renaissance. The transition from the old order to the new demands a slew of new laws. Over 50 Bills must be debated and passed by Parliament. To make things more interesting, the transition process is driven by a rather strict timetable. Failure to pass certain legislation in time will mean the automatic dissolution of Parliament prompting fresh elections. However, it allows Parliament a window to delay enactment of a law once by up to one year before the dissolution option is taken. The national cohesion I see
around Kenya now and the political unity of purpose I feel among Members of Parliament, the cabinet and the people must not wear off because the job is not yet done. This is an incredible moment for my country, my Parliament and my people. It is exactly like the words of scriptures: “When I was a child my speech, feelings and thinking were that of a child; but now that I am a man, I have no more use for childish ways.” Kenya no longer has any use for childish ways; our youth is behind us, maturity, stability and prosperity beckon us yonder, and the men and women of this 10th Parliament are the ones to lead our people on this new path.
in governance by allocating them special seats in both Chambers of Parliament and county governments.
Reforming the judiciary Under the new constitution, the judiciary is also vastly transformed. Kenya will for the first time have a Supreme Court, whose President shall be the nation's Chief Justice.
As mentioned earlier, all High Court judges, judges of the Court of Appeal and judges of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice, will undergo parliamentary scrutiny after nomination by the President. The Supreme Court will have
exclusive jurisdiction to hear petitions arising from presidential elections and must dispose of them within 21 days.
The new Chamber of the House which is currently being refurbished.
Above the entrance to our debating Chamber in Nairobi, the following words are prominently emblazoned: For the welfare and just government of men. I have never felt equal to the spirit and letter of the aspiration and duty represented by those words despite walking through the entrance for a quarter of a century now. The words “Honourable
The transformation now begins
Despite all these benefits, and as I noted initially, plenty remains to be done to complete this national
Member” in Kenya now come with substance and less tapestry. The 10th Parliament and the present generation of Kenyans leave a great legacy for Parliaments and generations to come after us.
The Parliamentarian | 2010: Issue Three - Kenya | 9