This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On July 8, 2020, Mzalendo Trust released the Annual Parliamentary Scorecard for the 3rd Session of the 12th Parliament, highlighting a low legislative output and a concerning trend of silent MPs.
According to the report, the number of MPs who made no contributions was on the rise, with a record 21 making no contribution in 2019. This is a worrying trend, especially considering that 22 members did not utter a single word during the entire session.
Among the silent MPs were Hon. Oscar Sudi (Kapseret) and Hon. Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West), who have made zero contributions since 2017. The list of silent MPs also included 16 men from the National Assembly, with the remaining 5 being women.
Mzalendo Trust Executive Director, Caroline Gaita, emphasized the importance of MPs' contributions in the House, stating, 'The role of an MP encompasses the three aspects of legislation, oversight and representation. While we recognize that the latter can take place in Committees and Constituencies respectively, it is imperative to note that legislative development primarily takes place in the House.'
The best-performing MPs at the National Assembly were Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), David Sankok (Nominated), Wilberforce Ojiambo (Funyula), Robert Pukose (Endebess), and Benson Makali (Kitui Central). The leading lights at the Senate were Ledama Ole Kina (Narok), Moses Wetangula (Bungoma), Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho), Ochilo Ayako (Migori), and Getrude Musuruve (Nominated).
The report also highlighted the need for Parliament to enhance technological uptake to ensure public participation and equitable representation of the people, as enshrined in the Constitution.
