Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has come under sharp criticism from senators after failing to appear before the Senate Standing Committee on Education to discuss the state of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in the capital.
Sakaja was expected to brief the Committee on progress, challenges, and funding for ECDE and vocational training centres in Nairobi. However, he cancelled his appearance at the last minute a move that senators described as disrespectful to Parliament’s oversight role.
“This is about accountability and decency. The Governor must respect parliamentary summons,” said nominated Senator Margaret Kamar.
Her colleague, Senator Agnes Kavindu, went further, calling for penalties to be imposed directly on Sakaja for ignoring the summons. “We must enforce the Standing Orders. Any fines should be borne by him personally,” she argued.
Senator Seki Ole Kanar of Kajiado echoed the frustration, saying Sakaja’s absence was unsurprising but unacceptable. “It is now upon the Senate to take the necessary legal steps against the Governor,” he said.
The Committee resolved to escalate the matter by issuing a formal summons under Article 125 of the Constitution and Senate Standing Orders, which empower parliamentary committees to compel appearances by public officials.
Laikipia Senator Joseph Kinyua underscored the decision, noting, “We have no choice but to summon the Governor. The Constitution fully protects us in this matter.”
The summons now sets up a likely showdown between Governor Sakaja and the Senate as tensions grow over county accountability on education programmes.
