Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has assured counties of the Senate’s continued support in ensuring that residents across the country fully benefit from devolution.

Speaking during an engagement with the Kilifi County Executive led by Governor Gideon Mung’aro, Speaker Kingi applauded the achievements of devolution, reiterating that a key function of the Senate is to protect the interests of counties.

He said the Senate remains committed to executing this mandate effectively and ensuring that the interests and concerns of counties are adequately addressed.

Speaking on this year’s Senate Mashinani, which is being hosted by Kilifi County, Speaker Kingi commended the county for its thorough preparations. He urged residents of Kilifi and the wider Coast region to turn out in large numbers to witness the Senate’s work as it takes its engagements to the Kilifi County Assembly in Malindi.

“I call upon residents of Kilifi County to turn out at the County Assembly and present any petitions to the Senate. We are here to address issues raised by citizens, as required by the Constitution,” said Speaker Kingi.

He added, “We have invited all the Governors from the Coast region. We are therefore appealing to residents to come and witness how the Senate executes its mandate.”

Speaker Kingi also called on counties to openly present the challenges they face so that the Senate can help address them.

“I appeal to counties, please do not hide your challenges. In the Senate, you have a true friend. Please share the challenges that are hindering your performance so that we can help resolve them for the benefit of all Kenyans,” he said.

Speaking during the event, Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro thanked the Senate leadership for selecting Kilifi to host this year’s Senate Mashinani, saying the occasion provides a rare opportunity for residents to interact directly with Senators and present their views.

He encouraged residents to turn out in large numbers and follow the Senate’s engagements throughout the week.

Governor Mung’aro also used the opportunity to appeal to the Senate to help address the water challenges facing the Coast region. He attributed the problem partly to substantial debts owed to the national government and called for the debts to be written off to help resolve the region’s water crisis.

In addition, Governor Mung’aro called for a reduction in electricity tariffs, saying this would ease the cost of doing business and encourage investment in the region.

Kilifi County Senator and Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo also commended the Senate for selecting Kilifi County to host this year’s Senate Mashinani. He urged residents to take advantage of the rare opportunity to witness the Senate’s engagements and interact with Senators.

The engagement was also attended by Commissioner Wahome Wamatinga, who is also the Senator for Nyeri County, Kilifi County Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, Clerk of the Senate and Secretary of the Parliamentary Service Commission Jeremiah Nyegenye and Deputy Clerk Mohamed Ali.