President Ruto slams absentee lawmakers, urges swift action on Affordable Housing Bill

President William Ruto, who chaired the joint parliamentary group meeting, took a swipe at the lawmakers, whom he accused of being absent in their constituencies where the government is undertaking its projects. 

President Ruto called for a more responsible legislature that permits the executive to carry out its mandate, instructing MPs to call Cabinet Secretaries only when necessary, during the meeting to align parliament and the executive agenda.

“We have agreed that CS’s will be coming to parliament when it is very necessary. Some information can be gotten through other channels in those ministries.” Majority leader Kimani Ichungwah said. 

President Ruto also called on the lawmakers to pass the affordable housing bill to actualize the housing pillar in his administration.

Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal termed the housing tax unconstitutional, saying it had no legal framework.

“Housing remains one of our key agendas. As parliament, the ball is in your court. You have the bill already. What is remaining?” President Ruto posed. 

Members of Parliament  also raised concern over the CDF kitty. 

The Treasury made a commitment to have 10 billion shillings released next week for the NG-CDF kitty.

“CDF has been a challenge but we have agreed with the treasury that we have disbursements done including that next week MPs will get Ksh. 10B

Other issues to be discussed in the four day retreat includes a resolution by the Kenya Kwanza coalition to back Azimio leader Raila Odinga's bid for AU chairmanship.

The cabinet will kick off their 3 day workshop tomorrow