Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is facing criticism after failing to appear before the Senate Standing Committee on Education to address the state of the county’s Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres.
During a Thursday sitting, Senators accused the governor of disregarding the committee’s summons, terming his absence as disrespectful and an affront to parliamentary oversight.
The governor had been expected to brief Senators on the progress and challenges facing ECDE and VTC programmes in the city, but cancelled his appearance at the last minute. Committee members described the decision as contemptuous of the Senate’s oversight mandate and vowed to enforce accountability measures.
“It is high time we implement the Standing Orders of the Senate and enforce the fine, which should be paid from his personal capacity,” Nominated Senator Agnes Kavindu said.
Kajiado Senator Seki Ole Kanar 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.
Nominated senator Margaret Kamar reiterated that the summons is about decency and accountability.
“It is within the Committee’s discretion to summon the Governor,” she said.
“We have no other option but to summon the Governor. As a Committee, we are fully protected by the Constitution,” Laikipia Senator Joseph Kinyua added.
Senators highlighted Nairobi County’s pivotal role in setting benchmarks for other counties in implementing devolved education functions.
They insisted that Governor Sakaja must appear before the Senate to account for budget allocations, staffing, infrastructure and the overall performance of ECDE and TVET centres.
