•National Assembly has powers to adjust tax charges
•There are high expectations it would address the cost of fuel as well.
Members of Parliament have their work cut out ahead of the commencement of business when the National Assembly and Senate resume normal operations this Tuesday.
They are expected to institute budget cuts to help President William Ruto realize his plan to save Sh300 billion from the government’s recurrent expenditure.
Kenyans are also looking at the steps the National Assembly will take to address tax measures which have exacerbated the high cost of living.
With the KRA inflation adjustment of 6.3 per cent having kicked in from October 1, prices of key household goods including soft drinks and motorbikes, have skyrocketed.
Only the National Assembly can change the rates, amid high expectations it would address the cost of fuel as well.
During his address to the inauguration session of the 13th Parliament, President Ruto also rallied the MPs recently to back his plans for an enhanced NSSF savings plan and roll out the Sh50 billion Hustler Fund.
Ruto also asked Parliament to amend the Standing Orders for Cabinet Secretaries to appear before the plenary to answer questions from members as a way to make his government accountable.
“My administration commits to restoring the place of Parliament in our democracy by respecting the autonomy and oversight authority of Parliament on the executive,” Ruto said.
The President also wants MPs to amend the law to align the National Hospital Insurance Fund to the Kenya Kwanza UHC plan, as well as anchor the Senate Oversight Fund, and National Government- Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, a close Ruto ally, said they would prioritise the President’s agenda, starting with salvaging the NG-CDF.
“We will deal with the things the President has reiterated, starting with salvaging CDF to coming up with a plan of how to ensure increased savings. We will also craft how to anchor and actualize the Hustler Fund,” he said.
On the Sh300 billion budget cuts, Barasa said discussions will centre on how to reorganize some non-priority capital projects in favour of labour-intensive ones.
“We will relook at the projects and their budgets. Most of them are yet to get to the procurement stage. We will give priority to projects which boost agro-processing and create employment,” the MP said.
Ruto also asked MPs to resolve the “systemic issues that limit access to affordable housing”, and expressed intention to craft a bill providing a framework for a housing off-take plan to assure developers of a market.
For the National Assembly, the first step, however, would be for Speaker Moses Wetangula to make the crucial ruling on which side of the House is either the majority or minority.
The sides backed by President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga are at odds over which between them has a clear majority in the National Assembly.
Whereas Raila’s side maintains it is the majority and has nominated Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi as its leader, Ruto’s team has fronted Kimani Ichung'wa as its House leader.
Raila’s coalition has 173 seats over Ruto’s 164, with 12 legislators as independents, and 12 others nominated to make the total of 349.
Signed agreements bind members of the Azimio coalition, without which Raila’s numbers are set to reduce to 162. Several MPs have joined Ruto’s side pushing his numbers to 175.
The decision on the fight, which is motivated by the desire to control House business, has a critical bearing on the composition of committees.
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu said the outstanding decision on the majority and minority questions has crippled plans by the two sides.
“The decision has the implication on the composition and constitutions of committees. All sides are planning tentatively,” he told the Star on Sunday.
Azimio House leader designate Opiyo Wandayi told the Star they would have a clear legislative ready by Tuesday.
“We will have a final decision on the committees next week [Tuesday]. It is part of what we are discussing in our strategy meeting,” the Ugunja lawmaker said, without giving much detail about the events at the Mombasa meeting.
Committees stand to shape the policies and decisions around the President’s agenda, including his proposed measures to steady the economy.
Among the crucial committees is that which would vet the Cabinet Secretary nominees, which is chaired by the Speaker.
Other members are the deputy speaker [Vice Chair], House leaders, and at least 22 MPs nominated by the House Business Committee based on party strengths.
Once communicated to the House, Parliament would have 28 days to vet the 22 Cabinet nominees.
Also crucial to the plan is the constitution of the portfolio and departmental committees.
Azimio, by virtue of having failed to form the government, would chair the oversight committees, but are hopeful their numbers could earn them a departmental committee or two to lead.