Nakuru—The National Dialogue Committee is turning its attention to the escalating cost of living, setting in motion a series of discussions and legislative actions. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who co-chairs the committee alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, announced that they will begin the talks at the Bomas of Kenya on October 31st.
According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, speaking at Nakuru’s Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge, experts will be invited to provide insights and assist the committee in formulating strategies to alleviate the financial burdens on Kenyans. In addition, the committee has directed its technical team to start crafting Bills that will implement the agreements reached between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio during ongoing negotiations. The Majority Leader mentioned that they are currently working on instruments for auditing elections and have agreed on creating two new positions in the executive: the office of the Official Opposition Leader and the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary. These positions are intended to improve inclusivity and accountability in governance.
Mr. Ichung’wah stated that discussions on the cost of living will not be resolved in one meeting. The committee aims to explore immediate, medium, and long-term solutions, planning to consult various experts for their input. With an additional 30-day extension approved by both the Senate and the National Assembly, the committee will continue to focus on other issues after completing discussions on the cost of living.
Kalonzo Musyoka emphasized that the matter is critical and necessitates immediate action, including the removal of specific taxes burdening Kenyans. He dispelled the notion that the cost of living has been sidelined, stating, “The cost of living is a heavy matter that will require serious sacrifices in terms of taking legislative action.”
On governance issues, Kalonzo added that creating the positions of Official Opposition Leader and Prime Cabinet Secretary would not only enhance checks and balances but also tackle the problem of exclusion that fuels ethnic politics in Kenya. He stated that the committee is making steady progress and will soon release its final report, which will include agreements on reconstituting the IEBC selection panel, implementing the two-thirds gender principle, and establishing the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).