Parliamentary committees will play key roles in the new era

By Joe Nyaga

The British parliamentary system or Westminster model that we inherited at independence did not initially have a strong committee system. The main system consisted of Government and Opposition sides in Parliament. In addition, the Opposition got its way through questions to the Prime Minister and the ministers. But as the economies and democracies became more sophisticated, the question time did not provide enough time for Parliament to analyse, in details, what the Executive was doing.

In the case of the US system, a strong committee (secretaries) has existed for a long time in the Congress. One of the reasons is that since their ministers do not sit in the Congress (Senate or House of Representatives), a mechanism had to be found whereby Congress could interrogate the Executive. A minister can be called by the committee or can ask to meet the committee. This contact is important for a democracy to nourish and the ministry to achieve its goals.

In the Kenyan experience, our parliamentary system has been Westminster type. Over the last two parliaments or so, the committee structure has grown in status and influence. Initially, the Public Accounts Committee was the best known for mwananchi saw it as the committee that "harasses" senior public officers. Today there are committees covering every ministerial sector. For example, my Co-operatives ministry is monitored by the Parliamentary Committee on Agricultural and Productive Sector. If I need the public to understand what my ministry is doing or planning, I may ask the committee to listen to me. The committee also calls me from time to time to understand issues in my ministry. These sessions allow for more detailed discussions than would be the case at the question session in Parliament. The committee sessions are often covered by the Press, and except for serious security issues, this should be encouraged. It is only by having such open and transparent sessions will Kenyans know the truth. It is their right to know and is part of the democratic process.

Since these committees are going to play key roles, especially under the new Constitution, the Executive and Legislature must read from the same script. Sessions with committees must not be perceived as contests, but as solving an issue of public interest.

Chapter Six of the new Constitution deals with Leadership and Integrity. It defines clearly the qualities of our future leaders. They must be of high esteem. This Chapter does not only cover the Executive and Judiciary but also the Legislature. I foresee a day soon when political parties will appoint MP’s of the highest integrity and experience to parliamentary committees.

I foresee when one who has a conflict of interest in an issue will disqualify himself from handling an issue. I foresee when a party will not nominate somebody in ‘inappropriate’ committee.

The days when a person leaves civil service or business world, in order to protect his or her interests by becoming an MP, and then lobby to join a particular committee to "protect" their interests, should be something of the past.

I have served in the Foreign and Defence Committee of the House. I know that as the media continue doing exposing issues all public officers, including members of parliamentary committees, will have to be more careful. The civil societies, NGOs, and Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission are playing their part in democratising our country. The country is likely to even more economically as all these actors play their positive roles.

The writer is minister for Co-operative Development and Marketing