MCAs risk losing seats as Nairobi Speaker cracks down on absenteeism

City MCAs who fail to attend plenary sessions risk losing their seats after Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Ken Ngondi vowed to take action against persistent absenteeism.

Ngondi, frustrated by repeated quorum challenges, said on Thursday that absentee MCAs must take their legislative duties seriously or face the consequences outlined in the law.

"Members, as we prepare to go for the short recess, I would like to make this communication, and this should serve as a wake-up call. This might necessitate action towards the unbecoming behavior of some of our members," he said while addressing those present in the chamber.

He pointed out that continued absenteeism has delayed critical legislative business and warned that he would review attendance records once the assembly resumes.

Ngondi stressed that the issue has become a serious problem and that the law is clear on the consequences for members who neglect their responsibilities.

"The unbecoming behavior and attitude of members towards their responsibility is clear, and the law and other constitutional requirements outline the consequences," he said.

According to Standing Order 252(1) of the Nairobi City County Assembly, an MCA who misses eight sittings without written permission from the speaker is reported to the assembly, and the matter is referred to the Committee of Privileges for review.

If found guilty, the speaker is required to declare the seat vacant, forcing the affected MCA to seek re-election.

Ngondi hinted that 10 to 12 MCAs who have rarely attended sessions in the past year could be the first to face disciplinary action.

At the same time, the assembly leadership is set to make changes to sectoral committees through respective political parties.

The speaker directed party whips to reconstitute all house committees, as the two-and-a-half-year tenure for members serving in committees has come to an end.