Senate Speaker Rt. Hon.. Amason Jeffah Kingi,EGH says the Senate will collaborate with constitutional bodies and all stakeholders to help in promoting and protecting devolution for the benefit of Kenyans.

Speaking when he officially opened the Senate Retreat with Constitutional and other relevant oversight institutions in Mombasa County, Speaker Kingi noted the importance of the constitutional institutions and independent offices for the full realization of devolution.

“The important role the Chapter 15 Institutions play in our governance fabric, makes them key complementary actors and partners of Parliament, as it executes its mandate spelt out in Article 94 of the Constitution,” explained Speaker Kingi.

“In their respective capacities, most of these institutions have a direct role in implementation of Devolution, they variously influence county budget-making processes by determining parameters for resource allocation; authorise disbursements to counties; oversee prudent use of the allocated resources; entrench good governance, accountability and transparency; and enforce observance of the rule of law by county governments,” he emphasized.

He expressed the need for Kenya correcting the messes that have so far been identified which according to him have hindered proper implementation of devolution citing late disbursement of funds to counties as the greatest impediment that has slowed down devolution.

“Allocation of funds to counties and the timetable for disbursements has over the years, stood out as a sore thumb in our commitment to ensure counties are adequately facilitated to deliver on their mandate,” said Hon. Kingi.

Speaker Kingi assured the Constitutional commissions and independent offices that the Senate will work closely with them to ensure effective service to Kenyans.

“The 4th Senate undertakes to work closely with you to ensure audits are undertaken expeditiously and reports submitted promptly for use in formulating budgets and, where necessary, recalibrate resource allocation mechanisms to ensure that counties get adequate funds and in good time,” he emphasized.

In addition, Hon. Kingi said the Senate will endeavor to come up with legislative interventions that will help address the challenges that have negatively affected discharge of mandates by the institutions and by extension implementation of devolution.

Clerk of the Senate and Secretary of Parliamentary Service Commission Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye,CBS who also addressed the gathering commended the constitutional institutions and independent offices for working closely with the Senate with various officers from the bodies holding sessions with several Senate committees.

“I am delighted to note that as a Senate we have so far witnessed immense support and cooperation from your offices, the Office of the Auditor General, EACC and the National Treasury for instance have remained steadfast in their support for Senate Oversight Committees including the County Public Accounts and the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committees in their consideration of the reports of the Auditor General on the financial statements of county governments,” said Mr. Nyegenye.

Further, Mr. Nyegenye reiterated the need for continued collaboration between the Senate and Constitutional Commissions and independent institutions.

“This engagement therefore seeks to bolster the tripartite working relationship between Parliament, Constitutional Commissions and Independent Institutions to enhance synergies for undertaking effective oversight especially over devolved units, which constitutes the primary mandate of the Senate,” he explained.