National Assembly · Afternoon Sitting

Next Order.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on its consideration of the Sessional Paper No.1 of 2025 on the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Kenya laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 22nd April 2025.

Chairperson National Government Constituencies Development Fund Committee, Hon. Sirma.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) for thirty-one Constituencies Committees laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 22nd April 2025, and pursuant to the provisions of Section 43 (4) of the National Government Constituency Development Fund Act, Cap. 414A and Paragraphs 5…

414A, approves the list of nominees for appointment to the following 31 constituency committees of the National Government Constituency Development Fund:

Next Order.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No.44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the alarming rise of illegal organ harvesting, particularly kidney harvesting, in Eldoret City and its environs. Hon. Speaker, in June 2024, a distressing case was reported to my constituency office by Mrs Leah Chepkori…

collusion between the hospital and criminal syndicates who exploit medical infrastructure for illicit organ trade. Notably, on 18th April 2025, the founder of Mediheal Hospital was suspended as the Biovax chairperson, pending investigations into allegations of illegal kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital and Fertility Centre in Eldoret. The legal framework governing organ harvesting …

You have resurrected it and that is about all. No more. Chairman Departmental Committee on Health, can you bring a response within the first week after recess?

Hon. Speaker, this is an important matter. We will endeavour to bring the report within the period you have indicated.

Hon. Daniel Nanok, Member for Turkana West Constituency.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No.44 (2) (c) , I wish to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the implementation of Shirika Plan and its effect on the refugee host communities. Kenya has for many years upheld an open-door asylum policy, hosting over 700,000 refugees and asylum seeker…

integration, empowering refugees to actively contribute to the socio-economic development of their host communities. The Government, in line with the Refugees Act (CAP173), has formulated a policy known as Shirika Plan, which is a multi-year initiative to promote the socio-economic inclusion of refugees in Kenya by transforming camps into integrated settlements within host communities for both ref…

Thank you, Hon. Nanok. Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Hon. Tongoyo, can you bring a response within the first week after recess?

Hon. Speaker, I just want a clarification. I think the request for Statement is misplaced. According to our Standing Order, this request for Statement should be referred to the Regional Integration Committee. The issue of Shirika Plan had been taken away from my Committee.

Under which Ministry are refugees?

It is under Hon. Peter Lochakapong’s committee. There is confusion. Just as the issue of prisons falls under the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, this is under Hon. Peter Lochakapong. He can confirm the same.

Hon. Lochakapong, is your committee responsible for refugee issues?

Yes.

We will redirect the request for the Statement to you. Bring a response within the first week after the recess.

This is noted and I am most obliged. My committee oversees matters of refugee affairs.

Eng. Nzambia of Kilome. REVIEW OF FEES FOR REGISTRATION, RE-REGISTRATION AND ALTERATION OF BIRTH CERTIFICATES

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 Administration and Internal Security regarding review of the registration, re-registration, and alterations fees for birth certificates. On 26th September 2024, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration vide Legal Notic…

You are debating your own request for Statement. Once you make the request for Statement, it is enough.

Yes, Hon. Wangari.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker for allowing me to ride on Hon. Nzambia’s Statement. As the Chair responds, I want him to also respond to my proposed Bill on births and registration of children. I brought a very important legislative proposal and it went through the Budget and Appropriations Committee. He can brief the House on how far the Bill is. It would sort many of the issues being raised.

Thank you. Hon. Tongoyo, response should be the first week after recess.

Hon. Speaker, I will deliver as you have directed. I also want to ride on what Hon. Wangare has talked about on her proposed Bill. It is a very important Bill that speaks to this issue. I am sure it will help us address such issues. Kindly, as much as we address the issue of birth certificates, it is good to appreciate…

[(Hon. Osoro whipped the Members loudly)]

Order, Majority Whip. The work of the Whip is not to whip violently.

[(Laughter)]

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I was saying that as we seek for a response to this request for a Statement, we should appreciate the issuance of identification cards. You know, it is the same Hon. Member who asked about identification cards processing fee. The President has so far waived the fee. Last week, I promised this House that I will commit to call the Cabinet Secretary to appear before our Comm…

Very good.

Hon. Abdi Ali Adi, the Member for Ijara

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No.44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations regarding an attack on herders in Kurunjo area in Hulugho Ward of Ijara Constituency. On 23rd March 2025, a tragic incident occurred when officers of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Special For…

scattered or driven deep into the Boni Forest, further threatening the survival of the affected families, whose livelihoods depend entirely on livestock. This incident has caused anxiety in the community, highlighting concerns about the use of force by security personnel and the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing security challenges in the region. Nomadic pastoralists in northern Keny…

Nominated Member, Hon. Harun, you can enjoy a ride on that request for a Statement.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker for giving me the opportunity to comment on this matter. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) issue in our communities has become a serious crisis. Last week, I had a request for a Statement on the same issue, where Abdullah Yusuf was killed by the KDF in 2019. It took us a long process to strip him off his military privilege to bring him to a civilian court. In 2023, I sought a…

Thank you. Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. Wapi Bashir? Hon. Wangari, are you a Member of that Committee?

Yes, Hon. Speaker.

Bring a response the first week after recess.

Much obliged, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Adbul Haro, the Member for Mandera South.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No.44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the

Thank you, Hon. Haro. The Chairperson of the Select Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity, Hon. Yusuf, you bring a response in the first week after the recess.

Okay.

Thank you. Hon. Adan Keynan, Member for Eldas.

Hon. Speaker, I rise under Standing Order No.44 (2) (c) , to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding progress made in tarmacking of the Wajir-Griftu- Eldas-Buna-Bute-Moyale-Ethiopia (A14) International Trunk Road managed by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) . The Wajir-Griftu-Eldas-Buna-Bute-Moyale-Ethiopia R…

to Moyale Border, and also facilitates cross-border connections to Ethiopia for a distance of approximately, 545 kilometres. The Wajir-Griftu-Eldas-Buna-Bute-Moyale-Ethiopia route has the potential to unlock transformative potential, which includes reducing logistics costs for businesses, strengthening supply chain resilience, and fostering regional development. Such strategic investments not onl…

Thank you. The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. GK.

Hon. Speaker, we will avail a detailed response after the recess.

Within what period?

After the recess or in two weeks, whichever comes earlier.

Two weeks after recess?

No. After recess, we should be able t0---

Within the first week?

Yes. Within the first week.

Okay. Yes, Hon. Martha Wangari.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Allow me to raise a constitutional requirement on a Bill that has been pending in this House. Article 113 of our Constitution clearly spells out that mediation committees should finish their job within 30 days. The Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 70 of 2023) has been in abeyance since last year. Maybe you can help me guide the Leader of the Majority Part…

the Leader of the Minority Party to ensure that either that Mediation Committee is disbanded or redone so that we deal with this gambling menace as it is.

Clerk-at-the-Table, check out and give me a brief. Hon. Martha Wangari, tomorrow, I will give you guidance. Hon. Nguna.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order No.44 (2) (c) , I wish to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation regarding the circumstances surrounding the delayed execution of the service contract of the Director-General of the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) . The Fisheries Management and Development Act, Cap 378, provides for t…

The Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation. You are the Vice-Chairman? When can you bring the response?

[(Hon. Maisori Kemero spoke off-record)]

Hon. Speaker, it will be when we come from recess, or two weeks from now.

Is that Hon. Kitayama?

Yes; it is yours truly.

That should be within the first week of resumption. Next Order.

I call upon the Mover to reply. The Chairperson has informed me that Hon. Gideon Kimaiyo, the Member for Keiyo South, will reply. Go ahead.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. This Motion was about the irregular exemption of taxes. I want to thank this House and everyone who contributed to the Committee of the Whole House. On behalf of the Chairperson of the Committee on Delegated Legislation and the Members, thank you. Tax exemption sets a very bad precedent in this country, and we should punish those who do not pay taxes instead of encouraging…

Thank you. Members on their feet, take your seats. Hon. Anthony Kibagendi and Hon. Abdi Ali Abdi, take your seats. Order, Hon. Nzambia. Do you think you are in the village in Kilome?

[(Hon. Anthony Kibagendi and Hon. Abdi Ali Abdi walked into the Chamber)]

[(Hon. Irene Kasalu and Hon. Thaddeus Nzambia consulted loudly)]

[(Laughter)]

(Second Reading)

Deputy Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Owen Baya.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I beg to move that the Social Protection Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 12 of 2025) be now read a Second Time. The principal object of the Bill is to reduce poverty and vulnerability and improve the well-being of the people by providing assistance, services and programmes that build human capital and cushion people against risks and contingencies throughout their cycle.…

applying for the benefits. It also provides for reviews and appeals against the decisions of the Board, the rights and obligations of beneficiaries, the consequences of abusing social protection benefits and the circumstances under which social protection benefits may be terminated or refunds made to the Board. This Part also provides for the review and indexation of social protection benefits an…

Hon. Osoro.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. One thing should be very clear as I second this particular Bill. The growing hardly tell that they will get old at some point. While in your 30s, you have to know that there is a time you will be 40 or 50. I used to look at aged people when I was an extremely young man - although you still call me “young man” ---

You are a very “young man”.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. I agree. The people who were 40 used to look very old to me when I was 20. I did not know that 40 was just next door. Now that I am also there, I find the 60-year olds very old. I know I will also be there soon. I do not know where to classify you, Hon. Speaker, but that is the reality of life. People will get to 60, 70, and 80 years, at some point. It is the du…

Looking at the economic status of our country and the opportunities that are there, challenges will happen when people get to the age of 70 years, if the Government does not step in to take care of people. That is why issues of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) are very vital as far as the question of social protection is concerned. Looking at grown, matured, and progressive jurisdictions such …

Hon. Hassan, you are out of order. You know what to do if the Member on the Floor is misleading the House. Go on.

Hon. Speaker, I will be guided by him because he really must have travelled, but I was saying that progressive jurisdictions have provisions to take care of the elderly and the sick. We must develop this culture here. Looking at the mortality rate of this country, people who are perhaps in their post-50s tend not to live long because of a lack of social protection provisions and other such element…

[(Several Members walked in the aisle)]

Hon. Members, on your feet, take your seats. I see many names on the screen. They were there when we started. I do not know if they are for this Bill. Log out if you are not for this Bill. Yes, Junet?

[(Question proposed)]

I stand to raise an issue on whether we have Quorum in the House to discuss this, Bill.

Clerks-at-the-Table, do we have Quorum? Hon. Members, we have 35 Members whereas we need 50 Members. Serjeants-at- Arms, ring the Bell as the Whips do their job.

[(Clerks-at-the-Table consulted the Speaker)]

[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]

Order, Hon. Members. The Quorum Bell has been ringing for the last 10 minutes. I added another three minutes. It appears we are not getting quorum. As we adjourn, I want the leadership to come to my office in the next three to four minutes so that we can consult; Hon. Baya, Hon. Junet and your team.