Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja found himself on the receiving end after he failed to turn up for a session with the Senate Standing Committee on Education.
The Committee summoned the county boss for failing to appear before it to discuss the status of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in Nairobi County.
Sakaja was due to attend a session to brief senators on the progress, challenges and budgetary allocations for vocational training centres and ECDE programmes in Nairobi. However, he cancelled at the last minute.
His absence prompted criticism from the Committee, with members accusing the governor of showing contempt for the oversight role of the Senate.
“This is about decency and accountability. It is within the Committee’s discretion to summon the Governor,” said nominated Senator Margaret Kamar said.
Another nominated Senator, Agnes Kavindu, called for stricter enforcement of Senate rules, suggesting that penalties for snubbing parliamentary summons be imposed personally on the Governor.
“It is high time we implement the Standing Orders of the Senate and enforce the fine, which should be paid from his personal capacity,” she said.
Senator Seki Ole Kanar (Kajiado) added, “Unfortunately, this is not a surprise to me that he has snubbed the Committee. It is now upon the Senate to take the rightful legal action against the Governor.”
The Committee resolved to formally summon Sakaja, citing Article 125 of the Constitution and Senate Standing Orders, which give parliamentary committees the authority to compel appearances from public officials.
Senator Joseph Kinyua (Laikipia) affirmed the Committee’s position, stating, “We have no other option but to summon the Governor. As a Committee, we are fully protected by the Constitution.”
The Committee is expected to issue a formal summons, compelling the Governor to appear and provide a detailed report on Nairobi’s education programmes.
This is not the first time Sakaja has landed in trouble with the Senate due to missed sittings. In April 2024, the governor failed to appear before the Energy Committee, resulting in a fine of Ksh500,000 and calls for his apprehending.
