Fresh row as MPs reject Senate Bill

MPs have rejected a Bill passed by the Senate, setting the stage for another clash between the two Houses of the Eleventh Parliament.

The Bill passed on August 6 proposed to give county assemblies the power to move the headquarters of a county with the approval of the Senate.

Although it was passed by the Senate without much fuss, its rejection by the National Assembly’s Finance, Trade and Planning Committee was based on advice from the Attorney-General and the Transition Authority.

The Senate had agreed with the provision in the Bill to enable a county assembly to initiate the transfer of the county headquarters as long as at least two thirds of its members agree.

The decision would then be scrutinised by the Senate.

The Finance committee noted that the changes contravene the Constitution and the spirit of devolution.

The Bill seeks to amend the County Governments Act.

At the same time, the committee has rejected a Bill seeking to give the National Assembly power to initiate the impeachment of a governor.

The Finance committee noted that the process of removing a governor should be started at the county assembly. The MPs argued that allowing people outside the county to initiate the process would be prejudicial to governors.

The recommendations are contained in reports tabled in the House by Finance Committee Vice-Chairman Nelson Gaichuhie. If the House agrees with the committee and adopts the reports, Eldas MP Adan Keynan will be forced to drop his Bill.

However, the rejection of the Bill could force the two Houses to form a mediation committee to come up with a compromise version favourable to the two Houses.

The Finance team, however, approved a Bill by Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando seeking to lower the minimum amount required to trade in Treasury bonds and bills and allow the public to trade through electronic means.