The 3 MPs Who Never Speak in Parliament

MPs Makali Mulu (Kitui Central), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), James Nyikal (Seme), and Ken Chonga (Kilifi South) have been rated as the most active members of the National Assembly, according to the latest Mzalendo Trust survey.

According to the maiden scorecard for the 13th Parliament released a year later since Kenyans went to the polls, 15 MPs have never spoken on the floor of the House, some of whom have been highlighted in previous scorecards of the 12th Parliament.

They include Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), George Aladwa (Makadara) and Samuel Arama (Nakuru).

Members who are yet to make a maiden speech in the National Assembly include: Ronald Karauri (Kasarani), Mohamed Soud (Mvita), Paul Chebor (Rongai), Ernest Kagesi (Vihiga), Joseph Iraya (nominated), Teresia Wanjiru (nominated), Elizabeth Kailemia (Meru Woman Rep.) and Muthoni Marubu (Lamu Woman Rep.)

The members were scored highly for raising key issues affecting Kenyans among them food security, drought, and conservation of the environment.

Unfortunately, the report shows that Parliament’s priorities are at odds with citizens’ expectations during the past year.

“There has been a mismatch between citizens’ expectations and Parliament’s actions. Whereas citizens have invested heavily in public participation, the results have not been reflected in the most anticipated legislative  proposals,” says Mzalendo Trust Executive Director, Caroline Gaita,

“For instance, despite public outcry on the high cost of living, members of the National Assembly did not heed Kenyans’ calls to reject certain punitive clauses of the Finance Bill, 2023. The exercise was marred by political chicanery and sharp partisan positions that obscured objectivity in debating the proposals of the Bill” she adds.

In addition, the Senate voted down the Division of Revenue  Bill 2023 which had proposed an additional allocation of Ksh 22 billion to counties.

Gaita is consequently challenging the legislators to rise to the occasion by ensuring The 13th Parliament’s legislative agenda reflects the expectations of Kenyans.

“This can be done by entrenching public participation, and ensuring it is not a mere procedural technicality,” says Ms Gaita.

Senate top contributors

In the Senate, the top contributors were Samson Cherargei (Nandi), Eddy Oketch (Migori), John Kinyua (Laikipia) and Mohamed Faki (Mombasa).

Some of the issues that they raised touched on land historical injustices, promotion of mental health and education for learners with  disabilities.

During this period, key areas of concern among Kenyans were the high cost of living, high rate of unemployment, prolonged drought, insecurity, the Shakahola Massacre, cost of energy, implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum, public debt, sexual abuse in workplaces, the welfare of migrant workers, state of healthcare and NHIF, food security, police brutality, climate concerns, state of mental health and land matters.