National Assembly · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 19 March 2024
Members debated an omnibus Bill that seeks to amend the structure of the presidential transition, including expanding the Assumption of Office Committee, redefining the role of the National Security Advisor, and relocating the Public Seal. While some MPs, notably Hon. Julius Melly, endorsed the Bill citing committee reports and constitutional alignment, others raised objections to specific provisions such as the inclusion of a security advisor and the removal of the Public Seal from the Attorney‑General’s office. The exchange featured both constructive arguments and sharp criticism, reflecting a mixed tone. Members debated the Division of Revenue Bill, expressing support for vertical revenue sharing while highlighting flaws in the Equalisation Fund allocation and the CRA's ignored recommendations. The discussion turned critical of county governments' reliance on central transfers, poor revenue generation, and perceived misuse of funds, as well as broader economic concerns such as a weakening shilling and debt servicing. Calls were made for greater accountability, better data-driven allocations, and scrutiny of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund. Members debated the Houses of Parliament (Bicameral Relations) Bill, highlighting its aim to establish clear procedures for inter‑House cooperation, dispute resolution, quorum rules, and public participation. Procedural motions were made to defer the question and to read the bill a second time, accompanied by light banter and occasional order‑calling.
Hon. Members, we have a quorum to transact business.
Hon. Bernard Kitur, Member for Nandi Hills.
Hon. Speaker, I rise to present a public
I wish to introduce to you a delegation from the County Assembly of Makueni, who are seated in the Speaker's Gallery. The delegation comprises six members of the County Assembly led by their Speaker, Hon. Douglas Mbilu. They are accompanied by five members of staff led by the Deputy Clerk of the County Assembly. The delegation is in the National Assembly to learn on the scheduling of business in t…
[(Applause)]
The second Communication is to invite members who profess the Islamic faith to an Iftar by the Speaker. As you are aware, our brothers and sisters of the Islamic faith are observing the Holy month of Ramadan, which commenced last week. The Hon. Speaker of the Senate and I hereby extend an invitation to all Members of the Islamic faith in both Houses of Parliament for an Iftar dinner to be held on…
[(Rt.)]
[(Loud consultations)]
[(Laughter)]
[(Applause)]
Leader of the Majority Party.
Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. As I lay these papers, I would like to take this opportunity to send a message of condolence to students of my alma mater, Kenyatta University, for the loss of their colleagues. I wish a quick recovery to those who were injured. To those that the Lord took, may their souls rest in eternal peace. Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following papers on the Table:
Yes
You have it?
Yes
Go ahead.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on Table. Report of the Budget and Appropriations Committee on its consideration of The Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bill No.14 of 2024) . Thank you Hon. Speaker. Thank you. We do not have any Notice of Motion. Next Order. Member for Githunguri. Hon. Wamuchomba. Did I see Hon. Wamuchomba in the House? Hon. Owen Baya, where is your Mem…
I thought I also saw Hon. Wamuchomba in the House a few minutes ago. I saw her walking in and greeting everybody.
I think her paraphernalia is here but she has evaporated.
[(Laughter)]
Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I request for a Statement regarding the disappearance of Mr John. Kopesha Abdirobva who is an employee at Tana and Athi River Development Authority (TARDA) . Hon. Speaker, Pursuant to Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I wish to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the disappearance of Mr Joh…
rights of individuals pursuant to Article 29 of the Constitution. It is against this background that I seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration
Much obliged Hon. Speaker. Thank you. Next is Hon. Geoffrey Ruku, Member for Mbeere North.
Hon. Speaker, I rise to request for a Statement regarding tax incentives claimed by Special Economic Zones (SEZs) developers, operators and enterprises. Hon. Speaker, Pursuant to the Provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning regarding the tax incentives claimed by Special Economic…
Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I thank Hon. Ruku for being seized of this matter. We created several incentives for SEZs and EPZs in this country in the Finance Act of 2023. However, we have seen a lot of gazettement of new and many SEZs and EPZs since that enactment. Some of them are even private people's properties. On the questions asked by Hon. Ruku, we would like to handle this matter comprehensiv…
First, I thank you for the opportunity. I have two quick twin issues to run by you. I thought we were done with Statements. There is one more Statement. I will give you an opportunity after that. Hon. Oundo, is it something to do with this matter?
On a point of Order Hon. Speaker. I was just wondering loudly under the Standing Orders of this House. The Committee of Trade, Industry and Cooperative oversees SEZs. Probably, the inquiry thought of by the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning would be appropriate if there could be some kind of collaboration or a joint Committee. Occasionally, we grapple with the sa…
Affairs and Energy, Hon. Pkosing to reply.
Thank you, Hon. Speaker for giving me the opportunity to reply. I thank Hon. Members of this House for supporting us and supporting our Report. I also thank my Committee and the Office of the Clerk for the good job. With those few remarks, I beg to reply. Order Members. Hon. D.K, Hon. Kasalu and the Member for Kwale, please, take your seats. Next Order.
[(Hon. David Kiplagat, Hon. Irene Kasalu and Hon. Fatuma Masito walked into the Chamber)]
[(Question put and agreed)]
Order, Hon. Members. The time being