The Senate held a Special Sitting on Thursday afternoon to honour the memory and legacy of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga who passed away on Wednesday morning in India.

Through a Motion, moved by Deputy Minority Leader Sen. Enoch Wambua (Kitui) and seconded by Deputy Majority Leader Sen. Tabitha Karanja (Nakuru) Senators were invited to pay tribute to a leader described as a towering figure in Kenya’s political and democratic journey.

The Senate ICT Committee has vowed to push the Social Health Authority (SHA) to release funds owed to counties following revelations of delayed remittances that have affected healthcare services across the country.

“Our first reaction as a committee, after compiling the report, will be to really push SHA until they start paying counties,” stated Chairperson Allan Chesang.

The Busia County Government has committed to settling its Kshs2.6 billion in outstanding pending bills owed to local suppliers, promising full clearance by the end of the 2026/2027 Financial Year. 

This pledge came during a heated session of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget, held in Busia Town as part of the ongoing Senate Mashinani program.

Senator Tabitha Mutinda has achieved a remarkable milestone following her election to the Board of Governance of the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In an official communication to the Senate on Wednesday afternoon, Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi congratulated Senator Mutinda on her appointment and called upon her colleagues to offer her their full support as she embarks on this new international leadership role.

The Busia One Stop Border Point (OSBP) has been cited as a key trade gateway that urgently requires expansion to improve efficiency and strengthen cross-border trade between Kenya and neighbouring countries.

A watchdog Committee of the Senate has accused Busia Governor Paul Otuoma of doing little to implement the resolutions of the Senate in relation to the financial reports of the county for the 2022/23 financial year.

At the sitting held at the Agricultural Training Centre in Busia town, the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) expressed its displeasure with the Governor for failing to take disciplinary action against some of his officers who failed to provide relevant documents to the auditor general in line with the requirements of the Public Audit Act.