Turkana ready to host Senate sittings in September, officials say

Senate Majority Whip and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale at the Parliament buildings in Nairobi on March 8, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

He said both the Senate and county assembly of Turkana have been working together to ensure the sittings are flawless.

The Nyegenye-led team said a total of 250 dignitaries, among them 67 senators and members of the technical team, are expected to attend the sittings in Lodwar.

"The Senate board is satisfied with the preparedness of the county to host the board. The sittings are not just symbolic but complete Senate sittings," Nyengenye said ahead of the third such sitting after Uasin Gishu and Kitui staged such sittings in the past.

After the Uasin Gishu and Kitui events, the sittings would be suspended in 2020 following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The meeting is a follow-up to the previous ones and we are excited that we shall pull off successful Senate Mashinani sittings," said Nyengenye.

The Senate sittings come at a time Turkana will be holding its annual Tourism and Cultural festival dubbed Tobongulore.

"The Senate sittings will provide an opportunity for the legislators to interact with the county assembly and the residents as well as see how devolution is working," said the clerk.

Turkana county assembly clerk Linus Lokawa said they are ready to host the Senate sittings.

Lokawa said a team from the local county assembly is working with representatives from the Senate to make accommodation arrangements for the lawmakers and the Senate staff.

"We are ready to host the Senate in September. We have also identified tourist attraction sites because we want them to enjoy their stay in Turkana," the Clerk said.