In a spirited closing to the Senate Liaison Committee Retreat in Mombasa, Deputy Speaker and Liaison Committee Chair, Sen. Kathuri Murungi (Meru) reaffirmed the Senate’s constitutional duty to safeguard devolution while calling for enhanced committee efficiency, improved fiscal resourcing and greater accountability in implementing House resolutions.

“I want to reaffirm the Senate's constitutional commitment through its committees to protect the county governments and their interests,” Sen. Murungi declared, in a speech delivered by Sen. Wakili Hillary Sigei (Bomet). “The Senate remains the bastion of devolution, committed to equitable development and national unity through robust legislative work.”

He directed the Secretariat to develop a tracking tool for monitoring Senate resolutions and Cabinet Secretaries' undertakings on the floor of the House, and to place these matters before the relevant committees for follow-up. As the House enters the final stretch of its term, he also pledged to lead a delegation of the Senate Liaison Committee, alongside Senate leadership, to meet with the President and negotiate enhanced budgetary support for committee work.

A highlight of the day’s deliberations was a compelling call for procedural reform by Sen. Sigei, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights (JLAHRC). Presenting on the ‘Procedure for Consideration of Bills Aimed at Constitutional Amendments’, Sen. Sigei urged the Senate to urgently revise its Standing Orders to provide a clear framework for processing constitutional amendment Bills, particularly during joint engagements with the National Assembly.

“The Senate’s Standing Orders do not currently provide a comprehensive structure for these crucial Bills—unlike those of the National Assembly,” he noted, citing ambiguities around amendment rights, timing for public participation and coordination between the two Houses.

Drawing from recent joint committee engagements—including the review of reports by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) and the Multi-Sectoral Working Group (MSWG)—he advocated for clearer rules to preserve the Senate’s legislative parity and prevent procedural disadvantage in joint sittings. He further proposed that any constitutional amendment Bill should be supported by at least 15 Senators at the time of introduction, unless sponsored by the Majority or Minority Party.

In line with the retreat’s broader goal of improving committee output, Sen. Mwenda Gatagaya (Tharaka Nithi) highlighted gaps in Kenya’s statutory instrument regime, warning that unrestrained Ministerial regulation-making risks diluting parliamentary oversight. He emphasized the need for reforms under the Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill to reinforce scrutiny, timelines and enforcement.

Meanwhile, Sen. Sheikh Mohamed Abass (Wajir) shared impactful successes from the Senate Devolution Committee, including its role in resolving governance disputes in Trans Nzoia and Nyamira counties, and probing the irregular operation of over 1,850 county bank accounts.

The retreat also recognized the uniquely broad mandate of committees like the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare. Chair Sen. Julius Murgor (West Pokot) reported a high volume of work involving diverse sectors, including sports, pensions, labour migration, disability and gambling—demonstrating the importance of strategic work plans and structured stakeholder engagement.

Sen. Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo) turned attention to the human element of committee leadership, outlining traits necessary to leave a legacy: humility, availability, punctuality, a passion for the committee's mandate and the ability to inspire and mentor. She cited former Sen. John Lonyangapuo’s advocacy for National Police Reservists’ remuneration as a shining example of leadership that outlives tenure.