The Senate's week-long programme in Kilifi county commenced on September 21 and will run until September 25. During this period, residents will have the opportunity to follow Senate proceedings, engage with legislators, and raise issues affecting their communities. The programme is part of the Senate's efforts to bring Parliament closer to the people. Senate committees will also undertake oversight visits to selected national and county government projects.
The Senate Mashinani programme in Kilifi follows a resolution passed by the Senate on May 5 to hold its plenary and committee sittings in the county. This decision was made under Article 126(1) of the Constitution, which allows either House of Parliament to hold a sitting at any place within Kenya. The move is also in line with the Senate's constitutional mandate under Article 96 to represent the counties and protect their interests.
Preparations for the programme had been underway in the days leading up to its commencement. Senate and Kilifi County Assembly officials worked together to make the programme a success. The county assembly adjusted its calendar to accommodate the Senate Mashinani activities, suspending its plenary and committee sittings from September 21 to 25. A friendly football match was also organized on Sunday at Town Secondary School in Malindi as a curtain-raiser to the week-long programme.
The football match, which brought together Bunge FC, Malindi Legends, and representatives of the Kilifi County Assembly, was attended by legislators, parliamentary staff, and local residents. Despite heavy rain and a slippery pitch, the players and spectators showed great enthusiasm. Clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye expressed his gratitude to the Kilifi County Assembly Clerk, Mr Ngala, and his team for their cooperation in making the programme possible.
Nyegenye also praised the reception they had received from residents, viewing the rain that accompanied Sunday's activities as a blessing. He urged residents to turn up in large numbers for the sittings and other engagements planned during the week, saying the programme was an opportunity for them to understand and participate in the work of the Senate. The week will include plenary and committee sittings, as well as engagements with county leaders, residents, and other stakeholders.
Some Senate committees will leave the chamber for oversight visits to government projects and institutions within the county. The Senate leadership is also expected to meet the leadership of the Kilifi County Assembly in Malindi. Women senators under the Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) are scheduled to undertake outreach activities, including a visit to Mtangani Women's Prison and engagements with pupils at Gede Primary School and Gede Special School.
Kilifi becomes the latest county to host Senate proceedings under the Senate Mashinani initiative, which aims to increase public awareness of the Senate's role and create opportunities for citizens to engage with the legislative process. The initiative has previously been held in Uasin Gishu, Kitui, Turkana, and Busia. For Kilifi residents, the five-day programme will combine formal parliamentary business with direct public engagement, bringing Senate debates, committee work, and oversight activities closer to them.
Key points
- The Senate's Senate Mashinani programme aims to bring Parliament closer to the people and increase public awareness of the Senate's role.
- The programme includes plenary and committee sittings, oversight visits to government projects, and engagements with county leaders and residents.
- The initiative has been held in several counties, including Uasin Gishu, Kitui, Turkana, and Busia.
