Senate of Kenya
Upper house of the Parliament of Kenya
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Senate of the Republic of Kenya (swahili: Seneti ya Jamhuri ya Kenya) is one of the two Houses of the Parliament of Kenya, along with the National Assembly. The Senate was first established as part of Kenya's 1963 Constitution.
.svg)
(original)
2013
(reconstruction)
The Senate of the Republic of Kenya Bunge la Seneti la Kenya | |
|---|---|
| 13th Parliament | |
| |
| Type | |
| Type | Upper house of the Parliament of Kenya |
Term limits | None |
| History | |
| Founded | 1963 (original) 2013 (reconstruction) |
New session started | 8 September 2022 |
| Leadership | |
Speaker | |
Deputy Speaker | |
Majority Leader | |
Minority Leader | |
Majority Whip | |
Minority Whip | |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 67 |
.svg) | |
Political groups | Government (66)[2]
|
| Elections | |
| 47 First Past the Post, 20 co-opted, 1 ex-officio | |
Last election | 9 August 2022 |
Next election | No later than 10 August 2027 |
| Meeting place | |
 | |
| Parliament Buildings,[3] Nairobi, Kenya | |
| Website | |
| Official website | |
After being abolished in 1966, the Senate was re-established by Article 93 of the new 2010 Constitution to represent counties' interests as well as pass legislation concerning counties.
Powers
The powers and role of the Senate in Kenya are as follows:[4]
- Empowered to represent the interests of the counties and their governments
- Participates in law-making by considering, debating and approving bills concerning counties
- Determines allocation of national revenue among counties.
- Has powers of impeachment over the president, deputy president, county governor, and deputy governors
First Senate, 1963–1966
Kenya's 1963 Constitution established a Senate that consisted of 41 senators elected for six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years. Timothy Chokwe served as the first speaker of the Senate.[5] The Senate was abolished in 1966, when its membership was combined with that of the House of Representatives to form a unicameral legislature, the National Assembly.
Members of the first Senate (1963–1966)
| Constituency | Senator | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mombasa District | S. R. D. Msechu | |
| 2 | Kwale District | Rocky Mchinga | |
| 3 | Kilifi District | H. J. Malingi | |
| 4 | Tana River District | Martin T. Jilo | |
| 5 | Lamu District | Msallam M. Ali | |
| 6 | Taita-Taveta District | W. K. Mengo | |
| 7 | Garissa District | Abdi Haji Ahmed | |
| 8 | Wajir District | Noor Adhan Hassan | |
| 9 | Mandera District | Mohamed Nur Hussein | |
| 10 | Marsabit District | S. A. Galgallo | |
| 11 | Isiolo District | Mkubito Lawi | |
| 12 | Meru District | Julius Muthamia | |
| 13 | Embu District | S. R. Nyaga | |
| 14 | Kitui District | Permenas Nzilu Munyasia | |
| 15 | Machakos District | J. M. Nthula | |
| 16 | Nyandarua District | Gideon G. Kago | |
| 17 | Nyeri District | James P. Mathenge | |
| 18 | Kirinyaga District | Ndegwa Njiru | |
| 19 | Fort Hall District | Tadeo Mwaura | |
| 20 | Kiambu District | J. M. Koinange | |
| 21 | Thika District | J. M. Njonjo | |
| 22 | Turkana District | J. H. Robaro | |
| 23 | West Pokot District | E. Porriot Kassachon | |
| 24 | Samburu District | J. Lenayiarra Kanite | KADU |
| 25 | Trans-Nzoia District | William Wamalwa | |
| 26 | Uasin Gishu District | E. M. Daliti | |
| 27 | Elgeyo-Marakwet District | J. K. Arap Chemjor | |
| 28 | Nandi District | G. N. Kalya | |
| 29 | Baringo District | William Kiptui Rotich | |
| 30 | Laikipia District | Tom Kariuki Gichohi | |
| 31 | Nakuru District | W. Sijeyo | |
| 32 | Narok District | P. T. Ole Lemein | |
| 33 | Kajiado District | G. K. Ole Kipury | |
| 34 | Kericho District | James K Arap Soi | |
| 35 | Kakamega District | A. R. Tsalwa | |
| 36 | Bungoma District | Nathan W. Munoko | |
| 37 | Busia District | . J. W. Machio | |
| 42 | Central Nyanza District | D. O. Makasembo | |
| 39 | South Nyanza District | S. F. Mbeo-Onyango | |
| 40 | Kisii District | J. K. Kebaso | |
| 41 | Nairobi Extra-Regional Area | C. K. Lubembe | KANU |
Modern Senate, 2013–present
The 2013 General Election took place on 4 March 2013.[6] Under the new Constitution, which was passed during the 2010 Referendum, the 2013 general election was the first to include the election of Senators representing the 47 newly created counties. They were also the first general elections run by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
According to their share of elected seats, the political parties nominated an additional 16 women. Additional nominations were made for two members representing the youth and two members representing Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD). The Speaker of the Senate, who is an ex officio member, is elected by the Senators sworn in on the first Sitting of the Senate.
Members of the Senate from 2017 to 2022
Elected senators
Source: Kenyan Parliament (2020)[7]
Members of the Senate from 2022 to 2027
Elected senators
| County number | County | Senator | Party | Coalition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mombasa | Mohamed Faki Mwinyihaji | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 2 | Kwale | Boy Issa Juma | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 3 | Kilifi | Stewart Madzayo | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 4 | Tana-River | Danson Mungatana | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 5 | Lamu | Joseph Githuku | JP | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 6 | Taita-Taveta | Johnes Mwashushe Mwarume | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 7 | Garissa | Abdulkadir Haji | JP | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 8 | Wajir | Abass Mohamed | UDM | Kenya Kwanza |
| 9 | Mandera | Ali Roba | UDM | Kenya Kwanza |
| 10 | Marsabit | Mohamed Said Chute | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 11 | Isiolo | Adan Dullo Fatuma | JP | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 12 | Meru | Kathuri Murungi | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 13 | Tharaka Nithi | Gataya Mwenda | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 14 | Embu | Alexander Mundigi | DP | Kenya Kwanza |
| 15 | Kitui | Enoch Kiio Wambua | WDM-K | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 16 | Machakos | Agnes Kavindu Muthama | WDM-K | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 17 | Makueni | Dan Maanzo | WDM-K | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 18 | Nyandarua | John Penninah Methu | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 19 | Nyeri | Wahome Wamatinga | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 20 | Kirinyaga | James Murango | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 21 | Murang'a | Joe Nyutu | UDA | kenya Kwanza |
| 22 | Kiambu | Paul Karungo Thang'wa | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 23 | Turkana | James Lomenen Ekomwa | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 24 | West-Pokot | James Murgor | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 25 | Samburu | Steve Ltumbesi Lelegwe | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 26 | Trans-Nzoia | Allan Chesang | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 27 | Uasin-Gishu | Jackson Mandago | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 28 | Elgeyo-Marakwet | William Kisang | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 29 | Nandi | Samson Cherarkey | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 30 | Baringo | William Cheptumo | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 31 | Laikipia | John Nderitu | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 32 | Nakuru | Tabitha Keroche | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 33 | Narok | Olekina Ledama | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 34 | Kajiado | Samuel Kanar Seki | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 35 | Kericho | Aaron Cheruiyot | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 36 | Bomet | Hillary Sigei | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 37 | Kakamega | Bonny Khalwale | UDA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 38 | Vihiga | Geoffrey Osotsi | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 39 | Bungoma | David Wakoli Wafula | FORD-KENYA | Kenya Kwanza |
| 40 | Busia | Okiya Omtatah | NRA | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 41 | Siaya | Oburu Odinga | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 42 | Kisumu | Tom Ojienda | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 43 | Homa Bay | Moses Otieno Kajwang | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 44 | Migori | Eddy Oketch | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 45 | Kisii | Richard Onyonka | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 46 | Nyamira | Kennedy Mong'are Okong'o | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
| 47 | Nairobi | Edwin Sifuna | ODM | Azimio-One Kenya |
Members of the senate between 2013 and 2017
The Senate consists of 47 members directly elected by their counties, 16 women nominated by the political parties according to their relative strength in the Senate elections, two members to represent the youth, and two members to represent persons with disabilities.
Elected senators
Women senators
Women Nominated to the senate 2022-2027
| Name | Political Party | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Abdalla Shakilla Mohamed | WDM |
| 2. | Beatrice Akinyi Ogolla | ODM |
| 3. | Beth Kalunda Syengo | ODM |
| 4. | Betty Batuli Montet | ODM |
| 5. | Catherine Muyeka Mumma | ODM |
| 6. | Crystal Kegehi Asige | ODM |
| 7. | Esther Anyieni Okenyuri | UDA |
| 8. | Hamida Ali Kibwana | ODM |
| 9. | Hezena M. Lemaletian | ODM |
| 10. | Joyce Chepkoech Korir | UDA |
| 11. | Miraj Abdillahi Abdulrahman | UDA |
| 12. | Tabitha Maureen Mutinda | UDA |
| 13. | Karen Nyamu | UDA |
| 14. | Omar Mariam Sheikh | UDM |
| 15. | Pesi Peris Tobiko | UDA |
| 16. | Prof. Margaret Jepkoech Kamar | JP |
| 17. | Veronica Waheti Nduati | UDA |
Women nominated to the senate between 2013-2017
| # | Senator | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beatrice Elachi | APK |
| 2 | Catherine Mukite Nobwola | FORD-KENYA |
| 3 | Janet Ongera | ODM |
| 4 | Elizabeth Ongoro Masha | ODM |
| 5 | Halima Abdille Mohamud | ODM |
| 6 | Agnes Nzani (Dr.) | ODM |
| 7 | Beth Wambui Mugo | TNA |
| 8 | Emma Mbura Getrude | TNA |
| 9 | Naisula Lesuuda | TNA |
| 10 | Joy Adhiambo Gwendo | TNA |
| 11 | Martha Wangari | UDF |
| 12 | Mshenga Mvita Kisasa | URP |
| 13 | Chelule Liza | URP |
| 14 | Adan Dullo Fatuma | URP |
| 15 | Judith Achieng Sijeny | WDM-K |
| 16 | Zipporah Jepchirchir Kittony | KANU |
Members nominated to senate to represent youth
Members nominated to senate to represent people with disabilities
Summary by coalition and party between 2013 and 2017
These summaries are based on post-election coalitions as reported by the press.
| Coalition | Party | Elected senators | Nominated senators | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jubilee | TNA | 11 | 6 | 17 |
| URP | 9 | 3 | 12 | |
| NARC | 1 | – | 1 | |
| Total | 21 | 9 | 30 | |
| Amani Jubilee-affiliated |
KANU | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| UDF | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Total | 4 | 2 | 6 | |
| Jubilee-affiliated | APK | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Total | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| CORD | ODM | 10 | 6 | 16 |
| FORD-KENYA | 4 | 1 | 5 | |
| WDM-K | 4 | 1 | 5 | |
| FPK | 1 | – | 1 | |
| Total | 19 | 8 | 27 | |
| Vacant | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Total | 47 | 20 | 67 | |
Committees
Committees 2022–
- Senate committee on Health
- Chairperson: Jackson Mandago
- Vice Chair:Mariam Omar Sheikh
- Senate Budget and Finance committee
- Chairperson: Ali Roba
- Vice Chair: Tabitha Mutinda
- Senate Committee on Information, Communication and Technology
- Chairperson: Allan Chesang
- Vice Chair: Gloria Orwoba
- Senate Committee on Justice, Legal And Human Rights
- Chairperson: Hillary Sigei
- Vice Chair: Raphael Chimera
- Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare Committee
- Chairperson: Julius Murgor
- Vice Chair: John Mbugua
- Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
- Chairperson: James Murango
- Vice Chair: Alexander Mundigi
- Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations
- Chairperson: Sheikh Mohamed Abass
- Vice Chair: Rosalinda Tuya
- Senate Committee on Education
- Chairperson: Joseph Nyutu
- Vice Chair:Peris Tobiko
- Senate Committee on Energy
- Chairperson: Wahome Wamatinga
- Vice Chair:Veronicah Nduati[8]
Committees 2013–2022
- Senate Rules and Business Committee
- Chair: Ekwee Ethuro
- Senate Committee on Education, Information and Technology
- Chair: Mutahi Kagwe (NARC)
- Vice Chair: Mohamud Halima Abdille (ODM)
- Senate Committee on Energy, Roads and Transportation
- Senate Committee on Finance, Commerce and Economic Affairs
- Senate Committee on Health, Labour and Social Welfare
- Chair: Mohammed Kuti (URP)
- Vice Chair: Kittony Zipporah (KANU)
- Senate Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights
- Senate Committee on National Security and Foreign Relations
- Chair: Yusuf Haji (TNA)
- Vice Chair: Dullo Fatuma (URP)
- Senate Committee on Agriculture, Land and Natural Resources
- Chair: Kivuti Lenny (APK)
- Vice Chair: George Khaniri (UDF)
- Senate Delegated Legislation Committee
- Senate Implementation Committee
- Chair: James Orengo (ODM)
- Vice Chair: Kanainza Nyongesa Daisy (ODM)
- Senate Devolved Government Committee