The Senate has reaffirmed that county governors will be required to appear before its committees to respond to audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor General, reinforcing its oversight role over devolved units.

Speaking during the opening of the Senate Liaison Committee’s Working Retreat in Mombasa County on Friday, April 24, 2026, Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi said the Senate would not relent in enforcing accountability.

“As the Senate, we have ensured progressive additional allocation to the counties. On the same breath, we must amplify the call for accountability and ensure that no person defies or interferes with the Senate’s execution of its constitutional mandate of oversight,” he said.

He added that governors would be required to appear before relevant committees without exception.

“We shall, without exception, stand our ground that every governor, whenever required, shall appear before the relevant Senate committees to answer to audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor General for their respective counties. Accountability is not an innovation of the Senate but a constitutional obligation imposed on all state officers,” he emphasised.

Senate oversight and county accountability

Murungi said the Senate’s push is informed by increasing allocations to counties, noting the need to ensure proper use of public resources. He urged committees to remain firm in addressing non-compliance by county governments, particularly in responding to audit queries.

He also called on committees to prioritise issues affecting citizens at the county level, including disruptions in fuel supply, climate resilience, food security, electoral integrity and security challenges such as organised crime and banditry.

The deputy speaker emphasised that oversight remains central to the Senate’s constitutional mandate under devolution, requiring continuous engagement with county leadership on financial management and service delivery.

Committee performance and challenges

Murungi commended Senate committees for their work during the Fourth Session, citing focus on healthcare access, infrastructure development, affordable housing, industrialisation and education reforms.

He challenged lawmakers to build on these efforts in the fifth session while acknowledging constraints affecting committee operations. These include limited budgetary allocations and delays by institutions in responding to petitions, statements, and questions.

He also recognised the role of the offices of the Speaker and the Clerk in facilitating committee work.

The Liaison Committee retreat brings together chairpersons of Senate committees to review past performance and set priorities for the upcoming session. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening committee effectiveness and improving oversight outcomes.