From Aden Duale to Babu Owino, legislators share their big plans for 2018

With the 'political year' finally over, Members of Parliament have rolled out plans for 2018. 

Here are some of the legislators who have talked about what they have in store for their constituents this year:

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale (Garissa Township)

 “I wish Kenyans a prosperous 2018. We as the legislative arm of the ruling party, we shall provide the necessary legislative and budget framework towards the four big legacy projects of President Uhuru Kenyatta and their implementation for Kenyans to be the ultimate beneficiaries.

In the long run, we shall support the president to prepare the Jubilee party succession politics of 2022 in which the preferred candidate William Ruto will create the political network and machinery in winning the presidency in 2022.”

National Assembly Minority Leader John Mbadi (Suba South)

 “In 2018, the big question will be sorting out the Executive and this will depend on how quickly various discussions are held among the leadership of political parties. We are ready to have deliberation on various amendments to the constitution through a bipartisan approach to ensure we have electoral justice. Similarly, push for changes in the judiciary laws and the police to guarantee their independence.

Corruption that has permeated all sectors of government as per the Auditor General’s reports will be another area of great emphasis by NASA. We are also going to form caucus where will have shadow chairperson for all the committee led by Jubilee and give a status report to the coalition in line with the manifesto. We want to offer alternatives to ills exposed even as the opposition oversights the government. We will also foster cohesion after some members and affiliate parties were disgruntled by the house leadership slots and those of the committees.”

National Assembly Majority Whip Ben Washiali (Mumias East)

“I am wishing all Kenyans peaceful and prosperous 2018. It should be a year to forgive each other and forge ahead as a country. Those who claim they do not recognise us (Jubilee Party), should accept the fact that we are the majority in terms of political qualification. They (National Super Alliance leadership) also want to negotiate with Jubilee. This is a way of recognising us by agreeing to sit and talk. For the interest of the country and spur development, let’s work together this year. In parliament will are going to champion government initiatives in line with the President’s four-point action plan.”

National Assembly Deputy Minority Leader Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini)

“We are planning an expanded legislative agenda in the House, majorly on electoral justice. It will include a number of proposed Bills, especially in the education sector. The national examination and curriculum review must be re-looked in a bipartisan manner.

It should not be a Jubilee affair but consultative as it threatens the lives of the future generation. As a legislator, it is disturbing that results can be released without factoring in the normal distribution cover, where there are mass failures. We must ensure there are reforms in the education system, not those forced by the Cabinet Secretary. Corruption is also destroying our country and we expect the Jubilee government to spearhead its fight. As opposition, this is our top agenda in 2018.

National Assembly Public Accounts Committee chairman Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja)

 “We want to inculcate true professionalism the workings of the committee in a bipartisan spirit. Our work is clearly cut out as the in-tray is full. We need to process the audited accounts from as far as 2014/2015 financial year for transmission to the House for approval within the first quarter. This is a constitutional prerequisite for the equitable sharing of revenue between the two levels of government. We also have to deal with certain reports arising from specific audits by the Auditor General. The committee as currently constituted is more than equal to the task. We shall be gui9ded solely by what is in the public interest and shall endeavor to uphold the constitution at all times.”

National Assembly Transport Committee chairman David Pkosing (Pokot South)

“Following the increased spate of fatal road accidents, our top agenda as Committee once we are done with the induction, from mid this month, is to dialogue with all the concerned authorities and stakeholders with the aim of finding a lasting solution to curb road carnage. We also intend to re-look into the role of NTSA, with a focus on quality and standards in the road sector. Will seek to have KURA and KENHA handle the infrastructure as police enforcement the traffic rules. The other biggest thing we shall be looking at is the issue of housing; making housing affordable to the poor as pledged by President Uhuru Kenyatta. We will see to it that the required legislation is passed by the house.”

Babu Owino (Embakasi East)

“This year, as a youthful legislator, I will be sponsoring two Bills in parliament. One will be to push for an increment in the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to all universities and another on the empowerment of the youth and women in accessing government credits through a subsidized fee and without much restrictions. The collateral required to access the loans should be reviewed as it has locked some people deserving youth and women who are unable to meet the set requirement. I also plan to lobby colleagues to support my legislation to push for a waiver on medical bills, to ensure hospitals do not withhold bodies over fee arrears. For the people of Embakasi East, I will liaise with the county government to improve access by constructing and building roads and provision of clean water. I will also strive to ensure bursaries’ issued through the National Government Constituency Development Fund reach the needy students.

National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee chairman William Cheptumo (Baringo North)

 “We shall prioritize handling of legislative proposals that the last Parliament didn’t complete by republishing them. He noted that among them the controversial legislation is the Two-Thirds gender rule bill. There are also a number of constitutional Bills that their deadline was extended like the Energy Bills. As a committee with a wide mandate and that also deals with matters touching on investigation and prosecuting agencies and others such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Judiciary, we expect to handle an increased number of amendments to the various Acts of Parliament. Will also be working closely with colleagues seeking sponsor private members Bills. We are equal to the task.”

 National Assembly Lands committee chair Rachael Nyamai (Kitui South)

 “I am very optimistic that once members go through orientation on the 29th of this month, we will get down to busy. I will be relying on the parliamentary staff and colleagues to bring me up to speed with the pending issues handled by the last parliament. I understand this is a very crucial committee to tackle the emotive subject. I will take my time to examine the issues before us, including petition and operations. I will ensure we deliberate on matters in a bipartisan manner and remain alive to lands brought to our attention. For the constituents, I will strive to deliver on my pledges as I work closely with the government.”

 Alfah Miruka (Bomachoge Chache)

 “I will strive to ensure that all learning institutions, roads, water and health projects are in good condition in order to serve the area residents in a better way for them to improve their livelihood. Education is the major investment for the people of Kisii County and in this era when we do not have land to bequeath to our children, the best thing that we can offer them is quality education, that is why as a legislator I am going to ensure that all schools are standardized regardless whether they are in areas which supported me or not. I will engage in positive criticism of both the National and Kisii County Governments since people are more concerned with development issues as opposed to empty politicking and unnecessary wrangles. I call on my opponents in the last general election to join hands with me to ensure that the area residents are well served as the next general election to be held in 2022.

Michael Kingi (Magarini)

 “In 2018, I plan to tackle issues of squatters in the constituency. Most residents have lost their land to private developers. I want my people to get land, the absentee landlord land should be reversed or bought by the government. Those title deeds issued illegally to salt manufacturers should be revoked to have locals invest, repay their loans and access credits. There are also pending uses of Human rights violation arising from the activities of salt manufacturing companies in Magarini Division of Malindi District as documented by the Kenya National Commission of Human Rights when it undertook a public inquiry in July 2005.There are security challenges including human, wildlife conflict. I will be proposing legislation and petition in the House to address these issues. I am also focused on infrastructure development and quality education through the National Government Development Fund.”

Catherine Wambilianga (Bungoma County MP)

“On top of my list in 2018 will be fighting teenage pregnancy in the county, an issue that has given Bungoma a bad name. The vice that has resulted in a high number of school dropout mainly rampant in Mt Elgon and Bumula constituencies among other areas in the vast county. I will work with the national government to ensure the welfare of the girl-child is improved and people who molest children are dealt with according to the law.”

Josephat Kabeabea (Tigania East)

“Apart from focusing on an improved road network in Tigania East, I intend to introduce legislation in the house that will make it easier for people to acquire title deeds. Currently, the process is tedious and I want it fast-tracked. I belong to the National Assembly Lands Committee and therefore it will be easy for me to push this cause. It is only after many Kenyans acquire the vital document that they can access bank loans which they can be used as collateral for start-up businesses.”