The civil society in Nakuru yesterday applauded the Shujaaz Awards, a programme to recognises lawmakers from the senate and national assembly who have made positive contribution to issues affecting Kenyans.
Nakuru County Human Rights Network director David Kuria said that the move to honour legislators’ contributions was timely and will boost development in Kenya.
“The programme will drive the MPs and senators towards pushing for the interests of the public in parliament, leading to development in the country,” Kuria told our reporter, adding that lawmakers ought to make proper legislations for the country to realise meaningful development.
Kuria further said that the process that will culminate in awarding of best performing legislators will boost their morale to fight for the good of Kenyans in both houses.
“We must champion for the ideas with a positive impact that will see the country moving forward to realising Vision 2030,” he noted.
The Shujaaz Awards is being organised by Mzalendo, a non-governmental organisation that monitors MPs’ contributions on the floor of the house and keeps records of their performance through scrutiny of parliament’s website and the hansard.
The organisation has already identified three nominees in 10 categories based on the dominant topics discussed in parliament ranging from: education, water, health and budgetary oversight.
Names of those who have already been lined up to receive honours have been published in local dailies ahead of the rewards.
The move comes amid suspicion of parliament by the public over passage of controversial bills which have been met with a huge outcry from Kenyans. Major among the opposed bills was the move by MPs to increase their.
Voting in the programme will take place online at mzalendo.com and closes on December 7 and the awards will be presented on December 11.