Strengthening political parties in Parliament could end wrangles

Newly nominated Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Heritage Rashid Achesa Mohammed with President Uhuru Kenyatta at a past Jubilee rally. [Photo/Standard]

Political parties are formed to capture power, retain it and form a government. However, forming government does not end with constituting the Executive arm of government, but extends to controlling the legislative arm. When Kenya adopted the committee system, the committees went on to become powerful structures.

Key committee roles include oversight of Government, originating bills, conducting hearings, vetting public appointments and budget appropriation. Whereas traditional oversight public investments and public accounts committees are chaired by MPs from the minority party, departmental committees are chaired by members from the majority party. Under this architecture, departmental committees play a significant role in the affairs of Government ministries and departments.