Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 15 November 2022
Senators discussed a motion praising a historic partnership that led to the creation of the Unclaimed Assets Authority and acknowledged the return of Sen. Mungatana. The Speaker then shifted to recount recent violent attacks and killings in Kitui County and surrounding areas, highlighting insecurity and its impact on communities. The debate was adjourned with a call to address these security concerns. Senators repeatedly expressed deep frustration over rising insecurity in Kitui, Turkana and other counties, blaming security officials for failures and calling for urgent government action. They highlighted the impact of drought‑driven migration and illegal firearms, urging the Cabinet Secretary and security agencies to mop up guns and address transition gaps. The debate called for a comprehensive investigation and stronger coordination among security bodies. Senator Cheptumo urged greater government support and funding for sports training centres to empower youth and generate wealth, praising the Kenya Kwanza manifesto’s focus on sports. The Senate also addressed procedural requests for statements on human‑wildlife conflict in Lamu, drought impacts on wildlife, and fatal boda‑boda accidents in Ndhiwa, referring them to the relevant committees.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant -at-arms, kindly, ring the bell.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Clerk, I thought there was a Communication.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table Consulted the Speaker)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate today, 15th, November, 2022-
Report of the Auditor General on the Financial Statements of Bungoma County Disaster Management and Emergency Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021. Report of the Auditor General on the Financial Statements of Tharaka Nithi County Assembly Mortgage and Car Loan Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021. Report of the Auditor General on the Financial Statements of Vihiga County Education Fund for…
Next Order. Sen. Korir, there is a report to be laid. It needs to be laid on the Table, so kindly, proceed to lay it.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today 15th November, 2022- Report of the Joint Select Committee on election of Members to the EALA. I beg to lay.
[(Sen. Korir laid the document on the Table)]
Next Order. Sen. Korir, give Notice of Motion for consideration of your Report.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to give a notice of the following Motion- THAT, pursuant to the provisions of Article 50 of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community and Rule 13 (5) of the East African Legislative Assembly Elections Rules, the Senate adopts the Report of the Joint Select Committee on the Election of Members to the East African Legislative Assembly on it…
[(Election of Members of the Assembly)]
appoint the date, time and venue for the election of the dully nominated candidates to be undertaken. I will guide the Senate on the procedure for the election on the election day. In the event that the Motion of the Joint Select Committee is not carried, the presiding officers will gazette a fresh nomination process. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion- THAT pursuant to Standing Orders No.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:
Next Order.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have a request for a Statement on the cost of electricity in the country. I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Energy regarding the cost of electricity in the country. In the Statement, the Committee should-
Sen. Mariam Omar, proceed.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations regarding registration of births in Mandera County. In the Statement, the Committee should-
Sen. Cherarkey.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I have two Statements under Standing Order No.51.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, Wilson Kiprugut Arap Chuma died on 1st November, 2022 at the age of 84 in Kericho County, after a long illness. He was the first Kenyan to win an Olympic medal, where he won Bronze in 800 metres at the 1964 Tokyo Games. In the same year, he also ran 400 metres but failed to reach the finals. Wilson Kiprugut also made a breakthrough on the international stage after storming to th…
Sen. Cheruiyot, please proceed. The Majority Leader (Sen. Cheruiyot) : Mr. Speaker, Sir, I want to say something on the Statement issued by Sen. Cherarkey on the fallen hero, Mr. Kiprugut. Last weekend, we laid Mr. Kiprugut to rest at his home in Kericho County. First of all, I wish to appreciate that unlike in previous occasions where we have laid heroes to rest, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlif…
humble citizens. In fact, if they are not picked from the queue, nobody would even recognise that this is a world champion they are queueing with. Therefore, I challenge the CS for Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts, that in the legislation that he is bringing to this House, let him provide a legislative framework for which we can appreciate athletes that bring global fame to this country. Mr. S…
humble citizens. In fact, if they are not picked from the queue, nobody would even recognise that this is a world champion they are queueing with. Therefore, I challenge the CS for Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts, that in the legislation that he is bringing to this House, let him provide a legislative framework for which we can appreciate athletes that bring global fame to this country. Mr. S…
Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC, please proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, let me join Sen. Cherarkey and the Majority Leader, Sen. Cheruiyot, in paying homage and acknowledging the athlete that died and was buried last week. It is not just about athletics and paying homage to a hero who competed and won the athletics and continued to shine and mentor other younger athletes. I believe it is about sports and the development of sports in our counties. M…
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I also wish to strongly add my voice, not only in sending my condolences to the family and friends of the departed, Mr. Wilson Kiprugut Arap Chuma, but also join colleagues in creating national consensus around this problem. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we must accept that today, sports is a major employment industry. The only way to do it, is to appreciate that it takes awareness for peop…
[(Applause)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I also wish to strongly add my voice, not only in sending my condolences to the family and friends of the departed, Mr. Wilson Kiprugut Arap Chuma, but also join colleagues in creating national consensus around this problem. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we must accept that today, sports is a major employment industry. The only way to do it, is to appreciate that it takes awareness for peop…
[(Applause)]
They have developed a culture in the process. Brazilians are the richest footballers in the world. They produce the best talent because of the support that they get back home. I usually see young Kalenjin boys along the Kapsabet to Kericho Road, while on my way back to Nairobi. If we backed them, we can bag all the medals. May the people from Kalenjin Community be congratulated but they should kn…
[(Laughter)]
[(Laughter)]
I wanted to warn some people here, who think that they have the monopoly of running.
[(Laughter)]
[(Laughter)]
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
Sen. Osotsi, I think Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale is already done with his contributions. Therefore, you cannot rise on a point of order. Proceed, Sen. Beth Syengo.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Statement by Sen. Cherarkey. We actually have a lot of talent in this country. It is important to support our youth with upcoming talents, so that they can earn their living through sporting activities. As I support, I would like to state that it is important that we take this further, so that we have proper policies and guidelines on how to support our yo…
Proceed, Sen. Cheptumo.
sports-end up taking their revenue. Many of the sponsors are not Kenyans; they are foreigners. To avoid such a situation in future, it is important that both the national and county governments take sports seriously. The allocations given to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts over the years is minimal because we have not taken sports seriously. I am happy that in the Kenya Kwanza Gove…
sports-end up taking their revenue. Many of the sponsors are not Kenyans; they are foreigners. To avoid such a situation in future, it is important that both the national and county governments take sports seriously. The allocations given to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts over the years is minimal because we have not taken sports seriously. I am happy that in the Kenya Kwanza Gove…
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural resources on the incessant human wildlife conflict in Lamu County. The Committee should -
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural resources on the incessant human wildlife conflict in Lamu County. The Committee should -
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I had already read my statements. I read them concurrently, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (1) and 53 (1) . I request that you commit them to the respective committees.
[(The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) spoke off record)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I had already read my statements. I read them concurrently, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (1) and 53 (1) . I request that you commit them to the respective committees.
[(The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) spoke off record)]
The first statement was on the impact of the current drought on wildlife in Kenya. The other statement was under Standing Order No. 51 (1) , which can be referred to the Committee on Labor and Social Welfare and this one to the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industrialization.
Very well, Sen. Cherarkey. However, you also have a Statement under Standing Order No. 53 (1) . The Statement requested by the Senator for Lamu County to be referred to the relevant Committee. The reason I called you is because you had a request for a Statement under Standing Order No.53 (1) different from the Statement you have made. That is equally committed to the relevant Committee.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise, pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing on the death of boda boda riders and their passengers by sugarcane trailers of a local sugar miller (Sukari Industry) in Ndhiwa Constituency. The situation in Ndhiwa and where the trailers operate is so pathetic. In the Statement, the Committee should…
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise, pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing on the death of boda boda riders and their passengers by sugarcane trailers of a local sugar miller (Sukari Industry) in Ndhiwa Constituency. The situation in Ndhiwa and where the trailers operate is so pathetic. In the Statement, the Committee should…
It is so referred. Next Order!
[(The Statement was referred to the Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing)]
The Senate Majority Leader, proceed.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Motion on the approval of Senators to serve in the Select Committees--- THAT, the Senate resolves 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 ---
Leader of Majority Party, you need to use the right language. Do you beg to move?
Sen. Esther Anyieni Okenyuri, MP b) Health- Sen. Esther Anyieni Okenyuri, MP c) Trade, Industrialization and Tourism: Sen. Danson Mungatana, MP Pursuant to Section 15 (1) (b) (ii), of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, and Standing Order No. 199, the Senate approves the nomination, by the Senate Business Committee, of Senator Esther Anyieni Okenyuri, MP, to serve in the Committee on Powe…
Sen. Esther Anyieni Okenyuri, MP b) Health- Sen. Esther Anyieni Okenyuri, MP c) Trade, Industrialization and Tourism: Sen. Danson Mungatana, MP Pursuant to Section 15 (1) (b) (ii), of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, and Standing Order No. 199, the Senate approves the nomination, by the Senate Business Committee, of Senator Esther Anyieni Okenyuri, MP, to serve in the Committee on Powe…
Next Order.
Next Order.
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir!
Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise on a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No.37, to seek leave of the House to adjourn to discuss a matter of national importance namely: the security situation in Kitui County, as a result of conflict between camel herders and residents of the county at an appropriate time this afternoon. I ask Sen. Kinyua to Second.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise on a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No.37, to seek leave of the House to adjourn to discuss a matter of national importance namely: the security situation in Kitui County, as a result of conflict between camel herders and residents of the county at an appropriate time this afternoon. I ask Sen. Kinyua to Second.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I Second.
[(Several Senators stood up in their places)]
Hon. Senators, the threshold has been met. Therefore, I nominate debate to the Motion to be moved at 5:30 p.m. Next Order.
The Co-Chairperson of the Joint Select Committee on the election of Members to EALA, please, proceed.
to elect Members of the Assembly within 90 days before the end of the term of the ongoing Assembly. It is in this regard that the National Assembly and the Senate respectively, resolved to establish a Joint Parliamentary Select Committee on the election of Members to EALA. The Joint Committee has membership of the National Assembly namely: Hon. Wanjiku Mukia, MP - Co-Chairperson Hon. (Dr.) Makal…
to elect Members of the Assembly within 90 days before the end of the term of the ongoing Assembly. It is in this regard that the National Assembly and the Senate respectively, resolved to establish a Joint Parliamentary Select Committee on the election of Members to EALA. The Joint Committee has membership of the National Assembly namely: Hon. Wanjiku Mukia, MP - Co-Chairperson Hon. (Dr.) Makal…
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir!
What is your point of order, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale?
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have a Seconder. It is the distinguished Senator from my neighbourhood, Nandi County, Sen. Cherarkey.
[(Loud consultations)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have a Seconder. It is the distinguished Senator from my neighbourhood, Nandi County, Sen. Cherarkey.
people who were running for the Speaker of the Senate. A tradition has been established in this House that when you bring a report, allow Members to familiarise themselves with it. Under Standing Order No.1 in which you have powers, give us 15 minutes because I do not see that Report in my gadgets. I am not saying that the Clerk has not circulated but we have not seen that Report. It is important…
people who were running for the Speaker of the Senate. A tradition has been established in this House that when you bring a report, allow Members to familiarise themselves with it. Under Standing Order No.1 in which you have powers, give us 15 minutes because I do not see that Report in my gadgets. I am not saying that the Clerk has not circulated but we have not seen that Report. It is important…
[[The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) in the Chair]]
We will resume after the 15 minutes. It is now 3.49
[[The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) in the Chair]]
Sen. Ogola, kindly proceed from where you left.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, the EALA is the independent legislative arm of the East African Community (EAC). The Assembly plays a critical role in the furtherance of the East African objectives. The Fourth Assembly of the EALA, which commenced on 18th December, 2017, will come to an end on 17th December, 2022. Consequently, member states are expected to elect Members of the Assembly within 90 days before t…
A total of 69 candidates, as indicated in the report, appeared before the Presiding Officers, out of whom the Kenya Kwanza Alliance Coalition presented 15 candidates and the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Alliance Coalition presented 12 nominees, while 42 were candidates of independent political parties. Therefore, pursuant to Rule 12 of the Rules, the Presiding Officers gave the public an opportunity…
[(Applause)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I second the Report of the Joint Committee as read by my colleague Sen. Beatrice Oyomo. The Members of this Committee held a number of meetings to check on a number of issues. This was meant to assist us in getting Members to the East Africa Legislative Assembly as per the East African Community (EAC) Treaty that was signed among the member states. Among the issues that this Joi…
[(Applause)]
EALA have been our colleagues in both Houses of Parliament. We have interacted with a number of them. I know that the key players for this appointment are political parties. The Committee received a list of 15 members from one political party and nine from another political party. From the two lists, we are supposed to approve five Members for the Majority Side and four Members for the Minority S…
EALA have been our colleagues in both Houses of Parliament. We have interacted with a number of them. I know that the key players for this appointment are political parties. The Committee received a list of 15 members from one political party and nine from another political party. From the two lists, we are supposed to approve five Members for the Majority Side and four Members for the Minority S…
Hon. Senators, you may now make your contributions. Sen. (Prof.) Ojienda, proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this Motion. The Treaty for the establishment of the EAC in 1999 is an important one. The Treaty contemplates that right from the Customs Union, there shall be a Common Market, a Monetary Union, and finally, a Political Federation. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I know that you have served as Minister for EAC. I know that you, like …
[(Interruption of debate on Motion)]
Proceed Senate Majority Leader.
[(Loud Consultations)]
[(Laughter)]
Hon. Senators, you may now proceed to make your contributions.
[(Loud Consultations)]
[(Loud Consultations)]
[(Laughter)]
Hon. Senators, you may now proceed to make your contributions.
[(Loud Consultations)]
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to move the following Motion – THAT, aware that water is a fundamental resource to life, livelihood, food security and sustainable development and an economic good, which is critical for the sustainable development of the country; FURTHER AWARE THAT the River Tana plays an important role in the lives of the communities living along its banks including Garissa an…
Hon. Senators, it is now 6.44 p.m., time to adjourn the House. Therefore, the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday 16th November, 2022 at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 6.44 p.m.