Pokot South MP, Hon. David Pkosing and his Turkana South counterpart Hon. (Dr.) John Ariko elected Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the PIC Energy & Commercial Affairs respectively

Pokot South MP, Hon. David Pkosing and his Turkana South counterpart Hon. (Dr.) John Ariko elected Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the PIC Energy & Commercial Affairs respectively

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

Pokot South MP, Hon. David Pkosing, has been elected unopposed as the Chairperson of the Public Investment Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy in the National Assembly. 

His Turkana South counterpart, Hon. (Dr.) John Ariko, was also elected unopposed as Vice- Chairperson, marking a historic leadership partnership between the neighboring communities of Pokot and Turkana. The Vice- Chairperson was previously held by Hon. Lilian Gogo (Ragwe).

Hon. Pkosing has previously served as the Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Transport, Public Works and Housing from 2017 to 2022 and the immediate former Chairperson of the Committee on Public Investment Committee; Commercial Affairs and Energy.

Hon. Pkosing expressed gratitude to Committee Members for their trust, vowing to execute the Committee’s mandate effectively.

"I believe that by working together, we shall ensure the Committee delivers on its responsibilities to serve Kenyans," he stated.

The incoming Vice-Chairperson Hon. (Dr.) Ariko echoed these sentiments, thanking Members for their confidence in the leadership duo. 

"This is a sign of unity, and I promise we will work hand in hand to meet the Committee's objectives," he affirmed.

The Committee Members lauded the elections and expressed optimism about the Committee’s leadership. 

Hon. Aden Keynan urged the new leaders to serve with diligence. 

"Congratulations to the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. As Members, we respect your leadership and look forward to working together to safeguard Kenya’s resources," he remarked.

Hon. Sarah Korere (Laikipia North) highlighted the symbolic significance of the election, emphasizing the need for unity between the Turkana and Pokot communities.

“Just as you are seated together ready to serve Kenyans, we also want to see you bring Turkana and Pokot together. This is the beginning of cohesion and integration," she said.

Hon. Beatrice Adagala also commended the duo, noting that despite historical tensions between their communities, their leadership symbolizes peace and cooperation.

"There’s a perception that these two communities are rivals back in the village, but I am confident that within this Committee, we will work in harmony to deliver results," she stated.

Hon. Pkosing reinforced this message, dismissing misconceptions about Turkana-Pokot relations.

"For the record, Pokots and Turkanas are good friends. If you go to schools, colleges, and even abroad, you will find them learning and living together in peace, we are the greatest friends," he said.

“We might have problems and challenges that are similar on the ground but we are the greatest friends outside and this is a great testimony that now the two of us will now steer this committee a head. He added.

He asked the Members to come back from recess ready to work towards effective delivery of service to the nation. 

"We shall have a small induction to know the mandate of the Committee to the new Members joining us," he said.

He further said that we shall have to look at how we shall improve on our reports since we have about three reports that are pending.

The newly elected leaders are expected to steer the Committee towards efficiency, ensuring timely reports and effective oversight of Kenya’s commercial and energy sectors.

The Public Investment Committee on Energy and Commercial Affairs is established under the National Assembly Standing Order (S.O.) 206A and is responsible for the examination of the working of public investments based on their audited reports and accounts in the sectors of energy, environment, general economic and commercial affairs. 

The Committee is mandated to; i. examine the reports and accounts of the public investments. ii. examine the reports, if any, of the Auditor General on the public investments; and iii. examine, in the context of the autonomy and efficiency of the public investments, whether the affairs of the public investments, are being managed in accordance with sound financial or business principles and prudent commercial practices.

Other Members of the Committee include the following; Hon. (Dr.) Adan Keynan Wehliye, Hon. Festus Mwangi Kiunjuri, Hon. Esther Muthoni Passaris, Hon. Sarah Paulata Korere, Hon. (Dr.) Babu Owino Paul Ongili, Hon. (Dr.) Beatrice Adagala, Hon. Paul Kahindi Katana, Hon. Charo Kazungu Tungule, Hon. Kiplagat David, Hon. Maina Betty Njeri, Hon. Mathenge Duncan Maina, Hon. Ronald Karauri and Hon. Yusuf Mohamed Farah.