National Assembly · Afternoon Sitting

Thursday, 30 November 2023

Session Summary

The House reported that the Committee of the Whole considered and approved the National Lottery Bill with amendments, but the final vote on the report was deferred to the next sitting. Members praised the legislative work while also raising concerns about the newly drafted National Tax Policy, highlighting issues of predictability, over‑taxation of certain sectors, and inadequate provisions for refunds. The debate reflected both constructive acknowledgment and critical scrutiny of fiscal reforms. The Speaker thanked members for completing several pieces of legislation and reminded them of the upcoming recess and possible extra sittings. The bulk of the debate focused on procedural amendments to a Bill, notably removing the phrase “satisfactory performance” to avoid subjectivity and aligning remuneration provisions with Article 230 of the Constitution. Members also discussed the role of corporate secretaries versus CEOs in institutional governance. Members debated the proposed National Tax Policy sessional paper, with opposition voices criticizing current taxation regimes and urging greater equity, while other MPs endorsed the paper as a means to broaden the tax base and improve fairness. The discussion highlighted concerns about investor confidence, tax evasion, and the need for revenue to fund health, education, and infrastructure. Overall, the tone reflected both criticism of the government’s approach and support for reforms.

H
Hon. Speaker

Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Bell.

H
Hon. Speaker

Hon. Members, I have a Communication on a Notification of Legislative Proposals to Amend Articles 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 114 (7A) , I wish to notify the House that I have approved the pre- publication scrutiny of two legislative proposals seeking to amend the Constitution by the Member for Mandera North Constituency, Hon. Major (Rtd) Bashir Shei…

[(Several Members walked into the Chamber)]

H
Hon. Speaker

Next Order.

H
Hon. Speaker

robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), physical computing, maker space, Internet of Things (IoT), STEAM, chess education and research. The Petitioner further states that the fields of robotics and Artificial Intelligence are rapidly growing with the potential to revolutionise many industries, including healthcare, manufacturing and retail, and improve human lives in many ways ranging from increa…

H
Hon. Speaker

Member for Chepalungu.

H
Hon. Naomi Waqo (Marsabit County, UDA)

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table: Reports of the Auditor-General and financial statements for the years ended 30th June 2021, and 30th June 2022, and the certificates therein in respect of:

H
Hon. Naomi Waqo (Marsabit County, UDA)

Yes. Chairperson, Public Accounts Committee.

H
Hon. John Mbadi (Nominated, ODM)

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following papers on the Table:

H
Hon. Peter Lochakapong (Sigor, UDA)

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following papers on the Table:

H
Hon. Peter Lochakapong (Sigor, UDA)

Implementation Oversight for the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development and the State Department for Devolution for the FY 2022/2023. Thank you. Thank you. Next Order!

H
Hon. John Mbadi (Nominated, ODM)

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on its consideration of the examination of the Report of the Auditor-General on the financial statements for the National Government Ministries, Department and Agencies for the Financial Year 2020/2021, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 30th November

H
Hon. Speaker

Next Order.

H
Hon. Martha Wangari (Gilgil, UDA)

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 43, on behalf of the Kenya Parliamentary Caucus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Business, I wish to make a Statement regarding the Parliamentary Open Day 2023 on the SDGs. The Parliamentary Open Day 2023 on SDGs will be held on Tuesday, 5th December 2023, at the Parliament Gardens, within the Parliament Buildings. This year's event wi…

H
Hon. Martha Wangari (Gilgil, UDA)

stakeholders towards implementing SDGs. Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Thank you, Hon. Martha. Member for Mwea, Hon. Mary Maingi.

H
Hon. Mary Maingi (Mwea, UDA)

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to make my statement. Pursuant to Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation regarding the status and development of the on-farm roads in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme. Mwea Irrigation Settlement Scheme is the largest rice-producing scheme in…

H
Hon. Muchangi Karemba (Runyenjes, UDA)

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

H
Hon. Muchangi Karemba (Runyenjes, UDA)

from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs regarding the rampant theft of coffee in Runyenjes Constituency. In the last three months, there has been rampant coffee theft within Runyenjes Constituency. For instance, on 26th August 2023, there was an attempted theft of bags of coffee belonging to Ena New Runyenjes Co-operative Society. On 25th November…

H
Hon. Ali Raso (Saku, UDA)

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. I am much obliged. Hon. Kazungu Tungule, Member for Ganze Constituency. You are giving the microphone to the wrong person. Please share it with Hon. Kazungu.

H
Hon. Kenneth Tungule (Ganze, PAA)

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding the tragic deaths of three casual workers in Mombasa County. On Friday, 24th November 2023, seven casual workers were unclogging a manhole at Makupa Roundabout when they got stuck inside the main drainage…

H
Hon. Owen Baya (Kilifi North, UDA)

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for allowing me to present the usual Statement by the Leader of the Majority Party on Thursdays. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (a) , I rise to give the following Statement on behalf of the House Business Committee, which met on Tuesday, 28th November 2023, to prioritise business for consideration during the week. With regard to business scheduled fo…

H
Hon. Owen Baya (Kilifi North, UDA)

Much obliged, Hon. Speaker.

H
Hon. Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya, ANC)

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

H
Hon. Speaker

Yes.

H
Hon. Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya, ANC)

Hon. Speaker, as a religious person, just like other Members, you further directed that … The Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport and Public Works will be here to respond only to specific issues that have been raised and not to answer questions as Hon. Owen Baya was enumerating.

H
Hon. Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya, ANC)

Well guided, Hon. Speaker.

H
Hon. Owen Baya (Kilifi North, UDA)

Hon. Speaker, as I conclude, so that the Christian man can also listen and follow, allow me to reiterate my appreciation to Members and committees for their active participation, which has led to the conclusion of several key items. This has been a tremendous week. We have concluded several key legislations, and we will finish with another one today. I sincerely thank all Members for a job well do…

H
Hon. Owen Baya (Kilifi North, UDA)

THAT, this House notes the Report of the Kenya Delegation to the 4th General Assembly of the Eastern Africa Parliamentary Alliance on Food Security and Nutrition, held in Kigali, Rwanda from 7th to 9th December 2022, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 11th April 2023.

T
The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’)

Thank you Members, for your industriousness and patience during the Committee of the whole House. I call on the Temporary Chairlady to report to the House.

H
Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai (Kitui South, JP)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to report that a Committee of the whole House has considered the National Lottery Bill (National Assembly Bill No.69 of 2023) and approved the same with amendments.

H
Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah (Kikuyu, UDA)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said Report. I request the Member for Kabete, who is the Vice-Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture, Hon. Githua Wamacukuru, to second the Motion for agreement with the Report of the Committee of the whole House.

H
Hon. Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete, UDA)

I second.

[(Question proposed)]

H
Hon. Members

Put the Question!

H
Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah (Kikuyu, UDA)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to take this opportunity to thank Members of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture and all Members who have sat…

T
The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’)

Give him a microphone.

H
Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah (Kikuyu, UDA)

Thank you. I thank Members who have sat throughout the Committee of the whole House. This is where actual legislation is done. I must commend all Members. I hope they will all be present on Tuesday afternoon to testify to what the few Members present this afternoon have accomplished.

T
The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’)

Thank you, Leader of the Majority Party. We will wait for Members to come on Tuesday afternoon and do the needful.

H
Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah (Kikuyu, UDA)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I seek your indulgence. I rise under Standing Order 53 to request that we defer putting the Question to the next sitting.

T
The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’)

Putting of the Question on the

T
The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Hon. Members, the time being 6.30