NAIROBI, Kenya — The Senate has reiterated its commitment to uphold court rulings on the separation of powers, particularly in the management of public development funds, amid ongoing debate over the creation of new legislative oversight accounts.
Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the Busia County Assembly on Monday, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi stressed that the House respects the judiciary’s interpretation which placed the management of funds such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) under the national executive.
“The Senate is not overly preoccupied with having a Senate Oversight Fund. In fact, the Constitutional Amendment Bill sponsored by the Senate does not include such a fund,” Kingi said. “Our focus is on expanding the legislative space for the Senate and county assemblies to ensure devolution works effectively.”
Kingi’s remarks came after Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Busia appealed for support in establishing a Ward Development Fund to finance local projects at the grassroots.
Senator Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) backed the Speaker’s stance, clarifying that the Senate had no role in drafting the amendment proposing the creation of the Senate Oversight Fund, which he said originated from the National Assembly.
“The Bill proposing the Senate Oversight Fund was generated by the National Assembly without our input. The National Assembly does not know what the Senate wants,” Sifuna said, adding that senators fully respect the court’s decision and will continue to uphold the doctrine of separation of powers.
During the engagement, the Busia County Assembly leadership voiced concern over their continued financial dependence on county executives despite existing laws guaranteeing financial autonomy.
They called on the Senate to ensure funds are released directly to county assembly accounts to reduce delays.
Kingi assured the delegation that the Senate would revisit the implementation of the County Assemblies Financial Autonomy Act to ensure compliance.
“If there are still hurdles in accessing funds despite the new law, we shall re-examine the legislation to make sure assemblies operate independently and efficiently,” he said.
The MCAs also urged the Senate to support the establishment of a pension scheme for members who have served at least two terms, arguing that their role in legislation and oversight deserves recognition through proper retirement benefits.
In response, Kingi said the Senate had already passed the relevant Bill, which is now before the National Assembly for consideration.
Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi (Meru), Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Sifuna (Nairobi), and Seki Lenku (Kajiado) also attended the meeting, which underscored the need for continued cooperation between the Senate and county assemblies in strengthening devolution.
The Busia County Assembly delegation was led by Speaker Fredrick Odilo, accompanied by his deputy, and the assembly’s Majority and Minority Leaders.
