News
No foreign travel for Kenya ministers
President Mwai Kibaki chairs a past Grand Coalition cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi. Photo/PPS
Posted Monday, March 8 2010 at 13:07
President Kibaki has barred Cabinet Ministers and their assistants from travelling outside Kenya to ensure they attend parliamentary debates on the draft Constitution.
The House is supposed to debate contents of the draft for 30 days after which it would be published and subjected to a national referendum.
A circular dated last Friday and released by the Government on Monday indicated the step was taken to ensure ministers attended the House sessions.
It was signed by the Head of Public Service, Mr Francis Muthaura and copied to Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.
“I’m directed to inform you that during this time when parliament is considering the draft Constitution. Ministers and assistant ministers will not be allowed to travel outside the country,” read part of the circular.
Protocol
Government protocol requires that ministers get clearance from the President before travelling abroad.
Proceedings in parliament are at times marred by lack of quorum and the Speaker has on several occasions warned ministers to be available in the House to answer questions involving their dockets.
Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua released the circular to journalists and said ministers’ absence in the House had been explained by travels abroad.
"The President has said this will take effect immediately," Dr Mutua said.
-
Submitted by KangemiObserverPosted March 10, 2010 05:28 AM
-
Submitted by solomon07
I salute the President for doing this. Ministers and their Assistants have been skipping the chambers whenever crucial debates are due for discussions. It is high time they learnt to take their jobs seriously for the sake of our beloved nation! Kudos, Mr. President!
Posted March 09, 2010 10:58 PM -
Submitted by jacquelineakinyi
Why have a new constitution yet all the players have shown clearly that they have no respect for laws? Dr Mutua is wasting his doctorate as a spokesperson for starters.Do we have to plead with the mps to do the job we elected them to do?i guess conscience slips through our fingers as we rise to positions of power.
Posted March 09, 2010 08:46 PM -
Submitted by mzee_moja
@Chester. I guess H.E. Emilio Kibaki (C in C) is in total control and he does not need to consult the PM for this directive??? The whip is now cracking!!!
Posted March 09, 2010 08:19 PM -
Submitted by jarongo77
Mr. President you dint need any suspensions, all you had to do to direct your ministers to stay home and attend to thier responsibilities, you would proceed to sack any of them of disobeyed you,thats called ''instilling discipline''
Posted March 09, 2010 05:31 PM
RSS
When I lived overseas, trips by senior government officials were mostly about luxury at the taxpayer's expense. In one investment conference, I remember assurance by a current permanent secretary that they would personally assist me in setting up a business in Kenya. When I tried to visit and discuss the matter, I couldn't get past the guard at the front despite identifying who I was.