Kisii Governor James Ongwae has challenged the national assembly to extend the tenure for CIC so that it can oversee bills that are yet to be passed by the assembly for comprehensive implementation of the 2010 constitution.
He was speaking on Thursday at Gusii stadium during the launch of the second assessment of the systems of devolved government and the 2014/2015 annual report by the commission on the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC).
“When the national assembly extended the deadline for passage of the pending bill, I thought they could also consider extending the term for CIC so that it can oversee implementation of the remaining bills,” Mr Ongwae suggested.
His concerns were supported by Uasin Gishu deputy governor Daniel Kiprotich who proposed extension of terms for CIC and other constitutional commissions.
“Tenure for CIC and other bodies should be extended to ensure successful implementation of the constitution. How can we have players playing in the field without a referee? It's hard to adjudicate the match without the referee,” said Mr Kiprotich.
He added: “Funds should be sent to counties at the beginning of every month to avoid salary delay.”
In a quick rejoinder, CIC chairman Charles Nyachae was adamant to comment on the extension of their term pending bills that the national assembly pushed for another one year.
“We have carried out our mandate as the commission in our level best and since we respect the rule of law, we cannot talk on that subject; extension of our term. We uphold rule of law,” responded CIC chair Nyachae.
According to the fourth schedule, the national assembly had till August 27, 2015 to pass all bills before the end of term for CIC in office which is slated for December 2015. That means if the commission’s term ends in December, there will be no commission to oversee and implement bills passed in the national assembly.
Among the pending bills that the August house extended their deadline to August 27, 2016, is the two-third gender rule that emphasizes on gender equity.