This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
Kenya's Senate has been a subject of controversy since its inception in 2013. As a constitutional body, its primary role is to protect the interests of counties and to impeach the President if necessary.
However, the Senate has failed to deliver on its mandate, and its existence has become a burden on taxpayers. The body has been plagued by allegations of conflict of interest, with some senators acting as attorneys for public figures they oversee.
According to the 2010 Constitution, state officers, including senators, are expected to avoid conflicts between personal interests and public duties. However, the Senate has consistently disregarded this provision, with some senators defending individuals they oversee in court.
The Senate's failure to effectively oversee counties has led to widespread corruption and maladministration. Almost all counties, with the exception of Makueni, are riddled with corruption and financial chaos.
Instead of focusing on its constitutional mandate, the Senate has been engaged in politicking and defending individuals they oversee. This has led to a perception that the body is more interested in personal gain than in serving the public interest.
As the country looks to rationalize state parastatals and commissions, it is also time to re-examine the role of the Senate. Is it necessary to have a separate body overseeing counties, or can this function be carried out by other bodies?
The National Assembly has also faced criticism for its lack of effectiveness, but its constitutional mandate and necessity are not in question. What is needed is a better quality of members, both morally and intellectually.
As a Nairobi-based political commentator, Tee Ngugi argues that the Senate's existence is a waste of resources and that it is time to re-imagine the structures of government to make them more cost-effective.
