Historical perspective

Prior to the commencement of Legislation by Parliament in Kenya, legislation had wholly been done in the United Kingdom (UK) and conveyed in form of royal instructions commonly termed Orders-in-Council

Role of the Senate.

1. The Senate represents the counties, and serves to protect the interests of the counties and their governments.
2. The Senate participates in the law-making function of Parliament by considering, debating and approving Bills concerning counties, as provided in Articles 109 to 113.
3. The Senate determines the allocation of national revenue among counties, as provided in Article 217, and exercises oversight over national revenue allocated to the county governments.
4. The Senate participates in the oversight of State officers

Article 95 of the Constitution establishes that the National Assembly shall consist of the following:-

Two hundred and ninety members, each elected by the registered voters of single member constituencies;
forty-seven women, each elected by the registered voters of the counties, each county constituting a single member constituency;