Speaker for open vetting process

By Joyce Namutebi       

Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has reaffirmed the need for an open vetting process in the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments.

Addressing legislators from Kenya and Somaliland legislatures at Parliament building on Wednesday, Kadaga said the work of the Committee that meets in camera is affected by speculation from non- members, according to a statement from the information office of Parliament.

The Committee on Appointments, which is chaired by the Speaker, is mandated to approve the appointment of persons nominated for appointment by the President under the Constitution or any other appointment required to be approved by Parliament under any law. Its proceedings are closed.

A proposal to have an open vetting committee was dropped as Parliament considered its rules.

“One of the things we are happy about the new Kenya Constitution is the provision for open vetting method for political appointments. We have a big problem here because we still vet people in private.

"Others are speculating from outside and the press wants to know the reasons why someone has been rejected. I think it’s an area we need to improve as Parliament,” Kadaga told visiting MPs.

She also applauded the people of Kenya for voting more Women into leadership during the last general elections.

“I am glad that finally the Kenyans have brought more women to Parliament using the new constitution. Kenya will be a better country now that women are on board,”she noted.

Speaker Kadaga urged them to ensure that the changes caused by the new constitution are institutionalised and reflected in the rules of procedure of Parliament.

She noted the need for the legislators across the region to share experiences with a view of improving participation in governance and decision making.

Senator Beatrice Elachi, the Chief Whip of the majority party in Kenya Senate, applauded Speaker Kadaga for being an inspiration for the women of East Africa and the African continent.

The 26 legislators from Kenya and three from Somaliland are in Uganda on a Parliamentary skills exchange programme to explore strategies for building and amplifying the women’s voice in economic and political development.