The Kenyan Senate has decided to hold its sittings in Kilifi County from September 21, 2026, as part of its mashinani sittings initiative. This move aims to bring the Senate closer to the counties and the public. Kilifi County is home to prominent leaders, including the late Ronald Ngala, a crusader of devolution, and current Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. The Senate Business Committee, chaired by Speaker Kingi, initiated this move to provide interlinkage between the National and County levels of government.
The Senate mashinani sittings are part of a resolution by the House to hold plenary and committee sittings in counties for a one-week period within the month of September in every Session of the 4th Senate, except during an election year. According to Speaker Kingi, the Senate Mashinani is a means of bringing the Senate closer to the counties and the public. The initiative intends to have the Senate sit in one county per year, allowing Kenyans to better understand the role of the House in supporting devolution.
During the sittings in Kilifi County, House Committees will conduct their business across the county, allowing residents to engage and participate in the Senate legislative business. The activities will include oversight visits to local development projects, inspection of government programs, and public forums where citizens, civil society, and local officials interact directly with Senators. This move is expected to promote the role and work of the Senate and enhance public awareness regarding the business of the Senate and Parliament.
The Clerk to the Senate, Jeremiah Nyegenye, stated that the objectives of the Senate mashinani sittings are to promote the work of the Senate, highlight existing and new opportunities for engagement in the legislative process, and develop and strengthen partnerships at the county level of government. The initiative also aims to provide an opportunity for members and staff of county assemblies to learn and share best practices with Senators and parliamentary officers.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot emphasized that the greatest legacy of the Senate mashinani sittings will be resolving long-standing issues affecting residents and ensuring permanent solutions. He invited residents of Kilifi and Kenyans to actively participate in the upcoming activities at the Kilifi County Assembly and other public engagement forums. The initiative aims to foster a deeper appreciation of the Senate's work, improve service delivery, and strengthen county and national government collaboration.
Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo urged the people of Kilifi to use this opportunity to bring their petitions and raise issues they want the Senate to address. He termed it a lifetime experience for Kilifi people, with the entire House conducting its business in the county for an entire week. Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) Chairperson Veronica Maina noted that the Senate mashinani sittings allow Senators to connect with the people of Kenya by going down to where they are.
Several Cabinet Secretaries, including Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, and ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, are expected to appear before the Senate Plenary to answer questions. The Senate's Finance and Budget Committee will also conduct its business during the sittings. The Senate mashinani initiative has previously been held in Uasin Gishu, Kitui, Turkana, and Busia Counties in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2025, respectively.
Key points
- The Senate will conduct its business for a week in Kilifi County to enhance interaction with county governments and the public.
- The Senate mashinani sittings aim to promote the role and work of the Senate and enhance public awareness regarding the business of the Senate and Parliament.
- The initiative allows Senators to connect with the people of Kenya by going down to where they are, listening to petitions, inspecting projects, and questioning relevant officials.
