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The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Moses Masika Wetang’ula, E.G.H., MP, has appointed nine Members of Parliament to a mediation committee following the National Assembly’s rejection of Senate amendments to the Division of Revenue (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 38 of 2024). The appointment was announced on Friday, October 18, 2024, in the National Chamber.Rarieda MP Dr. Hon Otiende Amollo is a member of the CommitteeThe Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Moses Masika Wetang’ula, E.G.H., MP, has appointed nine Members of Parliament to a mediation committee following the National Assembly’s rejection of Senate amendments to the Division of Revenue (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 38 of 2024). The appointment was announced on Friday, October 18, 2024, in the National Chamber.
The Division of Revenue (Amendment) Bill aims to amend the Division of Revenue Act, 2024, by adjusting the revenue-sharing formula between the national and county governments. The revision reflects a downward adjustment in projected ordinary revenue collection for the financial year 2024/25. Initially passed by the National Assembly on August 7, 2024, the Bill later went to the Senate, where it was passed with amendments on October 3, 2024. However, the National Assembly rejected these amendments on October 16, 2024, prompting the need for mediation.
Speaker Wetang’ula emphasized the importance of mediation as per Article 112 of the Constitution and Standing Order 149. He informed the House, stating, “Honourable Members, as you are aware, on Wednesday, 16th October 2024, the House rejected the Motion on consideration of the Senate amendments to the Division of Revenue (Amendment) Bill 2024 essentially committing the Bill to mediation as in accordance with Article 112 of the Constitution and Standing Order 149.”
Following consultations with the Majority and Minority Party Leaders, the Speaker appointed the following MPs to the mediation committee:
- Hon. Ndindi Nyoro, CBS
- Hon. Mary Emaase
- Hon. (Dr.) John Chikati
- Hon. David Ochieng
- Hon. David Kiplagat
- Hon. (Dr.) Otiende Amollo
- Hon. Fatuma Jehow
- Hon. (Dr.) Makali Mulu
- Hon. (Dr.) Ojiambo Oundo
The selected members will collaborate with an equal number of Senators, who are yet to be appointed, to deliberate and agree on a unified version of the Bill. The mediation committee’s objective is to bridge the differences between the National Assembly and Senate, ensuring that the amended Bill reflects a consensus that can be approved by both Houses.
This development is a crucial step in revising the revenue-sharing framework, which will affect the allocation of funds to county governments across the nation. The outcome of the mediation process is highly anticipated, as it will have a direct impact on budgetary planning and fiscal management for both levels of government.
