The Senate is set to resume its sittings this Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 2:30 PM, marking the beginning of the Fourth Session of the 4th Senate. This session follows a long recess that began in early December 2024.

With a packed legislative agenda, the session will commence with the reconstitution of key Senate Committees. Among these are the Senate Business Committee, reconstituted pursuant to Standing Order 190 (1), the County Public Accounts Committee under Standing Order 193, the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee in line with Standing Order 194 and the Committee on Delegated Legislation as per Standing Order 195.

Once the Senate Business Committee is reconstituted, one of its first tasks will be to review and approve the session's draft calendar before presenting it to the Senate for approval.

According to Senate Majority Leader and Kericho County Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, the legislators will prioritize critical financial and legislative matters. These include the passage of the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for 2025 in line with Section 25 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFM) and Standing Order 186(1). The Senate will also deliberate on the Division of Revenue Bill (2025/2026), the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (2025/2026) and the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill (2025/2026) alongside approving the Cash Disbursement Schedules.

Beyond financial legislation, the Fourth Session will also feature key national events. These include an address to Parliament by the President as mandated by Article 132 (1)(b) and (c) of the Constitution. Additionally, Senators will participate in the Legislative Summit, scheduled for March 18-21, 2025 and the Devolution Conference set to take place from August 12-15, 2025, in Homa Bay County. The Senate will also hold special sittings in Busia County from September 22-26, 2025 as part of its efforts to bring parliamentary business closer to the people.

Another significant agenda item is the review of the revenue sharing formula among counties. The third basis for revenue sharing, approved by Parliament in September 2020 expires at the end of the 2024/2025 financial year. In preparation for this transition, the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) has already submitted its recommendations for the Fourth Basis for Revenue Sharing. The Senate will review these recommendations in accordance with Article 217 of the Constitution read alongside Article 216 to ensure an equitable distribution of national revenue to counties.

This crucial Fourth Session of the 4th Senate is scheduled to conclude on December 4, 2025, in accordance with Standing Order 31. As the session unfolds, lawmakers will be expected to navigate these legislative priorities while addressing the pressing needs of county governments and national development.