Senate · Morning Sitting
Thursday, 31 August 2023
Senators discussed the need to integrate carbon credit schemes with forest‑dependent communities, highlighting benefits for farmers, beekeepers and youth while urging removal of invasive species like eucalyptus. Historical references to Wangari Maathai underscored the long‑standing struggle for environmental conservation, and a procedural clarification on a senator's suspension was addressed. The debate combined constructive proposals with criticism of past neglect of climate issues. Senators discussed the Climate Change (Amendment) Bill, highlighting the need for a common African framework to tap into the carbon market and recognizing the role of forest conservation in counties like Kakamega, Nandi, Vihiga and Kericho. The Deputy Speaker praised the influx of international visitors and the rebound of Kenya's economy, while procedural interruptions and brief rebuttals created a somewhat fragmented debate. Overall, the session combined supportive remarks about the bill’s potential with moments of procedural tension. Senators expressed strong support for the Climate Change Amendment Bill, highlighting its potential to unlock carbon credit markets, create economic benefits for communities and counties, and improve reporting to Parliament. They also raised concerns about ensuring fair revenue sharing for counties, the need for a national carbon registry, and preparing Kenya for COP28 negotiations. Overall, the debate was constructive but underscored gaps that require further amendment.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-arms, please ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]
[(Quorum Bell was rung)]
Serjeant-at-Arms, I am informed that we do have quorum now. Kindly stop the Bell. Hon. Senators, let us take our seats. Clerk, proceed to call the first Order. Sen. Wafula and Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, kindly take your seats. What is your point of Order, Sen. Mandago?
[(Sen. Seki walked into the Chamber)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, is the Senator for Kajiado County in order to just walk into the Chamber as if he is walking into a cowshed? He must obey the rules of the House.
Sen. Seki, proceed to the bar and do what is necessary.
[(Sen. Seki walked to the Bar, bowed to the Chair and walked into the Chamber)]
Hon. Senators, I welcome you to these Special Sittings of the Senate. The sittings are a follow up to the one held on Tuesday, 29th August, 2023, so as to conclude on urgent legislative business. On the request of the Senate Majority Leader vide letter Ref. No. SEN/ML/009/CORR, dated 25th August, 2023, and with the support of the requisite number of Senators, I appointed today, Thursday, 31st Aug…
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I apologise for interrupting. I appreciate your communication. However, it is missing certain critical information; that is the direction on the venue of the Parliamentary Caucus meetings, whether it will be at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) or Parliament. It is important to make it clear so that Members willing to attend can know and move about easily.
[(Clerk-at-the Table consulted with the Speaker)]
Hon. Senate Majority Leader, I had indicated that the Parliamentary Dialogue that is slated for Monday 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. shall be at the conference venue. Another full day for Parliamentary Dialogue shall take place at the National Assembly chamber. Those are the two events that will involve the legislators. Therefore, Senators are encouraged to attend those two sessions. One session will be …
Senate Majority Leader, proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion - THAT, notwithstanding the Resolutions of the Senate made on 16th February, 2023 , on 29th March, 2023 and on 27th June, 2023 , pursuant to Standing Order 32 (4) , the Senate resolves to further alter its Calendar (Regular Sessions) for the Second Session, 2023, in respect of Part V, to resume from recess on Tuesday, 12th Septe…
[(approval of the Senate Calendar)]
[(alteration of the Senate Calendar)]
Next Order.
County; Sen. Dullo, Isiolo County; Sen. Githuku, Lamu County; Sen. Joe Nyutu, Murang’a County; Sen. Kathuri, Meru County; Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, Kakamega County; Sen. Kavindu Muthama, Machakos County; Sen. Kinyua, Laikipia County; Sen. Kisang’, Elgeyo-Marakwet County; Sen. Lomenen, Turkana county; Sen. Mandago, Uasin Gishu County; Sen. Mariam Omar, Mandera County; Sen. Methu, Nyandarua County; Sen. …
Hon. Senators, the results of the Division are as follows: -
Open the door and undraw the Bar.
[(The door was opened and the Bar undrawn)]
Hon. Senators, we have concluded the business for this morning. There being no other business on the Order Paper, the Senate stands adjourned until, today, Thursday, 31st August, 2023, at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 1.22 p.m.