Senate · Afternoon Sitting

Clerk, do we have quorum. Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Order, Hon. Senators, we now have quorum. Clerk, you may proceed to call the first Order.

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

[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]

[(Several Senators walked into the Chamber)]

Hon. Senators, I wish to report to the Senate that, pursuant to Standing Order No.46 (3) , I received the following Message from the Speaker of the National Assembly regarding the passage by the National Assembly, of The Public Audit (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.4 of 2024) . The Message dated

Wednesday, 19th March, 2025 was received in the Office of the Clerk of the Senate on Thursday, 20th March, 2025. Pursuant to Standing Order No.46(4), I now report the Message. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No.41(1) and 142 of the National Assembly Standing Orders, I hereby convey the following Message from the National Assembly- “WHEREAS the Public Audit (Amendment) Bill, (Nationa…

Hon. Senators, pursuant to Standing Order No.163, which requires that a Bill which originates in the National Assembly be proceeded with by the Senate in the same manner as a Bill introduced in the Senate by way of First Reading in accordance with Standing Order No.144, I will, at appropriate time, direct the Clerk to read the said Bill a First Time.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a Statement on a matter of national concern, namely, the Abduction of four Chiefs, an Assistant Chief and a Civilian in Mandela County. Mr. Mohamed Adawa, Chief Wargadud East, together with his daughter, eight years; Mr. Abdi Hassan Suraw, Chief, Qurahmudow, Mr. Abdi Hassan Kulumia, Chief Wargadud Town; Mr. Mohamednu…

[(Several Senators consulted while on their feet)]

Order, hon. Senators. There is a lot of movement in the Chamber. Kindly, take your seats. The good Professor, kindly. Proceed, Sen. Mariam.

[(Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC consulted the Clerk-at-the-Table)]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Such abduction has a prolonged profound impact on the emotional, psychological and financial well-being of affected families. Children, in particular, may end up suffering from depression and behavioural changes due to the sudden disappearance of their parents. Affected families may face financial hardships and find it hard to navigate lives and afford daily household…

abducted were the primary breadwinners. The impact is even more devastating in this Holy Month of Ramadhan, where the affected families have to fully engage in prayers and fasting in the midst of the uncertainty of the whereabouts and wellbeing of their loved ones. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the abducted leaders play an important role in administration and local governance, maintaining peace and security,…

Sen. Methu, your Statement is reinstated. You may proceed now to read the same.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, Sir. This is a Statement on an issue of national concern.

Hon. Speaker, Sir, J.M. Kariuki's advocacy for the common Mwananchi shook the very foundations of power. He was a man who spoke truth to authority, unafraid to expose the widening gap between the wealthy elite and the struggling masses. His famous words, “Kenya is a country of 10 millionaires and 10 million beggars,” still ring true even five decades later. Today, despite Kenya's independence and…

Statement pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1) . Sen. Beatrice Ogola, please, proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I understand the import of the Statement by the Hon. Sen. Methu and the difficulty you would have if you were to accept my request, being that, given who J.M. was, and given that this is 50 years later, and given that J.M. spoke in this House, could you please allow us to say one word to comfort the family and encourage them that J.M. will never die?

I will, at the appropriate time, give guidance on that. Sen. Beatrice Ogola, please, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir. This is a request for a statement on the poor living conditions of police officers living quarters in Ndhiwa Police Station in Homa Bay County. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Défence and Foreign Relations regarding the poor living conditions of police officers in Ndhiwa Police Station in…

Sen. John Methu.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I seek your indulgence because I have four statements. I would like to read them at a go.

Yes, you may proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is a request for a statement on inequitable distribution of fertilizer by the National Cereals and Produce Board. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries regarding the inequitable distribution of fertilizer in the highland regions of Kenya, as reflected in the latest report

from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) on fertilizer dispatch as of 11th March, 2025. The highland regions of Kenya, known for their high agricultural productivity, rely heavily on fertilizer to sustain food security and economic growth. However, a review of the fertilizer distribution data reveals significant disparities, with some counties receiving disproportionately large quantiti…

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Education regarding the continued delay in the disbursement of Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds, which has left thousands of university students stranded and unable to meet their basic needs. Despite assurances from the Government that HELB funds would be disbursed by Friday 15…

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialization and Tourism regarding the culpability of the management of the Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (KUSCCO) following financial losses suffered by Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) in Kenya. This matter is of national concern …

[(Loud consultations)]

Order, hon. Senators. May the Senator for Nyandarua be heard in silence.

Thank you for your protection, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I see my colleagues are excited that I am now very busy. I am no longer a Chairman, so I have a lot of time. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget regarding the rapid increase in Kenya's public debt and its implications for the economic stability, financia…

[(Loud consultations)]

Order, hon. Senators. For the convenience of the House, allow me to rearrange today's Order Paper.

We will come back to the remaining Statements. However, we will now proceed straight to handle Order No.11, all the way to Order No.19. Thereafter, we will resume the normal flow of today's Order Paper. Clerk, you may proceed.

Hon. Senators, kindly take your seats. Debate was concluded for Order No.11. What was pending was for the Chair to put the question, which I will proceed to put. Next Order.

[(Question put and agreed to)]

Now for Order No.12, this is division. Therefore, ring the Division Bell for one minute. Hon. Senators, Sen. Methu and Sen. Ogola, we have a crucial exercise to undertake that touches on our core mandate. I beseech you to stay inside the Chamber instead of exiting. You can do that once we are done with the division. Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly close the Doors and draw the Bar. Hon. Senators, pleas…

[(The Division Bell was rung)]

[(Sen. Methu, Sen. Joe Nyutu and Sen. Ogola walked towards the Bar)]

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

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

Hon. Senators, we move to Order No.15. Since it has already been called, I will proceed to put the question.

Clerk, is the system ready? We move to Order No.16. Hon. Senators, I will proceed to put the question on Order No.16.

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

I will proceed to put the question on Order No.17.

Hon. Senators, we now move to Order No.18.

I will now put the question. You may proceed to vote. Clerk, are we ready with the next Order? Is the system ready?

[(Electronic voting in progress)]

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

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

You cannot rise on a point of order.

I can.

No, the Standing Orders are very clear on points of orders. What do you want to say, Sen. Ledama? You seem to be struggling.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I do not know whether you are allowing me now. However, you have allowed me. I rise under Standing Order No.66 to request that the next Order be deferred until another time.

[(Applause)]

Are you requesting that putting of the question be deferred until the next sitting?

Yes, putting of the question be deferred until the next sitting.

It is so granted. Putting of the question on Order No.19 is hereby deferred to a later date.

[(Applause)]

Hon. Senators, we have the results of the Divisions.

County; Sen. Kavindu Muthama, Machakos County; Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, Kakamega County; Sen. Kisang, Elgeyo Marakwet County; Sen. Korir, Bomet County; Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, Samburu County; Sen. Lomenen, Turkana County; Sen. Madzayo, Kilifi County; Sen. Mariam Omar, Mandera County; Sen. Munyi Mundigi, Embu County; Sen. Murgor, West Pokot County; Sen. Mwaruma, Taita Taveta County; Sen. Ogola, Ho…

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

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

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

(The Bill was read a Second Time and committed to a Committee of the Whole tomorrow)

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

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

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

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

Serjeant-at-Arms, you may now draw the Bar and open the Doors.

[(The Bars were drawn and Doors opened)]

Hon. Senators, we will resume the natural flow of today's Order Paper. That means, we will go back to Statements pursuant to Standing Order No.53(1). Sen. Faki, please proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Education regarding the operations of Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa County. The Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa County is a regional center of excellence for maritime skills development in the blue economy. However, in recent times, the institution has faced sev…

Sen. Hamida Kibwana, please proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I have two Statements.

In May, 2019, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), issued a circular directing all county governments to cease paying rent for governors, deputy governors and county assembly speakers. Additionally, the SRC mandated that these counties ensure the construction of official residences of these officials by 30th June,

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the second one is on the shutdown of the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS) and the impact on health data management. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Health regarding the shutdown of Kenya Health Information System, formerly known as the District Health Information System (DHIS) , and its implications to health d…

Sen. Richard Onyonka had three Statements. Any Senator holding brief for Hon. Onyonka? May I have your written authorization, Sen. Omtatah? I have allowed hon. Senators to transact businesses that are not theirs, only later for the hon. Senator whom you are holding brief for walks to my office complaining. That is why I made that Communication the other day, that for you to transact any business …

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget, regarding the non-settlement of insurance policy maturity claims by the Corporate Insurance Company Limited.

In the Statement, the Committee should address the following-

Mr. Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I want to take the second Statement. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Education regarding the delay and failure to remit capitation funds to public schools currently amounting to Kshs64 billion in arrears. In the Statement, the Committee should address the following-

Now, we move to Sen. James Lomenen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise personally to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations regarding the status of retrieval of bodies of Kenyan fishermen that were killed by suspected militiamen from Ethiopia in Todonyang area along the Kenya-Ethiopia border on 22nd February, 2025. Mr. Speaker, Sir, during a visi…

Sen. Omtatah, you may now proceed to read the three Statements by Senator Richard Onyonka. I have seen the text authorizing you to do so.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, regarding ghost workers in the public service. In the statement, I request that the Committee addresses the following-

I do not have the authorisation. If you give me the authorisation for Sen. Mumma, I will look at it and make a determination. Yes, you may proceed.

So, that is a Statement by Sen. Catherine Mumma, MP, nominated Senator, dated 19th March, 2025.

Sen. Onyonka had three statements. Sen. Omtatah, you may proceed to read Sen. Onyonka's Statements. I have seen the text.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, on behalf of Sen. Catherine Mumma, I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing

Committee on Health regarding the availability, accessibility and affordability of rehabilitation services across counties to address substance and alcohol abuse. In the Statement, the Committee should address the following-

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Education regarding the decision by the Ministry of Education to remove Mathematics as a compulsory subject for senior school pupils under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) . This decision has sparked widespread debate and raised serious concerns about its potential impact on educa…

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 regarding the fate of Ms. Margaret Nduta Macharia, a Kenyan citizen who has been sentenced to death in Vietnam over a drug-trafficking offence. In the Statement, I request the Committee to address the following-

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Education regarding the governance concerns and leadership transitions at the Kenyan Literature Bureau (KLB) .

In the Statement, the Committee should address the following-

Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC! Before, you take to the Floor, Professor, we have Sen. Gloria Orwoba at the Bar. Now, Sen. Gloria Orwoba, when you last appeared and sat at the Bar, you were unable to fulfil conditions for you to be readmitted to the Chamber. Those conditions were pursuant to a resolution of this House. You are back today. You may proceed. Thank you.

[(Sen. Orwoba stood at the Bar)]

[(Interruption of debate on Statements)]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Indeed, I was unable to fulfil the conditions. However, after being guided by the Senate Majority Leader and seeking counsel within and outside the House, I am going to read the apology without any omission. I am going to fulfil it because that is a procedure of the House. However, allow me to issue the disclaimer as advised- “I, Senator Gloria Orwoba, on this day, 20…

prejudice my case in court where I have been sued by Jeremiah Nyegenye, the Clerk of the Senate.” I proceed to read the prescribed apology. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I, Sen. Gloria Orwoba, hereby tender my unreserved apology to this Senate, honourable Senators, Clerk of the Senate and the Secretariat of Parliament for having acted in a manner which pursuant to Section 16(e) and Paragraph 7 and 8 of the F…

Sen. Gloria, you are hereby admitted back to the Chamber. Sen. (Prof) Ojienda, you may proceed to read your Statement.

[(Sen. Gloria Orwoba walked into the Chamber)]

[(Resumption of debate on Statements)]

I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I have several Statements. I will quickly start with the first one. The first statement is on the state of media freedom and working conditions of journalists in Kisumu County.

regarding the financial sustainability, relevance and future of Postal Corporation of Kenya in the digital era. POSTA was once a vital communication and logistics hub in Kenya. However, in today's fast-paced digital economy where emails, SMSs and private courier services have replaced traditional mail, serious concerns arise.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Hold on, Sen. Ojienda. What is your issue, Senator for Kakamega?

[(Interruption of debate on Statements)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, keeping with my calling as the Senate Majority Whip, I wish to appeal to you to allow me to briefly move a small Procedural Motion regarding the issue of the Chair. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the following Procedural Motion- THAT, pursuant to Standing Order No.107 (1) (c) of the Constitution and Standing Order No.18 of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate elects Sen. (Dr.…

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. As led by my able leader, Hon. (Dr.) Lelegwe is up to the task. I second.

[(Laughter)]

Hon. Senators, as you are aware, the Chair is human. It is on record that the Deputy Speaker and Sen. Veronica Maina have just been called to a very important State meeting. Sen. Mumma is in New York. Sen. Abdul Haji just left today for Umra. Therefore, the presidium has been left to only one person, the Speaker. Now, the Chair is human. I cannot take a break even for a minute before adjourning t…

[(Question put and agree to)]

Proceed, Professor.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, Posta was once a vital communication logistics hub in Kenya. However, in today's paced digital economy where emails, Short Message Services (SMSs) and private courier services have replaced traditional mail, serious concerns arise as to whether continued Government investment in Posta is a prudent use of public resources. The Corporation has faced several financial distresses wi…

domestic and international, have disrupted travel plans, undermined confidence in the airline and raised serious concerns regarding its capacity and management. It is imperative that thorough scrutiny is conducted to establish the root causes and provide a sustainable framework for corrective action. In this regard, the Committee should-

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on National Security and Defence, regarding the adequacy of administrative units in Kisumu County and their capacity to effectively serve the growing population. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the establishment of well-structured administrative units is vital for efficient governance, security and e…

Sen. Kavindu Muthama.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee of Land, Environment and Natural Resources regarding the operations of Katelembo Athiani Muputi Farming and Ranching Cooperative Society in Machakos County. In the Statement, the Committee should-

Sen. Mutinda, proceed.

Sen. Chute. Those two Statements are dropped.

First Reading

Next order.

Proceed, Sen. Beatrice Ogola.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I rise to support this Motion. I especially applaud the leadership of this country, that is the two leading lights; His Excellency the President and the former Prime Minister. It is not for any reason that I indicate that I am proud of these two gentlemen. This is a discussion that came from the NADCO Report from a group that was constituted by the President and the fo…

their decision. Let us all be part and parcel of this country. Let us be part and parcel of running this country. Let us be part and parcel of all the initiatives in this country. It was very critical when the Head of State made that statement. I realised that we do not even need outrageous thinking of shareholding that we have had in this country after elections. There is a notion that there are…

here because I was nominated on the gender platform. As we discuss here and make decisions, we are doing so with the thinking of other women outside the Houses in mind. As I support this Motion, I encourage the leadership of this country to give us the goodwill so that we solve this problem once and for all. This country called Kenya is admired in this continent because we lead and others follow.…

Proceed, Sen. Orwoba.

Thank you, Mr. Temporay Speaker, Sir. I rise to support this Motion on the two-thirds gender rule and this report that was tabled. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I am a beneficiary of affirmative action in the sense that I have been nominated in the Senate based on an affirmative action that was passed, to ensure that we have equal representation for both men and women in spaces such as the National…

represent women in this House by adding my voice through debating. When it comes down to the power of the vote specially elected Senators who are here to represent either the gender or working groups, do not have a vote. This is something that we have to consider so that we do not just have specially nominated Senators who have no power to influence decisions where it matters. I know that there h…

I cannot belabour the point of what has been happening on the front of femicide and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) reports, and those that have not even been reported. We have lost so many women when it comes to gender-based violence. We have spoken about the things that we need to do. We have given reports and recommendations in this House. We have brought Statements and summoned the Cabinet Secreta…

When it comes to the Hustler Fund Programme, I am always keen to look at the statistics of how women are faring. How are they borrowing? If they are paying back, is it beneficial to their businesses? How are the women faring in every single programme, including the diaspora jobs which have been introduced? I see the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection going around campaigning and t…

Hon. Senators, I defer putting of the question to Order No.20. Next order.

[(Putting of the Question on the Motion deferred)]

15th to 17th September, 2023 laid on the table of the Senate on Tuesday, the 5th of March, 2024. (Sen. Methu on 19.3.2025 - Morning Sitting) (Resumption of debate interrupted on 19.3.2025 - Morning Sitting)

Hon. Senators, I defer putting of the Question to this Motion. Next Order.

[(Putting of the Question on the Motion deferred)]

THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Health on the inspection tour of health facilities in West Pokot, Trans Nzoia and Turkana Counties, laid on the Table of the Senate on Thursday, 5th December, 2024.