Senate deliberates on the amendment bill to strengthen devolution
By Cy Muganda, September 2, 2025The Senate’s Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights has opened deliberations on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to strengthen devolution and clarify the mandate of the two Houses of Parliament.
In a statement posted on Parliament’s Facebook account on September 2, 2025, the committee, chaired by Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, announced it held a retreat in Kiambu County to receive submissions from the County Assemblies Forum (CAF) as part of its public engagement process on the proposed law.
“The Bill, sponsored by Senate leadership, seeks to entrench devolution and clarify the roles of Parliament’s two houses,” the statement read.
Key proposals
During the session, Sigei emphasised the importance of the proposed County Assembly Fund, arguing that it guarantees financial independence for county legislatures.
“This provision will entrench funding for county assemblies to effectively oversee county executives, ensuring financial autonomy and protecting them from political interference. It represents a crucial step toward strengthening accountability,” Sigei said.
CAF response
County Assemblies Forum Chairperson Seth Kamanza welcomed the proposal for the County Assembly Fund but pressed for further provisions that would anchor grassroots development.
“We are particularly pleased with the introduction of the County Assembly Fund. However, we also call for the establishment of a dedicated County Ward Development Fund to guarantee grassroots development resources,” Kamanza noted.
However, Kamanza raised concerns over a clause that would expand the Senate’s oversight mandate to include revenue raised locally by counties, arguing that such a provision would interfere with the primary oversight function assigned to county assemblies under the current constitution.
“This would encroach upon the primary oversight function assigned to County Assemblies by the Constitution, a position already affirmed by our Supreme Court,” Kamanza cautioned.