Kenya: Senate Summons Rebecca Miano After She Declines Committee Appearance

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Capital FM report from Nairobi dated July 24, 2026, reported that the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing has formally summoned Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano to appear on August 4. The summons followed her decision not to attend a scheduled Thursday session in person.

According to the report, the committee, chaired by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, wanted Miano to answer questions on the Bomas International Convention Complex redevelopment project. The issues listed included contract variations, approvals, reports and planning. Miano wrote to the committee through the Clerk of the Senate on July 17, saying matters raised in an April 16 committee letter had already been fully addressed in the ministry’s April 28 response, and she asked for the meeting to be moved.

Senators rejected that position, saying it is Parliament’s role to assess whether information supplied by a witness is sufficient. Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ cited parliamentary powers and said Cabinet Secretaries remain accountable to the public through legislative scrutiny. Oketch said the tone and substance of Miano’s response left the committee with no alternative but to issue a summons.

The report adds that senators referred to a June 18 appearance in which they said Miano arrived without adequate preparation but was still accommodated and allowed to leave early for other official duties, with an expectation that she would return. Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua supported the summons, while Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute and Laikipia Senator John Kinyua also attended the meeting.