All stakeholders in Kenya must fully commit to the cause of devolution if it is to succeed.

This was the message from Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi, who spoke during a meeting with the Busia County Executive, led by Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma on the second day of the Senate Mashinani sessions.

Speaker Kingi emphasised that the true fruits of devolution can only be realised if every Kenyan actively participates in its full implementation. 

He observed that devolution has already begun to bear fruit and has positively transformed the lives of many Kenyans.

He urged that it must be protected jealously to ensure that its benefits continue to grow and reach even more citizens.

On the Senate’s role in safeguarding devolution, the Speaker reaffirmed that the House remains steadfast in its constitutional duty to protect and nurture the system.

He cautioned county executives across the country against misinterpreting invites from Senate committees, clarifying that such invitations are not issued in hostility but in the spirit of accountability and transparency.

“The Senate is committed to protect devolution fully and I want to assure you that there is no enmity between the Senate and Governors. When the Senate invites Governors to appear before it, it aims at getting clarifications from them, not any hostility,” stated Speaker Kingi.

He further emphasised that as the custodian of devolution, the Senate bears the responsibility of ensuring that resources channelled to the counties are utilised prudently.

He reminded the county leaderships that Senators work tirelessly to ensure funds are allocated to devolved units and it is therefore essential that these funds are spent transparently and effectively for the benefit of ordinary Kenyans.

Speaker Kingi also appealed to all Governors to adhere strictly to the advice and recommendations issued by the Senate through various committee reports adopted by the House. 

He explained that such reports are not mere formalities but are designed to strengthen governance and enhance service delivery at the county level.

Addressing the recurrent wrangles between county executives and assemblies in some counties, the Speaker expressed concern and empathy, assuring the meeting that the Senate was determined to intervene constructively.

“Our success is measured by the success of counties. We do not celebrate when there are wrangles in counties between county executives and county assemblies,” said Speaker Kingi.

Turning to the host county, Speaker Kingi encouraged the Busia County Executive to propose any legislative measures that could help unlock the county’s full potential and accelerate development.

He also urged the residents of Busia to attend the Senate Mashinani sessions in large numbers to witness first-hand how the Senate operates and to better understand the progress of devolution in their county.

“I appeal to Busia residents to come over and witness how their Governor will be making a submission to the Senate on how the county has been expending their money,” he added.

In his remarks, Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma expressed appreciation to the Senate for selecting Busia County as the venue for this year’s Senate Mashinani.

He noted that the event provides an invaluable platform for residents to engage with national leaders, learn more about the Senate’s oversight role and deepen their understanding of devolution.

Dr. Otuoma reaffirmed his administration’s full support for the event and pledged to work closely with the Senate to advance the principles of devolution.

The meeting was also attended by several Senators including Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi (Meru), Dr. Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) and Seki Lenku (Kajiado) who all reiterated the Senate’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that devolution remains a success story for all Kenyans.