Senators press on with plans to set up boards

Senators are ready to establish the county development boards ahead of the month-end deadline imposed by the law.

Although governors have opposed the boards, threatening to challenge their constitutionality in court, the legislators defended them, saying they were within the supreme law.

“The member of the Senate for the county elected under Article 98 of the Constitution shall be the chairperson of the board and convener of the board’s meetings,” reads the controversial County Governments (amendment) Bill signed into law by President Kenyatta last week.

Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen on Teusday said he was getting ready to establish and chair the first board meeting.

“We will definitely meet before 30 days are over. The law is clear that we should form them within the period,” said Mr Murkomen, who is also the chairperson of the Senate Committee Devolved Government.

Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki said he was talking to county leaders before convening the first meeting to create the Tharaka-Nithi board.

“Senators are ready to chair the meetings before the period allowed elapses,” Prof Kindiki said on Tuesday. The boards will be in charge of development projects in counties.

On Tuesday, Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto did not appear before the County Public Accounts and Investment Committee chaired by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.

Other governors lined up to face the lawmakers this week are said to be reconsidering appearing before the committee that has been interrogating governors on audit queries raised by the Auditor-General. Several have appeared before it.

But the new law irked the governors, who cancelled a meeting with senators at the Coast last Friday.

“We are asking the Clerk of Senate to issue summons to Mr Ruto. He deliberately sent junior officials yet he knows we can’t interrogate them on his behalf,” said Dr Khalwale.

The committee recommended that the governor pays for the expenses incurred by the officials.