Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Sunday, 27 October 2024
Senators debated the urgent need to revive Kenya's cotton industry, particularly in Tana River, condemning past closures and the lack of governmental support while urging allocation of funds and removal of partisan politics from related legislation. They called for mediation on the pending Mung Bill and highlighted how supporting cotton alongside tea, coffee, and sugarcane could spur regional economic growth. The discussion combined criticism with hopeful calls for concrete action. Senators debated the Division of Revenue (Amendment) Bill 2024, with Sen. Osotsi alleging systemic bribery in the County Office of the Chief of Staff, a claim that was challenged by Sen. Mandago and the Temporary Speaker who demanded evidence. The discussion also covered a proposed reduction of the national revenue share from Ksh 400 billion to Ksh 387 billion, which opponents argued would weaken devolution. The session was dominated by procedural points of order and disputes over substantiating accusations. Senators debated the rollout of the Competency Based Curriculum, with Sen. Cherarkey urging support for the President’s pledge of new classrooms while highlighting the need for policy input. The exchange was dominated by procedural clashes over points of order, pending communications on the Moi University case, and concerns about a Kakamega senator’s matter, leading the Deputy Speaker to repeatedly intervene.
Clerk, confirm whether we have quorum. Kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Clerk, call the first Order, so that we make progress.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Deputy Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
[(Several Senators walked into the Chamber)]
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Deputy Speaker)]
Hon. Senators, we have two Statements pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) . One is by the Senator for Marsabit County, Sen. Mohamed Chute and the second one is by the Senator for Kisii County. Proceed, Sen. Onyonka.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Education regarding the implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) . The CBC was introduced to equip learners with practical skills for the 21st century. However, its implementation has revealed significant challenges that have exacerbated inequalities in …
Hon. Senators, you can now change to the Supplementary Order Paper. In the list of orders, I can see that the Senator for Lamu County has two Statements and Nominated Senetor Orwoba has one. Let us defer those three Statements by the two Senators.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity, again, to continue with the debate we were having this morning. We were discussing the mediated version of the Division of Revenue Bill. I had nearly finished my conversation, but there were about three points I wanted to raise. I wanted to plead with my colleagues in this House. This country is not poor. For …
resources which we need to help our most vulnerable people, yet we are behaving as if nothing is happening. We have the capacity, but we refuse to accept our capabilities. I hope that we will bring legislation with some of you Members who have been wonderful, so that we can close the loopholes where this money is being stolen from and through. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I listened to the presidenti…
On my screen, I can see some of the Senators who contributed in the morning, like Sen. Cherarkey. Did you contribute? Sen. Mwinyi Haji Mohammed, please, proceed.
Asante Mhe. Naibu Spika kwa kunipa fursa hii, pia niongeze kauli yangu kuunga mkono Ripoti ya uwiano kuhusiana na sheria ya ugawaji wa pesa. Mhe. Naibu Spika, hii ni mara ya pili tumeleta Ripoti ya uwiano kuhusu maswala ya sheria ya ugawaji wa pesa kati ya Serikali Kuu na Serikali za County. Hapo awali, tulileta uwiano ambapo tulikubaliana kwamba pesa ambazo zinastahili kwenda kwa county ni Shili…
[(Sen. Kibwana spoke off record)]
[(Applause)]
Malizia.
Asante, Mhe. Naibu Spika. Lamu ilikuwa inachemka hapa. Kwa hivyo, pesa zimepunguzwa tena mpaka Shilingi 387 bilioni, kwa sababu ya kuondolewa kwa mswada wa fedha wa mwaka 2024 kutokana na maandamano ya Gen Z na mambo mengine. Mhe. Naibu Spika, la msingi ni kuwa, ni lazima kaunti zetu zijue kwamba fedha kutoka kwa serikali zinapungua. Ijapokua fedha zinaongezeka kwa kiwango, kwa mfano, mwaka huu t…
Kwa hivo, Mhe. Naibu Spika, ipo haja ya kaunti zetu kujaribu kuingia mifukoni wakusanye pesa ambazo wanatarajiwa kukusanya. Kama ni maswala ya kuleta mifumo ya kiteknolojia ya kukusanya pesa ifanyike hivyo ili pesa zinazokusanywa kutoka kwa kaunti ziwe zinajulikana na vile vile zitumike kwa matumizi ambayo yatasaidia maendeleo katika kaunti zetu. Haiwezekani mpaka sasa county zingine zinakusanya …
Thank you, Sen. Faki.
[(Loud consultations)]
Hon. Members you may now rise. Hon. Senators, it is now 6.41 p.m., and having concluded the business for which I extended the hours of sitting pursuant to Standing Order No.34 (2) (A) , the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, 28th November, 2024, at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 6.41 p.m.