Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and his Treasury counterpart John Mbadi have been directed to appear before the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare this Wednesday after skipping earlier summons.
The two Cabinet Secretaries are expected to shed light on critical matters affecting the cooperative sector, small businesses, and broader economic welfare. Senators expressed frustration over their failure to attend previous sittings, terming it a show of disregard for parliamentary oversight.
According to sources within the committee, the lawmakers want Oparanya and Mbadi to explain government plans on funding MSMEs, cooperative reforms, and measures to cushion workers and businesses from the harsh economic environment. The senators argue that without accountability and clarity from the executive, many Kenyans depending on small businesses and cooperatives for survival will continue to suffer.
Committee Chairpersons have warned that continued failure to appear could trigger more serious consequences, including motions of censure.
This summons comes at a time when Kenyans are grappling with a tough economic climate, with rising unemployment and complaints from small traders about limited access to affordable credit. The session is expected to be heated, as senators push for answers on how the government intends to deliver on its pledges to support job creation, cooperative growth, and MSME financing.
If Oparanya and Mbadi honour the summons this time, their appearance could provide crucial updates on the government’s economic recovery agenda and shed light on whether the much-talked-about support funds for small enterprises are reaching the intended beneficiaries.
