Young MPs top Shujaa Awards list

Young, first-term MPs are among lawmakers who have been nominated for the second edition of annual awards for pushing issues of great public interest in Parliament.

Sponsored by mzalendo.com, a website that monitors MPs’ performance in the House, the Shujaa Awards will this year allow voting by SMS to ensure more Kenyans participate.

The voting has been going on since November 17, and is set to close on Wednesday.

The youthful lawmakers include Isaac Mwaura (Nominated, ODM), Irungu Kanga’ta (Kiharu, TNA) and Johnson Sakaja (Nominated, TNA), who are all under 40.

Mr Mwaura, who was nominated to represent the disabled, was picked for his role in championing interests of people with special needs.

FOOTBRIDGE FOR DISABLED

He presented a petition to the National Assembly seeking the construction of a footbridge on Waiyaki Way to link ABC Place bus stop and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities Office in Westlands.

Mr Kang’ata was nominated for sponsoring the Higher Education Loans Board (Amendment) Bill, which was however rejected by the President.

The Kiharu MP had sought to have Helb barred from charging penalties to debtors yet to get jobs, with the proposed law only requiring the beneficiaries to file affidavits that they were unemployed. 

Mr Kang’ata had also proposed that Helb should have students’ representatives on the board of directors. That provision, too, was rejected by the President.

Mr Sakaja, who has emerged as one of the vocal MPs in the current Parliament, was nominated for sponsoring the National Youth Employment Authority Bill.

The Bill, which was passed by the National Assembly, provides for the collection of data on graduates and the jobless in offices to be set up at the county.

These centres would be the first port of call for the government when vacancies come up. They would also publicise job opportunities whenever they arise.

Other nominees are Budget and Appropriations Committee chairman Mutava Musyimi, Saku MP Ali Rasso Dido and Kitui Central Benson Makali Mulu  in the Financial Oversight category.

In the  Institutional Oversight category, the  nominees are Senators Emma Getrude Mbura, Anyang’ Nyong’o and Kuresoi North MP Amos Cheboi.

Senators Amos Wako, Fatuma Dullo and National Assembly Minority Leader Francis Nyenze are nominees in the Access to Justice category.

PROTECTION OF DEVOLUTION

Leading in the protection of Devolution are senators Wako, Mutahi Kagwe and Kiraitu Murungi.

Nominees in the promotion of education sector are Agnes Zani, Emmanuel Wangwe and Kang’ata.

In the health sector, the nominees are Deputy Majority Leader Naomi Shaban, Migori Senator Wilfred Machage and Igembe Central MP Cyprian Iringo

Nominated for their efforts in the security sector are MPs Patrick Mweu Masimba, Senator Dullo and Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka.

 In the progressive contributions category are MPs Priscilla Nyokabi, Joyce Lay and Malulu Injendi.

MPs Tom Kajwang, George  Omondi and Jakoyo Midiwohave been nominated for championing business interests.