Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has renewed his call for a stronger devolution framework, insisting that county assemblies, not the Senate should take the lead in holding governors accountable.

Speaking on the relationship between the national government and the 47 counties, the former prime minister stressed that both levels of government must function effectively without one undermining the other.

He noted the need for robust county executives working under the scrutiny of equally empowered county assemblies.

“I believe in devolution; I believe in more, not less devolution. I believe in a balance of power between Nairobi and the counties; neither should stand in the way of the other. I believe in strong county executives oversighted by equally strong county assemblies,” Raila said on Thursday.

He also criticised the practice of senators summoning governors to appear before them in Nairobi, terming it unnecessary and outside the core responsibility of the Senate.

“County governments are supposed to be oversighted by county assemblies, not the Senate. It is unnecessary for the Senate to be summoning Governors to appear before Senators in Nairobi,” Raila stated.

His remarks come amid ongoing debate about the limits of the Senate’s oversight powers under the Constitution.

The law assigns county assemblies the authority to receive and approve plans and policies for managing county resources, as well as the development and maintenance of infrastructure and institutions.

The Constitution also stipulates that the accounting officer of a county public entity is accountable to the county assembly for financial management, while the Senate’s express oversight role is tied to national revenue allocated to counties.

However, Article 94(4) of the Constitution gives Parliament, which comprises both the National Assembly and the Senate a broader mandate to protect the Constitution and promote democratic governance.

This means the Senate’s oversight extends beyond county revenue to include the conduct of certain state officers and other agencies within the devolution structure.