The Council of Governors (COG) in collaboration with the Senate and other stakeholders is scheduled to hold its 6th Annual Devolution Conference in Kirinyaga County - Kirinyaga University from March 4th -8th, 2019. The Conference will bring together key players and stakeholders to reflect on the devolution journeys and milestones achieved over the last five years and chart a way forward on how to make devolution successful.

The theme of this year’s Conference is “Deliver. Transform. Measure” with a clarion call of “Remaining Accountable”. The Conference is anchored on the “Big Four Agenda”. These sectors include; Trade; Agriculture; Health; Affordable Housing and infrastructure.

The Senate, under Article 96 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 provides the cardinal roles of the Senate as— to “represent the counties and serve to protect the interests of the counties and their governments” and “participate in the law-making role of Parliament by considering, debating and approving Bills concerning counties.”

The 6th Annual Devolution Conference will mark an important milestone in Devolution and give stakeholders an opportunity to review performance of County Governments.

The Senate, in cognizant of the high level of commitment required to realize the Government’s Big four Development Agenda, various legislation sponsored by Senators are before the house namely-

1. The County Allocation of Revenue Act concerns the allocation of funds to counties to enable the counties implement its developments agenda including the Big 4. The Senate being a defender and protector of devolution has constantly ensured a steady increase in funds to the counties with an initial allocation of Ksh 190 billion in 2013/2014 to Ksh 314 billion in the financial year 2017/ 2018 translating to an increase of  Kshs. 124 billion over a 6 year period of the house existence;
2. The Tea Bill 2018 sponsored by Senator Aaron Cheruiyot proposes the establishment of a tea regulatory body to develop the industry;
3. The Mental Health (Amendment) Bill, 2018  sponsored by Senator Sylvia Kasanga seeks to have mental  healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation services within the county health facilities, in particular ensure that level 2, 3 and 4 county health facilities set aside dedicated clinics to offer outpatient services for persons with mental illness;
4. The warehouse receipts Systems Bill sponsored by Majority leader Senator Kipchumba Murkomen will help farmer’s store their produce in a certified warehouse, when the market is depressed and thereafter issued with a receipt that serves as document of title; and
5. The Food Security Bill sponsored by Majority Leader Senator Kipchumba Murkomen primarily seeks to operationalize Article 43 of Constitution which is the right to food for all.