Reps say senators ignore their welfare

Senators on Wednesday faced the wrath of ward representatives, who accused them of failing to look into their welfare despite being the custodians of devolution.

The ward reps attending the on-going legislative summit in Mombasa said they were facing dozens of challenges yet the senators were doing little to help them.

The summit brings together senators and county assembly members and ends on Friday.

The reps said some of their problems include lack of car grants, mortgages and offices.

They also want enough qualified staff to help them make county laws.

Senators also faced questions on their quest to become governors yet their job is to check the same people they are seeking to oust.

“What has the Senate done to ensure that county assemblies are made stronger and able to adhere to laws or know of the existence of such laws?

“Instead of bashing the assemblies, what has the Senate done to help them grow and become knowledgeable?” asked Paul Suter from Elgeyo-Marakwet.  

The reps also cited some rules which they said, were hampering their work yet the Senate had failed to correct.

Among them is the one limiting the assemblies from changing county budgets put in place by the National Treasury.

A number of senators have declared their intention to challenge their governors in the next General Election but the reps said it was not the right time to do so. 

“Senators should wait for the right time. For now allow people to enjoy the fruits of devolution,” said Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Thaddeus Rajwayi.

In defence, senators said they were doing their best to ensure the assemblies had enough resources. Nominated Senator Janet Ongera said they will ensure reps were remunerated well.