The Senate is set to resume its sittings on Tuesday at 2:30 PM, marking the beginning of the Fourth Session of the 4th Senate.
This session follows a long recess that began in early December 2024 and is expected to address key legislative and financial matters.
One of the first items on the agenda is the reconstitution of key Senate Committees.
These include the Senate Business Committee, which will be reconstituted pursuant to Standing Order 190 (1), the County Public Accounts Committee under Standing Order 193, the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee in line with Standing Order 194, and the Committee on Delegated Legislation as per Standing Order 195.
Once formed, the Senate Business Committee will be tasked with reviewing and approving the session’s draft calendar before presenting it for Senate approval.
According to Senate Majority Leader and Kericho County Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, the legislative body will prioritize critical financial and policy matters.
A key focus will be the passage of the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for 2025 in compliance with Section 25 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFM) and Standing Order 186(1).
Additionally, the Senate will deliberate on the Division of Revenue Bill (2025/2026), the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (2025/2026), and the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill (2025/2026).
Approval of the Cash Disbursement Schedules will also be a priority.
Beyond financial legislation, the Fourth Session will include significant national events. A presidential address to Parliament, mandated by Article 132 (1)(b) and (c) of the Constitution, will take place during this period.
Senators will also participate in the Legislative Summit, scheduled for March 18-21, 2025 and the Devolution Conference, set for August 12-15, 2025, in Homa Bay County.
Additionally, the Senate will conduct special sittings in Busia County from September 22-26, 2025, as part of efforts to bring parliamentary business closer to the public.
Another key issue on the agenda is the review of the revenue-sharing formula among counties. The current revenue-sharing basis, approved by Parliament in September 2020, expires at the end of the 2024/2025 financial year.
In preparation for this transition, the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) has submitted recommendations for the Fourth Basis for Revenue Sharing.
The Senate will review these recommendations in accordance with Article 217 of the Constitution, alongside Article 216, to ensure equitable distribution of national revenue to counties.
The Fourth Session of the 4th Senate is set to conclude on December 4, 2025, as stipulated in Standing Order 31. As the session unfolds, lawmakers will navigate pressing legislative priorities while addressing the needs of county governments and national development.
