Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 11 October 2022
Senators debated the President's inaugural address, focusing on his commitments to strengthen the judiciary and fight corruption, and clarifying procedural matters such as the role of cabinet secretaries and constitutional amendment mechanisms. The discussion also highlighted the government's agenda on affordable credit for small entrepreneurs and reforms to the tax regime, with members urging constructive support despite differing interpretations of the speech. Senator Veronica Maina praised President Ruto’s opening address, emphasizing the re‑election of MPs, the rise in women’s representation, the need for gender parity and the President’s call for national unity and issue‑based politics. The Deputy Speaker repeatedly intervened on procedural grounds, reminding the Senator to follow standing orders and limiting her reading from notes. The exchange combined constructive endorsement with procedural tension, giving the debate a mixed tone. Sen. Okiya Omtatah condemned corruption, called for zero‑tolerance policies, and urged greater judicial independence and funding, while emphasizing bipartisan oversight of the Presidency and the need to return research institution lands. Sen. Miraj highlighted concerns over undisclosed port funds, the impact of privatized air ticketing on tourism, and urged investment reforms including NSSF savings. Both speakers called for reforms to boost Kenya’s economic development.
Hon. Senators, I have established that we have quorum. We can start transacting our Business. However, before we do that, I understand that the gadgets on my right-hand side have not been working for the last 10 minutes. The technical team is tirelessly doing their best to ensure they are working. You can use the traditional methods if you want to catch my eye. You can either wink at me, raise y…
[(The Clerk at the Table consulted the Deputy Speaker)]
[(A Member spoke off record)]
[(A Member spoke off record)]
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the table of the Senate, today 11th October, 2022.
Special Audit Report of the Auditor-General on Covid-19 Vaccine Roll Out for Kwale County as at 31st March, 2022. Special Audit Report of the Auditor-General on Covid-19 Vaccine Roll Out for Nandi County as at 31st March, 2022. Special Audit Report of the Auditor-General on Covid-19 Vaccine Roll Out for Mombasa County as at 31st March, 2022. Special Audit Report of the Auditor-General on Covid-…
Special Audit Report of the Auditor-General on Covid-19 Vaccine Roll Out for Kitui County as at 31st March, 2022. Special Audit Report of the Auditor-General on Covid-19 Vaccine Roll Out for Mandera County as at 31st March, 2022. Special Audit Report of the Auditor-General on Covid-19 Vaccine Roll Out for Garissa County as at 31st March, 2022. Special Audit Report of the Auditor-General on Covi…
Thank you, the Senate Majority Leader. Next Order.
The Senate Majority Leader, proceed.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion-
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, pursuant to Standing Orders Nos. 191 (2) (d) and 199, the Senate approves the following Senators nominated by the Senate Business Committee to serve in the Procedure and Rules Committee, in addition to Senators specified in Standing Order No. 191 (2) (a) , (b) and (c) -
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, Pursuant to Section 15 (1) (b) (ii) , of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, and Standing Order No. 199, the Senate approves the following Senators nominated by the Senate Business Committee to serve in the Committee on Powers and Privileges, in addition to the Speaker of the Senate, who, pursuant to Section 15 …
I have another Notice of Motion, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Please give me a second. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion- THAT, pursuant to Standing Order Nos.199 and 228, and the Fourth Schedule to the Standing Orders, the Senate approves the following Senators nominated by the Senate Business Committee to serve in Standing Committees of the Senate as follows:
[(Sen. Cheruiyot consulted the Clerk at the Table)]
Allow me to read the names without having to refer to each of them as Senators.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to give Notice of the following Motion- That, pursuant to Standing Order Nos.193, 194, 195, and 199, the Senate approves the following Senators nominated by the Senate Business Committee to serve in Select Committees of the Senate as follows –
Let us go to the next Order.
According to the records, the Senator for Kiambu had 13 minutes. Sen. Karungo, please proceed.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for remembering that I had 13 minutes left since I had only consumed about three minutes when the Motion was on the Floor.
Regarding the President’s Address, I would like Members to look at Paragraph
Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. First, I want to avail myself of the protection of both Standing Order No. 121 and of the Chair. This is because in the course of this debate, we have seen a lot of interruptions especially from our friends on the Majority side. I do not think that there was an intention on their part to allow us to debate this particular Speech.
Order Senator.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I beg to move the following Procedural Motion - THAT, pursuant to Standing Order No. 34 (4) (a) , the Senate resolves to extend its sitting time today, Tuesday, 11th October, 2022 until the conclusion of the Business appearing in Order No.8 in today’s Supplementary Order Paper. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this Procedural Motion has been occasioned by the fact that we a…
Sen. Kinyua.
Bw. Naibu Spika, naunga Hoja hii mkono kwa sababu ya muda. Kila Seneta ambaye yuko hapa anataka kuchangia na kusema mambo machache kuhusu Hotuba ya Rais ambayo ilikua ya kufana. Wakenya wote waliufurahia na hio ndio maana maseneta wote waliohapa wanataka kuchangia Hoja hii na kuleta maneno yao yaweze kusikizwa. There is another Procedural Motion that should be executed. Sen. Cherarkey, proceed.
[(Question proposed)]
[(Question put and agreed to)]
Hon. Senators, having concluded the Business appearing in the Order No.8 in today’s Supplementary Order Paper, the time being 8.50 p.m., the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, 12th October, 2022, at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 8.50 p.m.