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Fireworks expected as MPs recalled to debate Huduma Bill

Monday, July 11th, 2022 18:39 | By
MPs recalled to debate Huduma Bill
Justin Muturi (centre), the National Assembly Speaker. PHOTO/PD/FILE

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has convened a special sitting on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

In a notice dated July 7, 2022, the Speaker recalled the legislators to consider several bills pending before the House.

The MPs will convene at the National Assembly Chamber for a morning and afternoon session at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm respectively.

Top on the agenda is the Huduma Bill which has elicited mixed reactions from members allied to the two main political camps in the House - Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja coalitions.

Several members allied to Deputy President William Ruto of the Kenya Kwanza alliance have opposed sections of the bill that seeks to provide a primary law on civil registration and legal identity.

The bill proposes to overhaul the civil registration and identity management ecosystem, promote efficient delivery of public services and provide the legal framework for the Huduma Namba.

Duale opposes Huduma Bill

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale has raised concerns that the Bill could lead to the scrapping of the Immigration department.

According to the former National Assembly majority leader, the proposed legislation grants the Cabinet Secretary for Interior broad authority on the issuance of the Huduma Card, passports, and other official identification cards.

He argues that if implemented in its current form, the proposed law could lock out persons without Huduma Namba cards from key government services.

“It can be used to deny Kenyans access to public services. There are so many Kenyans who never registered for the Huduma Namba,” Duale argued.

The MPs are also expected to consider a motion by the Departmental Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations regarding the ratification of a Defence Co-operation agreement between Kenya, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

The County Governments Additional Allocations Bill 2022 is also on the list of Bills expected to be discussed.

"First Reading, Second Reading, Committee of the Whole House and the Third Reading of the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill will also be discussed," noted Speaker Muturi.

The National Assembly adjourned indefinitely in early June to allow MPs to concentrate on campaigns ahead of the August polls.

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