Parliament to Take Two-Week Recess Amid Budget Finalizations and Public Protest Concerns

The Kenyan Parliament is set to take a two-week recess starting Friday, June 28, following the conclusion of budget-related activities. The recess motion, moved by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, aims to give legislators an opportunity to engage with their constituents on the recently enhanced National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) proposals, which have seen an increase of Ksh.30 million.

“This recess will allow us to receive valuable feedback from the public on the NGCDF proposals,” Ichung’wah stated. “Public participation is crucial to ensure that the enhancements meet the needs and expectations of our constituents.”

However, the decision to recess has not been without controversy. Nominated MP John Mbadi voiced strong opposition, urging members to delay the break in light of the ongoing anti-Finance Bill protests sweeping the nation. “We are at a critical moment in this country, especially this week and next week,” Mbadi asserted. “We are elected and it is important to delay the recess to study what is going on, and if there’s a requirement to sit and make some adjustments, then we would be here. It would be irresponsible when our young generation are protesting against some of the decisions we make.”

Despite Mbadi's appeal, Speaker Moses Wetangula moved the motion in Parliament, which received overwhelming approval from the majority of members, signaling a collective agreement on the necessity of the recess.

Next week, on Tuesday, the Finance Bill will advance to the Committee of the Whole House, where each amendment will undergo a clause-by-clause vote. Following this detailed review, the bill will proceed to its Third Reading. At this stage, members will cast their final votes to either reject or pass the bill. If approved, the bill will be presented to the president for assent into law.

The decision to recess comes at a delicate time, as the nation grapples with widespread protests against the Finance Bill, highlighting the tension between legislative duties and public sentiment. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal as Parliament reconvenes to address these pressing issues, balancing fiscal responsibilities with the demands and concerns of their constituents.