Senate to hold plenary sittings in Kilifi

The Senate has resolved to hold its plenary and committee sittings in Kilifi county from September 21 to 25, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening public engagement and deepening devolution at the grassroots.

The motion, moved by Senator David Wakoli, received unanimous support from senators during a sitting chaired by Speaker Amason Kingi.

While tabling the motion, Wakoli said the decision aligns with earlier commitments by the House to periodically hold sittings outside Nairobi to bring Parliament closer to the people.

“Pursuant to Article 126(1) of the Constitution, the Senate resolves to hold its plenary and committee sittings in Kilifi from 21st to 25th September, 2026,” Wakoli said.

He noted that the Senate Business Committee had already approved the decision and was in line with its earlier recommendation that at least one sitting be held away from the traditional Parliament buildings in Nairobi during the term of the 13th Parliament.

Wakoli also referenced a March 2023 resolution requiring the Senate to convene plenary and committee sittings in counties for one week every September, except during election years.

“The objective of these sittings is to promote the role and work of the Senate, enhance public awareness on parliamentary business, and highlight opportunities for citizen engagement in the legislative process,” he said.

He added that the sessions will also help build partnerships with county governments while providing a platform for members and staff of county assemblies to exchange ideas and best practices with senators and parliamentary officials.

Wakoli pointed to the success of previous sittings held outside Nairobi, citing sessions in Uasin Gishu (2018), Kitui County, Turkana (2023) and Busia (2025).

Seconding the motion, nominated senator Veronica Maina said taking Senate sittings to the counties is critical in making Parliament’s work accessible and relevant to citizens.

“It is important that the work we do becomes relevant to the people. Not many Kenyans can come to Nairobi to follow live proceedings,” Maina said.

She emphasised that as the guardian of devolution, the Senate must actively engage with citizens at the grassroots level.

“The best way the Senate can connect with the people of Kenya is to constantly go down to where the people are. This is also an opportunity to check the projects implemented by counties,” she added.

Maina further noted that such visits provide senators with a chance to verify development claims made by county governments.

“There have been instances where counties purport to undertake projects, but there is nothing on the ground. These sittings give us a chance to confirm what is actually happening,” she said.

She also highlighted the strategic importance of Kilifi, saying the visit would allow senators to deepen their understanding of the blue economy and its potential along the coastal region.

“If resources allow, such sittings should even be held twice a year,” she proposed.

The motion was unanimously approved after Speaker Kingi put the question, paving the way for preparations for the Kilifi sittings later this year.