Bahati Member of Parliament Irene Njoki on Monday May 5, 2025 led constituents in a public participation forum on the Constitution of Kenya Amendment Bill No.4 of 2025.
The forum that was also attended by key stakeholders saw members of the public give their views on the Bill.
According to the Lawmaker, the session focused on proposed amendments to entrench the NG-CDF, Senate Oversight Fund, and Affirmative Action Fund in the Constitution.
She lauded the forum terming it a vital step in ensuring citizens have a voice in shaping laws that directly impact service delivery and national equity.
The National Assembly has embark on a nationwide public participation exercise on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 4 of 2025).
This follows a Communication read by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Moses Wetang’ula.
This Bill seeks to amend the Constitution to formally entrench the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), the Senate Oversight Fund, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
The Bill, which underwent its First Reading on March 12, 2025, and was subsequently referred to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, necessitates thorough public engagement as mandated by the Constitution.
Speaker Wetang’ula, in his communication to the House, underscored the gravity of amending the nation’s supreme law acknowledging the process should adhere to constitutional principles.
“Honourable Members, as observed by our courts, amending of a country’s constitution, more so our Constitution, should be a sacrosanct public undertaking and its processes must be undertaken very transparently and in strict compliance with the country’s supreme law,” said the Speaker.
Speaker Wetang’ula added that, “Article 256(2) of the Constitution provides that ‘Parliament shall publicise any Bill to amend the Constitution, and facilitate public discussion about the Bill.’’ it is for this reason that we must therefore conduct a granular public participation exercise on this Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025.”
Recognizing the need for comprehensive input beyond the initial call for written memoranda issued on March 15, 2025, the House Business Committee and the National Assembly General Legislative Caucus resolved to expand the public participation exercise significantly.
, , , , , , .
