Senate’s Constitutional Amendment Bill Gains Traction During Public Hearings


The Senate’s initiative to expand its legislative and oversight authority has garnered significant public support, with Kenyans encouraging lawmakers to enhance the Upper House's role in national governance.

  Public hearings regarding the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025 commenced in Busia County on Monday, led by the Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee (JLAC). The Bill, introduced by Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, seeks to broaden the Senate’s powers in lawmaking, budgeting, and the vetting of senior State officials. Attendees at the forum voiced their approval for the proposed changes, asserting that they would improve accountability and diminish the political dominance of the National Assembly. Edgar Ouma from Samia remarked that empowering the Senate to initiate and discuss national Bills would facilitate a more balanced legislative process. “The Senate should not remain passive regarding national matters. Granting it the authority to originate Bills will ensure adequate checks on the National Assembly,” he stated. Caxson Obatsa, a university student, shared this view, emphasizing that involving both Houses in the vetting of top officials would help mitigate corruption. “It is crucial that the vetting process is conducted collaboratively. This approach prevents any single institution from monopolizing the process or manipulating it for political gain,” he noted. From Nambale, Godfrey Odongo suggested that joint parliamentary committees should oversee vetting and approvals to bolster accountability. He also advocated for the Senate to be officially acknowledged as the Upper House. Others present at the forum commended the establishment of the County Assembly Fund, stating it would provide financial autonomy to MCAs and enhance their capacity to supervise county executives. The Bill proposes extensive constitutional amendments that would empower the Senate to initiate any Bill, share responsibilities in budget formulation, and jointly vet and approve State officials.

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