Submitted by cchemiryo on 3 November 2020
President to deliver State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday, 12th November, 2020
President Uhuru Kenyatta is scheduled to deliver his State of the Nation Address in a Joint-Sitting of Parliament next week.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Justin Muturi has revealed this in a Communication to the House this afternoon.
"Honourable Members, pursuant to Standing Order 22 (2) of the National Assembly Standing Orders therefore, I wish to notify all Members that a Special Sitting of Parliament will take place on Thursday, 12th November, 2020 at 2.30pm in the National Assembly main chamber, Parliament Building, and that the Speakers of the Houses of Parliament are making necessary arrangements to facilitate the Special Sitting of the Houses of Parliament", read a section of the Speaker's Communication.
The Address is in accordance with Article 132 of the Constitution, which mandates the President to report on measures taken and progress achieved in the realization of the National values set in the Article, as well as the progress made in fulfilling International Obligations.
The Speaker further informed Members that the Clerks of the Houses of Parliament have since commenced preparations for the day, including seating arrangements in line with the Public Health Guidelines, and that the official invitations will be sent out in the usual manner.
In the past, the President has given the address between March and May. However, this could not happen earlier due to the Covid-19 crisis.
In September, some lawmakers led by Kikuyu MP, Hon. Kimani Ichung'wa had on the floor of the House, sought to know when the President would make his address. Standing on a Point of Order when he sought a response from the Speaker, Hon. Ichung'wa noted the address would help Kenyans to know how the country will steer clear of the humanitarian crisis posed by Covid-19.
"We are eager to listen and hear what President Kenyatta has in terms of realigning his agenda and priority of the nation in line with ensuring sustainable development and economic recovery," the MP said then.