This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
On May 19, 2020, the Senate Business Committee announced plans to submit proposed amendments to the Standing Orders, paving the way for virtual sittings in the Senate.
According to Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka, a hybrid arrangement will be implemented, where 29 Members of Parliament (MPs) will participate in proceedings using video conference service Zoom, while up to 28 remain in the Chamber under physical distancing rules.
Parliament is also searching for a venue that can accommodate all 67 Senators, with the option of finding a larger venue still being pursued.
Senate Speaker Lusaka emphasized that the Senate is exploring other online measures, similar to those applied by the European Union and the House of Congress, to enable members to make deliberations through email.
He cited the example of the European Union, where Members voted by email from their home countries for the first time in the EU Parliament's 62-year history.
Senate Leaders Samuel Poghisio and James Orengo, along with Senators Moses Kajwang, Abshiro Halake, and Sam Ongeri, welcomed the proposals, stating that Parliament must adopt new innovations to carry out its representation, legislative, and oversight mandate.
