Senate to Hold Week-Long Sittings in Kilifi [Details]

The Senate will move its operations to Kilifi County next week as Senators prepare for a five-day programme featuring plenary and committee sittings outside Nairobi.

In an update on Thursday, September 17, the Senate said the sessions are scheduled to run from September 21 to 25, following approval by the Senate on May 5.

The initiative is intended to bring parliamentary proceedings closer to citizens while allowing Senators to engage directly with county governments, institutions and residents.

Speaker Amason Kingi informed Senators on Tuesday, September 8, that preparations for the Kilifi sittings had reached an advanced stage. 

He said the programme would enable the Senate to undertake its constitutional duties while enhancing its engagement with the people and institutions of the county.

The Senate Business Committee has drawn up a tentative schedule covering both plenary and committee proceedings. 

Some Senate committees are expected to conduct inspection and oversight visits to selected national and county government projects during the week.

"Preparations are now at an advanced stage to ensure the success of these sittings," the Speaker said, adding that further details on the programme and logistical arrangements would be communicated through the Office of the Clerk.

Beyond parliamentary proceedings, the Senate has planned several activities aimed at encouraging interaction between Senators, local leaders and residents.

The Kenya Women Senators’ Association (KEWOSA) is scheduled to visit Mtangani Women’s Prison in Malindi. KEWOSA will also conduct school outreach activities at Gede Primary School and Gede Special School.

Another activity on the programme will be a football match involving the Senate and the Kilifi County Assembly at Town Secondary School in Malindi.

Senate leaders are also expected to hold discussions with the leadership of the Kilifi County Assembly at the County Assembly Chamber in Malindi.

Notably, the week-long programme is part of efforts by the Senate to take its work beyond Nairobi and create more opportunities for citizens to interact with Parliament and understand its role within Kenya’s devolved system of government.

The initiative is supported by the Constitution, with Article 96 mandating the Senate to represent counties and safeguard their interests and those of their governments. Article 126(1) further provides that either House of Parliament may hold a sitting at any place within Kenya.

The Kilifi programme follows a Senate resolution adopted after a recommendation by the Senate Business Committee. 

Under the arrangement, the Senate is expected to hold at least one week of sittings in a county every September during the term of the Fourth Senate, except in an election year.

The programme seeks to increase public understanding of the Senate's mandate, create awareness of ways citizens can participate in the legislative process and strengthen cooperation between the Senate and county governments.

It also provides an opportunity for members and staff of county assemblies to interact with Senators and parliamentary officials and exchange knowledge and best practices.

Kilifi will become the latest county to host Senate proceedings under the initiative; the Senate previously held sittings in Uasin Gishu in 2018, Kitui in 2019, Turkana in 2023 and Busia in 2025.