Under the Senate Standing Orders, sessional committees are to be reconstituted at the beginning of each parliamentary session. Currently, Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay) chairs the Senate Public Accounts Committee, with Samson Cherargei (Nandi) as his deputy, while the Senate Public Investment and Special Funds Committee is chaired by Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga) with Prof. Tom Ojienda (Kisumu) as deputy
Senators are actively jostling for a range of lucrative positions in the upcoming reconstitution of parliamentary committees as the legislative business resumes. This follows a decision by the Senate leadership to reconstitute all 19 standing and sessional committees for the fourth session of the 13th Parliament.
In addition to the reconstitution of the standing and sessional committees, senators have approved the appointment of several members to the Senate Business Committee (SBC). These include Ali Ibrahim Roba (Mandera), Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo), Wakili Hillary Sigei (Bomet), Mohamed Faki (Mombasa), and nominated Senators Crystal Asige, Shakila Abdalla, and Veronica Maina.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Leader of Majority Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho), Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi), Majority Whip Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), and Minority Whip Ledama Ole Kina (Narok) will also be part of the SBC due to their leadership roles.
Nominated senators Shakila Abdalla and Crystal Asige have replaced Senators Agnes Kavindu (Machakos) and Tabitha Mutinda (Nominated) in the committee. The SBC is responsible for overseeing the smooth management and operations of the Senate, including the prioritisation of legislative activities on the floor of the House.
Intense lobbying has already begun for the highly sought-after positions within the Senate Sessional Committees, with some lawmakers eager to swap positions. The Senate Public Accounts Committee, the Public Investment and Special Funds Committee, and the Delegated Legislation Committee are at the heart of this competition.
Under the Senate Standing Orders, sessional committees are to be reconstituted at the beginning of each parliamentary session. Currently, Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay) chairs the Senate Public Accounts Committee, with Samson Cherargei (Nandi) as his deputy, while the Senate Public Investment and Special Funds Committee is chaired by Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga) with Prof. Tom Ojienda (Kisumu) as deputy.
At the start of the 13th Parliament, the Kenya Kwanza coalition used its numerical strength to push through the appointments of all committee chairs and deputy chairs, including the Delegated Legislation Committee, chaired by Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka Nithi), which traditionally would be led by the opposition.
In parliamentary terms, the three committees should be chaired by members of the minority party or coalition, a provision which has sparked debate and lobbying from both sides.
Beyond the sessional committees, senators are also pushing for positions in other standing committees that will enhance their visibility. “We want to engage everyone before we reconstitute the committees. We will consider the expertise of senators, their institutional memory, and other factors. We aim to reconstitute committees that will be highly effective,” said Ole Kina.
Madzayo stressed that all committees would be reconstituted, citing that some had become inactive and required new leadership. “Most of the committees were moribund. We need to place people who are mature, academically sound, and professionally qualified in these committees to ensure they are effective,” he said.
Madzayo also outlined the legislative agenda for Azimio, saying they would seek answers regarding President William Ruto’s decision to remove the vetting requirement for residents of the North Eastern region when applying for ID cards.
He added that Azimio would be seeking clarity on a recent High Court ruling regarding parliamentary membership and whether it only affects the National Assembly or if it extends to the Senate. “There is a High Court ruling that Azimio is the majority. We want to know whether this ruling applies only to the National Assembly or the Senate. We expect that pronouncement to be made,” said Madzayo.
He further charged that Azimio would also be raising questions about the recent spate of killings, disappearances, and abductions. “We have a duty to ask tough questions about the killings and disappearances of citizens. Who is behind this, and what is being done to stop it?” he asked.
