Why only ex-governors should be allowed to vie for senatorial seats

I am not sure how the different initiatives geared towards constitutional amendments will help increase the financial allocation to the counties. Regardless, I have a few ideas for consideration.

In the spirit of Bridging Bridges Initiative, Punguza Mizigo and Council of Governors’ Ugatuzi, it is important to keep the conversation running as all of the initiatives, we have been told, aim to promote the welfare of Kenyans.

I believe, the first membership of the Senate (2013 – 2017) was a better crop in terms of performance. Save for a few greenhorns, most of the senators in the House brought along a wealth of experience in elected leadership or in public service.

Compared to the National Assembly in that period, the level of debate was higher, focus on issues had more depth and the discussions mostly reflected the needs of Kenyans.

Unfortunately, the National Assembly, belittled the Senate to the extent that not many highly qualified and deserving candidates found it attractive.

It is a pity this happened because the Senate could have significantly contributed to entrenching not only devolution but also a higher national discourse on our nationhood.

Going forward, the Senate should be elevated to the Upper House status, that is, with a veto vote on the resolutions of the National Assembly. The thinking is simple.

Unlike in 2013, we now have experienced crop of governors who understand the devolved system better. The Senate should be a preserve of members who have been governors.

If former governors were to be the only members who qualify to vie for the Senate, first of all, there would be a better representation of counties in the House.

Immeasurable experience

The former governors would understand budgeting, county politics, the relationship between county and the national government and would also bring along grassroots experience.

Thirdly, the governor-turned-senator will stand a better chance of dialoguing with the National Assembly on matters of national importance.

While some MPs may hold immeasurable experience on the floor of the House, the new type of Senator has an added advantage of understanding the interplay between executive and legislative powers.

In terms of election modalities, every county should choose the person best suited to to become senator from its poll of former governors and their deputies. This way, the counties will be assured that their representative at the Senate is one who understands well the county concerns.

Besides, when the former governors have similar experiences,  they are most likely to deepen national unity given their positions both at county and national level when they become senators.

Duplicate roles

This approach would also address layers of governance structures that unnecessarily duplicate roles. The Council of Governors, as we have come to know it, mostly articulates cross-cutting county issues.

They would be better placed to articulate the county issues if they join Senate due to their experience.

Electing governors to the Senate would additionally address gaps in the relationship between the National Assembly, county governments and the national Executive.

Take the case of devolved functions such as health. Some health facilities are grounded because of the confusion of roles, lack of political will or political manipulation.

Experienced governors will most likely stand firm to support the county governments and rebuff excessive demands from the central government.

Of course, critics of this approach may point out to the right of everyone to vie for any elective seat. I guess freedoms can find positive limitations in noble causes. This is similar to setting the bar on who qualifies to be a judge.

Limiting options from many deserving persons from vying for every available seat is not necessarily a bad thing if it is for the greater good of society.

The Senate should acquire status of wise women and men who have the interest of the country at heart.

Well, we probably will have to grapple with the fact that some of the governors have led the pack in looting the counties.

But, if no incriminating evidence is available, and the voters are fine with the person, what else is there to stop us from electing them senators?

In extreme cases where perhaps neither the deputy nor the governor is worthy of the task at hand, voters could present another candidate. I guess this will be exceptional.

Let former governors transit to the Senate. They stand a better chance to support devolution and strengthen national governance.

Dr Mokua comments on social justice issues