A recent report by Mzalendo Trust reveals that 15 Members of Parliament (MPs) have not contributed to debates in the House since they were sworn in.
This is the first scorecard of the 13th Parliament and it includes MPs who were previously highlighted in the 12th Parliament’s scorecards for not making any contributions. Some of these MPs include George Aladwa, Oscar Sudi, and Samuel Arama. In addition, eight MPs are yet to make their maiden speeches in the House.
The report covers the period between September 29, 2022, and June 30, 2023. The report also highlights the most active members of the National Assembly, such as Makali Mulu, Beatrice Elachi, James Nyikal, and Ken Chonga. The Senate’s top contributors are Samson Cherargei, Eddy Oketch, John Kinyua, and Mohamed Faki.
The Parliamentary Scorecard is an annual assessment of the performance of Members of Parliament in Kenya and Africa. The rankings are based solely on their performance in the Parliament, particularly during plenary sessions. The report does not take into account their activities outside of Parliament. According to the report, the most active youth MPs are Gitonga Mukunji, Irene Mayaka, Josses Lelmengit, Robert Basil, Amos Mwago, and Joshua Kimilu. On the other hand, the least active youth MPs are Japheth Nyakundi, Zaheer Jhanda, and Teresia Wanjiru.
The report also revealed the least active Senators include Mirah Abdullahi, Joyce Korir, Shakilla Abdalla, George Mbugua, and Issa Boy Juma. Additionally, Chimera Mwinzago, Hezena Lemaletian, and Karen Nyamu were named as the least active youth Senators. The rankings are determined by the number of times MPs speak during parliamentary sessions as recorded in the official Parliamentary Hansard. Currently, only plenary proceedings are covered in the rankings, as this information is publicly available.
Individuals who hold certain positions are naturally privileged and not included in the general ranking. These privileges are evident in their duties which necessitate them to speak regularly. Examples of such positions include leaders of both the Majority and Minority sides, chairpersons of Committees, Majority and Minority whips, and members of the Speaker’s panel.
Elected leaders should be…
Elected leaders should be made to have a yearly performance contract, it seems that’s where we are or us people will suffer. Why get paid for just idling around in your place of work or that which you never go? If after a year, even if elected wekwa out, by-election zifanywe, you will see how hardworking they will be and vacation za wana na matusi ziishe.