Covid-19: Nakuru County Assembly to sit once per week

Nakuru County Assembly will now hold sessions once a week owing to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.

This follows a procedural motion from the Leader of Majority Moses Ndung’u Kamau on Tuesday. Prior to this decision, the 78- member House held its sittings on Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon.

ADJOURN

“Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 31 and cognizant of the outbreak of coronavirus disease, this House resolves to adjourn its plenary and be meeting once per week until further notice,” said Mr Ndung’u.

However, Mr Ndung’u said in case of any emergency, more sittings will be convened. One of the pending business to be transacted by the House as it is urgent and exceptional is a Sh250 million supplementary budget to cushion the county from the effects of the pandemic. The money will be used to buy food, equipment and meet other overhead expenditures.

Lare MCA Philip Wanjohi said the MCAs need to stay at home with their families and upscale the campaigns against the virus.

Dundori MCA Michael Machembu Chege suggested that the Health and Water and Environment committees should continue with their sittings.

“Water is critical commodity at this time of this deadly pandemic and water committee should be meeting just in case there is a shortage of the commodity,” said Mr Machembu.

Flamingo Ward MCA Eddy Kiragu said the House should sit when there is an emergency.

“We are ready to work and cooperate and ensure lives are saved,” said Mr Kiragu.

LIVES DISRUPTED

In his communication to the House, Speaker Joel Maina Kairu said coronavirus has disrupted social and economic lifestyles of Kenyans.

“This disease [Covid-19] has caused unprecedented suffering across the globe and cases are rising steadily in Kenya. We must support the government’s efforts to stop its spread,” said Mr Kairu.

“As leaders, we have the responsibility of protecting our people from the effect of coronavirus,” he added.

He urged the MCAs to implement the directives issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Ministry of Health by relaying the right information to the residents and collaborating with the relevant authorities and ensuring the Ministry of Health guidelines are followed.

“These are extraordinary times that require sacrifice and voluntary leadership. Leaders on the globe are coming up with ideas and sometimes putting their lives on the line to stop the spread of the disease,” said Mr Kairu.

He added: “This is the time when MCAs at the Nakuru County Assembly must demonstrate pure leadership.”

He reiterated the assembly’s commitment to work closely with the national government and other relevant authorities to reduce the spread of Covid-19.