Senate · Afternoon Sitting

Hon. Senators, I confirm that we have quorum. Let us transact Business. Madam Clerk, please proceed. Let hear from the Senate Majority Whip.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of this Senate, today, 27th October, 2022, the year of our Lord. These are Reports of the Auditor-General for the year ended 30th June, 2021, on the financial statements of the following counties and institutions. Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statement of Lamu County Executive Staff Housing Fund f…

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statement of Meru County Revenue Board for the year ended 30th June, 2021. Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statement of Meru County Micro Finance Corporation for the year ended 30th June, 2021. Report of the Auditor-General on the financial statement of Meru County Investment and Development Corporation for the year ended 30th June, 2…

Do you have any more Papers lay on the Table?

No, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I do not have.

Next order.

Hon. Senators, we have a visiting delegation from Oldonyo Nyokie Primary School in Kajiado County. In the Public Gallery, we have 103 pupils accompanied by five teachers and two parents from Oldonyo Nyokie Primary School in Kajiado County who are in the Senate on an educational tour. In our usual tradition of receiving and welcoming visitors to Parliament, I extend a warm welcome to them. On beha…

[(Applause)]

Hon. Senators, we have a visiting delegation from Oldonyo Nyokie Primary School in Kajiado County. In the Public Gallery, we have 103 pupils accompanied by five teachers and two parents from Oldonyo Nyokie Primary School in Kajiado County who are in the Senate on an educational tour. In our usual tradition of receiving and welcoming visitors to Parliament, I extend a warm welcome to them. On beha…

[(Applause)]

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me take this opportunity to welcome the pupils and teachers of Oldonyo Nyokie Primary School. I appreciate them for having time to be with us today because they are here on a tour to the Senate. I would like to introduce myself to them because they are young. My name is Lenku Kanar Seki, your Senator for Kajiado County. I welcome you. In a few years to

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for the opportunity. Let me take this opportunity to welcome the students, teachers and parents from Oldonyo Nyokie Primary School. I was happy to see young Maasai girls coming to see what happens in the Senate. I would like to encourage them to study hard. Let nobody put limits for you because there are no limits in this world. Even the sky is not the limit. …

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues in the Senate to welcome the young people and their teachers and parents. I have never said hello to the young people who have been visiting the Senate. Today, I felt it necessary to share something with the young people who are here with us this afternoon. I encourage them that apart from working hard in school, they should do the best…

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

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues in the Senate to welcome the young people and their teachers and parents. I have never said hello to the young people who have been visiting the Senate. Today, I felt it necessary to share something with the young people who are here with us this afternoon. I encourage them that apart from working hard in school, they should do the best…

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

I have not stopped counting. It is wrong for these children of Maasai origin to leave this House thinking that they come from a remote area. The words “remote area” are colonial lyrics. The whites thought that people living far away from Nairobi and cities and that were difficult to access were living in remote areas. We would like our children to know that they do not come from a remote area, bu…

There is a lot of interest on the drought situation. There is a similar Statement by Sen. Tobiko on drought. Sen. Tobiko, kindly execute your Statement then we will have comments for both, including the one by Sen. Madzayo.

[(Resumption of debate on Statements)]

I have not stopped counting. It is wrong for these children of Maasai origin to leave this House thinking that they come from a remote area. The words “remote area” are colonial lyrics. The whites thought that people living far away from Nairobi and cities and that were difficult to access were living in remote areas. We would like our children to know that they do not come from a remote area, bu…

[(Loud consultations)]

Mr. Deputy 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 drought situation that has adversely affected the people, livestock and wildlife in Kajiado County. In the Statement, the Committee should-

[(Loud consultations)]

Okay. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. In the Statement, the Committee should-

Thank you. The Statement stands committed to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations. Let us have a few comments. We will start with Sen. Maanzo.

[(The Statement was committed to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations)]

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. It is clear to the world that there is drought in Kenya and the rains are late. Ordinarily by this month, most parts of the country would be having rains. However, many parts of the country, including Makueni County, are dry and there is famine. The national Government distributed food in Kathonzweni Ward, Makueni Constituency in Makueni County, but there are s…

Proceed, Sen. Ali Roba. You have two minutes to make your comments on the Statement. Those are enough.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise to support the discussion on drought. As you are aware, we had earlier requested for a Motion of

Proceed, Sen. Ali Roba. You have two minutes to make your comments on the Statement. Those are enough.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise to support the discussion on drought. As you are aware, we had earlier requested for a Motion of

Adjournment of the House for us to discuss drought situation in the country. Unfortunately, we did not get enough time to reflect on it. The situation is extremely dire. It is unprecedented and it has not been seen before in the last 20 to 25 years in our region. The pastoralists in most of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) counties have already lost more than half their livestock. I want to …

Are these requests still on the same Statement? The next Statement is from Sen. Faki. Kindly proceed.

Asante, Bw. Naibu wa Spika. Ningependa tu kukujulisha ya kwamba hawa wananchi waliofutwa kazi baada ya mageuzi, walipewa matumaini ya kurejeshwa. Haya yalisemwa katika vikao tofauti baina yao na Maseneta na hata Wabunge wa Bunge la Kitaifa. Tatizo ni kwamba muda unayoyoma na wengine wameaga dunia, ilihali wengine wamezeeka. Ninaomba Kamati hii iweke wazi vile tutawasaidia. Je, wataajiriwa? Kama h…

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

Just a minute, Senator. Resume your seat. When any Member is on the Floor, you should resume your seat and then wait.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, is it in order for Sen. Miraj to switch from English and Swahili?

Thank you. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir for indulging me. 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 insecurity situation in Kisumu County. In the Statement, the Committee should –

The Statement by Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC, is committed to the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations. Let us go to the next Statement by Sen. Munyi Mundigi.

[(The Statement was committed to the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations)]

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation on the unfortunate collapse of the Ena River Bridge that connects Evurore and Muminji Wards in Karerema, Mbeere North Constituency in Embu County. In the Statement, the Committee should-

The Statement by Sen. Miraj is committed to the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare. Let us have the next Statement by Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC.

[(The Statement was committed to Committee on Labour and Social Welfare)]

Thank you. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir for indulging me. 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 insecurity situation in Kisumu County. In the Statement, the Committee should –

The Statement by Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC, is committed to the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations. Let us go to the next Statement by Sen. Munyi Mundigi.

[(The Statement was committed to the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations)]

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation on the unfortunate collapse of the Ena River Bridge that connects Evurore and Muminji Wards in Karerema, Mbeere North Constituency in Embu County. In the Statement, the Committee should-

Thank you. The Statement is referred to the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources.

[(The Statement was committed to the Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources)]

Thank you. Can we move to the next Statement?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, can I proceed with my next Statement?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources on the incessant human-wildlife conflict in Laikipia County. In the Statement, the committee should-

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (1) to make a Statement on a matter of general topical concern, namely; the plight of farmers whose crops are being destroyed by the ongoing illegal grazing in Laikipia County. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Laikipia County boasts of spectacular wildlife and majestic scenery, and has long been on the country’s tourist circuit, as it sits…

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, pastoralists wishing to graze their livestock in private farms and conservancies should adhere to the grazing guidelines by the owners, where they are charged a certain amount of money per animal to graze. They should not graze their animals with impunity on people’s farms and the Government has a responsibility to protect private property. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, much a…

Proceed, Sen. Olekina. You have three minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I appreciate the opportunity that you have given me to comment on this emotive matter. It is an issue that we have been dealing with for over two decades. The biggest challenge that we have, which all of us must empathize, is on the rights of the Maasai people and the pastoralists. We, the Maasai people, do not understand what a title deed is. I have sat here …

Hon. Senators, we have a visiting group of teachers and students from Naivasha High School, in Nakuru County. In the Public Gallery we have 60 students accompanied by two teachers from Naivasha High School, in Nakuru County, who are in the Senate on an education tour. Hon. Senators, in our usual tradition of receiving and welcoming visitors to Parliament, I extend a warm welcome to them. On behalf…

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I agree that there is still a problem largely because of the expensive electricity charges by the KP. The cost of fuel which continues to drive the cost of electricity up. In Nandi County, as you have been told, we have over 800 faulty transformers. We have suffered massive losses. Apart from using electricity in schools, we also use electricity in milk cooling plants. …

Sen. Kinyua, did not indicate the wish of his Statement. It should maybe go to the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources. Sen. Kinyua, kindly approach the Chair. After consultations, the Statement is referred to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations. Hon. Senators, we have another Statement under Standing Order No. 56 (1) (a) , by…

[(Sen. Kinyua approached the Chair)]

[(The Statement was committed to Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations)]

[[The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) left the Chair] [The Temporary Speaker (Sen. Wakili Sigei) in the Chair]]

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, pursuant to Standing Order No.57 (1) , I hereby present to the Senate the Business of the Senate for the week commencing Tuesday, 8th November, 2022. In accordance with the Senate Calendar, approved on 12th October, 2022, the Senate is scheduled to proceed for a short recess between 28th October and 7th November,

think are small matters. This matter is entirely in our hands. My appeal was on fast- tracking. I was just raising that sense of urgency. Perhaps colleagues who joined the Senate in August might not be privy to the joking and all the lobbying that went into getting the County Governments Additional Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2022. The definitions alone in this Bill took us a long time to move fr…

I restrained myself from intervening because yours truly is a Member of the SBC and we have taken note. I am sure that the Majority side is up to the task in terms of its role in the House. Hon. Senators, for the convenience of the House, I want to rearrange the Order Paper. Let us go to Order No.11.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this matter has been pending for far too long. I wish you could direct either the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget or the leadership of this House to make this the top-most priority of this House. Even if we have to come back during the recess period, let it be, so that the money can go to save lives and unlock productivity in our counties. I…

On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. Listening to Sen. M. Kajwang’, I found him grossly out of order. Whereas the issues that he is articulating are indeed urgent and relevant, he should not impute improper motives by pointing to inefficiency on the part of the Senate Majority Leader when he knows what he is supposed to do. It could be that he does not know. The Senator should be well…

The Senate Minority Leader, do you also have a point of order? The Senate Minority Leader (

Asante sana, Bw. Spika wa Muda, kwa kunipa nafasi hii. Taratibu za Bunge ni kwamba ikiwa alikuwa anataka kumueleza Sen. M. Kajwang’ kuhusiana na taarifa fulani, alifaa kukuambia kuwa siyo hoja ya nidhamu. Angesema anataka kumfahamisha ili aseme kama amekubali lakini hakumuuliza Sen. M. Kajwang' kama angependa kufahamishwa. Kwa hivyo, yeye ndiye amepotoka. Pili, Sen. M. Kajwang’ amesema jambo muhim…

Sen. M. Kajwang’, do want to say something?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I encourage the Majority Whip not to be jittery. I was not imputing any inefficiency on the part of the Majority side. In fact, this has nothing to do with the Cabinet that was sworn in today. In June, 2022, the County Governments Additional Allocation of Revenue Bill was brought to Parliament. We did not agree with the National Assembly on things that I

I call upon those who want to contribute to this debate to do so. Sen. Mandago, you may have the Floor. I know that this technology is still playing with us.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I wish to contribute to this debate. Training is important, especially for those of us who are first-time Senators in the House, because learning is a continuous process. As the Senate Minority Leader has stated, there is necessity to continue learning the rules of this House and gaining knowledge for us to represent our counties effectively.