Wednesday, June 8, 2022 marked the last sitting of the 2nd County Assembly of Tharaka Nithi presided over by the Speaker, Hon David John Mbaya at Kathwana.
During the sitting, Hon Mbaya acknowledged that the assembly had been able distinguish itself from the foundation of the 1st Assembly and that it had improved on its output in terms of responding to issues affecting the county, motions and the number and quality of bills passed.
The Speaker lauded the members for going above and beyond their call of duty in discharging their constitutional mandate, considering 39 bills, 37 of which have been assented to law saying there was need to appreciate the foundation laid by the 2nd Assembly unlike the 1st Assembly that faced numerous challenges that affected its operationalization.
“It is my hope and prayer that the 3rd Assembly will carry on the exemplary execution of important tasks of legislation and oversight of the County Executive. I wish to thank the members for their zeal and commitment in execution of their mandate despite challenges”- Tharaka Nithi County Speaker, Hon John Mbaya
According to the practice and standing orders of the Assembly, house business that have not been concluded at the end of the session such as bills and statements have lapsed and may be considered a fresh in the 3rd Assembly.
Bills that are pending at second reading include The Tharaka Nithi County Equitable Development Bill (2019) and The Tharaka Nithi Livestock Sales Yard Bill (2020)
Various milestones achieved by the Assembly include refurbishment and improvement of county assembly offices at Chuka, the procurement of the county assembly bus, procurement of the speaker’s vehicle and the construction of the official speaker’s residence at Kathwana.
The 2nd Assembly held its first and successful sitting outside County Assembly chambers dubbed “Bunge Mashinani” and has developed various policies and strategic plan.
Hon Mbaya thanked the executive arm of government led by H.E Governor Muthomi Njuki for the cooperation and support extended to the Assembly, saying the functional relationship between the two arms of government ensured smooth operation of government and the Assembly.
The Clerk of the Assembly is set to issue a memo giving guidance on matters of clearance, hand over of ward offices and expected transition of staff, with both the Assembly and committees expected to seize to conduct business after the Assembly was adjourned.
A special sitting may be called in consideration to urgent and important county issues.
“It has been a great honor, privilege to serve as Speaker of the 2nd Assembly. I am humbled by the immense confidence, trust and support extended to my office” - Tharaka Nithi County Speaker, Hon John Mbaya
The 2nd Assembly has elevated a sense of duty for members, with 3 of the MCA’s considering higher elective positions.
MCA Muthambi Ward Hon Wilson Nyaga has been picked by incumbent Governor Muthomi Njuki as his running mate while MCA Mukothima Ward Hon Julius Mwenda Gataya seeks to replace Kithure Kindiki at the Senate.
Marimanti MCA Susan Ngugi will be contesting for the Woman Representative position under TSP.
A section of MCA’S that included Hon Wilson Nyaga, Hon Mwenda Gataya, Karingani Ward MCA Hon Godfrey Murithi, Magumoni Ward MCA Justin Kithinji, Nominated MCA’s Hon Anita Karimi Mbae and Hon Karen Karimi Gitonga expressed their delight and gratification with the Assembly, saying it would go down in history as one of the best in the county and that it had achieved a lot.
“I am happy for the work that has been done in this county under the leadership of H.E Governor Muthomi Njuki. We have passed bills and motions and have achieved a milestone” – Hon Godfrey Murithi.
“The Speaker has presided over big brains and great people in this Assembly. We seemed weak when we came to this house but now, we leave strong. Through the Clerk and his office, we have achieved much” – Hon Justin Kithinji
“We have gone through a lot and learnt from numerous experiences. This was a peaceful Assembly, and an Assembly of intellects. We had the best Assembly” – Hon Anita Karimi Mbae
“This Assembly will go down in history as the best Assembly in the county. It has produced worthy and prominent leaders for the future” – Hon Mwenda Gataya
Mariani MCA Hon Erastus Kinyua conveyed his dissatisfaction with the County Government and 2nd Assembly, saying the government was not all inclusive and that for 5 years it had not funded projects in his ward appropriately.
Hon Kinyua stated mistreatment and disconnection from the Muthomi Njuki led government.
Marimanti MCA Susan Ngugi joined in expressing her discontent with the government, noting that the County Assembly lacked the Ward Development Fund which is a major development hurdle in the county.
Completion of the construction of County Headquarter Offices at Kathwana was a concern among the members, with the Shs 400 million project stalling due to contractual issues.
The project that started in 2015 was expected to be completed in 3 years but has left members of the County Assembly to conduct business in a makeshift ‘mabati’ chambers.
Comments