NAKURU | 19th September, 2018 - The Speaker of the Senate, Rt Hon Kenneth Lusaka has said that public participation is a critical pillar of the Kenyan Constitution.

Speaking at Kabarak University's School of Law in Nakuru County, Lusaka noted that a framework for public participation must be realized.

"The Senate is currently processing the Public Participation Bill sponsored by Sen Amos Wako to ensure expectations of the framers of the Constitution and indeed Kenyans as a whole is realized," said Lusaka.

Immediate former Ainabkoi MP Hon. Samuel Chepkonga, was this morning sworn in as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission at a ceremony witnessed by Speaker of the National Assembly, who is also the PSC Chairman, Hon. Justin Muturi.

Hon. Chepkonga was picked after interviews conducted by the commission to fill a position that requires representation of a non- Member of Parliament as per the Constitution. He joins Dr. Lorna Mumelo who represents the other gender as a non Member of Parliament Commissioner, as well.

On August 30, 2018, the National Assembly passed the Finance Bill, 2018.  Thereafter, the Bill was presented for Assent to H.E. the President in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the National Assembly Standing Orders. However, H. E. the President, by way of a Memorandum, has since referred the Bill back to the National Assembly for reconsideration, pursuant to the provisions of Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution.

H.E. the President has expressed reservations on—

Pursuant to article 126 of the Constitution of Kenya that mandates either House of parliament to sit anywhere in the country, The Senate of Kenya led by Rt Hon Speaker Kenneth Lusaka EGH, MP will hold a historic sitting in Uasin Gishu County Assembly from September 24th to 28th 2018. During the same period several standing committees of the House will also hold sittings at the County Assembly in the same manner and practice as it happens at the main buildings of parliament in Nairobi.