15 MPs have Never Contributed in Parliament

Mzalendo Trust has unveiled its highly anticipated annual Parliamentary Scorecard, shedding light on both active and silent members of the parliament, both the National Assembly and the Senate.

The report, covering the period from September 29, 2022, to June 30, 2023, offers insights into the dynamics of parliamentary participation.

Mzalendo Trust identified 15 MPs who have yet to contribute to the floor debates since their swearing-in, painting a stark picture of silent representation.

“The lack of participation is a concerning trend that the Kenyan Parliament needs to address,” emphasized the report.

Directly addressing this issue, George Aladwa, MP for Makadara, responded, “I believe in active engagement with my constituents, and my focus has been on direct service delivery. However, I recognize the importance of parliamentary discourse and will make a conscious effort to contribute more.”

Oscar Sudi, the MP for Kapseret, further defended his lack of verbal engagement, saying, “I am dedicated to serving my constituents through actions that speak louder than words. While I may not be vocal in the House, my work outside is a testament to my commitment.”

The report also singled out MPs who have not yet made their maiden speeches. Ronald Karauri, representing Kasarani, shared his perspective: “I am preparing a comprehensive address that reflects the aspirations of my constituents. Quality over quantity is my approach.”

In response to being named among the least active youth MPs, Teresia Wanjiru, a nominated MP, commented, “I am actively participating in various committees, where a significant portion of legislative work takes place. The ranking doesn’t capture all dimensions of engagement.”

Mzalendo Trust’s mission to promote transparent and accountable parliaments has led to the creation of these rankings, focusing solely on in-chamber participation.

“While the scorecard is a valuable tool to assess engagement, it’s important to acknowledge that committee activities also contribute significantly to the legislative process,” the organization stated in its report.

Read also: IEBC gazettes a list of the 32 Nominees to Parliament

The rankings exclude MPs in leadership positions, who hold inherent responsibilities that demand regular participation. These positions encompass majority and minority leaders, committee chairpersons, whips, and members of the Speaker’s panel.

In conclusion, the report underscores the need for a balanced approach to parliamentary engagement and encourages MPs to contribute actively both inside and outside the chamber to fulfill their mandate effectively.

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