Njeri Irungu
27 January 2025,
Naivasha, Kenya.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has called on Members of Parliament to take stock of their performance, refocus on their constitutional mandate, and strategically prioritise the agenda of the Fifth Session as the House moves closer to the next General Election.
Speaking while presiding over the 2026 Legislative Retreat for Members of the National Assembly at Lake Naivasha Resort in Nakuru County, the Speaker described the forum as a critical moment for reflection and forward planning. The retreat is being held under the theme “Securing Parliamentary Legacy: Delivering the Fifth Session’s Agenda and Preparing for Transition.”
With approximately seventeen months remaining before the next General Election, Wetang’ula noted that political activity is expected to intensify, making it imperative for Members to pause and recommit to their core responsibilities. He reminded legislators of their enduring constitutional duty to legislate, provide oversight, and represent the people of Kenya with dignity, purpose, and integrity.
The Speaker emphasised the central role of Parliament in the budget-making process, underscoring what he termed the Members’ “power of the purse.” He urged MPs to give keen attention to Estimates and numerical adjustments, noting that figures in the budget must be firmly anchored in sound policy considerations that directly address national priorities and the needs of citizens.
Beyond legislative business, Wetang’ula also highlighted the importance of wellness, coexistence, and camaraderie among Members. He cited the 15th East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Inter-Parliamentary Games held in Uganda from December 7 to 17 as a positive example, where Kenyan legislators experienced the value of health, fitness, and general well-being, while recording commendable performances across various sporting disciplines.
The Speaker commended the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly, led by Clerk Samuel Njoroge, for conceptualising a retreat theme he described as timely, deliberate, and deeply relevant. He noted that the theme speaks not only to the current position of the House but also to the broader national context as Parliament prepares to conclude its Fifth Session and manage an orderly transition.
The 2026 Legislative Retreat continues with deliberations expected to shape the National Assembly’s legislative and oversight agenda in the final stretch before the next electoral cycle.