After a lengthy recess that began in early December 2024, Parliament resumes its sittings today, with lawmakers in both the National Assembly and Senate expected to tackle a packed legislative agenda.
One of the first major tasks for Parliament is the reconstitution of 18 parliamentary committees. The House Business Committee, chaired by the Speaker, will oversee the process and is set to receive nominations for committee leadership from both the majority and minority sides. Among the committees to be reconstituted are the Budget and Appropriations Committee, the Public Debt and Privatization Committee, audit committees, and three sessional committees.
Additionally, MPs are set to deliberate on key financial matters, including the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) and the Debt Management Strategy, which must be submitted by February 15, 2025. These discussions will play a critical role in shaping the country’s fiscal direction for the upcoming financial year.
Several Bills that had been left pending before the recess will also return to the floor for debate. Notably, the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill (2023) and the Gambling Control Bill (2023), both currently in mediation, will be reconsidered. Other Bills awaiting the Committee of the Whole House include the County Governments (Revenue Raising Process) Bill (2023), the Regional Development Authorities Bill (2023), and the Kenya National Library Service Bill (2023).
Meanwhile, the Senate will resume its sittings at 2:30 PM, marking the beginning of the Fourth Session of the 4th Senate. Like the National Assembly, the upper house will also embark on restructuring key committees. The Senate Business Committee, the County Public Accounts Committee, the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, and the Committee on Delegated Legislation will all be reconstituted.
Senators will also prioritize financial and legislative matters, including the passage of the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for 2025 in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act and Senate Standing Orders. Additionally, the Division of Revenue Bill (2025/2026), the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (2025/2026), and the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill (2025/2026) will be among the key financial bills up for debate. Senators are also expected to approve the Cash Disbursement Schedules, which dictate how funds are distributed to counties.
With the resumption of parliamentary sessions, lawmakers have a short but crucial window to deliberate on these pressing national issues, ensuring that critical legislation and budgetary frameworks are put in place in time for the 2025/2026 financial year.
