Senators Select Sakaja to End Ksh316 Billion Standoff

A group of legislators led by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen issued conditions geared to end the revenue debate in the Senate.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, August 7, the senators who described themselves as being like-minded, stated that they supported an amendment sponsored by Senator Mithika Linturi which was a further amendment to the one sponsored by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.

“The Linturi Amendment retains the parameters contained in Senator Sakaja’s original amendment but only lowers the amount that will be shared to the counties using the existing resolution. This amount shall range between Ksh250Billion and Ksh270 Billion. The exact amount shall be agreed upon once the negotiations are complete.

The senators support the reduction of the revenue basline from Ksh316 billion, which they claim if used, will hurt some counties. 

Proceedings underway at the Senate during a past session.

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“Anything above the agreed figure as indicated above shall be shared using the formula proposed by the committee,” he stated.

The group of senators further divulged that they had mandated Sakaja to work with his Meru counterpart to ensure that they burn the midnight oil and present the final document on or before Monday, August 10. 2020.

“Both Senators will agree on how to co-sponsor the approved version. We believe that the proposed solution(s) will bring to an end the prolonged debate on this matter and that on Tuesday, 11th August, 2020 the Senate will pass the final version unanimously,” they noted.

On Tuesday, August 4, debate of the passing of the revenue sharing formula collapsed as Murkomen moved to adjourn the sitting.

According to the  senators, the Elgeyo Marakwet representative moved an adjournment motion to give room for dialogue and a consensus on the best resolution which protects the interests of all counties. 

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34 senators voted to adjourn the motion against 26 who opposed its adjournment. One senator was absent.