Senate, National Assembly battle pointless
The latest episode in the supremacy battle that has been raging between the National Assembly and the Senate for nearly eight years has just played out in court.
The victor in this round of the needless rivalry is the National Assembly. But unless reason prevails, this could see the intensification of the hostility between the two Houses of Parliament that should be working together for the national good.
The Court of Appeal has restored 21 of the 24 laws that had been annulled by the High Court for having been passed by the National Assembly without the input of the Senate.
The court upheld three laws, including one on health, because they affect county governments, and, therefore, the input of senators was mandatory. Health is a devolved function and the Senate has oversight over the counties.
The appellate court’s decision is a significant reminder to both Houses of the need to forge a working relationship that puts the interests of the nation above petty rivalry.
It is disappointing that since 2013, the relationship between the Senate and the National Assembly has been characterised by acrimony.
The bad blood between the two Houses has in the past been manifested in raucous fights such as a proposal by an MP that the Senate be abolished. Members have in the past also been embroiled in heated debate in their respective chambers over which of the two Houses is superior to the other.
Unlike some countries where this is clear, the distinction between the Upper and Lower House remains the subject of debate.
The Senate is just another House of Parliament that has specific duties that focus on devolution, including revenue allocation and protecting the interests of counties and their governments.
There is no reason the honourable members of both Houses cannot strive to work together for the benefit of the electorate. The Appeal Court verdict is an opportunity for them to resolve to end their long-running supremacy war and work together for the common good.
