The Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation has declined to receive submissions from Trade Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, insisting that Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui must personally appear to defend the controversial County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Regulations.
During a tense session at Parliament Buildings, the Committee—chaired by Tharaka-Nithi Senator Mwenda Gataya—rejected PS Abubakar’s attempt to represent his boss, stating that parliamentary rules require the originator of delegated legislation to be directly accountable to the Senate.
“This Committee does not bend the rules of the House,” Senator Gataya stated. “If the Cabinet Secretary initiated the regulation, he must appear before us to account. Delegation to the PS is neither acceptable nor procedural.”
PS Abubakar had informed the Committee that CS Kinyanjui was unable to attend due to other pressing engagements and had tasked him with appearing on his behalf. But Senators unanimously dismissed the move, asserting the seriousness of the licensing regulations required the direct involvement of the Cabinet Secretary.
Senators Joyce Korir, Betty Montet, and Issa Juma Boy (Kwale) backed the chair’s ruling, emphasizing the need to uphold the Senate’s oversight authority without compromise.
The Committee consequently postponed the session, setting the stage for a future appearance by CS Kinyanjui. The regulations under scrutiny are expected to impact how counties implement uniform licensing procedures—an area that has triggered concerns over policy harmonization, devolution integrity, and business compliance.
The Senate’s firm stance highlights growing parliamentary insistence on executive accountability, especially on matters with significant public and economic implications.
