National Assembly · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 14 November 2023
Members responded to the President’s address by highlighting budget allocations for coffee stabilization and sugar debt relief, and commending initiatives on social protection, education, health, judiciary and food security. While acknowledging economic pressures such as rising debt and cost of living, the overall tone was supportive of the government’s reforms. Members praised President Ruto’s reported achievements in the Hustler Fund, fertilizer subsidies, education reforms and health initiatives, while also highlighting gaps such as the omission of livestock sector successes, the impact of El Nino floods, and the exclusion of Muslims from the Hustler Fund. Several MPs expressed concern over rising living costs, fuel prices and the hardships faced by boda‑boda riders, urging broader economic relief and inclusive policies. The debate featured Hon. Zamzam Mohammed criticizing the President over rising fuel prices, food scarcity and alleged shortcomings in digital infrastructure, urging greater transparency. Hon. John Kiarie challenged the Mombasa MP’s statements, questioning compliance with parliamentary rules. Hon. Ruku GK subsequently praised the President’s initiatives in the judiciary, police reforms, agriculture, education and health legislation.
Hon. Members, the numbers look very scanty. Serjeant-at-Arms, can you ring the Quorum Bell? Order, Hon. Members. We now have quorum to transact business. Clerk-at-the-Table, we can roll out the first Order.
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Hon. Tom Odege, Member for Nyatike.
I wish to request a Statement regarding the clearance by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) at points of entry. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on the recent directives issued by the KRA regarding customs and duties levied on items for passengers travelling th…
The KRA issued a directive seeking to tax travellers or passengers arriving into the country with items worth US$500 and above from international destinations through the JKIA. The directive stated that all goods, whether new or used, valued beyond Ksh75,000 must be declared and subjected to taxation at various entry points. This includes personal and used household items. These issues have elicit…
Thank you, Hon. Irene. Hon. Kimani, that is directed to you. Will you respond in two weeks? Bring the Statement next week on Tuesday. Yes, Hon. Ruku. There is no provision for commenting on or debating a request for a Statement. You are out of order if that is what you want to do. I will allow you if there is something else.
[(Hon. Kuria Kimani spoke off the record)]
The same issue was raised today before the
It may have but there is no provision for you to comment on a Statement on the Floor. Take your seat. I order you out of order, Hon. Okello. Next Order. Order, Hon. Members who are on your feet. Take your seats. The Member talking to Hon. Gikaria, take your seat.
[(Hon. Jared Okello spoke off the record)]
[(Several Members stood on their feet)]
approves the appointment of Hon. Gabriel Kago Mukuha as a member of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Board.
Hon. Deputy Speaker, take your seat.
Hon. Milemba, take your seat quickly. Hon. Farah, take your seat or disappear to wherever you are going.
[(Laughter)]
Before we go to the next Order, I want to bring something to your attention. Following repeated requests to the Speaker to give direction on the dress code in the House, I will deliver a comprehensive and far-reaching direction on the dress code next week on Tuesday. I encourage all of you to abide by the ruling and direction. It will be based on the longevity of the Speaker in this House, compar…
[(Applause)]
On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.
Yes, Hon. Julius Sunkuli. What is your point of order?
Hon. Speaker, as the main upholder of the Constitution in this House, I understand that most of your decisions are binding. Is it not in order for you to conduct public participation for Members of this House to share their comments on the dress code? I come from a constituency which would like to have an input on how Kenyans should dress in their national House. Let us encourage public participat…
Hon. Julius Sunkuli, the Constitution states that we exercise our powers directly or through our elected representatives. Your elected representatives are Members of the House Business Committee, and they have made known their findings and stand on the matter. You are ably represented. Whatever we decide has been properly canvassed by your elected representatives, as is provided under Article 1 of…
is called so that we can know who wants to speak on a particular Order and who does not. You have seen the embarrassing situation where the Speaker calls out a Member, who says that they did not want to speak to that particular Order, yet their name is at the top of the screen. The Clerk and the Clerks-at-the-Table will enforce that new rule so that when an Order is called, you will key in again. …
Order, Members. Hon. Members, the time being 7.00 p.m., this House stands adjourned until tomorrow Wednesday, 15th November 2023 at 9.30 a.m. The House rose at 7.00 p.m.
Published by Clerk of the National Assembly Parliament Buildings Nairobi