East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega /HANDOUTEast African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega has raised concerns over what he described as a crisis of absenteeism and poor participation among elected leaders in the Senate and National Assembly.
Kega claimed legislators are abandoning parliamentary duties shortly after being sworn into office to concentrate on their private businesses at the expense of lawmaking, oversight and other public responsibilities.
Speaking during an interview with a local vernacular radio station, the former Kieni MP, who served two terms between 2013 and 2022, claimed that only a handful of senators regularly participate in debates.
“You will be surprised that nowadays in the Senate, there are only six active senators in Senate debates. At most, they are 10. Most of them are out attending to their own businesses. They are not conducting oversight or performing government and public work,” Kega said.
He also questioned legislators’ understanding of laws passed by Parliament, arguing that many elected representatives were not adequately engaged in the legislative process.
“I can say without a shred of doubt that if you ask most MPs about the laws being legislated in the August House, they are unaware,” he said.
Kega cited his experience as chairman of the National Assembly Budget Committee, where he said limited participation among members was evident even when crucial financial matters were under discussion.
“When I was the chair of the National Assembly Budget Committee for two years, I led 27 MPs. Out of the 27, those who were aware of budget-related issues which were being discussed or legislated in Parliament were less than ten,” he said.
He further argued that the problem extended beyond the committee level, claiming that only a small proportion of members of the National Assembly understood the contents of the national budget being debated and approved by the House.
“For the National Assembly, which consists of over 350 MPs, if you ask them what is being passed in the National Budget, those aware cannot be more than 25,” he added.
Kega’s remarks come amid longstanding public scrutiny of legislators’ attendance, participation in parliamentary proceedings and effectiveness in holding the Executive accountable.
The EALA legislator also urged Kenyans to exercise greater caution when choosing their representatives, warning against electing leaders based on political theatrics, handouts or the popularity of their parties.
He challenged voters to prioritise competence, integrity and a demonstrable commitment to public service when evaluating candidates seeking elective positions.
