The Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, chaired by Wajir Senator Sheikh Mohamed Abass, had a busy agenda, handling multiple inquiries, processing several statements, and reviewing various Bills.

The Committee held 32 sittings, between April and August 2024, in which it addressed various activities related to its mandate.

Top on the Committees agenda, was the consideration of the County Oversight and Accountability Bill, (Senate Bills No. 3 of 2024); and the Intergovernmental Relations Amendment Bill (Senate Bills No. 12 of 2024).

The Committee further processed five (5) Statements which were sought from the Committee. 

The Committee jointly with the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights is considering a petition on restraining county governments from hiring law firms for legal representation in court cases. 

The Committee, is currently conducting an inquiry into the matter of county governments operating several commercial bank accounts contrary to Regulation 82 (1) (b) of the Public Finance Management (County Government) Regulations, 2015 and has invited several Governors to appear before them.

To foster a harmonious working relationship in the county governments, the Committee is currently mediating a long-standing dispute between the County Governor of Siaya and his Deputy to ensure the smooth running of County Affairs.

To assess the effectiveness of the laws concerning the management of cities and urban areas, the Committee is Conducting a post-legislative scrutiny of the Urban Areas and Cities Act .

The Committee has also an elaborate work plan for the next quarter that includes;

1. Conduct an inquiry into national government parastatals that are still performing devolved functions;

2.Look into the issues raised by the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary on the Auditor General’s report on the county government for the Financial Year 2022/2023. The summary report by the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary identifies several cross-cutting issues that require intervention by the Senate.

3.Assess the status of the valuation of assets and liabilities by the intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee; and

4.Conduct visits to various counties to assess the general state of devolution.

 Members of the Committee are; Senators Catherine Mumma (Vice-Chair),George Mungai (Nominate) ,Chute Mohamed (Marsabit),Oginga Oburu (Siaya) ,Onyonka Richard (Kisii) Hezena Lemaletian (Nominated) and David Wakoli (Bungoma).