Senate takes sittings to Busia under Mashinani initiative to promote devolution
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has described the initiative as a bridge between the Senate and local communities, ensuring that residents across the 47 counties gain insight into the Senate’s role.
This week, the Senate is shifting its sittings from Nairobi to Busia County as part of its ongoing Mashinani initiative, which brings parliamentary business closer to citizens and fosters understanding of the devolved system.
The programme, which started on Monday at the Busia County Assembly, will continue through Friday.
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Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has described the initiative as a bridge between the Senate and local communities, ensuring that residents across the 47 counties gain insight into the Senate’s role.
“The Senate Mashinani is a way of bridging the gap between the county and the general public whereby the Senate intends to hold its sittings in one of the 47 counties every year to enable Kenyans to better understand the role of the assembly in fostering devolution,” he explained on Monday
The week-long sessions will include several key legislative activities, most notably public hearings on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
In addition, the County Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, will review Busia County’s 2023/2024 financial statements, with the county leadership and Governor Paul Otuoma presenting their accounts.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot encouraged residents of Busia and neighbouring areas to actively engage in the proceedings, noting that the programme is an opportunity for citizens to influence governance and for leaders to reconnect with the public they serve.
“It is a chance for the public to step into the heart of governance and for leaders to be reminded who they truly serve,” he said.
Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale highlighted that senators will use the visit to observe firsthand the challenges faced at the One Stop Border Post.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah added that by moving into both urban and rural areas of Busia, legislators will better appreciate the impact of political marginalisation on local communities.
Kenya’s devolution journey
Kenya’s devolution journey, Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi said, will only thrive if every Kenyan embraces its vision and actively participates in its implementation.
Speaking during a meeting with the County Executive led by Governor Paul Otuoma on the second day of the Senate Mashinani sessions, Kingi stressed that devolution is no longer a concept but a transformative force already changing lives across the country.
He pointed out that the benefits of devolution are visible in many counties, improving access to services and boosting local development.
However, Kingi warned that these gains must be carefully preserved to ensure they continue reaching even more citizens in the future.
On the Senate’s role, he reiterated the House’s commitment to safeguarding devolution and ensuring it functions as intended under the Constitution. He clarified that invitations extended by Senate committees to county executives are part of accountability measures, not a sign of hostility.
“The Senate is committed to protecting devolution fully, and I want to assure you that there is no enmity between the Senate and Governors. When the Senate invites Governors to appear before it, it aims at getting clarifications from them, not any hostility,” Kingi stated.
He highlighted the critical role of senators in securing funds for devolved units, reminding county leadership that these resources are intended to benefit local communities.
Transparent and responsible use of these funds, he said, is essential to deliver tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
Kingi urged governors to heed advice and recommendations issued through Senate committee reports, explaining that the findings are meant to strengthen governance and improve service delivery rather than act as formalities.
He also addressed recurring disputes between county executives and assemblies, expressing concern and promising that the Senate is ready to offer constructive solutions.
“Our success is measured by the success of counties. We do not celebrate when there are wrangles in counties between county executives and county assemblies,” he said.
Focusing on Busia County, Kingi encouraged local leaders to propose new legislation or initiatives that could unlock the county’s development potential.
He also appealed to residents to attend the Mashinani sessions in large numbers to see firsthand how the Senate operates and how county resources are being spent.
“I appeal to Busia residents to come over and witness how their Governor will be making a submission to the Senate on how the county has been expending their money,” he added.
Governor Otuoma expressed gratitude for the Senate choosing Busia as this year’s session venue. He described the event as a valuable opportunity for residents to engage with national leaders, understand the Senate’s oversight responsibilities, and gain deeper insight into how devolution impacts their communities.
Otuoma pledged his administration’s full cooperation in supporting the Senate’s initiatives and enhancing the principles of devolution.
Several senators, including Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi (Meru), Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), and Seki Lenku (Kajiado), attended the meeting.
They reiterated their commitment to ensuring that devolution continues to deliver meaningful results for all Kenyans.
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