The planned Senate Mashinani sittings that were to be conducted in Busia this month have been rescheduled.
Senators were to meet in the county for a week beginning September 23 to 27 for their sittings and plenary.
It has, however, been pushed to next month.
Senate clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye in a letter addressed to Busia County Assembly acting clerk Gabriel Erambo stated that the sittings will be held from October 28.
The changes, Nyegenye said, were made by the Senate business committee during its special sitting on August 14.
“This is therefore to inform you that our new dates for the Senate Mashinani in Busia county shall be October 28 to November 1,” the letter reads in part copied to speaker of the assembly Fredrick Wafula.
“All logistical arrangements remain as discussed during our last courtesy call to your office,” he stated.
The reasons for the postponement were however not outlined.
The resolution to hold the sittings in the county was first made on July 12.
A high-level Senate delegation led by Nyegenye toured the county early last month to assess the level of preparedness.
During the visit, Nyegenye and the team assessed key facilities, including the assembly chamber that will host both the plenary and committee sittings.
The team also engaged the county commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga and his entire security team to ascertain the level of preparedness to ensure senators' safety.
Senators are also set to hold committee sittings during the week-long meeting.
They will also hold public participation forums with residents and host cabinet secretaries for question and answer sessions before the whole House.
Governor Paul Otuoma said the event will provide a platform to articulate issues concerning counties.
He said the move will provide an opportunity for the Senate to interact with residents and leaders.
“We are looking forward to an enriching engagement where we will articulate several issues including the dicey revenue sharing formula,” Otuoma said.
The county boss urged the Senate to work with counties even as it conducts its oversight role.
“I always say that the Senate and counties are just division of labour meant to work for the people. If the two institutions work together then we can build a better Kenya,” he said.
The Senate Mashinani idea provides an opportunity for Kenyans to interact with their leaders at the grassroots.
Nyegenye said during the sittings, senators will visit projects and hold public participation on bills before the Senate.
Speaker Amason Kingi, Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo will lead another delegation to the county, before the event.
Nyegenye said they will celebrate hall of famers and illustrious sons and daughters of Busia county.
Former Vice President Moody Awuori, former MP Julia Ojiambo, former Butula MP Christine Mango and veteran politician Fred Gumo are among those who will be celebrated.
“We are happy with the progress made and the state of facilities. Going by the level of preparedness, we are confident Busia county has what it takes,” Nyegenye said.
“We are looking forward to a most exciting and engaging Senate Mashinani. We are pleased with what we have seen and we are hopeful it will be very successful.”
