NAIROBI, Kenya – After a two-month recess, the Senate resumed its sessions on Tuesday, kicking off a packed agenda that includes the reconstitution of key select committees and debates on major bills.
But it was nominated Senator Karen Nyamu who made waves with her return, sharing her excitement about getting back to work.
Taking to social media, Nyamu expressed how much she had missed Senate business, despite enjoying her time off with family and engaging with Nairobi residents.
“Guys, that recess felt like forever! And even though I enjoyed my break so much and bonded with my babies and got more time with Nairobians, I really missed Senate business!” she wrote.
The outspoken senator also made it clear that she intends to step up her legislative efforts this year, promising to bring more bills and motions to Parliament.
“This year I will work harder, bring more bills and motions to represent you and show God why I deserve another chance in 2027 au sio. Mniombee Hekima na pia kizungu icooperate,” she added in her post.
Guys, that recess felt like forever! even if I enjoyed my break so much and got more time with Nairobians, I missed Senate business! It’s back to work! bring more bills and motions to represent you and show God why I deserve another chance au sio. Mniombee kizungu icooperate 😅
Senators are set to deliberate on key bills, revenue-sharing proposals, and critical budgetary matters in the coming weeks.
The first order of business was the reconstitution of crucial Senate committees, including the Senate Business Committee, the County Public Accounts Committee, and the Committee on Delegated Legislation.
These committees play a vital role in shaping the legislative agenda and ensuring oversight of government actions.
Among the priority items on the Senate’s agenda are 53 pending bills.
Key among them are The Coffee Bill, 2023, aimed at reforming the coffee sector; the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2023, which seeks to enhance protections and opportunities for people with disabilities; and the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill, 2024, which will address financial allocations to county governments.
Budget discussions will also take center stage as the Senate reviews the Budget Policy Statement (BPS), the Division of Revenue Bill, and the County Allocation of Revenue Bill for 2025.
Additionally, senators will debate a new revenue-sharing formula proposed by the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA), set to guide the distribution of resources for the financial years 2025-2026 to 2029-2030.
The formula, submitted to Parliament on December 31, 2024, has already sparked controversy, with some lawmakers opposing it as discriminatory.
