Faith Masita
Leaders from the United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement have agreed to establish a parliamentary mediation committee to fast-track the implementation of pending legislative proposals emerging from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), in a move aimed at accelerating key reforms under the country’s broad-based government framework.
The resolution was reached during a joint parliamentary group meeting held at the Kenya International Convention Centre in Nairobi, where lawmakers from both sides pledged to deepen cooperation in Parliament to ensure the timely passage of the outstanding reform agenda.
Speaking during the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed that the broad-based government arrangement remains focused on delivering tangible results for Kenyans.
“The Broad-Based Government continues to deliver on its mandate to the people, including the 10-Point Agenda,” the leaders said in a joint address. “Our focus remains on uniting the country, stabilising the economy, reducing the cost of living by lowering inflation, enhancing agricultural productivity and expanding health coverage under the Social Health Authority.”
The meeting emphasised that the mediation committee will be tasked with reviewing the remaining legislative proposals arising from the national dialogue process and ensuring they are introduced and debated in Parliament without unnecessary delays.
“We have agreed to form a parliamentary broad-based mediation committee to accelerate the implementation of the outstanding items presented for legislation by NADCO,” the leaders announced.
Beyond legislative reforms, the leaders highlighted progress made under the government’s development agenda, citing large-scale infrastructure investments, youth employment initiatives and increased support to county governments.
“Additionally, we have embarked on ambitious infrastructure development across the country, expanded job opportunities for our youth, and continue to strengthen devolution by increasing funding to counties,” the leaders said.
The leaders also addressed governance and justice concerns, noting that the administration had initiated a number of reforms aimed at improving accountability and protecting citizens’ rights.
“On the administration of justice, we have implemented police reforms and compensation of victims of protests,” the leaders said, adding that safeguarding the rights of demonstrators should remain a priority in the country’s democratic space.
In that regard, they called on the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to spearhead legislative proposals that would enhance the protection of protestors.
“We also call on the Kenya National Human Rights Commission to propose a law to Parliament on the protection of protestors,” they said.
The joint meeting is seen as a significant step in consolidating cooperation between the two major political formations as they seek to push through a reform agenda while maintaining political stability.
Political observers say the formation of the mediation committee could help unlock some of the reforms that emerged from the national dialogue process, which were designed to address governance concerns and reduce political tensions.
By prioritising the NADCO proposals in Parliament, leaders from both sides signalled their intention to sustain the momentum of the dialogue process while focusing on economic recovery and national unity.
