Despite heavy criticism over the manner in which members of the National Assembly conducted themselves during the passing of the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill last Thursday, some of them have been feted for their exemplary performance in the House.
Mzalendo.com, an online site that rates the performance of the National Assembly and Senate, selected legislators for the awards based on bills moved, contributions to bills, motions raised and statements issued from March 2013 to November 2014.
The awards had 10 categories with three nominees each, and voting took place online. Mzalendo (patriot) is a non-partisan project started in 2005 whose mission is to "keep an eye on the Kenyan Parliament".
Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando was nominated as the best representative on progressive legislation. The agency picked the Central Bank Bill sponsored by Mr Kabando as one of the most progressive pieces of legislation.
Development pillars
Kabando said the bill would broaden the electronic platforms in line with the objectives of the Constitution, laws established to support its implementation and major programmes on Vision 2030, which seek to ensure that saving platforms for various groups and individuals in this country widen.
ODM Chairman John Mbadi has been identified as the most efficient legislator in discharging oversight roles in Parliament. The Suba MP is among the 10 most active MPs, according to a survey done by Mzalendo.com.
Mr Mbadi was voted the most efficient legislator for his contribution on the floor of the House for having questioned the salaries, allowances, and vehicles allocated to constitutional commissioners.
Presenting the awards dubbed The People's Shujaaz Award, Mzalendo Executive Director Jessica Musila said they monitored the key pillars of development this year and nominated the most active legislators based on parliamentary participation, feedback from parliamentary journalists and the public in social media debates.
Ms Musila said the initiative seeks to motivate MPs to champion public interest, raise public awareness on the roles of legislators and to educate them on the need to hold their leaders to account.
Buuri MP Boniface Gatobu (independent) was voted the best debater in the National Assembly and a contributor to the education sector while his Senate counterpart in the same category Boni Khalwale (Kakamega) scooped the award for his motion that wanted the Government to replicate public universities across all 47 counties.
Gatobu scooped the award for his motion that sought the establishment a public databank of all bright and poor students to be in the custody of the County Director of Education, and such information be disseminated and made available to public institutions including the respective Constituency Development Fund committees which shall give them priority when disbursing bursaries.
Dr Khalwale was nominated for his contribution to the motion on equitable distribution of universities across counties. The notice was mooted in April, 2013 and adopted in May same year.
Seme MP James Nyikal beat other contestants to emerge the winner of the best contributor to the health sector while his Kiminini counterpart Chris Wamalwa bagged the best representative for the youth.
Mr Wamalwa in his contribution in July last year, questioned the mode of disbursement of Sh6 billion initially earmarked for a presidential run-off, to be disbursed to the youths and women groups.
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Nominated MP Amina Abdallah won the best representative on water following her immense contributions to the Water Bill 2014 on the importance of the separation of responsibilities between water authorities at the national and county government levels.
Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki was rated the best contributor on devolution. He was feted for his motion asking the national government to enter into agreements with county governments to ensure smooth transfer of functions and resources.
Food Security
Prof Kindiki was also credited for the introduction of various bills which include County Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2013, County Assembly Powers and Privileges Bill, 2014, Division of Revenue Bill, 2014 and County Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2014 among others.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Elachi was awarded for her contribution to the Food Security Bill while Wilfred Machage (Migori) joined Nyikal for the best representation on health. Dr Machage sought the establishment of level five hospitals in all counties. The motion was adopted in June, 2013.
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