Senators have pressed the government to strengthen safeguards for thousands of young Kenyans seeking jobs abroad, raising concerns over delayed loan disbursements, fraudulent recruitment agencies, emergency repatriation mechanisms and the protection of workers in foreign countries.

The Senate Standing Committee on Education, Chaired by Sen. Betty Montet, today held a consultative meeting with the Governor of West Pokot County, H.E. Simon Kachapin, and members of his County Executive Team to deliberate on the status of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in the County.

The Mediation Committee on the Division of Revenue Bill, 2026 has reached a breakthrough agreement setting the equitable share for county governments at Ksh 428 billion.

The Senate, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) have called for urgent reforms to improve county competitiveness, reduce bureaucratic barriers and create a more attractive environment for investment and job creation.

Speaking during a roundtable between the Senate Liaison Committee and KEPSA in Naivasha, Clerk of the Senate Mr Jeremiah Nyegenye said the forum had become an important platform for shaping policies and legislation that influence business growth and livelihoods in counties.

The Senate has renewed its call for the removal of bureaucratic barriers hindering investment in counties, saying streamlined regulations and efficient service delivery are critical to unlocking economic growth and strengthening devolution.

The Mediation Committee co-chaired by Hon. Samuel Atandi and Sen. (Capt.) Ali Roba has begun deliberations aimed at breaking the deadlock between the National Assembly and the Senate over the proposed allocation of revenue to county governments in the Division of Revenue Bill, 2026.

At the centre of the stalemate is the equitable share allocation to counties. While the National Assembly approved Kshs 420 billion, the Senate amended the Bill to increase the allocation to Kshs 454.7 billion, citing growing financial obligations facing county governments.