A Kenyan Senator has several functions and powers as stipulated in the constitution. According to the constitution, a senator is elected after 5 years or when court nullifies elections of a specific senator. It can also occur when a senator dies.
Role and Membership of the Senate
Role
Article 96 of the Constitution states that the following shall be the roles of the Senate:-
The Senate represents the counties, and serves to protect the interests of the Counties and their governments;
The Senate participates in the law-making function of Parliament by considering, debating and approving Bills concerning Counties, as provided in Articles 109 to 113 of the Constitution;
The Senate determines the allocation of national revenue among Counties, as provided in Article 217 of the Constitution, and exercises oversight over national revenue allocated to the county governments; and
The Senate participates in the oversight of State officers by considering and determining any resolution to remove the President or Deputy President from office in accordance with Article 145 of the Constitution.
Membership
Article 98 of the Constitution establishes that the Senate shall consist of the following:-
Forty-seven members each elected by the registered voters of the counties, each county constituting a single member constituency;
Sixteen women members who shall be nominated by political parties according to their proportion of members of the Senate elected under clause (a) in accordance with Article 90;
Two members, being one man and one woman, representing the youth;
Two members, being one man and one woman, representing persons with disabilities; and
The Speaker, who shall be an ex officio member.