Fourth 'Senate Mashinani' sittings to be held in Busia County

Senate Assembly Speaker Amason Kingi during the Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza's impeachment hearing before the Senate Assembly on August 19, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The Senate will hold its ‘Senate Mashinani’ sittings in Busia County from October 6 to 10.

The Senators approved a motion tabled by Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale, which conveyed a resolution by the Senate Business Committee designating Busia County as this year’s host for sittings held outside the capital.

According to the Committee, which is chaired by Speaker Amason Kingi, the initiative is aimed at strengthening the linkage between the national and county governments.

“Senate Mashinani is a way of bringing the Senate closer to the counties and the general public. The House intends to hold sittings in one county each year to help Kenyans better understand its role in supporting devolution,” said Speaker Kingi.

Previous Mashinani sittings were held in Uasin Gishu, Kitui, and Turkana counties in 2018, 2019, and 2023 respectively. No sittings were held in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Clerk of the Senate, Jeremiah Nyegenye, stated that the main objective of the sessions is to promote public understanding of the Senate’s functions and enhance awareness of the broader work of Parliament.

Senator Khalwale affirmed that Busia County is fully prepared to host the Senate for the week-long session. He noted that the sittings would provide Senators with the opportunity to observe first-hand the challenges facing the One Stop Border Post.

“The One Stop Border Post has virtually crippled local businesses. One of the sectors that previously generated significant income—clearing and forwarding—has been severely affected. Senators will also witness the strides Kenya has made in healthcare provision, as nearly 45 per cent of patients at Busia County Hospital come from Uganda,” he said.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah said the visit would allow the Senate to experience the effects of historical marginalisation and understand the challenges facing communities in border regions.