The Chairperson of the National Council Standing Committees, Lukas S. Muha, has stated that there is a lack of Parliamentary researchers at the National Council.
During the annual Planning and Budgeting Session for 2026/2027, Muha explained that researchers, legal advisors, and financial experts are essential to strengthening oversight.
Yet Parliament remains under-capacitated in the area of research, suggesting it is time for the nation’s organisational structure to evolve to meet these needs.
Furthermore, the high turnover of MPs also weakens committees, as institutional memories and experiences are gradually lost, he noted.
Muha explained that it is Parliament’s duty to oversee the government on behalf of the people while promoting accountability, transparency, good governance, and service delivery.
Oversight prevents misuse of power and resources and protects citizens’ rights and interests, he said.
Standing Committees are deemed central to the oversight work.
Muha encouraged Committees to scrutinise budgets, monitor ministries, offices, and agencies, and ensure that institutions fulfil their mandates.
Committees also have the authority to summon witnesses, hold public hearings, consult experts, and conduct oversight visits.
He added that Committee reports tabled in Parliament must be impactful and provide recommendations that guide the executive and influence government actions.
Members are therefore encouraged to read widely and seek additional information.
He urged the Implementation and Coordination Committee (ICC) of the National Council to innovate and develop a “dashboard system” in order to follow up on reports and ensure that recommendations are acted upon.
