Senate Mashinani meetings to take place in Busia County for the fourth time
Senate Mashinani Sittings to Boost Devolution and Public Engagement
The Senate of Kenya is set to hold its annual 'Senate Mashinani' sittings in Busia County from October 6 to 10, with the aim of bringing the Senate closer to the counties and the general public. The sessions, which are held annually in a different county, are designed to strengthen the linkage between the national and county governments [1].
The purpose of these sittings is to help Kenyans better understand the Senate’s role in supporting devolution and to promote public awareness of the Senate’s functions and the broader work of Parliament. By holding these sessions outside Nairobi, the Senate fosters enhanced interaction between national legislators and grassroots communities, encouraging transparency and accountability in the management of county affairs [1].
In terms of promoting devolution, the Mashinani sittings provide Senators and the public with a direct opportunity to observe and understand local challenges, including historical marginalisation and socio-economic issues specific to the counties, such as those witnessed in Busia County. This localized engagement promotes greater responsiveness and oversight by the Senate on county matters, reinforcing the constitutional mandate for devolution under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution [1][3].
The One Stop Border Post in Busia County has reportedly crippled local businesses, particularly in the clearing and forwarding sector. The Senate Mashinani sittings will provide Senators with the opportunity to observe these challenges and address them, if necessary [2].
The initiative, championed by the Speaker Amason Kingi and Senate leadership, reflects a strategic approach to deepen devolution by embedding national legislative processes within county contexts [1].
Previous Mashinani Sittings
Previous Mashinani sittings were held in Uasin Gishu, Kitui, and Turkana counties in 2018, 2019, and 2023 respectively. However, no Mashinani sittings were held in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic [3].
Impact of Mashinani Sittings
The exact impact of previous Mashinani sittings on public understanding or awareness was not provided. However, it is expected that the sessions will improve public awareness of the Senate’s functions and strengthen democratic engagement at the county level [1].
Busia County's Readiness
Senator Khalwale confirmed Busia County's readiness to host the Senate for the week-long session. A significant portion of patients at Busia County Hospital are from Uganda, highlighting the healthcare provision strides made in the county [1].
In conclusion, the Senate Mashinani sittings are a valuable initiative that brings the Senate closer to the counties and the general public, fostering enhanced interaction and transparency in the management of county affairs. By providing Senators with a direct opportunity to observe and understand local challenges, these sittings promote greater responsiveness and oversight by the Senate on county matters, thereby facilitating more effective support and protection of devolved governance.
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Purpose | Bring Senate closer to counties and public; facilitate understanding of Senate roles | | Method | Annual sittings in one county to strengthen national-county government linkage | | Promotion of Devolution | Enables Senate oversight; highlights county challenges; enhances accountability and support | | Broader Impact | Improves public awareness of Senate functions; strengthens democratic engagement at county level |
- The Senate Mashinani sittings in Busia County, Kenya, will not only help Kenyans understand the Senate's role in supporting devolution but also provide a platform for discussions on policy-and-legislation related to health services, given the significant number of Ugandan patients at Busia County Hospital.
- The Senate, during its Mashinani sittings in Busia County, will address the concerns of local businesses, particularly in the clearing and forwarding sector, that have reportedly been affected by the One Stop Border Post in the county, showcasing the importance of politics and general-news in shaping legislation to benefit the public.
