Mzalendo Kenya, a non-partisan watchdog focused on enhancing public involvement in the legislative process, has unveiled its latest index that sheds light on the activity levels of Senators and Members of Parliament (MPs) in the 13th Parliament.
The spotlight is now on youthful Senators identified as the least active during House sessions, with names like Japheth Nyakundi, Zaheer Jhanda, and Karen Nyamu featuring prominently.
The latest index published on Wednesday, 9 August 2023, named Japheth Nyakundi, representing Kitutu Chache North, Zaheer Jhanda of Nyaribari Chache, and Teresia Wanjiru Mwangi, who holds a Nominated position among the youthful Senators who have displayed the least participation in the National Assembly sessions. Chimera Mwinzago and Karen Nyamu from the UDA party and Hezena Lemaletian of ODM have also earned spots in this category.
Mzalendo’s evaluation of participation was based primarily on these Senators’ engagement in the House debates. The watchdog’s index, made public on Wednesday, sought to offer a comprehensive insight into the parliamentary involvement of the legislators.
In contrast to the National Assembly, the Senate saw a distinct trend where all members managed to make contributions during plenary sessions. Mzalendo attributes this discrepancy in participation rates between the two houses to the variations in the number of members present in each house of the Parliament.
The Senate’s index also highlighted those who emerged as the most active youthful Senators. Notable names on this list include Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Eddy Oketch of Migori. These Senators’ commitment to actively contribute to the debates and discussions on the floor earned them commendations from Mzalendo Kenya.
Additionally, Tabitha Mutinda, Gloria Orwoba, and Esther Okenyuri, all holding Nominated positions, ranked third, fourth, and fifth in terms of active participation.
MPs George Aladwa, Samuel Arama and Oscar Sudi.
Meanwhile, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, George Aladwa of Makadara, and Samuel Arama from Nakuru are the least active in the National Assembly. Those who have never spoken on the floor of the House are Ronald Karauri of Kasarani, Mohamed Soud of Mvita, Paul Chebor from Rongai, and Ernest Kagesi of Vihiga.
The analysis by Mzalendo casts the spotlight on an age grouping that is vocal about opportunities for the youth but who, it turns out, are all hype and no meat.
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