Senators have gathered for the official Senate mid-term assessment and planning retreat at a hotel in Naivasha, Nakuru County. The retreat, which marks the Fourth Session of the 13th Parliament, runs with the theme “Shaping the Senate’s Legacy: Reflections, Strategies, and the Path Forward.” The event brings together senators alongside key stakeholders to evaluate their achievements in the first three sessions and plan for the upcoming Fourth Session, which begins on February 11, 2025.
Speaker of the Senate, Amason Kingi, officially opened the retreat, urging senators to take a deep dive into their performance, particularly in matters related to devolution. In his address, Kingi emphasized that the retreat should focus on legislating policies that directly affect counties, such as financing and revenue sharing. He stressed that strengthening the Senate’s oversight role is crucial to ensuring that devolution funds are allocated efficiently and not squandered through corruption or poor governance.
“One of the Senate’s core responsibilities is to ensure that devolution works effectively,” Kingi said. “We must address the challenge of corruption and poor governance in county operations, making sure resources are used to benefit the people.”
Kingi further highlighted the importance of intergovernmental relations, encouraging senators to work collaboratively with other arms of government. “The strength of our democracy depends on how well our institutions function independently yet in harmony,” he added.
Jeremiah Nyegenye, the Clerk of the Senate, also addressed the senators, stating that the retreat’s primary objective is to evaluate the Senate’s performance over the last three sessions. “This is a critical moment for reflection and stock-taking,” Nyegenye said. “The outcome of this retreat will shape the Senate’s performance in the next session and define its legacy.”
Discussions at the retreat will also include the Senate’s legislative output, particularly in plenary sessions and committee work. A key area for deliberation is the proposed Fourth Basis for Revenue Sharing among County Governments for the financial years 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. Additionally, senators will review the progress of health laws’ implementation, a significant agenda item that has received attention in previous sessions.
As the Senate enters the Fourth Session, the retreat serves as an opportunity to solidify the Senate’s legacy by enhancing its impact through strategic oversight and legislation that benefits counties and the nation as a whole.
