NAIROBI, Kenya — Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has been unanimously elected Vice Chairperson of the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) following a reshuffle of Senate committees approved by the House.
Cherargei replaces Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma, who was moved to the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee as part of the wider reorganisation aimed at strengthening the performance of parliamentary oversight committees.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang retained his position as Chairperson of the influential committee, which is mandated to examine reports of the Auditor-General on the financial statements of county governments and ensure accountability in the use of public resources.
Speaking after his election on Thursday, Cherargei pledged to work closely with fellow committee members to enhance oversight of county governments and promote prudent management of public funds.
“I want to assure members that we will work together to ensure we properly perform our role of checking county governments,” Cherargei said.
Kajwang congratulated the Nandi senator on his election and expressed confidence in the committee’s leadership.
“I am happy to have you back again as my vice chairperson. Let us work for the people,” Kajwang said.
The committee also welcomed Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo and Lamu Senator Joseph Githuku as new members following the reshuffle.
The two senators replace Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Mwaruma, who were reassigned to other Senate committees under changes approved earlier this week.
The reorganisation forms part of a broader restructuring of Senate committees conducted in accordance with the Senate Standing Orders. Several lawmakers were reassigned across standing and oversight committees in a move intended to improve efficiency and effectiveness in parliamentary oversight.
The County Public Accounts Committee is one of the Senate’s key watchdog committees. It scrutinises reports prepared by the Auditor-General on county government finances, examines the use of public resources and makes recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and sound financial management.
Cherargei’s election comes as the committee prepares to continue examining audit reports and holding county governments accountable for the management of devolved funds amid increased public demand for greater fiscal discipline and accountability.
