Senators to debate counties revenue bills in special Friday sitting

Senate Finance and Budget Committee Chair Ali Roba (centre left) Vice Chair Tabitha Mutinda (centre right)  during a sensitization session on the recommendations of the Fourth Basis Revenue sharing formula at Senate Chambers, Parliament, Nairobi. May 22, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Senators will hold a special sitting on Friday to debate bills on revenue sharing for the 47 counties after Speaker Amason Kingi convened the session.

In a gazette notice dated Thursday, June 26, Kingi said the sitting will start at 2:30 p.m. in the Senate Chamber, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, and will run until the end of business for the day.

"Notice is given to all senators that pursuant to Standing Order 33 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders, on the request of the Senate Majority Leader and with the support of the requisite number of senators, I have appointed Friday, June 27, 2025 as a day for a special sitting of the Senate," said Kingi.

Senators will deliberate on three critical bills: the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Bill, County Allocation of Revenue Bill and County Governments Additional Allocations Bill.

Kingi observed that senators will also receive the report of the mediation committee that sought to resolve disputes between the Senate and the National Assembly over the Division of Revenue Bill.

The National Assembly, where the bill originated, proposed Sh405 billion for counties, while senators pushed for an additional Sh60 billion. 

The Council of Governors had proposed Sh536 billion, saying it would ensure counties deliver services without disruption.

The mediation team from the National Assembly was led by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, Chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, while Mandera Senator Ali Roba led the Senate team.

At the same time, Kingi noted the sitting may consider urgent matters from the National Assembly and county assemblies if presented.

The Senate is also expected to receive articles of impeachment against Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo after Isiolo County Assembly voted to remove him from office.