Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has hit out at County Assembly Speaker Anne Kiusya for derailing the enactment of a law to enable the Youth and Women special fund also known as ‘Wikwatyo’ Fund.
Speaker Kiusya on Tuesday postponed the debate on the motion, which was already listed in the order paper, after adjourning sittings.
In a quick response to the move, Governor Wavinya called a Press briefing at her office, where she described Speaker Kiusya’s action as senseless and irresponsible.
“The decision to adjourn the Assembly before passing the Wikwatyo Fund bill was an act of irresponsibility and senselessness.
What will you tell the youths and women whose dreams you have silenced?
I urge the county assembly to reconvene and pass the wikwatyo fund bill” said Governor Wavinya.
READ ALSO:
KNUT affirms strong solidarity with Ugandan teachers at Kampala conference
She described the adjournment and rescheduling of the motion as a waste of public funds since it will have to be gazetted again, and MCAs will earn allowances for the subsequent sitting.
The Governor regretted that the youth and women were waiting to receive funds in January, but those funds will not be disbursed.
MCAs present at the Press briefing said the postponement of a motion already on the order paper was unprocedural.
According to standing orders, business can be deferred only by a resolution of members. This did not happen. It is unfortunate,” said Ekalakala MCA Stephen Mwanthi, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
County Assembly Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka Wangondi also said the Speaker erred in making the decision.
“We had four agendas today, but unfortunately, the speaker purported to use her desecration to defer two of the items in the order paper. The speaker has no such powers. She did not quote any standing order while deferring the business of the day,” said Wangondi.
Also postponed was a motion on the County Annual Development Plan, which may impact the passing of the budget, as the budget is prepared within stringent timelines.
During the morning session, the Speaker presided over the swearing-in of the newly elected Mumbuni North MCA, Hon. Antony Kisoi.
By Stephen Muthini.
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
