ICJ Launches Parliaments Score Card

This follows the launch of score card that will check their performance both inside and outside Parliament

The score card has been launched by the International Commission of Jurists in conjunction with other key organizations from the United States and United Kingdom

ICJ will be working in conjunction with USAID and UKAID.

Part of the score card will be to show how the two chambers of parliament have been working since they were created when the new constitution came into force

According to ICJ Executive Director George Kegoro, the publication will review parliament’s compliance with the constitution

Kegoro says the code of ethics for public servants will also be part of the focus.

ICJ is proposing revision of code of ethics to allow declaration of wealth by civil servants made public to allow their perusal by the public

The organization proposes that action be taken against those who fail to adhere to the code of ethics.

The Parliament Watch Report comes at a time when the new bicameral system of parliament is facing challenges to do with the division of responsibilities between the two houses.

The report blames handouts from MPs as the cause for the high and largely unsustainable remuneration for MPs as they seek to recoup the costs they incurred.

While launching the report, Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar Hassan intimated that a framework where politicians censure each other and keep each other in check should be formed.

Hassan also lauded the report and urged his colleagues to carry out self evaluation for the good of the country.

By Wangui Ngechu