Kenyan Cabinet Barred From Travelling Abroad

Cabinet Meeting - In kenya

Nairobi,Kenya 8th March … President Mwai Kibaki has barred Cabinet Ministers and their assistants from travelling outside Kenya to ensure they attend parliamentary debates on the draft Constitution. In a move to ensure the country attain the constitution after two decades of waiting the president issued the directive to ensure Ministers attend parliament Session. Parliament is supposed to debate contents of the draft for 30 days after which it would be published and subjected to a national referendum. In a circular dated last Friday and released by the Government Spokesman Dr.Alfred Mutua The president noted that it was vital for ministers to be in the country and take part in the constitution debate .

Kenyan Cabinet which is one of the largest in Sub Saharan Africa comprises of 42 ministers and over 90 Assistant ministers who are members of Parliament and their numbers would be important in making any amendments in the draft since Kenyan constitution requires two thirds majority (148 MPs) to make any changes in any bill before the house. The circular was signed by Head of Public Service, Mr Francis Muthaura and copied to Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.

Parliament proceedings in Kenya are at times marred by lack of quorum and the Speaker has on several occasions warned ministers to be available in the House to answer questions involving their dockets a move seen to have contributed to president’s decision. Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua released the circular to journalists and said ministers’ absence in the House had been explained by travels abroad. Government protocol requires that ministers get clearance from the President before travel ling abroad. The Draft Constitution was tabled in Parliament last week and MPs have 30 days of debate once it comes up for the second reading. A retreat for MPs is planned for this week in Naivasha to seek consensus on pending issues The President directive takes effect immediately,” added Dr Mutua.

© 2010, Paul Mwaura. All rights reserved. – Reproduction of Newstime Africa content on any other news medium without the prior consent or approval of the publishers is forbidden, and in direct contravention of International copyright laws. Violators will be pursued and prosecuted.