Senate to hold plenary and committee sittings in Busia
By Faith Lagat, July 29, 2025Busia County will host the Senate’s plenary and committee sessions from October 6 to 10, 2025, in a move aimed at deepening public engagement and strengthening devolution.
The decision follows the approval of a motion by Senate Majority Whip and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale on July 24, 2025. The sessions, to be held outside Nairobi, reflect the Senate’s ongoing commitment to fostering ties with county governments and bringing its work closer to the people.
“The Senate will conduct its sittings in Busia County from 6th to 10th October 2025, following the approval of a motion moved by Senate Majority Whip and Kakamega County Senator Boni Khalwale on Thursday, 24th July 2025,” read a post by the Parliament of Kenya on Facebook dated July 29, 2025.
While presenting the motion, Khalwale said the Senate plays a key role in bridging the national and county governments. He added that such sittings help demystify the Senate’s mandate and encourage public involvement in parliamentary processes.
He cited past sessions in Uasin Gishu (2018), Kitui (2019), and Turkana (2023) as successful examples of promoting civic engagement and legislative transparency.
The planned sessions in Busia are guided by a Senate resolution passed in March 2023, which directed that the House convene in a different county each year—except during election years. Although traditionally scheduled for September, this year’s sittings have been pushed to October due to logistical considerations.
Civic participation
Senators widely supported the motion, noting its role in strengthening devolution. Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who seconded the motion, welcomed the opportunity to spotlight his county’s development challenges. He said the sessions would allow senators to assess service delivery and identify gaps that hinder progress.
“This will be a good opportunity for senators to see that the county is not performing very well in terms of service delivery,” Omtatah said. “The sittings will help us audit and ferret out some of the issues that are leading to underdevelopment.”
Omtatah also pointed to the importance of national unity, describing the sittings as a reminder that Kenya remains one nation despite regional differences.
The Busia sittings are expected to enhance public participation, promote knowledge-sharing with county assemblies, and reaffirm the Senate’s role in safeguarding devolution and county interests.