National Assembly · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 16 August 2023
Members highlighted the chronic shortage and mismanagement of Langata Cemetery, citing failed land‑acquisition attempts and corruption that left the city without an alternative burial site. They urged the Nairobi County government to secure suitable land with proper soil conditions and enforce standards to ensure dignified interments, while stressing cultural and religious obligations to bury the dead promptly. Members debated the National Land Policy’s role in addressing informal settlements and squatters, emphasizing the need for clear mechanisms to regularise occupied land and protect vulnerable families. Contributions highlighted the risks of unchecked squatting, including violence and homelessness, and called for policies that differentiate genuine occupants from illegal invaders while ensuring fair compensation and resettlement. The discussion underscored the urgency of implementing a transparent, equitable land‑regularisation programme. Members highlighted the chronic problem of landlessness and the stigma of being labelled squatters, urging the government to issue title deeds to informal settlers and idle lands. They criticised the National Land Commission and corporate land hoarding, while proposing digitisation of land records and a comprehensive land reforms bill to unlock economic potential.
Sergeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum
Order, Hon. Mwenje! You should not leave when the bell is ringing. Hon. Members, that is disorderly conduct.
Sergeant-at-Arms, you may halt the ringing of the Bell.
The first Question is by the Member for Malava, Hon. Malulu Injendi. Question 334/2023
That Question will be replied to before the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs.
Hon. Members, on the next Question, Hon. Tandaza Kassim had requested for the indulgence of the Speaker. We will get back to it later.
He is in the House.
Oh, he has made it to the House on time. Hon. Tandaza, I got your communication about the indulgence. Please, ask the Question. Question 365/2023
Hon. Temporary Speaker, could the National Land Commission:
The Question will be replied to before the Departmental Committee on Lands. Next is the Question by the Member for Turkana North, Hon. Paul Nabui. Is he in the House? We will defer this Question. Question 369/2023
On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.
What is out of order, Hon. Kangogo?
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The gadgets we are supposed to use have passwords. Some people or the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Department have installed passwords. These gadgets should be free for any Member to use. When I sit on the other side, I should use them as when I am in my seat. We cannot access the Order Paper.
Hon. Kangogo, first of all, you will be assisted in opening yours. I thought it is accessible. When I sit there, I can open mine. I do not know whether Members have the same problem. Hon. Makali Mulu.
Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I agree with my colleague, Hon. Kangogo. I used to sit in the seat next to me here. I could not access my machine when I moved to this seat. I can log into that machine, but I cannot on this one. During the last Parliament, you would log in on any machine using the exact details, but it is impossible now. The ICT Department needs to check what is happen…
We direct the ICT team to look at it. From the experience of the last Session, as Hon. Makali Mulu says, we would access any machine with our credentials on any seat. You would use your password, and you would unlock the screen. We will take it up later and report the progress to the House. Next Order.
We will defer the putting of the Question on this Motion under Standing Order 53.
[(Putting of the Question deferred)]
that Section 22 of the Persons Deprived of Liberty Act and the Childcare Policy provides for the care of a child whose parent is deprived of liberty, until the child still require parental support; further recognising that majority of these children often suffer from emotional distress, social stigma and economic hardships; cognisant of the fact that all children should be accorded a means of main…
The same fate falls on this Motion. It is deferred to the next day.
[(Putting of the Question deferred)]
Is Hon. Machua in the House? Member for Kiambu.
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me first to thank all the Members who have so far supported this important Motion. They have demonstrated their love and care for our children. If we care about the future of this country, we have to take care of our children by investing in their future and removing any barriers to their education and health. When I decided to table this Motion in this Ho…
Thank you, Hon. Machua. We will defer the putting of the Question of this Motion. Next Order.
[(Putting of the Question deferred)]
Member for Langata, Hon. Phelix Odiwuor.
Hon. Members, the time being 1.00