Senate · Afternoon Sitting

Clerk, do we have a quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly, ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Hon. Senators, let us settle down for business because we have the quorum. Clerk, please, read out the first Order. Senators, please, find your way to your seats, or even the nearest one. There is no specific seat for any Senator. Sen. Wamatinga, please, have a seat. Hon. Senators, I have two Communicati…

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

[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]

[(Several Senators stood in their places)]

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I join you, on behalf of my colleagues, to welcome the guests, visiting Members of Parliament and their staff from the Parliament of the Republic of Gambia, who, as you have communicated, are here on a study tour and have interacted with quite a number of our staff. If they have not, they soon will with some of the Members of this House. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Si…

Thank you, the Senate Majority Leader. In my opinion, you should not complain, but compliment them that they have a strong team. Harambee Stars should learn from them. The Senate Minority Leader, please, proceed to your seat. Hon. Senators, I have another Communication.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I welcome the students from Kericho Day Secondary School. This is one of the largest day schools that we have in Kericho County and has been there for quite a while. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, these students are welcome. I hope they get to interact with as many Members as possible. Certainly, the Senator will spare a minute or two to walk to the back of the Chamber should t…

Hon. Senators, today, we have enough visitors visiting the Senate, so, just so relax, so that we welcome all of them.

Next Order. Sen. Mumma, you have a Petition.

Thank you, honorable Deputy Speaker, Sir. Kindly allow me to read a Petition to the Senate concerning the Shanta Gold Kenya Limited proposed underground mining project in Isulu-Bushiangala, Ikolomani Constituency in Kakamega County. We, the undersigned citizens of the Republic of Kenya and members of the Isulu- Bushiangalai, Ikolomani Constituency in Kakamega County, draw the attention of the Sen…

[(Loud consultations)]

Hon. Senators, pursuant to Standing Order No.238 (1) , I commit the Petition to the Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources. In terms of Standing Order No. 238 (2) (a) , the Committee is required, in not more than 60 calendar days from the time of reading the prayer, to table its report in the Senate for consideration. The Senate shall, therefore, consider and adopt the report of the…

[(The Petition was committee to the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources)]

Hon. Senators, the three minutes are over. Serjeant-at-Arms, close the doors and draw the bars. We are going to the Division and we are voting electronically. Sen. George Mbugua and Sen. Beatrice Ogola--- Okay, good. Sen. Mbugua, know that you have been enabled to vote electronically on behalf of the Nyandarua County Delegation. For those who are not familiar with the new system---

[(The Bars were drawn and the Doors closed)]

[(Question put and the Senate proceeded to vote)]

[(Sen. Cheruiyot spoke off record)]

[(Loud consultations)]

Hon. Senators, I will now give the results of the Division on the Forest Conservation and Management Amendment Bill, National Assembly Bill No.38 of 2025.

You know, on several occasions I have advised Senators what to do when the Chair stands up in the Committee of the Whole. You look at the Chair and bow to this side and to that side.

[[The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) left the Chair] [The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Mumma) in the Chair]]

Madam Temporary Chairperson, together with my committee, we do not wish to proceed with the amendments.

Yes, Madam Chairperson. Division at the end. Clauses 11, 12, 13 and 14 Division at the end. Clause 15 The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Mumma) : Chairperson?

[(Proposed amendment to Clause 10 withdrawn)]

[(Question, that Clause 10 be part of the Bill, proposed)]

[(Question, that Clauses 11, 12, 13 and 14 be part of the Bill, proposed)]

Madam Chairperson, upon consultation with the Committee, we do not wish to proceed with the amendments. The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Mumma) : I propose the question that the amendments to Clause 15 be dropped as proposed by the Chairperson. I put the question that the amendments to Clause 15 be dropped as proposed by the Chairperson. Division at the end. Clauses 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 Divisi…

[(Proposed amendment to Clause 15 withdrawn)]

[(Question, that Clause 15 be part of the Bill, proposed)]

[(Question, that Clauses 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 be part of the Bill, proposed)]

[(Question, that Clause 21 be part of the Bill, proposed)]

Madam Chairperson, upon consultation with the Committee, we do not wish to proceed with the amendments. The Temporary Chairperson (

Madam Temporary Chairperson, upon consultation with the Committee, we do not wish to proceed with the amendments. The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Mumma) : Division at the end. The Title and Clause 1 The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Mumma) : Division at the end. Hon. Members, we have finished canvassing the clauses. We will now request that the Division Bell be rung for five minutes. The Tempor…

[(Proposed amendment to Clause 2 withdrawn)]

[(Question, that the Title and Clause 1 be part of the Bill, proposed)]

[(The Division Bell was rung)]

[(The Bar was drawn and the door closed)]

Madam Temporary Chairpeson, upon consultation with the Committee, we do not wish to proceed with the amendment. Division at the end. Clauses 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 Division at the end. Clause 2

[(Proposed amendment to Clause 21 withdrawn)]

[(Question, that Clause 21 be part of the Bill, proposed)]

[(Question, that Clauses 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 be part of the Bill, proposed)]

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the Committee has considered the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.38 of 2025) and its approval thereof without amendments.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 17

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

Hon. Senators, I can see the Bar is already withdrawn. Can you also open the doors? Hon. Senators, kindly do not leave because we have another Division. Chairperson to report.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.38 of 2025) and its approval thereof without amendments.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report. I request Sen. Olekina to second.

Sen. Kinyua, what is it you are doing on the chairs?

[(Laughter)]

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

Mover.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.38 of 2025) and its approval thereof without amendments.

Mover.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report. I request Sen. Olekina to second.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 19

Order, Senators. These are the results of the Third Reading of the Bill-

Sen. Kinyua, what is it you are doing on the chairs?

[(Laughter)]

Mover.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.38 of 2025) be now read a Third Time. I request Sen. Olekina to second.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I too second.

Sen. Olekina has never seconded any Bill without taking almost 20 minutes to second or to--- Honorouble Senators, you know I have been around for quite some time. The reason the Speaker pauses when the Bill is read a Third Time is to give an opportunity to any Member who wishes to contribute or to say something at that point, right? So, I must school some of the Senators who do not know why the C…

[(Question proposed)]

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

[(Question put and agreed to)]

[(The Division Bell was rung)]

[(The door was closed and bar drawn)]

[(Voting in progress)]

Order, Senators. These are the results of the Third Reading of the Bill-

There are Members interested to in contributing to this Motion. Proceed, Sen. M. Kajwang’.

[(Loud consultations)]

Sen. Mungatana Danson.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to thank the honourable Chairperson, Sen. Gataya Mo Fire, for moving this Motion on extension of time. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I ask to be protected from Sen. Cherarkey. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I need to be protected from Sen. Kinyua.

[(Sen. Cherarkey spoke off record)]

[(Sen. Kinyua spoke off record)]

Order, Sen. Kinyua and Sen. Cherarkey.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the reason that we seek this House to give us an extension of time at the Committee on Delegated Legislation is because there are four important traffic regulations and rules that are being introduced.

Order, Senators. Order, Senate Majority Leader.

[(Question proposed)]

[(Applause)]

[(Loud consultations)]

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 25

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think it is fair even though this looks like a Procedural Motion. Ideally, this is not a Procedural Motion. When you extend time that is prescribed in the Standing Orders, it is no longer procedural, but substantive because there is a reason those timelines were put in place. Whereas I rise to support the request because I know the Chairperson of the Committee and the S…

Fair enough. Proceed, Sen. Kisang.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also rise to support the Motion seeking to extend the time of the Committee. From what the Chairperson and the Member who seconded the Motion said, the NTSA wants to come up with a raft of measures, especially doing inspection on all vehicles that are over four years since being manufactured. If you go to the streets, I am sure you will find that over 95 per cent of the…

Hon. Senators, there is no other Senator wishing to contribute. Before I allow the Mover to reply, let me make this Communication.

[(Interruption of Debate on Motion)]

Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence, in the Public Gallery this afternoon, of a visiting delegation of four teachers and 58 students from Nkuene Girls Secondary School in Meru County. The delegation is visiting the Senate for an academic exposition. On behalf of the Senate and on my one behalf, I extend a warm welcome to the delegation and wish them a fruitful visit. I thank y…

[(Applause)]

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I join you in welcoming Nkuene Girls' Secondary School, which is one of the best performing schools currently in the entire Meru and Tharaka Nithi regions. We are proud of you as a region and country. This time around, I hope you will have some opportunity to interact with the big names in this country; the likes of so many Senators that you have been hearing on…

[(Resumption of debate on Motion)]

The Chairperson, the Senate Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, you can proceed and reply.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir for the opportunity. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a matter of national concern regarding teenage pregnancies in Kenya. Kenya recorded over 232,000 teenage pregnancies in 2025. Busia County has recorded over 65,000 cases, making it one of the most severely affected regi…

Clerk, can you confirm that we have quorum, so that we can put the question? Members, this matter does not concern counties. Therefore, I now put the question. The Senate Minority Leader, you cannot just walk like you are walking in the streets of Kilifi County. Have your seat. Hon. Senators, I now put the question. Hon. Senators, we are going back to Order No.7.

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

[(Sen. Madzayo stood up in his place)]

[(Question put and agreed to)]

Decide whether it is Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on a matter of inter-county concern regarding administration of the County Pension Fund (CPF) . Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in the statement, the committee should address the following-

Madam Temporary Speaker, Kenyan skater, Kelvin Kiarie recently won gold and silver medals at the International Skating Challenge in Benin and double gold at the African Skating Championships in Egypt. We congratulate him. These victories were achieved without Government sponsorship or institutional support. The athlete relied on public appeals for financial assistance.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to request for statement from the Standing Committee on Energy on a matter of countywide concern regarding the proposed construction of Kanthenge Dam in Embu County. While expanding power generation is essential to increasing national grid connectivity and while dam project can enhance agricultural productivity through irrigatio…

[[The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) left the Chair] [The Temporary Speaker (Sen. Veronica Maina) in the Chair]]

Thank You, Madam Speaker. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to request a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a matter of national concern regarding Government support for Kenyan skater Kelvin Kiarie and athletes participating in emerging and non-mainstream sports disciplines in Kenya. Mr. Speaker, Madam Speaker, Sir, the Kenyan skater---

Decide whether it is Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker, Sir.

I will stick with Madam Speaker.

Okay.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. 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 national concern regarding the status of operationalisation, funding and infrastructure for newly gazetted administrative units across the country. In November, 2024, the Ministry of Interior and National…

Thank you, Sen. Mwenda Gataya. Sen. Alexander Mundigi, proceed.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) on a statement requested by a Senator from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare. At the sitting of the Senate held on Wednesday, 6th May, 2026, the Speaker directed the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to provide a response to the House on a statement sought by Sen. Fatuma Dullo, …

Thank you, Sen. Joyce Korir. Sen. Mwenda Gataya, you have a statement?

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (1) (B) to make a statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare for the period between February and April,

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. 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 national concern regarding the status of operationalisation, funding and infrastructure for newly gazetted administrative units across the country. In November, 2024, the Ministry of Interior and National…

Thank you, Sen. Mwenda Gataya. Sen. Alexander Mundigi, proceed.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) on a statement requested by a Senator from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare. At the sitting of the Senate held on Wednesday, 6th May, 2026, the Speaker directed the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to provide a response to the House on a statement sought by Sen. Fatuma Dullo, …

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 39 PAPER LAID REPORT ON THE FOREST CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT AMENDMENT BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILLS NO. 38 OF 2025)

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (1) (B) to make a statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare for the period between February and April,

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I want to comment on two statements. One is---

Madam Temporary Speaker, thank you for this opportunity. I am reading a request for a statement on the expulsion of female recruits from the National Police College, Kiganjo, on account of pregnancy. 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 national concern regarding the expulsion…

Sen. Veronica Maina, that might be a contentious statement. Hon. Senators, allow me to interrupt the Statement for a short while to allow Sen. Nyamu to lay a report on the Table of the Senate.

[(Interruption of Statements)]

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I beg to lay the following paper on the Table of the Senate, today, Thursday, 14th May, 2026- Report of the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources on the Forest Conservation and Management Amendment Bill (National Assembly Bills No.38 of 2025) .

[(Sen. Nyamu laid the document on the Table)]

We are back to the Statements. We will hear from Sen. Cherarkey.

[(Resumption of Statements)]

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. This is a request for a Statement on the status, transparency, disclosure and community benefits of carbon credit projects in Samburu County. 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 growing concerns over the secrecy or limit…

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 42

Thank you, Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi. We are moving to statements pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) . I want to call the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Energy, Sen. Kisang, to make a statement relating to the activities of the committee for the period February to April,

Madam Temporary Speaker, the second Statement is on the remittance of staff deductions and other payables by the County Government of Taita Taveta. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a matter of countywide concern regarding the non-remittance of staff deductions and other payables by the County Government of …

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. This is a quarterly statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology for the period between February to April, 2026, pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) of the Senate Standing Orders. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) of the Senate Standing Orders to make a statement for the first qua…

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 46

Thank you, Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi. We are moving to statements pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) . I want to call the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Energy, Sen. Kisang, to make a statement relating to the activities of the committee for the period February to April,

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) to make a statement on the activities of the Standing Committee on Energy for the first quarter of the Fifth Session, covering the period commencing 1st January to 30th April, 2026. During the period under review, the committee held a total of 39 sittings. During this time, it considered and concluded the ratifica…

Thank you, Sen. Kisang. The next is statement pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology relating to the activities of the committee for the period February to April 2026. Sen. Cherarkey, proceed, on behalf of the Chairperson.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 48

Yes, Madam Temporary Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I am rising on behalf of the Chairperson, Sen. Fatuma Dullo, who also happens to be a close friend and neighbour. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) of the Senate Standing Orders to make a statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations for the period of February to April, 2026. Dur…

Next is Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi.

Thank you, Sen. Mbugua. Do you have a report from the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPI&SFC) , so that you can finish with it?

Yes, Madam Temporary Speaker.

You can make the statement relating to the activities of the CPI&SF for the period February to April, 2026.

Madam Temporary Speaker, on behalf of the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds (CPI&SF) , I rise pursuant to Starting Order No.56 (1) (b) to make a statement on the activities of the CPI&SFC for the period commencing 1st January, 2026 to 31st March, 2026. The committee examined 516 reports tabled by the Auditor-General in the Senate as of December, …

[[The Temporary Speaker (Sen. Veronica Maina) left the Chair] [The Temporary Speaker (Sen. Mumma) in the Chair]]

Next is Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi.

Madam Temporary Speaker, on behalf of the Majority Leader, I read this statement. Pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , I hereby present the business for the week commencing Tuesday 2nd June 2026. As hon. Senators are aware, in accordance with the calendar for the Fifth Session, the Senate will proceed on a two-week recess at the rise of the Senate today. Regular sittings will resume on Tuesday…

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 58 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE NUTS AND OIL CROPS DEVELOPMENT BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.47 OF 2023)

Madam Temporary Speaker, on behalf of the Majority Leader, I read this statement. Pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , I hereby present the business for the week commencing Tuesday 2nd June 2026. As hon. Senators are aware, in accordance with the calendar for the Fifth Session, the Senate will proceed on a two-week recess at the rise of the Senate today. Regular sittings will resume on Tuesday…

Hon. Senators, we will defer Orders 10, 11,13,15 up to 24. We can now move on to Order No. 25.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the Autism Management Bill (Senate Bills No.19) of 2025 be read a second time. Madam Tempoary Speaker, the Autism Management Bill is not just another piece of legislation before this House; it is legislation that promotes compassion, equality and inclusivity. For far too long, many families in Kenya have struggled alone with autism. Many families are le…

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I will try to be as quick as possible. I want to second the Bill and pick from where the Mover, Sen. Nyamu, has left. Autism causes lifelong neurodevelopment conditions and affects social communication and interaction behaviour. Autism is caused by genetic factors rooted in brain development. It is not caused by vaccines or poor parenting. Autism is normally ca…