Senators arrive in Mombasa to discuss key legislative agenda

MOMBASA, KENYA: Senators retreat to Mombasa to appraise their seventeen months performance, deliberate on challenges and then come up with the way forward.

The senators two-day meeting seeks leverage the place of the Senate and its secretariat in the new political and democratic dispensation.

The authority of the senate has been under threat lately following a string of court injunctions that has interfered  with its mandate, including the pending impeachment of Governor Kivutha Kibwana.

Speaker Ekwee Ethuro confirmed the forum aims to tackle a myriad of issues, which include reviewing the Senate’s relationship with other institutions for the betterment of devolution. 

“It is a retreat for all the senators. We plan to reflect on the journey traveled so far in terms of discharging our constitutional mandate, celebrate and consolidate our achievements,” said the speaker.

Ethuro continued, “The meeting seeks to take stock of the challenges faced by the Senate and come up with a strategy for effective delivery of our mandate of ensuring devolution is realised.”

The speaker who spoke to the Standard Digital regretted that Senate has had its fair share of setbacks but remains optimistic that with continuous consultations with key stakeholders in devolution, senators will be able to develop mechanisms to enhance the House’s public outreach and engagement.

 “We aim to strengthen the Senate’s specific and larger role by nurturing a new, progressive and democratic culture,” he explained.

The senate relationship between the judiciary and national assemblies has not been rosy, over claims of interference with legislative work.

 The Sentators will also discuss their welfare matters, which they plan to continue pressing on for better remuneration and other benefits through the Parliamentary Service Commission to effectively discharge their duties.