Senate · Afternoon Sitting

Clerk, do we have a quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly, ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.

[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]

[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]

Hon. Senators, we have quorum now. So, we will get on to the day's business. Clerk, you may proceed to call the first Order.

Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence, in the Speaker's Gallery this afternoon, of a visiting delegation of three young leaders from the Institute of Economic Affairs in Kenya and interns from American University in Washington D.C., in the United States of America. The delegation is on a study visit to Parliament. I request each member of the delegation to stand when called out,…

Ms. Sarah Cherob-Leoba - Intern, Institute of Economic Affairs Mr. Benjamin Kanzeras - Intern, the American University On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, I extend a warm welcome to the delegation and wish you a fruitful visit here at the Senate. I call upon the youth leader of the Senate, and Senator for Siaya County to welcome the delegation. Sen. Eddy, you are not a youth leader, ce…

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I wish to take this opportunity to welcome the interns from the Institute of Economic Affairs and the American University. It is our tradition that we welcome them here, and we hope that during their stay, during this afternoon's sitting, they will be able to gain some experience on how we conduct our business in Parliament. I particularly would like the three who are…

Thank you. Next Order.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Through you, your honour, of course, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate today, Thursday, 18th June, 2026- Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on the County Government's Equitable Share Cash Disbursement Schedule for Financial Year 2026/2027. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

[(Sen. Oketch Gicheru laid the document on the Table)]

The Chairperson of the Liaison Committee, proceed.

Thank you once again Mr. Speaker. Again, through you, your honour and on behalf of the Chairperson Liaison Committee, the Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate today, Thursday, 18th June, 2026 – Report of the Liaison Committee on the activities and operations of Select Committees during the Fourth Session, 2025. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

[(Sen. Oketch Gicheru laid the document on the Table)]

The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, once again. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate today, Thursday, 18th June, 2026. Report of the Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing on its consideration of The Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill (No.3) (National Assembly Bills No.34 of 2025) . Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

[(Sen. Oketch Gicheru laid the document on the Table)]

The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Education, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate today, Thursday, 18th June, 2026- Report on the Standing Committee on Education on its consideration of The Basic Education (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.59 of 2023) . I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

[(Sen. Betty Montet laid the document on the Table)]

Next Order.

I thank you once again, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to give notice of the following Motion – THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on the County Governments (Equitable Share) Cash Disbursement Schedule for Financial Year 2026/2027, laid on the Table of the Senate on Thursday, 18th June, 2026 and that, pursuant to Section 17 of the Public Finance Management…

The Chairperson, Liaison Committee.

Thank you once again, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to give notice of the following Motion- THAT the Senate notes the report of the Liaison Committee on the activities and operations of select committees during the Fourth Session, 2025 pursuant to Standing Orders No. 224 (2) laid on the Table of the Senate on Thursday, 18th June, 2026.

[(The Speaker consulted with the Clerk-at-the-Table)]

Hon. Senators, pursuant to Standing Orders No.45 (2) , I will rearrange today's Order Paper. We will move to Order No.8 and, thereafter, resume the normal flow as contained in the Order Paper of the day. Clerk, you may proceed to call that Order.

Chairperson, Standing Committee on Finance and Budget.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. On behalf of the Chair of the Committee on Finance and Budget of the Senate, I beg to move- THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on the County Government's Equitable Share Cash Disbursement Schedule for the Financial Year 2026/2027 laid on the Table of the Senate on Thursday, 18th June and that pursuant to Section 17 (7) o…

Mr. Speaker, Sir, as a Member of the Committee on Finance and Budget, I assert that this is a procedural Motion because the bulk of the work was the passing of the Division of Revenue Bill and the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, which give money to the counties. Whatever we are passing now is to make sure that the National Treasury can send money to our counties on time. It is important to not…

have Kshs600 plus million, and the month after, we have Kshs800 plus million. These monies must go within that timeframe. However, I will not leave this Floor without emphasising the role that the governors must take in putting these monies to good use. The work that the Senate has done in these past two months to pass the Division of Revenue Bill and the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, and no…

Sen. Roba and the Senator for Nandi, take your seats. Sen. Beatrice Akinyi and Senator for Homa Bay, kindly take your seats. Hon. Senators, I will now proceed to propose the question. The Floor is open for debate. This being a procedural motion, with your concurrence--- Could the Minority Leader and the Majority Leader approach the Chair, please?

[(Sen. Ogola, Sen. M. Kajwang and Sen. Korir walked into the Chamber)]

[(Question proposed)]

[(Sen. Cheruiyot and Sen. Madzayo consulted with the Speaker)]

Hon. Senators, with your concurrence, I will proceed to put the question. Therefore, I will ask the Serjeant-at-Arms to kindly close the door and draw the bar. However, before you close the door and draw the bars, kindly ring the Division Bell for two minutes. Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly, close the door and draw the bars. Clerk, kindly, confirm that the system is ready for voting, so that I put the…

(Question that the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on the County Governments (Equitable Share) Cash Disbursement Schedule for Financial Year 2026/2027, laid on the Table of the Senate on Thursday, 18th June, 2026 and that, pursuant to Section 17 (7) of the Public Finance Management Act and Standing Order 189 (3), the Senate approves the County Governments (…

Madzayo, Kilifi County; Sen. Mbugua, Nyandarua, County; Sen. M. Kajwang’, Homabay County; Sen. (Dr.) Mungatana, MGH, Tana River County; Sen. Munyi Mundigi, Embu County; Sen. (Dr.) Murango, Kirinyaga County; Sen. Mwaruma, Taita Taveta County; Sen. (Dr.) Oburu, Siaya County; Sen. Oketch Gicheru, Migori County; Sen. Okiya Omtatah, Busia County; Sen. Seki, Kajiado County; Sen. Sifuna, Nairobi City Cou…

Hon. Senators, the results of the Division are as follows

The “Ayes” have it. The Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader, kindly approach the Chair. Serajent-at-Arms, you may now withdraw the bar and open the doors. We will now go back to Statements. Clerk, you may call the Order.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on a matter of countywide concern regarding the recent discovery of four bodies buried in shallow graves in Mwingi, Kitui County. Mr. Speaker, Sir, Sen. Cherarkey and Sen. Kinyua are disturbing me.

[(Loud consultations)]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I will take that again. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on a matter of countywide concern regarding the recent discovery of four bodies buried in shallow graves in Mwingi, Kitui County. This disturbing incident coupled with the discovery of three other bodie…

personally against Sen. Joyce who sits here, on behalf of the Parliamentary Service Commission. Having said that, I would like to seek my second Statement.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53(1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on a matter of countywide concern regarding protection of farmers in Kitui County from exploitation by brokers and middlemen during marketing of agricultural produce. Agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for majority of households in …

Next is the Statement by Sen. Peris Tobiko.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources on a matter of countywide concern regarding the operations and environmental compliance of Environmental Combustion Consultants Limited (ECCL) in Kajiado County. Residents of Kaputiei North, particularly in Empuyiankat, Empatipat, Olturoto and …

waste. Operations of the company have resulted in persistent emissions of thick smoke and offensive odours, causing health complications including persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, severe headaches and other related health concerns. There are further concerns regarding the location of the facility in a predominantly agricultural and residential area as well as existence of large waste …

Next is the Senator for Tharaka Nithi, Hon. Mwenda Gataya.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism on a matter of county-wide concern regarding the challenges facing green gram farmers in Tharaka-Nithi County. Green gram is a major source of revenue for thousands of residents in Tharaka- Nithi County. Despite its immense potential, far…

incomes and threaten the sustainability of households that depend on green gram farming as a primary source of income. In the Statement, the committee should address the following- The measures being taken to create a structured market and expand local and international market access for green gram farmers in Tharaka Nithi County. The measures in place to protect farmers from exploitation by inte…

Sen. Kavindu.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you for giving me this opportunity. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on a matter of county- wide concern regarding the discovery of three bodies in Kathiani and Matungulu sub- counties in Machakos County under suspicious and disturbing circumstances. Mr. Speaker,…

Proceed, Sen. Sigei.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing on a matter of county-wide concern regarding the failure by the County Government of Bomet to pay contractors for completed roadworks. Mr. Speaker, Sir, several companies that were contracted by the County Government of Bomet to undertake…

Senator for Nandi. That statement is dropped.

Proceed, Sen. Karungo Thang’wa, the Senator for Kiambu County.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology on a matter of national concern regarding the status of the Constituency Digital Innovation Hubs project and the legal and policy framework supporting the digital economy in Kenya.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Government initiated the Constituency Digital Innovation Hubs project as part of its efforts to promote digital inclusion, innovation, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for young people across the country. A pilot digital innovation hub was established in Limuru Constituency in 2017, and a planned rollout of similar hubs across the country has been marked by limit…

Sen. Raphael Chimera, please, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations on a matter of countywide concern regarding the prolonged and unexplained stalling of the Kombani Fresh Produce Market project in Kwale County. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Kombani Fresh Produce Market in Kwale County was commissioned in Dece…

Sen. Mandago, please, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

I rise pursuant to Standing Order 53(1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget, regarding procurement of plumping, drainage, sewer treatment, and firefighting installation works under the tender Reference No.KIRDI/04/1/2025/2026 at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI). Mr. Speaker, Sir, public procurement is governed by the principles of …

Sen. Kavindu, please, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order 53(1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee of National Security, Defence, Foreign Relations on a matter of country-wide concerns regarding the tragic lynching of three young men, namely Kennedy Katuu, Stanley Muthungu, and Charles Mutiso in Machakos Town on 31st May, Mr. Speaker, Sir, the circumstances surrounding the death of the thr…

Let us move onto a Statement pursuant to Standing Order 57 (1) . The Senate Majority Leader, please, proceed. Sen. Wakoli, do you have instructions to make this Statement on behalf of the Senate Majority Leader?

Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

Sen. Wafula: Mr. Speaker, Sir, pursuant to Standing Order No.57 (1), I hereby present the business for the week commencing Tuesday, 14th July, 2026. As honourable Senators are aware, in accordance with the Calendar of the Fifth Part, the Senate will proceed on recess at the rise of the Senate today. Regular sittings will resume on Tuesday, 14th July, 2026.

Before I proceed with the statement, honourable Senators may recall that during the sitting of Wednesday, 17th June, 2026, the Senate considered and passed the following- One, the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, (Senate Bills No.10 of 2026) and the County Governments Additional Allocation Bill (Senate Bills No.8 of 2026). These Bills have been referred to the National Assembly for consideratio…

No.43 of 2024), The County Government Laws (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.14 of 2025), the Kenya Health Products and Technologies Regulatory Authority Bill (National Assembly Bills No.54 of 2022) and finally, The Mining (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.22 of 2025). Bills at the Committee of the Whole include The Sports Bill (Senate Bills No.33 of 2024), The Agriculture Produce Minimum Guarant…

Honourable Senators, before I allow comments on these statements, there is a statement by the honourable Senator for Nandi that had been dropped. Being the last day for this session, you may proceed, honourable Senator. He has given a valid reason. He had gone to address the Kenyans who are out there demonstrating and picketing.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I was doing this on your direction to address; so, I was on a Speaker's assignment. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Education on a matter of countywide concern regarding welfare terms of service and career progression of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers in Nandi County. Mr. Spe…

Now, Senator for Nandi, having gone to listen to the grievances by the Health Union Caucus, you were presented with a memorandum. You may proceed to table it, so that I commit it to the Committee on Health.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I was approached by officials of various organisations, for example, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) , the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) , the Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologies (KNUPT) , the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO) and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) . They presented me with a me…

[[The Speaker (Hon.) Kingi) left the Chair] [The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) in the Chair]]

Very well, Sen. Cherarkey. That memorandum is committed to the Standing Committee on Health. Hon. Senators, I have very brief Communications to make before we get to comments on Statements. Order, Senators. Sen. Osotsi, find your way to the nearest seat.

[(The memorandum was committed to the Standing Committee on Health)]

[(Sen. Osotsi walked into the Chamber)]

[(Interruption of Statements)]

Hon. Senators, I have a Message to communicate from the County Assembly of Kilifi. Hon. Senators, I wish to report to the Senate that pursuant to Standing Order Nos.48(4) and 5, I have received the following Message from the Speaker of the County Assembly of Kilifi regarding the resolution of the County Assembly to suspend its plenary and committee sittings from 21st to 25th September, 2026, to f…

AWARE THAT the County Assembly House Business Committee (HBC) recommended the suspension of sittings from Monday, 21st September to Friday, 25th September, 2026; FURTHER AWARE that Standing Order No.25(4) of the Kilifi County Assembly Standing Orders provides that the Assembly may, for good cause, alter its calendar; FURTHER AWARE that at a sitting held on Tuesday 9th June, 2026, at 2.30 m., the…

[(Applause)]

[(Applause)]

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, thank you for this chance. I thank colleague Senators who took time to speak to this Bill. This is one of those very important Bills, which if we leave this House--- I am beginning to speak like this because I have seen two other previous ends to a term of Senate and I know they can be very quick and fast. It gets to July and raising the requisite number to transact busi…

and work around with other more senior and qualified medical practitioners, they learn these things and bring indigenous knowledge from their areas of operation. Therefore, these are very important Kenyans. It is my hope that upon the passage of this Bill, we shall conclude and see through its intention, which is to set up this council that looks after them. I am not particularly sure whether we …

Okay, very well. Putting of the question is deferred. Hon. Senators, looking at the Order Paper, business appearing as Order No.10 all the way to Order No.20 are Divisions. I am afraid that we have no numbers for the Division. So, we will go to Order No.21.

[(Putting the question on the Bill deferred)]

(Bill deferred)

(Bill deferred)

THAT, the Senate adopts the Reports of the Select Committee on Delegated Legislation on its consideration of the – i) The Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2026 (Legal Notice No.11 of 2026; ii) The Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026 (Legal Notice No.13 of 2026); and iii)The National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2026 (Legal Notice No.14 …

(Division) (Motion deferred)

THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights on its consideration of a Petition to the Senate by Mr. Laban Omusundi regarding the enactment of a legal framework to provide for recall of the President or a Governor through a citizen initiative, laid on the table of the Senate on Thursday, 11th June, (Motion deferred)

THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Health on a Petition to the Senate by Mr. Patrick Musilu and others concerning the protection and propagation of the commercialization of the New Generation (Muthea) Anti-venom in Kenya, laid on the Table of the Senate on Wednesday, 17th June, 2026.

(Motion deferred)

(Bill Deferred)

(Bill Deferred)

(Bill Deferred)

(Bill Deferred)

(Bill deferred)

THAT AWARE THAT, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is redefining economies globally through emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and financial technology (Fintech); FURTHER AWARE THAT Kenya has made commendable strides in digital infrastructure and mobile innovation, positioning itself as a potential leader in Africa’s tech-driven future; NOTING THAT in a landmark…

THAT the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy recently formulated and launched the Kenya National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 2025- 2030; RECOGNIZING the need to align Kenya’s development with global standards in AI adoption while also safeguarding national values, inclusivity, and employment; CONCERNED THAT the absence of a comprehensive framework may hinder i…

creating innovation-friendly ‘Sandboxes’ for supervised testing of AI and emerging technologies; strengthening public-private partnerships to build digital skills and innovation ecosystems; and integrating AI and coding into the education curriculum to prepare the next generation for the digital economy. (Motion deferred)

THAT, AWARE that, the Ministry of Education in Kenya, introduced Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) as part of the Competency- Based Curriculum (CBC) implementation marking a major milestone for the country’s education system, and a key opportunity to improve the quality of education available to students; APPRECIATING THAT, the Junior Secondary Schools program play a vital role in shaping the academi…

management, and create a more focused learning environment for the learners; Allocate adequate funds for the construction and equipping of Junior Secondary Schools with essential facilities such as science labs, libraries and ICT rooms, and provide adequate learning materials relevant with the curriculum; Offer professional development programs for Junior Secondary School teachers to help them spe…

Clerk, you may call Order No.31.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the following Motion- THAT, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (3) , the Senate do adjourn until Tuesday 14th July, 2026. I request Sen. Eddie to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second. I wish the nation knows that in this particular Session, we have worked so hard on the primary role of sending monies to counties. So, as we go to counties in the next three weeks, you see us trying to make sure that the monies are used in the right way. This is because we have fought hard to make sure that Kericho, Migori and Embu counties have money. We hav…

[(Question proposed)]

Hon. Members, this is another Procedural Motion. So it is available for debate, with your concurrence. Very well. Proceed, Sen. Munyi Mundigi.

Asante, Bw. Spika wa Muda, kwa kunipa nafasi kuchangia Hoja hii. Ni vizuri pesa kwenda mashinani. Kama Seneti, tumepatia Kaunti 47 Shilingi bilioni 428. Pia, tutaangalia kazi ambayo imefanywa. Tukienda kwa kaunti zetu, tutafanya kazi inayofaa. Pia, tutajulisha watu ya kwamba Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) wanafaa kufanya primary oversight. Hii ni kwa sababu wao pamoja na magavana na county e…

With that, there are no more Members wishing to contribute.

[(Question put and agreed to)]