Lobby group wants Senate removed from draft law

By LUCAS BARASAPosted Wednesday, December 16 2009 at 21:37

A lobby group has opposed the establishment of a Senate because it “will be an unnecessary expense for taxpayers.”

Instead of the Senate, the Kenya Alliance of Residents Associations (Kara) proposes annual meetings between the national government and the district representatives.

Parliament can also provide for public consultation by its committees with districts and local authorities on policy or legislative proposals likely to have special relevance for them.

Kara chief executive Stephen Mutoro said there should be only one system of government — presidential or parliamentary — adding that a hybrid system might affect service delivery and be too complex.

“It must be expressly clear on who between the President and the Prime Minister has the last word on issues of national interest,” Mr Mutoro said.
Section 184 (3) of the draft, Kara added, should provide that at least half of the ministers must be non-MPs.

All ministers ought to appoint individuals of their choice to act as MPs during their tenure, the lobby said.

Commending the composition and powers of the proposed Judicial Service Commission, the lobby, however, said that its role should be confined to the appointment and removal of judges.

Judges, Kara said, should be appointed without involving the President.

Kara said all serving judges should be vetted on the commencement of the new constitution and that instead of abolishing constitutional courts, a special division should be created.

Strengthened

The association said local authorities should be strengthened instead of establishing regional governments. On land, it said powers of the proposed National Land Commission should be scaled down to stem possible abuse or inefficiency.

Meanwhile, Committee of Experts director Ekuru Aukot said that today’s deadline for presentation of views will not be extended. Dr Aukot said his team was overwhelmed by views and described the one month given to people to present their views as successful

“We don’t need an extension. It is the law that defines the time frame,” Dr Aukot said in his office in Westlands, Nairobi.

He said that despite the deadline, Kenyans will still be free to continue debating the constitution as the process is ongoing.

The Maasai led by Heritage minister William ole Ntimama, the Iteso led by former assistant minister Albert Ekirapa and the Kenya Christian Churches Forum headed by Bishop Gerry Kibarabara were among groups which gave their views on Thursday.

Source:nation.co.ke/