Fresh proposals aimed at changing how counties run their affairs are gaining attention after the Senate unveiled a reform plan targeting delays and spending in County governments.

In a statement shared on X on Monday, March 9, 2026, the Senate says it is pushing for bold reforms to overhaul county government.

“The Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations is pushing for bold reforms to overhaul county governance through the County Government Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” Senate stated

The proposed changes are being driven through a bill sponsored by Garissa Senator Abdul Mohammed Haji, which seeks to address long-standing complaints about legislative delays in counties. Some county assemblies have struggled with bills remaining unsigned for months, creating uncertainty around the implementation of local laws.

“Sponsored by Senator Abdul Mohammed Haji, the Bill aims to eliminate legislative delays by requiring Governors to assent to Bills within seven days,” the Senate statement reads.

Lawmakers meeting at Parliament Buildings on Monday, March 9, 2026 also addressed concerns about fairness and accountability in how governors handle legislation passed by county assemblies. Senators agreed that reforms must improve efficiency while avoiding provisions that could be seen as politically punitive.

“During today’s session at Parliament Buildings, Senators emphasised procedural fairness, moving to delete a clause that would have made a Governor’s failure to assent to a bill a ground for removal,” the statement reads.

Beyond legislative timelines, the Senate committee is also focusing on how county governments spend public money. Over the years, concerns have been raised about large administrative structures in counties, which critics say strain already limited resources meant for development projects.

“The Bill also targets fiscal discipline by capping the number of County Chief Officers at 20 to prevent bloated structures and excessive spending,” the statement reads.

Another key proposal aims to streamline transitions in county institutions. Frequent leadership changes and differing terms of service in county boards have sometimes disrupted operations, particularly during election years when leadership changes occur.

“To ensure seamless transitions, it proposes aligning County Public Service Board terms with the five-year electoral cycle,” the statement reads

The committee says the reform process is still ongoing and more views from stakeholders will be considered before the final document is tabled. Senators are expected to review the collected feedback carefully before presenting the bill for debate in the Senate.

“The Committee will now synthesise these stakeholder views before submitting a final report to the Senate floor,” the statement reads.

Senate says if this is adopted, the reforms could significantly reshape how county governments operate, especially in how quickly laws are enacted and how administrative positions are structured.