NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 4 – The Senate and the National Assembly have scheduled a joint sitting for President William Ruto’s national address, which is set to take place on November 9.
A gazette notice dated November 3, signed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, and his Senate counterpart, Amason Kingi, has announced that this event will occur in the National Assembly Chamber at the Main Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, starting at 2:30 p.m.
They have called upon all members of the two Parliamentary institutions to ensure their attendance on the specified Thursday next week.
The notice reads, “Notice is given to all Members of the National Assembly and the general public pursuant to Article 132 (1) (b) and (c) of the Constitution of Kenya and Standing Order 22 of the National Assembly Standing Orders.”
It goes on to state, “The President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., shall address a Joint Sitting of Parliament on Thursday, 9th November 2023, at 2:30 p.m. in the National Assembly Chamber, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi.”
Amason Kingi added, “I notify all Senators that a special sitting of Parliament shall be held on Thursday, 9th November 2023, at 2:30 p.m., at the National Assembly Chamber, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi.”
This will be President Ruto’s second national address as the President of Kenya at the Parliament premises. His first address took place on September 29, 2022, marking the official commencement of the 13th Parliament. During that address, he presented his legislative agenda to the legislators.
Article 132(1) of the constitution specifies that the President shall address the opening of each newly elected Parliament and a special sitting of Parliament once every year and at any other time as needed.
During this address, the President is expected to report on all measures taken and progress achieved in the realization of the national values referred to in Article 10. He is also expected to publish the details of these measures and progress in the Gazette.
The President is also required to submit a report for debate to the National Assembly on the progress made in fulfilling the international obligations of the Republic.
