Senators were sworn in this morning and thereafter they overwhelmingly voted for Sen. Amason Kingi Jeffah as their Speaker of the fourth Senate, for term of five years in the thirteenth Parliament.

In his maiden speech, Senate Speaker Sen. Amason Kingi Jeffah encouraged the Senators to embrace the spirit of devolution. He said, "I am delighted by the rich blend of membership of the Fourth Senate drawn from former Members of the National Assembly, Governors and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs). I note that nine (9) former members of the National Assembly and four Members of County Assemblies have joined the Senate while some have returned after a hiatus. They bring with them invaluable experience that will enrich the House."

The Speaker said that the Senate was fortunate to have a diverse blend of professionals joining the Senate including top legal minds no-less-than a Senior Counsel, scholars, doctors, renowned members of the civil society among others. 

Speaker Sen. Amason Kingi reminded the Senators that the August House, The Senate of the 12th Parliament to a great measure, played an instrumental role in improving the legislative regime, work systems and coherence of key processes that have gradually bolstered devolution implementation. 

The Speaker quoted American writer and political commentator Walter Lipmann who posited that, – “the final test of a Leader is that he leaves behind in other men (and women) the conviction and the will to carry on.” We salute both the Rt. Hon. Ekwee Ethuro and Rt. Hon. Kenneth Lusaka and their leadership teams for their remarkable contributions. 

He lauded the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye and his team for their unwavering and steadfast support and for making the appropriate preparations for the momentous occasion. 

The Speaker welcomed and associated himself with the positive spirit exhibited and pronouncements made by the newly elected Governors to change their strategy of engagement and work more closely with the Senate, the National Assembly and the National Government.

In addition, he noted the pledge and commitment currently being witnessed to intensify the fight against corruption in their respective governments is highly commendable. He said, "Kenyans are looking forward to a new dawn and expect Senators to aggressively defend devolution and county governments better."

The Senate is the bastion of devolution. Devolution has been a game changer and has significantly transformed our country. The county governments are currently receiving billions of shillings courtesy of the Senate’s intervention, to finance various development programmes and provide essential services that are aimed at improving the well-being and welfare of the Kenyan people. 

Massive infrastructural projects have been built throughout the country, including roads, educational and health facilities as well as housing projects. In addition, local entrepreneurs, youth and women have greatly benefitted in terms of securing business and employment opportunities.

He urged the Senators to adopt a pro-active approach in our pursuit to make Senate an effective governance institution to Kenyans and let Senate be their sanctuary in times of distress. He urged and encouraged Kenyans to make the Senate their beacon of sobriety and hope.

Sen. Amason Kingi assured that The Fourth Senate will strive to reach out and harmoniously work with the National Assembly. Hitherto, supremacy wars witnessed in the past between our two Houses have tended to ferment unnecessary acrimony and grandstanding which adversely impacted on legislative outputs. 

He called upon and encouraged Senators to address emerging contentious legislative challenges and resolve them within stipulated mediation frameworks while adopting collegiate approaches noting that these processes are intended to serve the best interest of the people. That is how tangible and progressive milestones will be realized by bicameral Parliament. 

The Speaker concluded by stating that, "Kenyan should not feel left out. It is now time to put behind us political rivalries, roll our sleeves and together focus on building the New Kenya that we all desire."