Category: Explainers & Analysis

The panel is appointed for the tenure of a term of parliament (five years) and may be replaced at the behest of the Speaker in consultation with the leader of the nominating party. The panel meets weekly to consider arising procedural issues and the challenges of presiding in the House with the Deputy Speaker serving…

When 65-year-old Moses Masika Wetangula was elected as the Speaker of the 13th Parliament on Thursday 8 September 2022, he became the 8th Speaker in the history of the National Assembly. Others who have served in said office include Sir Humphrey Slade (1967-1970), Fred Gideon Mbiti (1970-1988), Moses Arap Keino (1988-1991), Jonathan Arap Ng’eno (1991-1993),…

The Oath of Office ceremony, which is officiated by the Clerks of the respective houses, was the key moment of the day as both MPs and the Speaker, once elected, had to subscribe to the oath.

The procedure for electing a Deputy Speaker is, for the most part, the same as that prescribed for the election of the Speaker of the Senate. However, if only one candidate has been fronted for election as Deputy Speaker, that candidate is to be declared immediately as elected Deputy Speaker of the Senate without any…

To be declared elected as Speaker, a candidate must garner votes of two-thirds or 45 of the 67 Senators in the House.

Electing a Speaker is a thorough procedure which starts with the declaration of said vacancy by the National Assembly clerk. Ergo, a vacancy in the office of the Speaker of Parliament occurs when the House first sits after a general election. Mr Justin Muturi served as the immediate former Speaker having first been elected in…

As the leader(s) of one arm of government, the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate are so crucial considering the two Houses cannot transact any business without a Speaker.