Commissioner Okong’o Mogeni has called on Senators to embrace the post-retirement medical scheme, emphasizing its significance in securing their healthcare needs after exiting parliamentary service. Mogeni, who chairs the Members Welfare Committee in the Parliamentary Service Commission underscored the scheme's benefits and urged Senators to sign up, stressing that it is a critical safety net for their future.

“Members, if there is anything that should excite you, it is this medical scheme. I want to urge members to please sign and embrace this scheme,” he appealed.

Speaking during the Senate Midterm Retreat in Naivasha, Mogeni also addressed the financial constraints that have limited the Senate’s influence particularly in budgetary matters. He pointed out that under the current constitutional framework, the National Assembly has the final say on budgetary allocations, leaving the Senate with minimal input.

He proposed amending Article 109 of the Constitution to grant the Senate more legislative powers, ensuring a more balanced distribution of authority between the two Houses of Parliament. In addition, he revealed that he has prepared a bill seeking to amend Article 111 to further strengthen the Senate’s role in legislation.

“When there is a problem, the only solution is to amend the Constitution to fix it,” stated Sen. Mogeni.

The retreat was attended by other Parliamentary Service Commissioners, including Hon. Rachel Ameso, Hon. Johnstone Muthama, Sen. Wahome Wamatinga and MP. Faith Gitau who joined Senators in discussions on parliamentary services and member welfare.

Earlier, Senators were taken through a detailed session on the services and facilities available to them. Senior parliamentary officers led discussions on various aspects of legislative support, welfare programmes and post-service benefits. Among the key speakers were Mr. Clement Nyandiere, the Director General of Parliamentary Joint Services, Prof. Nyokabi Kamau, the Executive Director of the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) and Chief Human Resource Manager Ms. Lilian Wata.

The officers elaborated on available services for Members of Parliament, explored opportunities for legislative partnerships, training and provided insights into the Post-Service Medical Scheme and the Parliamentary Pension Scheme. The discussions aimed to equip Senators with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions regarding their welfare and legislative functions.