Government to blame for sluggish implementation of the new constitution, says Marende

By PETER OPIYOParliament has blamed the government for the slow pace in implementation of the new Constitution.
National Assembly Speaker Mr Kenneth Marende said even though parliament is committed to the implementation process, its Bills in-tray is starved of crucial pieces of legislation required to implement the Constitution, courtesy of the government’s reluctance.
"The larger blame lies with the government, the Bills didn’t come until last week, and they are only two for that matter," said Marende.
He was referring to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries commission Bill, which seeks to establish a credible electoral body and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission Bill, tabled in Parliament last week.

House Speaker Mr Kenneth Marende  [Picture  by Martin Mukangu/Standard]

These are the only Bills introduced by the government since President Kibaki opened Special Session of Parliament on March 22, 2011.
During the introduction of the IEBC Bill, nominated MP, George Nyamweya raised concerns that the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee may not scrutinise the Bill owing to the infighting in the Committee.
Some members want the Chairman and Budalang’i MP, Ababu Namwamba removed from the position, arguing they have no confidence in him. The dispute is with the Speaker’s office.
And on Tuesday, Mr Marende played down the infighting as having the potential of delaying scrutiny of the Bills, saying parliament can opt to refer the Bills to any committee and not necessarily the one dealing with Legal Affairs.
"There is no golden rule that it is only the Justice Committee that can prepare a report on the Bills. Parliament is an institution and it is at liberty to delegate a matter to any committee, including discussing the same at the plenary," said Marende.
Parliamentary committees are usually required to scrutinise Bills falling within their provide and compile reports on the same for discussions by MPs at the plenary. It is part of these reports that form the basis of amendments on the Bills. Other MPs are also at liberty to come up with amendments.