The Selection Panel responsible for the recruitment of nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) received a total of 1,848 applications for the positions by close of the application process on Saturday, 15th February, 2025, 5pm.

In a press statement issued by the Panel’s Chairperson, Dr. Nelson Makanda, the Panel has commenced the process of verification and will be issuing the long list comprising of all the applicants.

The National Assembly has approved the appointment of nine Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House Business Committee (HBC) in accordance with the Standing Orders.

The approval follows nomination letters submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly by the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wa, on February 6, 2025, and the Leader of the Minority Party, Hon. Junet Mohammed, on February 10, 2025.

The newly appointed MPs to the House Business Committee are;

The National Assembly is set to deliberate on seven Bills passed by the Senate, following communication from Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on their transmission to the House.

Among the key Bills that will be considered is the Houses of Parliament (Bicameral Relations) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 44 of 2023), which the Senate approved with amendments. The Bill has been committed to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs.

The Selection Panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as the Chairperson and members of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) this afternoon gave a status update on the ongoing application for the positions.

Led by the Chairperson, Dr. Nelson Makanda, the Panel on Tuesday11th February, 2025 disclosed that as of Monday

The Kenyan Senate is preparing for a pivotal legislative session in 2025, with Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye outlining an ambitious agenda focused on revenue sharing, devolution, and enhanced public participation.

 Speaking from his Senate office during a media briefing, Nyegenye emphasized the institution's renewed commitment to fortifying devolved governance and championing county interests.

Revenue sharing between national and county governments emerged as a central theme in Nyegenye's address. 

The storming of Parliament on 25 June, 2024 during public protests has prompted a serious reckoning within the Senate. At the Planning Workshop for the Fourth Session, themed ‘Building a Resilient and Balanced Workforce’, Senate Clerk Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye outlined a series of reforms, for consideration, aimed at bolstering security, improving public participation and enhancing the institution’s overall resilience. 

Today, Senate staff convened for the Fourth Reading to review its performance during the Third Session of the 13th Parliament (February to December 2024) and plan for the Fourth. While the Senate demonstrated a strong commitment to its duties – evidenced by a significant increase in sittings and active engagement in high-profile political processes – the review also highlighted areas for enhanced effectiveness. 

Delivering the Report of the Third Session, Deputy Clerk Mohamed Ali, acknowledged the increased workload the Senate had undertaken. 

The Senate is set to resume its sittings this Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 2:30 PM, marking the beginning of the Fourth Session of the 4th Senate. This session follows a long recess that began in early December 2024.

The National Assembly is set to reconvene tomorrow, Tuesday, 11th February 2025, for the fourth session of the Thirteenth (13th) Parliament.

This follows the end of the long  recess, which saw the House take a break after an arduous Third session that was characterized by a rejection of the Finance Bill 2024, passage of six tax related laws and an amended Division of Revenue Act. 

The Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has urged the House to establish legislative frameworks to address the persistent issue of delayed disbursement of funds to counties.

Speaking during the Senate midterm retreat in Naivasha, Sen. Cheruiyot who made a submission on the legislative agenda and priorities for the Fourth Session emphasized the need for the Senate Devolution Committee to take the lead in ensuring that all county functions are fully devolved.

The Senate has been urged to consider abolishing the distribution of bursaries by county governments due to widespread mismanagement of funds. Speaking during a Senate retreat in Naivasha, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Investments and Special Funds exposed how counties have been misusing bursary allocations.

“Bursary funds are not looking good at all; it is another conduit of corruption. In most cases, there is no documentation submitted by those counties,” said Sen. Osotsi.

A section of Senators have strongly opposed the Commission on Revenue Allocation’s (CRA) proposed Fourth Basis for Sharing Revenues among county governments for the financial years 2025/2026 to 2029/2030.

The lawmakers, speaking during the second day of the Senate midterm retreat in Naivasha, Nakuru County, expressed dissatisfaction with several aspects of the proposal presented by CRA Chairperson CPA Mary Wanyonyi. They argued that introducing a new revenue-sharing formula was unnecessary especially when the previous one had not been fully implemented.

Commissioner Okong’o Mogeni has called on Senators to embrace the post-retirement medical scheme, emphasizing its significance in securing their healthcare needs after exiting parliamentary service. Mogeni, who chairs the Members Welfare Committee in the Parliamentary Service Commission underscored the scheme's benefits and urged Senators to sign up, stressing that it is a critical safety net for their future.

“Members, if there is anything that should excite you, it is this medical scheme. I want to urge members to please sign and embrace this scheme,” he appealed.

The Senate has initiated various measures aimed at addressing challenges affecting the operations of County Governments. These efforts were highlighted during the Senate Midterm Retreat held in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

During the event, Senator Catherine Mumma participated as a panelist in a discussion focused on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations. She informed participants that the Senate is actively processing legislations designed to mitigate the challenges hindering the effective implementation of devolution.

The Senate Deputy Minority Leader and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, has applauded the Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) for their dedication and visibility in executing their legislative duties.

Speaking during the Senate Midterm Retreat in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Sen. Wambua acknowledged the efforts of nominated senators, particularly those under KEWOSA, in making their presence felt within the legislative process.

The Senate Deputy Majority Leader and Nakuru County Senator Tabitha Karanja Keroche has called on Senators to remain committed to their legislative duties to uphold the principles of devolution, accountability and transparency.

Speaking during the Senate midterm retreat in Nakuru County, Sen. Karanja emphasized the importance of collective efforts in strengthening devolution for the benefit of all Kenyans.

The Senate has been called upon to take the lead in ensuring the successful implementation of devolution and the realization of its full potential for all Kenyans.

Senate Majority Leader and Kericho County Senator, Aaron Cheruiyot emphasized this during the official opening of the Senate midterm retreat in Naivasha, Nakuru County. Addressing his fellow legislators, Sen. Cheruiyot urged them to take their constitutional mandate seriously in order to guarantee total and meaningful devolution as envisioned in the 2010 Constitution.

The Senate must address its financial constraints to enhance its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively, Senate Minority Leader and Kilifi County Senator Stewart Madzayo has emphasized.

Speaking during the Senate midterm retreat in Naivasha, Senator Madzayo raised concerns over the inadequate funding that has hampered the Senate’s operations. He noted that in some cases, Senators have been forced to cover their expenses while on official duties which undermines their ability to serve efficiently.

Clerk of the Senate and Secretary of the Parliamentary Service Commission, Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye has reassured Senators of the unwavering commitment of the Senate’s administrative arm to support them in executing their mandate effectively.

Speaking during the official opening of the Senate Midterm Retreat in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Mr. Nyegenye highlighted the dedication of Senate staff in ensuring seamless operations as the Fourth Session begins on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.