National Assembly · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 28 February 2023
The debate focused on Kenya's fiscal situation, highlighting the large budget deficit and the need to curb borrowing while questioning the high cost and inappropriate use of debt for recurrent expenditures. Speakers compared Kenya's debt‑to‑GDP ratio with that of advanced economies, noting the impact of global factors such as the Ukraine‑Russia war, supply‑chain disruptions and US interest‑rate hikes on Kenya's inflation and investment climate. Members debated the Supplementary Estimates, focusing on tightening regulations for Article 223 expenditures and addressing inflation through both monetary and physical channels. Hon. Ndindi Nyoro highlighted the need for fertilizer and fuel subsidies to boost agricultural production and urged tighter controls on pending road bills, while also noting concerns over budget overruns and fiscal discipline. Members debated the need for a comprehensive constitutional review, urging the entrenchment and expanded mandate of the NG‑CDF and addressing the two‑thirds gender rule. They also raised broader reforms such as including presidential runners‑up in Parliament, reconsidering the system of government, and tackling the cost‑of‑living crisis.
Hon. Members, we have quorum to transact business.
Where is the Leader of the Majority Party? Do we have his representative?
On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.
Yes, Hon. Chepkonga.
Hon. Speaker, the Leader of the Majority Party was rushing on his way here. Maybe we can postpone, defer it…
Is that a point of order or information?
You cannot inform the Speaker.
[(Laughter)]
The Leader of the Majority Party.
Thank you, Hon. Speaker.
First, apologise to the House.
My apologies. We had a bit of consultation with the Whip.
Which you should always do before time.
As you can see it was necessary for the Whip to whip our Members.
Okay. Order No.5.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the House:
Chairperson, Budget and Appropriations Committee. Just hold on, Hon. Ndindi.
[(Hon. Robert Mbui consulted loudly)]
Hon. Members, I wish to recognise and introduce to you a delegation from the National Assembly Authority of the Republic of Gambia. Order, Hon. Mbui! It is an equivalent of our Parliamentary Service Commission. When I mention your name, you stand up to be acknowledged. The delegation comprises the following:
[(Applause)]
Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the House: Report of the Budget and Appropriations Committee on its consideration of the First Supplementary Estimates for the Financial Year 2022/2023, including a compendium of Departmental Committee Reports on the First Supplementary Estimates for Financial Year 2022/2023.
Next Order.
Hon. Members, you will notice that you have a Supplementary Order Paper that will guide the business of the House this afternoon.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Budget and Appropriations
Hon. Members, although that notice has been given, I have permitted the Chair to move the Motion in an amended form under Standing Order 48. So, take note of that. Next Order. Hon. Members, I wish to acknowledge the following schools in the Public Gallery: Mwiki Primary School from Ruiru, Kiambu County and Kigumo Bendera High School from Kigumo, Murang’a County. On my behalf and your behalf, I w…
Chairman.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion in an amended form pursuant to Standing Order 48 and to also incorporate some of the variations that you approved earlier as follows: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Budget and Appropriations
Hon. Ndindi Nyoro, I will give you permission to use the Dispatch Box for your submission, if it will make you more comfortable.
I am okay here.
If you are okay where you are, go ahead.
Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. I will continue moving the Motion.
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considers and makes general comments on the proposals contained in the memorandum by His Excellency the President. (Moved by Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah on 15.2.2023 – Morning Sitting)
Hon. Joshua Kimilu, Member for Kaiti. He seems not to be around. Hon. John Waluke, Member for Sirisia. Is anyone interested in this Motion?
No one!
It seems no one is interested in this Motion.
[(Laughter)]
(Off-record)
Hon. Members, the time being 7.03