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It was a busy week for House committees as members convened to consider scheduled business under their consideration.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education Committee continued with its probe into allegations of cheating in national examinations and met the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK).
During the meeting, it emerged that rogue Kenya National Examination Council and Education Ministry officials may have colluded to leak national examinations for financial gain.
The committee was told government officials raked in money by setting up social media accounts where they posted exams.
MPs were told 49 social media accounts were set up and activated to aid in supplying exam questions.
Speaking after holding the meeting in camera, committee chairman Julius Melly said the DCI revealed the names of KNEC and CAK officials who were part of the scheme.
He directed state agencies responsible for examination management to prioritise the protection of Kenya’s academic qualifications and maintain their credibility.
“It is crucial that all agencies involved in exam administration and management, including the DCI and CA, fulfill their duties diligently and take every necessary measure to combat cheating in exams,” said Melly, who is also the MP for Tinderet.
Assistant Director of Cybersecurity and Head of the National Cybersecurity Centre at CA Vincent Ngudi and DCI Director David Birech appealed to Parliament to enact stringent laws that would deter individuals from participating in exam malpractices.
“As a Committee, we will draft laws, develop programmes and policies, and allocate additional resources to the agencies under our oversight to eradicate this issue,” Melly stated.
Auditor-General books
The National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Social Services Administration and Agriculture continued with the interrogation of officials from State agencies from the list of 24 that have never been audited by the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG).
The Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (KECOPAC) was the first to appear before the Committee.
Among the issues they were required to explain was the reason the institution’s audit books have never been reviewed by the office of the OAG.
The Director-General of the Advisory Committee Redempta Oyeyo told the Emmanuel Wangwe-led Committee that the institution was established under an Act of Parliament No. 46 of 2012 and they have been in existence since 2013.
However, Oyeyo pointed out that the agency does not operate independently as it is overseen by the State Department of Trade where they also draw support staff and remuneration.
The Kenya Fish Marketing Authority also appeared before the committee. However, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Samuel Onyango could not respond to the queries since the Act that created the institution was challenged in a Nyeri Court and suspended.
CDF Funds
Meanwhile, Leader of the Majority Party in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah, and his minority counterpart, Opiyo Wandayi jointly urged the National Government Constituencies Development Fund constituency committees to propose projects that genuinely address the concerns of the electorates.
Ichung’wah noted that meaningful public participation required the active involvement and guidance of MPs in order to effectively represent the interests of the public.
Wandayi urged MPs to guide their constituents in prioritising new projects.
He warned that misappropriation of funds could have dire consequences for political careers, as the success of many Members in getting re-elected has been tied to the effective management of NG-CDF.
“In their capacity as overseers and representatives, MPs have a responsibility to ensure the appropriate utilisation of these Funds,” he said.
Wandayi underscored the impact that NG-CDF has had at the grassroots level and called for the empowerment of Constituency Oversight Committees, which play a crucial role in overseeing the NG-CDF. BY THE STAR