Parliament in session/FILEThe past week, parliamentary committees were active on several fronts, focusing on key issues affecting education, public access to information, and workplace wellness among Senate staff.
The National Assembly Committee on Education, chaired by
Julius K. Melly, held a session with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to
examine the status of the teachers’ medical scheme and government allowances,
particularly hardship and housing benefits.
TSC Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei informed the Committee that the current three-year medical scheme, which runs from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2025, covers all teachers and their dependents.
She detailed the scope of the scheme, stating: “The current medical cover provides a wide range of benefits, including inpatient, outpatient, dental, optical, maternity, local and international evacuation, and funeral expenses. We’ve also improved the cover to address issues like premature births and pre-authorisation delays.”
However, lawmakers, led by Melly and Vice Chairperson Hon. Eve Obara, raised concerns about the impending transition to the SHA and whether teachers were adequately consulted.
“We cannot afford a downgrade of benefits. Teachers have long complained of delays and denials; SHA must guarantee better services,” said Obara, expressing fears about onboarding challenges and service quality.
On teacher allowances, Mitei clarified that hardship areas are designated by the Ministry of Public Service and that house allowances are paid based on location categories as guided by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Meanwhile, the National Assembly Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library embarked on a fact-finding mission across five county libraries in Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kakamega, and Kisumu.
Led by Chairperson Hon. Daniel Nanok, the Committee visited Eldoret Branch Library, Lagam Library, Kakamega Library, Kisumu Library, and the Dr. Robert Ouko Community Memorial Library in Koru.
Nanok emphasised the importance of transforming libraries into knowledge hubs that connect the public with Parliament: “Libraries are trusted community hubs. By setting up Parliamentary Corners, citizens will have direct access to legislative documents and parliamentary reports, which will foster accountability, civic education, and public awareness.”
During the visits, MPs noted recurring challenges, including poor internet connectivity, limited space during school holidays, inadequate funding, and ICT service disruptions.
The Committee pledged to collaborate with county governments and the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) to secure better funding, improve infrastructure, and equip libraries with resources that can bring Parliament closer to the people.
In an internal wellness initiative, the Senate hosted a Staff Sports Day at Ulinzi Sports Complex to promote health and productivity among its workforce.
Clerk of the Senate, Mr Jeremiah Nyegenye, CBS, led the event, urging staff to embrace physical activity not only for health but also for professional growth.
“Sports is good for mental and physical health. The virtues in sports — teamwork, resilience, disciplin—aree crucial in the workplace,” said Nyegenye.
He applauded the Senate Wellness Committee for organising the event and challenged them to make future editions even more impactful.
Sporting legends, including volleyball star Mercy Moim and Olympic gold medalist Ezekiel Kemboi, graced the day.
Moim encouraged staff to use sports as a tool for managing stress, while Kemboi emphasised the importance of consistent physical activity for long-term health.
