputes over public participation, bringing greater clarity and efficiency to the process,” Wetang’ula affirmed. He urged Members of Parliament to expedite the Bill’s passage.
MPs welcomed this new approach, noting that it offers multiple benefits, including job creation in the constituencies. Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, also a member of the Speaker’s panel, expressed support: “We fully endorse this decision, as it will create employment opportunities for our constituents. Our next step should be to streamline the process with legislation.”
Njoroge further advised MPs to ensure that constituency office equipment is adequately insured. Drawing from past experiences of damage at Parliament buildings due to protests, he stressed the importance of safeguarding assets.
In closing, the Clerk highlighted the legislative progress in the House, with 17 Bills passed—eight of which have already received assent, three pending approval, and several others under Senate or mediation review. He encouraged legislators to hasten the completion of pending bills for the benefit of the public.
The move to utilize constituency offices is a timely adjustment that aims to bring public participation closer to citizens, building a more inclusive and transparent legislative process.
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MPs Back Plan to Use Constituency Offices for Public Participation, Job Creation
