Kenyans Question U.S. Delegations’ Presence In Parliament During Finance Bill Debate

Kenyans are questioning a group of 10 U.S. Congressional delegations, who, on Thursday, were sighted inside Kenya’s National Assembly Gallery as Members of Parliament (MPs) discuss the contentious Finance Bill 2024.

The visit was related to the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between Kenya’s National Assembly and the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) of the U.S. House of Representatives—a partnership that intends to strengthen democracy but also oversees the exchange of legislative information and public debt oversight.

Kenyans have taken to social media platforms to voice their concerns, questioning the timing of this visit, particularly when Kenyans are vehemently opposing the contentious tax bill and advocating for its rejection rather than amendment.

While the context of the MoU signed is undisclosed to public knowledge, Kenyans have since focused their curiosity on why the U.S. Congressmen were watching Kenya’s MPs as they debated the Finance Bill 2024.

Also, Kenyans’ curiosity leans on whether certain relationships, such as budget oversight, gender equality, and democratic ties by the U.S., are genuinely beneficial to Kenya or serve a different purpose, considering the stance of Kenya’s parliament in ensuring the bill is enacted into law.

This MoU not only opens a new chapter between our legislatures but also bridges the gap of increasing economic and job opportunities in this great country,” says Kenya National Assembly Speaker Wetang’ula while highlighting the broader implications of the MoU.

In response, Congressman Jodey Arrington affirmed the mutual benefits of the partnership, noting, “Kenya has talent, and with that, capital will come. There’s a needed job growth. We have things that can help Kenya, and Kenya has things that can help America.”

The U.S. Congressional delegations were led by Vern Buchanan (representing Florida), Gwen Moore (representing Wisconsin), Dan Kildee (representing Michigan), Darin LaHood (representing Illinous), Neil Dan (representing Florida), Jodey Arrington (representing Texas), Barbara Jean Lee (representing Carlifonia), Drew Ferguson (representing Georgia), and accompanied by three U.S Congressional staff and staff from the United States Embassy Nairobi.

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