Senate convenes special sitting to debate crucial county revenue bills
By William Muthama, June 27, 2025The Senate will hold a special sitting on Friday, June 27, 2025, to deliberate on a series of high-impact revenue bills that will define how national funds are shared with counties and marginalised areas.
The session was called by Speaker Amason Kingi under Standing Order Thirty-Three, following a formal request by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and supported by the required number of senators.
A key item on the agenda is the Mediation Committee’s report on the Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 10 of 2025).
The Senate will debate whether to adopt this mediated version, following the protocol outlined in Article 113(2) of the Constitution and Senate Standing Order 167(3).
The sitting will also introduce the Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill (Senate Bill No. 7 of 2025). Designed to channel funds into marginalised regions, this measure aims to bridge development gaps.
The Chair of the Finance and Budget Committee will present the bill for its first reading
Another bill to be presented is the County Governments Additional Allocations (No. 2) Bill (Senate Bill No. 8 of 2025). This legislation seeks to pool resources for county governments tasked with specific national functions, setting the groundwork for supplementary financing.
The County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No. 9 of 2025) will also feature during the meeting.
It outlines the formula through which national revenue will be equitably distributed among Kenya’s 47 counties, ensuring every region receives its fair share. In a commitment to inclusivity and innovation, the sitting will operate in a hybrid format.
Senators will participate both physically in the Senate chamber and virtually via Zoom, in compliance with Standing Orders 258(4) and 259(1), which facilitate remote engagement for legislative business.
Beyond the main bills, the Senate may also address any urgent matters or messages transmitted by the National Assembly or County Assemblies, keeping the chambers responsive to national and regional interests.
This special sitting underscores the Senate’s stewardship over county affairs and fiscal decentralisation. The outcome of discussions will significantly influence how resources are mobilised and distributed, impacting communities across the nation.