The Second Arm of Government, the Senate, on Tuesday, May 2, reinforced travel restrictions for senators and imposed other measures to curb perennial absenteeism.
In an order issued on the floor of the house, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi directed Senators to follow laws enshrined in Standing Order Number 24 of the National Assembly when planning for international trips.
The Standing Order requires senators to write a notice indicating their destination, dates of the intended travel and period of absence from the country.
Kingi also directed the senators to provide their contact information, including email, telephone or physical address.
"I urge all senators to observe this directive and ensure they are available in the House to prosecute their business as scheduled in the Order Paper," observed the Speaker.
The former Kilifi Governor also threatened to withdraw motions tabled by absent senators from the house while lamenting that absenteeism had derailed Senate business.
He argued that absenteeism had clogged up the Senate house businesses affecting their legislative mandate.
According to Kingi, the deviant senators would not be allowed to continue with their tabled bills, motions, statements and amendments to bills.
"The absence of the lawmakers has forced the chair to defer business thereby inconveniencing fellow Senators," the Speaker told the House.
Withdrawal of the bills will also affect their remunerations and various stipends entitled to them during committee hearings.
During committee meetings away from the National Assembly chambers, MPs receive air tickets, hotel accommodation and even transport.
Also, missing eight consecutive Senate sittings without approval also leads to the declaration of a vacancy for the Senate position.
