Senate Brings Mashinani Initiative to Busia to Strengthen Devolution

This week, the Senate of Kenya has relocated its sittings from Nairobi to Busia County as part of the transformative Senate Mashinani initiative, designed to bring parliamentary business closer to citizens and deepen public understanding of the devolved system. The sessions, which commenced on Monday at the Busia County Assembly, will run through Friday, offering residents a unique opportunity to engage directly with national legislators.

The Senate Mashinani programme is an annual event that rotates across Kenya's 47 counties, fostering a stronger connection between the Senate and local communities. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi emphasized that the initiative serves as a vital bridge, enabling Kenyans to gain insight into the Senate's critical role in advancing devolution. By holding sittings in counties, the Senate aims to make governance more accessible and transparent, allowing citizens to witness and participate in the legislative process firsthand.

The week-long sessions in Busia are packed with significant legislative activities. Among the highlights are public hearings on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which will provide residents with a platform to contribute to national lawmaking. Additionally, the County Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, will scrutinize Busia County's 2023/2024 financial statements. County leadership, led by Governor Paul Otuoma, will present their accounts, offering a transparent review of how public funds have been utilized.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot called on residents of Busia and neighboring areas to actively participate in the proceedings, describing the initiative as a chance for citizens to influence governance and for leaders to reconnect with the communities they serve. The programme also includes a visit by senators to the One Stop Border Post in Busia, where they will observe firsthand the operational challenges faced at this critical economic hub, as noted by Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah highlighted the importance of the Senate's presence in both urban and rural areas of the county, stating that it allows legislators to better understand the impacts of political marginalization on local communities. This direct engagement is expected to inform more inclusive and effective policymaking.

During a meeting with Busia County's leadership, including Governor Otuoma, Speaker Kingi underscored that Kenya's devolution journey is a transformative force that has already improved access to services and spurred local development across the country. However, he cautioned that these gains must be safeguarded to ensure they reach even more citizens in the future. Kingi reaffirmed the Senate's unwavering commitment to protecting devolution and ensuring it functions as envisioned under the Constitution.

Addressing concerns about tensions between the Senate and county executives, Kingi clarified that invitations for governors to appear before Senate committees are accountability measures, not acts of hostility. He emphasized that senators play a crucial role in securing funds for devolved units, which are intended to benefit local communities. Transparent and responsible use of these resources is essential to deliver tangible improvements in citizens' lives.

Kingi also urged county leaders to heed the recommendations in Senate committee reports, which are designed to strengthen governance and enhance service delivery, not merely serve as formalities. He expressed concern over recurring disputes between county executives and assemblies, assuring local leaders that the Senate is ready to offer constructive solutions to foster harmony and progress.

Focusing on Busia County, Kingi encouraged local leaders to propose new legislation or initiatives that could unlock the county's development potential. He called on residents to attend the Mashinani sessions in large numbers to witness how the Senate operates and to gain insight into how county resources are being spent. The sessions provide a rare opportunity for citizens to see their governor present on the county's financial management and engage with national leaders.

Governor Otuoma expressed gratitude for the Senate's decision to hold this year's Mashinani sittings in Busia. He described the event as a valuable platform for residents to interact with legislators, understand the Senate's oversight responsibilities, and deepen their appreciation of devolution's impact on their communities. Otuoma pledged his administration's full support for the Senate's initiatives and committed to advancing the principles of devolution.

The Busia sittings saw participation from several prominent senators, including Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi (Meru), Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), and Seki Lenku (Kajiado). They collectively reiterated their dedication to ensuring that devolution delivers meaningful results for all Kenyans. The Mashinani initiative underscores the Senate's role as a guardian of devolution, fostering accountability, public participation, and local development.

As the week progresses, Busia residents are encouraged to seize this opportunity to engage with the Senate, contribute to legislative discussions, and play an active role in shaping the future of their county and the nation.