Senate · Afternoon Sitting

Clerk, do we have quorum? Now that we do have quorum, please proceed to call the first Order. Sen. Orwoba, please take your seat.

[(Sen. Orwoba entered into the Chamber)]

Hon. Gilbert Ngetich - Member Hon. Joshua Kipruto - Member Gladys Komen - Clerk Assistant Collins Limo - Legal Council Lorna Tuwei - Hansard Reporter Micheal Kapkiai - Serjeant-at-Arms Timothy Kipchumba - Driver On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, I extend you a warm welcome and wish you a fruitful visit. I will call upon the Senator for Elgeyo-Marakwet, Sen. Kisang’, to in under one mi…

Mr. Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Senate of Kenya, I wish to take this opportunity to welcome the seven Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from Elgeyo-Marakwet County and five secretariat who are serving the Committee on Delegated Legislation in Elgeyo-Marakwet County. This is a good trip for them to learn from established Parliament. Basically, this committee deals with regulations. There are a …

Next Order.

WHEREAS, the National Assembly and the Senate, on Wednesday, 16th August, 2023 and Tuesday, 29th August, 2023, respectively, considered and passed a resolution on the establishment of a NADCO, which was mandated to facilitate dialogue and consensus building and recommend appropriate constitutional, legal and policy reforms on issues of concern to the people of Kenya, to be framed by the Committee;…

Standing Orders Nos. 60 and 61 of the Kisii County Assembly Standing Orders, by a majority of 53 votes out of 70 on the following grounds:

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate today, Thursday, 7th March, 2024-

Report of the Auditor-General on Financial Statements of the County Executive of Kwale for the year ended 30th June, 2023. Report of the Auditor-General on Financial Statements of Kwale County Assembly of for the year ended 30th June, 2023. Report of the Auditor-General on Financial Statements of Kwale County Assembly Members and Staff Loan Scheme Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2023. Report…

Order, hon. Senators! Sen. Nyutu, you can hug out of this Chamber and not inside.

[(Laughter)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the House today: Report of the Auditor-General on Financial Statements of Kwale County Emergency Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2023. Report of the Auditor-General on Financial Statements of the County Executive of Taita-Taveta for the year ended 30th June, 2023. Report of the Auditor-General on Financial Statements of the …

Report of the Auditor-General on Financial Statements of Tana River County Disaster Risk Management Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2023. Report of the Auditor-General on Financial Statements of Tana River County Emergency Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2023. Report of the Auditor-General on Financial Statements of Tana River County Inuka Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2023. Report o…

Chairperson, County Public Accounts Committee, (CPAC) , please proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate today, Thursday, 07th March, 2024 - Report of the Select Committee on County Public Accounts on its consideration of the Reports of the Auditor General on the financial statements of West Pokot County Assembly for the Financial Year 2018/2019 and Reports of the Auditor-General on the financial statements of Isiolo, Kiam…

[(Sen. M. Kajwang’ laid the documents on the Table)]

[(Loud consultations)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate today, Thursday, 7th March, 2024- Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on the 2024 Medium- Term Debt Management Strategy.

Next Order. Senate Majority Leader, please proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give Notice of the following Motion- THAT, WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution and Section 33 of the County Government Act, on Thursday, 29th February, 2024, the Kisii County Assembly approved a Motion to remove from office, by impeachment, Hon. (Dr.) Robert Monda, the Deputy Governor of Kisii County; AND FURTHER, WHEREAS by a letter dated 1st March 20…

The Chairperson, Standing Committee on County Public Accounts Committee, please proceed.

[(Applause)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give Notice of the following Motion: THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Select Committee on County Public Accounts on its consideration of the Report of the Auditor General on the financial statements of West Pokot County Assembly for the Financial Year 2018/2019 and Reports of the Auditor General on the financial statements of Isiolo, Kiambu, Kitui, Marsabit, Na…

Chairperson, Standing Committee on Finance and Budget, please proceed.

Next Order.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a Statement on an issue of general topical concern and national

importance; the outstanding performance of our Kenyan team at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon held on Sunday 3rd March, 2024. Once again, our athletic sportsmen and women have brought glory to our country this time through a podium sweep of the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday. The team was led by Mr. Benson Kipruto who hails from Nandi County and who sutured the course record by clocking 2 hours 2 minutes and …

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I also call upon the Anti-Doping Agency to enhance its vigilance and eradicate rogue agents and coaches who are masquerading as athletes and spoiling the careers and good name of athletes. I call for punishing of the entire value chain of the criminal enterprise involved in doping our athletes - sportsmen and women from the doctors, chemists, coaches and trainers and not just the…

Proceed, Sen. Veronica Maina.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing---

Sen. Veronica Maina, we are under Statement pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) .

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for that. I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a Statement on a matter of general topical concern, namely; the imperative need to uphold and advance the rights and status of women in Kenya, particularly as we prepare to celebrate the International Women's Day on Friday, 8th March, 2024. Mr. Speaker, Sir, as we approach International Women's Day, I rise…

Mr. Speaker, Sir, on this occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to-

Proceed Sen. Kibwana.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I also want to celebrate women on occasion of the International Day of Women. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a Statement on a matter of general topical concern celebrating the achievements and contributions of women from all walks of life, with a special focus on the women leaders in the Kenya Women Senators (KEWOSA) , on occasion of the Internati…

Women in Kenya, like their counterparts globally, have battled and continue to face systemic barriers that inhibit their full participation in all spheres of life. Climate change poses a unique and disproportionate threat to women, particularly those in rural areas who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. The adverse effects of climate change, including erratic weather patterns, dro…

[(Loud consultations)]

Order, Hon. Senators! Sen. Kibwana, just proceed and conclude your Statement, please.

I think I will mention the others as I am coming to Statements, Motions and so on. My dear sister, Sen. Shakila Abdalla, you are also there, but I wanted to mention you in other words. I have also mentioned Sen. Kavindu Muthama.

[(Loud consultations)]

Sen. Kibwana, there is a Statement that I approved. Stick to the text. Do not introduce another Statement.

[(Laughter)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I will continue. These contributions, aimed at enhancing the status of women and girls across the nation signify a substantial accomplishment. I must implore all chairpersons to prioritize the monitoring and implementation of resolutions passed by the House that are dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. Furthermore, I extend my congratulations for the commendable …

Mr. Speaker, Sir, as we look to the future, our hopes are aligned with the objectives of the Commission on the Status of Women. We aspire to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, recognizing that their contributions are indispensable to the development and prosperity of our nation. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that women's rights are protected, thei…

[(Applause)]

Hon. Senators, if you look at the nature of business to be transacted in the Order Paper which requires some considerable time, allow me to invoke Standing Order No. 45 (2) for convenience of the House to rearrange the sequence of today’s Order Paper. Therefore, we will defer the Statements under Standing Order No.53 (1) .

Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to move the following Motion - THAT, AWARE THAT, at the Sitting of the Senate held on 29th June, 2023, the Senate, resolved to establish an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the compensation to the Kenyan victims of the 1998 bombing of the United States of America Embassy in Nairobi and report back to the House within three months of its establishment; FURTHER AWARE, that on…

[(Loud Consultations)]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for protecting me. APPRECIATING THAT, the Committee has a lot of work to execute before conclusion of its inquiry and reporting to the Senate; NOW, THEREFORE, the Senate resolves to renew the mandate of the Ad Hoc Committee for a further period not exceeding 100 days from 11th March, 2024, and to table its final report in the Senate on or before 19th June, 2024. The …

The Committee also attended the victim’s prayer meeting on 5th August, 2023, to commission the bomb blasts on the 7th of August, 2024 at the Memorial Park. The Committee met the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration. The Committee was also …

Sen. Kavindu Muthama, just hold on. Sen. Joe Nyutu, you are becoming notorious for consulting loudly. At this juncture, I will invoke Standing Order 121 (2) (a) . I will proceed to caution you. Any further breach, will see you leave the Chamber. Proceed, Sen. Kavindu Muthama.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. We met various Senators. We met Senator Chris Coons and other Congressmen on this issue. Senator Coons, as the Chairman of the important Committee of the US Senate, is instrumental in the proposal of the Ad Hoc Committee in amendment of the Justice for United States Victims of the State Sponsored Terrorists Act, 34 U.S.C.11 2144, which provides for the establishment of…

[(Several Senators stood in their places and consulted loudly)]

Those Senators who are standing, sit down. Wale ambao hawajui kizungu, nimesema, kama umesimama na wewe ni Senator, tafadhali keti chini.

[(Laughter)]

They resolved that they would table a similar Motion in their Parliament and they would work closely to ensure compensation was done. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we have been able to do much. I will ask, Sen. Korir, to second this Motion.

Sen. Korir, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Allow me to congratulate the Ad Hoc Committee for the wonderful job that they have done. This is one of the Committees that is supposed to meet with several stakeholders. This is because the victims have been waiting for compensation for long. Giving them time to fast track, this will answer the cries of the victims. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I second.

[(Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale and Sen. Kinyua consulted loudly)]

Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale and Sen. Kinyua, take your seat. I will proceed to propose the question. Hon. Senators, this is a Procedural Motion. You may elect to debate this Motion, or allow the Chair to proceed to put the question so that you make a decision on whether to renew or not.

[(Question proposed)]

Put the question!

Very well. With your concurrence, hon. senators, allow me to put the question.

[(Question put and agreed to)]

Next Order.

The Senate Majority Leader, you may have the Floor.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the following Motion- THAT, WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution and Section 33 of the County Government Act, on Thursday, 29th February, 2024, the Kisii

County Assembly approved a Motion to remove from office, by impeachment, Hon. (Dr.) Robert Monda, the Deputy Governor of Kisii County; AND FURTHER, WHEREAS by a letter dated 1st March, 2024 and received in the Office of the Speaker of the Senate on Saturday, 2nd March, 2024, the Speaker of the Kisii County Assembly informed the Speaker of the Senate of the approval of the Motion by the County Ass…

Mr. Speaker, Sir, with those few remarks, I beg to move. Since this is a fair issue, I wish to request the Senator for Nairobi City County to second this Motion.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I had indicated to the Senate Majority Leader, my friend, the Senator for Kericho County, that I intend to withdraw my support for this Motion this afternoon for the following reasons. Indeed, it is a fact----

So, are you seconding or not? He is looking for a seconder, if you are not seconding just take your seat.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, unfortunately, I cannot do that. I wanted to give the reasons.

No, you do not have to give reasons. We have to get a seconder for you to get an opportunity to give reasons.

Okay, allow me to begin with the tail, then come to the head. At the meeting of SBC this Tuesday---

Sen. Sifuna, are you seconding this Motion?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, unfortunately, I cannot second this Motion.

Then just take your seat.

Thank you.

Hon. Senators,

[(Loud consultations)]

[(Applause)]

Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move- THAT, Clause 12 in the Bill be amended in the proposed new Section 119 (2) by inserting the following new paragraph immediately after paragraph (c) :

Is Sen. Omogeni present? Sen. Osotsi and Sen. Oketch Gicheru, please approach the Clerks-at-the-Table. (Sen. Osotsi and Sen. Oketch Gicheru approached the Clerks-at-the-Table and registered their votes)

Sen. Ogola is here. Sen. Kinyua and Sen. Munyi Mundigi approach the Chair. Hon. Senators, resume your seats. We want to vote on the next amendment. Please ensure you vote electronically so that we save on time. I now put the Question. You can start voting. Hon. Senators, let us proceed to the next Division.

[(Sen. Kinyua and Sen. Munyi Mundigi approached the Chair)]

Sen. Eddie Oketch?

Thangw’a, Kiambu County; Sen. Wafula, Bungoma County; Sen. Wakili Sigei, Bomet County; Sen. Wambua, Kitui County, and Sen. Wamatinga, Nyeri County, NOES: Sen. Osotsi, Vihiga County ABSENTIONS: Sen. Sifuna, Narobi City County

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, we now proceed to the next Bill.

Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move that the Committee do report to the Senate its consideration of the Water Amendment Bill 2023, (National Assembly Bills No.33 of 2023) , and its approval thereof with amendments.

[(Question proposed)]

[(Question put and agreed to)]

Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move that the Committee of the Whole do report to the Senate its consideration of the Care and Protection of Child Parents Bill, (Senate Bill No.29 of 2023) , and its approval thereof without amendments.

[(Question proposed)]

[(Question put and agreed to)]

[(The House resumed)]

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

Serjeant-at-Arms, you can draw the Bars and open the Doors. Hon. Senators, we are commencing this session. I call upon the Chairperson; the one pushing the Water Amendment Bill 2023, (National Assembly Bills No.33 of 2023) , to report.

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

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Water Amendment Bill 2023, (National Assembly Bills No.33 of 2023, and its approval thereof, with amendments.

I call upon the Mover to proceed. Senate Majority Leader.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report. I ask the Senator for Samburu County, Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, to second.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I second.

[(Question proposed)]

[(Question put and agreed to)]

I now call upon the Chairperson to move.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the Water (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill N0.33 of 2023) be now read a Third Time. I call upon Sen. Orwoba to second.

I second.

Thank you, Sen. Orwoba. Division will be at the end. We will now move to the next Bill. The Care and Protection of Child Parents Bill (Senate Bills No. 29 Of 2023) . I call upon the Chairperson to report.

[(Question proposed)]

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Care and Protection of Child Parents Bill (Senate Bills No. 29 of 2023) and its approval thereof without amendments.

Thank you Chairperson. I now call upon the Mover.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to Move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report.

Who is the seconder?

I second.

[(Question proposed)]

[(Question put and agreed to)]

I now call upon the Mover.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to Move that the Care and Protection of Child Parents Bill (Senate Bills No. 29 of 2023) , be now read a Third Time.

Do we have a seconder?

I second.

[(Question proposed)]

Hon. Senators, we are now proceeding to Division for the first Bill; the Water (Amendment) Bill and then we proceed to the second Division. Voting will be electronic. Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Bell for one minute. Hon. Senators, you may proceed to log out. Those who are not seated kindly resume your seats. Serjeant-at-Arms, withdraw all the cards that are not attended to. Kindy close th…

[(The Division Bell was rung)]

[(The Doors were closed and Bar drawn)]

Hon. Senators, we are on the Water (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.33 of 2023) . Proceed to vote. Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, you can approach the secretariat desk.

Hon. Senators, the results of the Division on the Water Bill are as follows–

We are now proceeding to the next Division, on the Care and Protection of Child Parents Bill (Senate Bills No. 29 of 2023) .

Hon. Senators, you may log out and then log back in. Serjeant -at-Arms, check if there is any unattended card. Hon. Senators, you may proceed to vote. The following Senators, please can you approach the Clerk’s desk for support: Sen. Wakili Sigei, Sen. Chesang and Sen. Lomenen.

Hon. Senators, these are the results of the Division:

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

Hon. Senators, in the Public Gallery, we have 36 students from Ghanima Girls High School in Kajiado County who are undertaking a one-day education tour in the Senate. In our usual tradition of receiving and welcoming visitors to Parliament, I extend a warm welcome to them. On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, I wish them a fruitful visit. I thank you.

[(Applause)]

Madam Temporary Speaker, let me take this opportunity to welcome student from Ghanima Girls High School in Kajiado Town. I am sorry for taking a lot of time. I believe you have enjoyed and learnt a lot. We have been having a number of activities in the Senate. Once again, I welcome you as your Senator. When you go back with your teachers, share what you have leant from this Senate. God willing, w…

I have another communication to make. Hon. Senators, in the Public Gallery, we have a visiting delegation from Samburu County that is undertaking an education visit to the Senate. In our usual tradition of receiving and welcoming visitors to Parliament, I extend a warm welcome to them. On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, I wish them a fruitful visit. I thank you.

[(Applause)]

I will ask Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi and Sen. Olekina to each take a minute to welcome the delegation.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I join you in welcoming the petitioners from Samburu to the Senate. These are not just visitors to the Senate; they are petitioners to the Senate on issues of insecurity in Samburu County. They are not just petitioners. As I have mentioned, they are also our visitors today and victims of insecurity in Samburu County. I thank the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Na…

Asante, Bi. Spika wa Muda, kwa kunipa nafasi hii kukaribisha wageni waliokuja katika Seneti kupeana maombi yao kuhusu hali inayoathiri usalama na kuyahatarisha maisha ya watu wa Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot na Baringo. Ni jambo la kusikitisha sana katika karne hii kuona kwamba watu bado wanapigana na kuuana. Hilo ni jambo la kuhuzunisha na kukera. Lazima sisi sote kama viongozi tusimame ili tuwas…

Thank you, Sen. Olekina, though you extended. I will give one minute each to Sen. Chute and Sen. Kinyua to welcome the delegation.

Bi. Spika wa Muda, nachukua nafasi hii kuwakaribisha wageni wetu kutoka Samburu County. Kama mnavyojua, mimi ni Seneta wa Kaunti ya Marsabit na tunapakana na Kaunti ya Samburu. Wageni waliokuja hapa leo hawajakuja kutembea Nairobi kuzuru Museum ama National Park. Wamekuja hapa kuleta kilio cha watu wa Kaunti ya Samburu. Tangu Kenya ipate Uhuru, hata kabla ya Uhuru, kule kwetu tumekuwa tukijulika…

Sen. Chute, you need to wind up. Your one minute is over.

Asante sana, Bi. Spika wa Muda. Ningeomba wenzangu wahakikishe tumepitisha hiyo hoja ili iwe ikitusaidia.

Sen. Kinyua, one minute only.

Asante, Bi Spika wa Muda, kwa kunipa fursa hii. Kwanza kabisa, nampongeza Seneta wa Samburu kwa kuchukua jukumu na kufuatilia mambo ya usalama katika sehemu ya Samburu. Usalama umekosekana sio Samburu peke yake, bali pia Laikipia na Baringo. Tunaisha kwa hali ya sitofahamu. Kwa hivyo, namshukuru hasa Seneta wa Nandi kwa sababu ameleta Mswada unaosema kwamba wizi wa mifugo wa kimabavu uwe ugaidi. …

Thank you, Sen. Kinyua. Hon. Senators, pursuant to Standing Order No. 45 (2) , I will re-organise the Order Paper. Instead of order No.12, we will go to order No.13. Before we do so, I ask the Chairperson of Roads, Transport and Housing Committee to table the Report. Sen. Thangw’a, you may table the Report.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I beg to lay the following paper on the Table of the Senate today, 7th March, 2024 –

Report on the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing on the consideration of the Affordable Housing Bill (National Assembly Bills No.75 of 2023).

Thank you, Senator. Next Order.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I beg to move that the Affordable Housing Bill (National Assembly Bills No.75 of 2023) be now read a Second Time. As the Senate Majority Leader, I have had the opportunity to lead the session in moving many Government Bills. However, this is one that seats in a pedestal of great pride doing this great task this afternoon. This is a single Government policy in t…

institution, are telling us to do as Parliament. That every Kenyan, including the ordinary citizens, those that they sometimes purport to represent in petitions, must pay this particular levy. It was the general thinking of many of us given the fact that we live in an almost a quasi-socially state. Any adult who lives in this country and has gone through public education, has been educated throug…

have slums in every part of this country. There is no county that you can think of that does not have a slum today. This is because of lack of planning. There is a need for housing within urban centres, yet there is no supply. The market has failed to supply good, decent and affordable houses. People do not live in the informal settlements in the Mukuru and Kibra for the like of it. They would wi…

Thank you, the Senate Majority Leader. Sen. Thang’wa.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I stand to second that the Affordable Housing (National Assembly Bills No.75 of 2023) be read a Second Time. I am the Chairperson of the Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing. We took time together with the Members of the Committee and scrutinized this Bill. Remember it was brought to the Senate after its passage at the National Assembly. Before I comment on what we …

Madam Temporary Speaker, so that I paint a clear picture, it has been in the news and all over that we have seen hon. Members, not only from this House, trying to build decent houses for their constituents. We have seen Members such as hon. Otiende Amollo, hon. Didmus Barasa and hon. Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC, online building houses. However, those houses are not as decent as they should be if…

area. They may not want to move to Nairobi, Mombasa or Kiambu town, but to live in their area where they do their business. Maybe they have a piece of land, inherited from their father or bought. All that person requires is a decent house. Since they may not have money, why should the Government not provide that housing for such a hustler? Madam Temporary Speaker, we have put that in this Bill. …

Sen. Tabitha Keroche, what is your problem? Do you have a point of order? You should state it expressly. Hon. Senator, use the next microphone.

[(Sen. Keroche spoke off the record)]

[(Interruption of debate on Motion)]

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.111 to move that debate on the Affordable Housing Bill (National Assembly Bills No.75 of 2023) be limited to a maximum of 4 minutes per Senator. I thank you.

Who is the Seconder?

I ask Sen. Munyi Mundigi to second.

I beg to second.

Hon. Senators, there is a Motion in the House by Sen. Keroche. I want to propose the question, but we can do it by concurrence. I propose that the debate be limited to 4 minutes. By concurrence every Senator will take 4 minutes.

[(Question put and agreed to)]

[(Resumption of debate on Bill)]

Madam Temporary Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the Affordable Housing Bill (Senate Bills No.75 of 2023) . The architecture of the Affordable Housing Bill is founded under Article 43 (1) of the Constitution as set out and it aims to ensure that every Kenyan who contributes to the fund as set out at 1.5 per cent of the gross salary is eligible to apply for a House…

On the question as to why - I think this is a sticky question - on whether only employees should contribute, I think Kenyans should look at the framework of law as being constitutionally embedded and underpinned. The intention is to move this country to a second-level economy to ensure we have affordable houses that citizens of this country can buy, including those who previously would not have be…

Thank you very much, Madam Temporary Speaker. Let me take this opportunity to also contribute to this Affordable Housing Bill (National Assembly Bills No.75 of 2023) . As a keen Member of this committee and now a strong supporter of this Bill, I want to say that sometime back we had before our committee a group of former tenants of Buxton Estate. They brought a Petition before this House and the …

[(Sen. Veronica Maina)]

Madam Temporary Speaker, just give me one minute. Temporary Speaker : Your time is up Senator. We have made a decision. Resume your seat.

[(Sen. Veronica Maina)]

Madam Temporary Speaker, just give me one minute. Temporary Speaker (

If you look at the Constitution of Kenya, housing is a devolved function. One of our biggest problems in this country is that we want to live in space. It is a beautiful place there. However, I want to beg all of you to try and come back to reality that we are not yet there. Housing being pushed by the national Government is a failure. Historically in this country, the posh neighbourhoods, includ…

Madam Temporary Speaker, I oppose this Bill because it is unconstitutional. It does not matter how you look at it. It does not matter how anyone tries to pamper it. This is merely clawing back on devolution.

If you look at the Constitution of Kenya, housing is a devolved function. One of our biggest problems in this country is that we want to live in space. It is a beautiful place there. However, I want to beg all of you to try and come back to reality that we are not yet there.Housing being pushed by the national Government is a failure. Historically in this country, the posh neighbourhoods, includin…

Resume your seat, Sen. Wakili Sigei. What is your point of order, Sen. Olekina?

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I wish to move the following Motion. That, Pursuant to Standing Order No. 34 (4) (a) , the Senate extends its sitting until conclusion of Order No.13. I call upon the Senate Majority Whip, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale to second.

[(Loud consultations)]

Hon. Members, this is a Motion that has been brought pursuant to Standing Order No.34 (4) and under Standing Order No.34 (5) . It is supposed to be dispensed with 30 minutes before the time. We have two minutes within which to dispense with that Motion.

AYES: Sen. Abbas, Wajir County; Sen. Abdul Haji, Garissa County; Sen. Ali Roba, Mandera County; Sen. Cheptumo, Baringo County; Sen. Cherarkey, Nandi County; Sen. Cheruiyot, Kericho County; Sen. Chesang, Trans Nzoia County; Sen. Chute, Marsabit County; Sen. Dullo, Isiolo County; Sen. Gataya Mo Fire, Tharaka Nithi County; Sen. Githuku, Lamu County; Sen. Joe Nyutu, Murang’a County; Sen. Kathuri, Meru…

Hon. Members, we now have the results of the voting.

I now direct the Serjeant-at-Arms to draw the Bar and open the door.

[(The Bar was drawn and the Door opened)]