Parliament returns Tuesday with Safaricom sale, election budget and county finance on agenda

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National Assembly and Senate will resume sittings on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 2.30pm, kicking off the Fifth Session of the 13th Parliament after a long break that began in late November 2025.

Lawmakers adjourned the Fourth Session, and many later participated in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Games in Uganda before the recess formally took effect.

When Parliament returns, MPs and senators will face a full and politically significant agenda with matters affecting both the economy and delivery of public services.

Safaricom share sale and public participation

One of the first major items is the planned partial sale of the Government of Kenya’s shareholding in Safaricom PLC.

Under Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2025, the government proposes to sell 15 per cent of its 35 per cent stake, expected to generate approximately Sh204 billion.

During the recess, a joint parliamentary committee--combining members of the Finance and Public Debt and Privatisation committees--has been conducting public participation hearings across counties, inviting Kenyans to share their views on the proposed transaction.

The final report will be tabled when Parliament sits.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has supported early committee work to ensure extensive hearings and said the House wants thorough public input on the plan.

“This earlier resumption of their sittings shall allow the committees to conduct extensive public participation to obtain the views of the affected stakeholders,” he said.

Election funding, IEBC and 2027 preparations

Parliament will also grapple with budgetary requirements for the 2027 General Election.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has told lawmakers it needs tens of billions of shillings to register millions of new voters, procure Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits, and fund logistics, training and operational costs.

IEBC has highlighted funding gaps that could delay preparations unless the Treasury and Parliament allocate sufficient funds.

It says un‑paid bills and shortfalls risk hampering key election tasks such as registering about 6.3 million new voters and ensuring enough election kits are available.

Speaker Wetang’ula has repeatedly urged legislators to support independent institutions and electoral readiness, saying credible polls require adequate resources and public trust.

Understanding the budget cycle

A key focus for Parliament will be the national budget cycle, which works in stages:

Budget Policy Statement: sets broad priorities and revenue outlook.

Estimates and Committee Scrutiny: ministries submit detailed spending proposals, which Parliament examines.

Debate and Approval: the House debates and amends the proposals before approving the budget for the next financial year starting July 1.

This year, lawmakers will scrutinise the 2026/27 Budget, which must address public service needs, infrastructure, health, education, and prepare for the election year.

County finance and oversight

Senators are expected to press ahead with oversight of county governments, tracking how devolved funds are spent.

Issues raised during recess--including repeated committee summonses and frustration from governors--will likely be dealt with formally when the Senate sits again.

Other key talks on the floor

Other anticipated topics include health and education reforms to improve services at national and county levels.

Public petitions on the cost of living and unemployment.

Fiscal matters including revenue shortfalls and rising public debt.

Kenyans are watching closely as Parliament returns, particularly on issues that affect daily life--from data and communication costs linked to the Safaricom sale to how taxpayers’ money is allocated across government priorities.