Should we allow MPs to be Ministers also???

The present constitution of Kenya allows Members of Parliament (MP) to hold Ministerial Offices also. Whereas, in the proposed constitution it states that:

“Qualifications and disqualifications for election as member of Parliament

99 (2) A person is disqualified from being elected a Member of Parliament if the person—

(a) is a State officer or other public officer, other than a Member of Parliament;”

In my opinion, when holding two offices at the same time, an MP would not be able to serve his people as effectively as he would be able to if he only held one office. For example Benadict Gunda, the Bahari MP had his constituency voted as the best in project implementation. I think he managed to achieve this as he is only an MP. When an MP holds two offices, it means both his constituents as well as his ministerial office needs him for five years. In one way or the other he would end up not being able to perform both duties diligently.

In the new constitution it also states that Ministers aren’t allowed to have an assistant therefore, making them answerable to their ministries.

“In the new Kenyan Constitution, MPs will pay taxes, the number of ministers will be reduced by half and voters will be able to recall MPs who fail to discharge their duties properly.” This piece of information is quoted from the Zambian Watchdog.

Comparing Kenya’s Draft Constitution to that of Burundi’s I believe that ours is a bit more fair. In Burundi, the Ministers are appointed by the President (60% Hutus and 40% Tutsis) the Senate (like MPs compared to Kenya) is elected per their ethnic groups (50% Tutsis and 50% Hutus).

I am in support of the Draft Constitution because I believe that in the long run we would make a big stride in development and our leaders in the Government would take a more responsible role in their Ministries. There would be less corruption and more accountability if these two duties were to be separated.

What do you think? Please leave your comments.

Thank you :)

Kenya harmonized draft constitution unveileded

The unveiling of the Draft Constitution at KICC.

The President of Kenya rooting for a new Constitution in the coming Referendum.