National Assembly Mid-Term Retreat to Focus on Legislative Progress and Economic Strategies

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This session will address increasing budgetary needs and rising public demand for service delivery, offering insights into fiscal strategies ahead of the 2025/26 Budget cycle.

Lawmakers are set to gather for the 2025 National Assembly mid-term retreat from Monday, January 27, to Friday, January 31, in Naivasha, Nakuru County. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.

Lawmakers are set to gather for the 2025 National Assembly mid-term retreat from Monday, January 27, to Friday, January 31, in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

Themed “Marshalling House Business: Progress Made This Far and Lessons Learnt,” the retreat aims to review milestones achieved during the first three sessions of the 13th Parliament and chart the legislative roadmap for the fourth session.

A central focus of the retreat will be proposed constitutional amendments to entrench three critical funds: the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), the Senate Oversight Fund, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.

These amendments are seen as pivotal in strengthening resource allocation and governance mechanisms.

Economic issues will also take center stage, with Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary of the National Treasury, scheduled to provide an overview of Kenya’s economic landscape.

This session will address increasing budgetary needs and rising public demand for service delivery, offering insights into fiscal strategies ahead of the 2025/26 Budget cycle.

Additionally, legislators will review key finance sector laws, including the Business Laws (Amendment) Act and the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Act, and assess their impact on economic growth and public finance management.

The retreat will also provide updates on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a cornerstone of Kenya’s development agenda. Dr. Abdi Mohammed, Chairperson of the Social Health Authority (SHA), will brief participants on the implementation of the Social Health Act and the Digital Health Act.

Discussions will center on challenges faced during the UHC rollout and strategies to enhance its effectiveness.

Other legislative priorities include reviewing progress on the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2023, led by Hon. (Dr.) Makali Mulu, which is nearing its final vote.

Stakeholders such as Mr. Alfred M. Kagika, Secretary/Director of Pensions in the National Treasury, and former MPs Hon. Joseph Limo and Hon. (Prof.) Jacqueline Oduol, will provide additional insights.

The retreat will also evaluate Kenya’s performance in the 14th Edition of the EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, held in December 2024 in Mombasa. Lawmakers will explore how the games can enhance East African Community integration.

Bringing together the Presidium, House leadership, committee chairs, and all Members of Parliament, this retreat marks a critical juncture for reflecting on progress, addressing national challenges, and planning future legislative priorities.

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