Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Monday, 1 July 2024
Sen. Ali Roba began by expressing condolences for recent deaths and praising security officers who restrained violence, then shifted to commend the activism of Kenya’s Gen Z and their opposition to the Finance Bill. He criticised the bill’s impact on youth, called for a more rational, deficit‑reducing budget, and highlighted systemic unresponsiveness of cabinet secretaries and the need for better government accountability. The speech combined commendation with strong criticism of current fiscal and administrative practices. Senators expressed deep concern over recent police killings, corruption and economic hardship, highlighting the suffering of families, sick patients and unemployed youth. They criticised the import of poisonous sugar and oil, budget allocations, and legislation such as the Housing Bill, urging the President and cabinet to listen to Gen Z protests and implement reforms. The debate combined condemnation with calls for decisive leadership and change. Sen. Kajwang warned against deploying the military on Nairobi streets, citing regional instability, and criticised the performance of oversight bodies while highlighting the Senate’s accountability record. He urged a shift to digital government, better budget allocation to constitutional commissions and reforms to improve efficiency and transparency. The speech blended criticism with praise for the Senate’s actions and a call for national redemption.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Proceed to call the first Order.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted the Speaker)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Senate Majority Leader, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, Thursday, 4th July, 2024 -
Report of the Auditor General on the Financial Statements of Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Limited for the year ended 30th June, 2023. Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Bomet County Financing Locally Led Climate Actions (FLLOCA) Fund for the year ended 30th June,
The Chairperson Standing Committee on Health or the Senate Majority Leader can proceed to lay.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Senate Majority Leader, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, Thursday, 4th July, 2024 – Report of the Standing Committee on Health on its consideration of the Cancer Prevention and Control (Amendment) (No.2) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.45 of 2022) .
[(Sen. Methu laid the document on the Table)]
Next Order. Hon. Senators, allow me to re-arrange today’s Order Paper pursuant to Standing Order No.45 (2) and instead allow Order Nos. 8, 9 and 10 to be called and thereafter, we move to Order No.11.
First Reading
Hon. Senators, we will resume debate on Order No.11 on the current state of the nation. At the rise of the House yesterday, the dashboard was still full. The Chair then ruled that today, we are going to start with the hon. Senators whose names were reflected on the dashboard when we rose yesterday. Therefore, I will start with that list and thereafter, we will come back to the names that are now …
Hon. Senators, it is now 6.41 p.m. Having concluded the business for which I extended the sitting hours pursuant to Standing Order No. 34 (2) (a) , the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, 9th July, 2024 at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 6.42 p.m.