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2017 KENYA ELECTIONS

Senators pledge to push devolution agenda in 12th Parliament

“I will work towards ensuring proper structures are put in place to ensure that a Senator is well represented even in the lowest unit at the county level. Very fundamentally, I will work towards ensuring that all the counties get enough resources|/CFM NEWS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 1 – A majority of the newly elected Senators in the 12th Parliament have vowed to prioritise the devolution agenda once they commence with their sittings.

A number of the Senators who spoke to Capital FM News on Thursday on the sidelines after the swearing-in ceremony, said they will strive to do more to ensure devolution is fully achieved.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen who is also the Senate Majority Leader told Capital FM News that he will use his new position to seek support from his colleagues to pass bills that will go a long way in supporting the full realisation of devolution.

“I will work towards ensuring proper structures are put in place to ensure that a Senator is well represented even in the lowest unit at the county level. Very fundamentally, I will work towards ensuring that all the counties get enough resources,” said Murkomen who is now serving his second term as a Senator.

Others like Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior told Capital FM News that a more cordial working relationship between both Houses of parliament and less of fighting like that which characterized the 11 Parliament would be crucial in getting them off the ground and work towards achieving devolution.

“The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Senate should work closely and comprehensibly to ensure things are done better as compared what the last parliament achieved,” said Kilonzo.

Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja echoed his colleagues’ sentiments and pledged to play a role in ensuring the benefits of devolution are felt by the people at the counties.

“It is now time for business and the people are now looking up to us to ensure that we deliver on our mandate. I believe this parliament will be able to achieve more as compared to what the last parliament did,” said Sakaja.

All the 47 elected and 20 nominated Senators were sworn-in Thursday at Parliament buildings, in a ceremony that saw them elect former Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka carry as the second Senate Speaker.

But even as the Senators pledged to push the devolution agenda, Lusaka, in his acceptance speech urged the Senators from the political divide to closely work together to ensure that they fully deliver on their mandate.

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“I call upon all of you to adopt and nurture bi-partisan and collegiate leadership approaches that will transform and invigorate the Senate to embrace the various political interests represented in the 12th Parliament and ensure they find their rightful space,” said Lusaka.

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