Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has urged voters to consider candidates with senatorial experience when electing governors to realise the full potential of devolution.
He said the transition from Senate to county executive leadership often leads to more informed and impactful governance.
“When you vote for a former senator, you’re voting for someone who has not only understood devolution, but has lived it,” Osotsi said.
“Let us give these leaders a chance to take their knowledge and passion from the floor of the Senate to the people on the ground."
Osotsi has declared interest in the Vihiga governor's seat in 2027. He said former senators, who are currently serving as governors, are exemplary performers.
According to him, Senate serves as a vital training ground for leaders by equipping them with the necessary skills and insights on how to manage county affairs effectively.
“Senate is the school of devolution where leaders gain hands-on experience with oversight, policy formulation and the realities of county governance. This experience is proving invaluable when these leaders transition into executive roles as governors,” Osotsi said.
Governors James Orengo (Siaya), Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni) and Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a) are some of the county chiefs who first served as senators.
Osotsi described them as exemplary stewards of devolution, who have brought tangible progress to their counties.
The senator said four of them have been consistently rated highly for transformative leadership, particularly in the sectors of health, water and education.
He said their tenure at the Senate gave them a deeper understanding of devolution, enabling them to champion people-centered development and push for efficiency in public service delivery.
The Senate, which performs secondary oversight on Kenya’s 47 devolved units, plays a critical role in monitoring county budgets, scrutinising development plans and holding executives to account.
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