How do you understand our new Constitution? Who is superior between Parliament and Senate? A battle for seniority has kicked off between the senate and the national assembly.
Members Of Parliament on Tuesday seemed angered by reference to them as the lower house and they painstakingly took to the floor of the house to prove that they are not under the senate. NTV’s Ben Kitilli has the drama in the battle for supremacy in Parliament.
The ongoing power struggle between Kenya’s National Assembly (commonly known as the National Assembly) and the Senate has intensified, with both chambers vying for legislative supremacy. This conflict, often referred to as the “supremacy battle,” revolves around disputes over legislative roles, budgetary control, and constitutional interpretation.
Key Issues Fueling the Supremacy Battle
Legislative Overlap and Role Confusion: The Senate has challenged the National Assembly’s enactment of over 20 laws without its involvement, arguing that such actions violate the bicameral legislative process outlined in the Constitution. Senators have taken legal action, marching to the High Court to seek judicial interpretation on their role in the legislative process.
Budgetary Disputes: Senators are pushing for a more active role in the national budget-making process, asserting that financial matters should not be the exclusive domain of MPs. This has led to tensions, with senators demanding that future budget estimates be tabled before the Senate for debate.
Constitutional Interpretation and Disputes: The National Assembly has accused the Senate of overstepping its mandate, particularly in areas not related to county governance. This has led to calls for the Attorney-General to convene an urgent meeting to clarify the roles of the two houses.
Proposed Constitutional Amendments: Some MPs have proposed the abolition of the Senate and the positions of nominated MPs and Members of County Assemblies, arguing that these roles are redundant and overburden taxpayers. Such proposals would require a constitutional amendment through a referendum.
Presidential Intervention
President William Ruto has intervened, urging both houses to resolve their differences without resorting to litigation. He emphasized the need for a framework to address disputes between the Senate and National Assembly, expressing regret over the wastage of public resources in settling conflicts between public institutions.
Public Perception and Accountability
The ongoing supremacy battle has drawn public criticism, especially amid widespread protests over lawmakers’ opulent lifestyles and perceived financial mismanagement. Social media platforms have amplified youth backlash, leading to demonstrations and calls for greater accountability from elected officials.
Conclusion
The supremacy battle between Kenya’s National Assembly and Senate underscores the complexities of a bicameral legislative system and the challenges of defining clear roles and responsibilities. While the Constitution provides a framework, ongoing disputes highlight the need for further clarification and cooperation to ensure effective governance and public trust.
