[Nathan Ochunge, Standard]Parliament has constituted a 10-member mediation committee to resolve a standoff on the Sh32 billion grants for counties. Implementation of County Governments Grants Bill, 2021, which seeks to pave way for the release of cash to counties, has stalled over a stalemate pitting the National Assembly and the Senate. Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka has picked senators Charles Kibiru (Kirinyaga), Moses Wetang'ula (Bungoma), Mutula Kilonzo Junior (Makueni), Rose Nyamunga and Farhiya Ali (nominated) to sit in the mediation team. MPs Kanini Kega (Kieni), Kanyuithia Mutunga (Tigania West), Naisula Lesuuda (Samburu West), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North) and Makali Mulu (Kitui Central) have been appointed by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi to the team. During a special sitting last Tuesday, senators rejected all the amendments introduced to the Bill by the National Assembly, triggering a standoff.

Source: Standard Digital December 31, 2021 17:28 UTC