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Members of the National Assembly will meet in Nakuru County starting Monday, January 26, for their 2025 mid-term retreat.
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According to a statement, the retreat will focus on the challenges surrounding the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The event, scheduled for January 27 to 31, 2025, will involve the Presidium, House leadership, the House Business Committee, House Committee Chairs, and all Members of Parliament.
With the theme “Marshalling House Business: Progress Made and Lessons Learned,” the retreat will also cover important discussions on the economy and strategies to address challenges related to Kenya’s growing youth population.
MPs will review priority legislation, strengthen oversight mechanisms, and assess the effectiveness of parliamentary committees. The retreat will also allow for discussions on House business, MPs’ welfare, and Parliament’s role in the integration of the East African Community (EAC).
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula noted that Parliament made significant progress in 2023 and 2024 by passing key laws to implement the government’s universal health coverage (UHC) initiatives. This included the establishment of SHIF under SHA as the implementing agency.
However, Wetang’ula acknowledged the challenges in the framework’s implementation. The retreat will offer MPs a chance to engage with Dr. Mohamed Abdi Mohamed, Chairperson of SHA, for updates on the status, challenges, and corrective measures related to SHIF.
Beyond health reforms, the Speaker emphasized that the retreat would address the country’s economic outlook and the growing youth population.
“The National Assembly plays a key role in budget-making and public finance management, including oversight of public spending and debt,” Wetang’ula said. “Given the increasing budgetary needs and public demand for services, the National Treasury will present on the state of the economy.”
MPs will also have the opportunity to address constituent concerns about the economic situation and clarify any misconceptions.
The retreat will encourage MPs to provide feedback and contribute to the final proposals.
In addition, members will discuss the challenges affecting legislative business continuity and outline plans for the remainder of the term.
This retreat is crucial for reflection on past successes and for planning any necessary legislative actions to support the National Treasury. The Speaker highlighted that several significant legislations were passed in the first half of the current Parliament, including the Social Health Act, Digital Health Act, and key economic sector laws.
The retreat will also cover proposed constitutional amendments to entrench three specialized funds in the Constitution: the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), the Senate Oversight Fund, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.
These proposals have been under consideration for two years, with several MPs co-sponsoring them, including Stephen Mule (Matungulu) and Githinji Gichimu (Gichugu).
A Joint Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee was set up in 2022 to review the amendments, but it has not yet reported to Parliament.
A new proposal to entrench the funds was received and approved by the Speaker in December 2024, in line with parliamentary procedures. This proposal, co-sponsored by Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi) and Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), seeks to amend the Constitution under Article 256.
The retreat will give MPs a chance to discuss the proposed amendment and ensure that the views of the people’s representatives are considered before the Bill is published. It will also provide a roadmap for completing the constitutional amendment process.
