The Senate will now hold its much-anticipated plenary and committee sittings in Busia County from October 6-10, this year.
This follows the adoption of a motion moved by Senate Majority Whip and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
The announcement, made during a session held July 24, 2025, marks the continuation of the Senate’s initiative to bring its legislative work closer to the counties.
The sittings in Busia had initially been planned for September 23-27, 2024.
It was later rescheduled from October 28 to November 1 before finally being cancelled over alleged lack of funds, with reports indicating that at least Sh200 million was required to host the sitting.
Khalwale, while moving the Motion, underlined the Senate’s constitutional duty to strengthen the relationship between national and county governments and deepen public understanding of devolution.
He cited previous successful sittings outside Nairobi, in Uasin Gishu (2018), Kitui (2019), and Turkana (2023), which had boosted civic awareness and encouraged more Kenyans to engage in parliamentary processes.
“This move is not only symbolic but practical,” Khalwale said.
“It allows the Senate to assess how devolution is taking root on the ground, to listen to citizens directly, and to collaborate with county leadership to strengthen service delivery.”
The October sittings in Busia follow a Senate resolution passed on March 8, 2023, which directed that such decentralised plenary sessions be held annually in different counties during the life of the Fourth Senate, except in an election year.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who seconded the Motion, welcomed the decision, saying it would give Senators firsthand insight into the service delivery gaps in the county.
“This is a timely opportunity,” Omtatah said.
“The county is lagging in development, and having the Senate present will allow us to interrogate what’s going wrong. It’s also a reminder to all Kenyans that while we come from different regions, we are one nation.”
Several Senators backed the motion, noting that such forums not only reaffirm the Senate’s oversight role but also create a space for county assembly members and parliamentary staff to learn from one another.
The Senate's presence in Busia is expected to stimulate public participation, amplify devolution’s impact, and foster intergovernmental collaboration.
Locals, civic leaders, and community groups are expected to attend the sessions, which will be held in public venues across the county.
The sittings are held at the counties as a way of enhancing the interaction between the Senate and County Governments and as a means of bringing the Senate closer to the Counties and the general public.
The objectives of these sittings outside Nairobi include promoting the Senate's role and work, increasing public awareness about the Business of the Senate and Parliament, and highlighting opportunities for public engagement in the legislative process.
The sessions also aim to develop and strengthen partnerships at the county level of government and provide an opportunity for members and staff of county assemblies to learn and share best practices with Senators and parliamentary officers.
