The Senate has begun a high-level assessment and planning retreat aimed at fast-tracking pending legislation, strengthening oversight of counties and crafting a legacy agenda ahead of the final phase of the 13th Parliament.
Speaking at the opening of the Fifth Session retreat, Clerk of the Senate J.M. Nyegenye said the meeting was designed to review the House’s performance, identify challenges and align priorities for the year.
The retreat brings together senators, parliamentary leadership, Cabinet secretaries and key stakeholders in devolution, health, agriculture, education and climate governance.
Nyegenye said the session comes at a critical moment as the Senate moves toward the final stretch of its term, with a focus on concluding pending business and sharpening its legislative and oversight roles.
“The Fifth Session presents a timely opportunity to advance the Senate’s legislative agenda, fast-track the conclusion of pending business and cement a legacy of impact,” he said.The retreat is being held under the theme “Advancing the Senate’s Agenda: Review, Strategy, and Sustainable Progress.”
Devolution and intergovernmental relations are expected to dominate discussions, with governors, county assembly representatives and national government officials set to engage senators on collaboration challenges and legislative gaps.
The Senate has repeatedly clashed with county governments over oversight, audit compliance and accountability for billions in devolved funds, making the issue central to its constitutional mandate.
Nyegenye said the retreat would help identify priority interventions to strengthen devolved governance structures and improve coordination between the two levels of government.
Implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will also come under scrutiny following the enactment of key health laws in 2023, including the Social Health Insurance framework.
Senators are expected to assess how the reforms are working at both national and county levels and propose legislative fixes to improve service delivery.
Agriculture and food security will feature prominently, with the Clerk noting the sector contributes up to 30 per cent of Kenya’s GDP and employs more than 40 per cent of the population.
The House will review challenges such as climate shocks, supply chain bottlenecks and value addition, and consider policy measures to boost productivity and rural livelihoods.
Climate financing under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme will also be examined, with emphasis on accountability, value for money and the role of counties in climate adaptation.
“County governments are central to translating national climate commitments into practical, community-responsive actions,” Nyegenye said.The state of education — particularly the management of functions between national and county governments — is another key agenda item, with a focus on Early Childhood Development and training for a technology-driven economy.
On the legal front, senators will review the draft Referendum Bill and the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill seeking to actualise the two-thirds gender principle and enhance representation of persons with disabilities.
The gender rule has remained unimplemented since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, despite multiple legislative attempts.
The retreat will also address senators’ welfare, including a proposed post-service medical scheme, infrastructure upgrades and capacity-building programmes through the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training.
Support desks from agencies such as the Social Health Authority, the National Social Security Fund and the Kenya Revenue Authority have been set up to assist members during the retreat.
Nyegenye assured senators of the Secretariat’s continued support in executing their constitutional mandate.
“It is my hope that the outcomes of this retreat will inform the Senate’s strategic focus and guide the refinement of its legislative and oversight priorities,” he said.The meeting is expected to shape the House’s work plan for the Fifth Session as it seeks to strengthen devolution, improve service delivery and clear its legislative backlog before the end of the parliamentary term.