Senators to discuss revenue formula, Taifa Care during retreat

Senators will be converging in Naivasha for a mid-term retreat in which the proposed county revenue sharing formula, devolution, intergovernmental relations challenges and the implementation of Taifa Care will be the key discussion points.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi, Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye, and Chairpersons of all committees and members are expected to attend.

Cabinet Secretaries, the leadership of the Council of Governors, and chairpersons of relevant constitutional commissions will appraise the lawmakers on devolution-specific issues during the four-day retreat ahead of the commencement of the fourth session next week.

With the theme “Shaping the Senate’s Legacy: Reflections, Strategies, and the Path Forward”, the retreat will review the performance and output of the Senate both in plenary and committees during the first three sessions.

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The Senators will discuss the contentious fourth county revenue allocation formula proposed by the Commission on Revenue (CRA) with the Commission Chairperson Mary Chebukati expected to present before Senators for discussion.

The fourth-generation formula proposed by CRA has given more weight to population despite a spirited fight by leaders from less populous counties, according to the formula which will determine how counties share revenue from 2025-26, CRA has assigned population the highest weight at 42 per cent.

In the current formula, the population weighs 18 per cent while in the second-generation formula, the population was weighted at 45 per cent while in the first framework, the population was weighted at 45 per cent while geographical size has been given a weight of nine per cent from the current eight.

Health Cabinet Secretary Debora Mulongo will be making a presentation on the implementation status of health laws including the successes, challenges and interventions with laws including the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 which established the controversial Social Health Authority (SHA) that replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

“The Senators will discuss the status of the implementation of Senate oversight function as well the proposed constructional amendment to entrench Senate oversight fund in the constitution,” states the program.

The Senators will be discussing members’ welfare including the Post-Service Medical Scheme and Pension Scheme and services and facilities for Members of Parliament.

Cheruiyot and Madzayo are expected to lead discussions on key legislative business and priorities for the Fourth Session which begins on Tuesday next week when the house resumes from long recess.