Kenya: Senate Summons CS Miano Over Bomas Redevelopment Project

What the report says

AllAfrica, republishing a Capital FM report from Nairobi, says the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing has summoned Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano to appear on August 4, 2026. The committee wants her to address questions about the Bomas International Convention Complex redevelopment project, including contract changes, approvals, planning issues and related reports.

According to the report, the committee, led by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, moved from an invitation to a formal summons after Miano did not attend a scheduled session. Miano had written to the committee through the Clerk of the Senate on July 17, saying the ministry had already responded in detail to issues raised in an April 16 letter and asking for the meeting to be moved. Senators rejected that position, saying Parliament has the authority to decide whether answers supplied by a Cabinet Secretary are adequate.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ argued that Miano could not determine on her own that the information was sufficient, citing Parliament’s oversight powers. Oketch said the committee had previously accommodated the CS at a June 18 meeting, when she was allowed to leave early for other official duties after undertaking to provide fuller responses. Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua also supported compelling her appearance, while the session was attended by Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute and Laikipia Senator John Kinyua.

The matter is significant because it tests parliamentary oversight of a major public redevelopment project described in the report as multi-billion-shilling. The summons indicates senators are seeking direct accountability from the ministry before the project proceeds without unresolved questions being addressed.