Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 25 October 2022
Senator Nyamu highlighted the excessive parking fees and the inadequate, cramped parking facilities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nairobi, urging county governments to create a harmonised framework. She detailed how limited space, short grace periods, and misuse of designated PWD slots compromise dignity and safety, calling for stronger enforcement and inclusive planning. The debate combined criticism of current policies with calls for constructive reforms. The Senate confirmed quorum and laid a series of Auditor‑General reports covering the financial statements of several counties and funds. Senators then paid tribute to the late boxing legend Philip Waruinge, highlighting his poverty in death and urging the Ministry of Sports to improve support for retired athletes. The remarks were supported by fellow senators, blending procedural business with criticism of government neglect of sports veterans. Senators repeatedly highlighted that former councilors received only minimal allowances and now live in poverty without pension or health benefits, urging the Senate to consider a lump‑sum payment or pension scheme. They extended the concern to current MCAs and governors, noting similar gaps in social security and labeling the situation as discriminatory. The debate called for urgent legislative action to address these inequities among past and present elected officials.
Hon. Senators, I confirm that we have quorum. Mr. Clerk, please proceed with the Business of the House.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, the 25th, October 2022, the year of our Lord. These are the Reports of the Auditor-General for the year ended 30th June 2021 on the financial statements of the following: Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Mandera County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021. …
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of West Pokot County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021. Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Siaya County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021. Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Siaya County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021. Report of the Auditor-General on t…
The next Order is Notice of Motion. Let us proceed to the next Order if Sen. M. Kajwang’ is not around.
Sen. Cherarkey, please issue your Statement under Standing Order No.52(1).
Hon. Senators, we have a visiting group of teachers and students from Nduundune Secondary School in Makueni County. In the public gallery, we have 48 students accompanied by three teachers who are in the Senate on an educational tour. You may stand so that you are acknowledged in the Senate tradition.
[(Applause)]
Hon. Senators, in our usual tradition of welcoming and receiving visitors to Parliament, I extend a warm welcome to them. On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, I wish them a fruitful visit. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I take this opportunity to welcome the students from Nduundune Secondary School. It is about six kilometres from Emali Town along Ukia-Emali Road. This is the school where Prof. Kivutha Kibwana began his primary education. They have heard the former Senator for Makueni, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. mentioned in this House. I believe they will be encouraged and …
Let me give chance to one more Senator. Sen. Kavindu Muthama, kindly proceed.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. It is good to know that you have at last noticed that we want to contribute to the lands issue, but let me take this opportunity to, first, join you and Sen. Maanzo in welcoming the students from Nduundune in Makueni County to the Senate. I am sure they are learning a lot and as Sen. Maanzo has said, there are senators and presidents amongst them. They should s…
No, we concluded on that Statement unless it is on another one---
Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. However, I will ask you to check both sides. The Senator for Turkana County pressed to speak a long time ago together with me. Please---
Sen. Kavindu Muthama, I was keenly following this list. It is a long list. You were somewhere within the list, but a bit---
Okay, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I agree with you.
Never doubt me when I am in this Chair.
[(Applause)]
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, am not doubting you. Let me not argue---
Senate Minority Leader, you also want to welcome the students? You may proceed.
The Senate Minority Leader (Sen. Madzayo): Asante, Bw. Naibu Spika kwa kunipa nafasi hii. Ninawakaribisha wanafunzi na waalimu. Najiunga nawe pia kuwaambia, “karibuni ndani ya Bunge la Seneti”. Jambo la muhimu ni kwamba wamekuja kujionea jinsi Seneti inavyofanya kazi na kuweza kuona viongozi wao wanavyotekeleza wajibu wao baaada ya kuchaguliwa. Bw. Naibu Spika, la muhimu ni kwamba Nduundune, nil…
Le us have Sen. Lemaltian. The Nominated Senator : Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. It is an incredible privilege to serve the youth of our country, the heroic people of Kenya and the marginalized minorities. I pay my gratitude to the Almighty God for life and the blessings He bestowed upon me. Allow me to thank some outstanding people in my life. First and foremost, I want to thank my suppor…
[(Sen. Hezena Lemaletian)]
Asante, Bw. Naibu Spika kwa kunipa nafasi hii.Ninawakaribisha wanafunzi na waalimu. Najiunga nawe pia kuwaambia, “karibuni ndani ya Bunge la Seneti”. Jambo la muhimu ni kwamba wamekuja kujionea jinsi Seneti inavyofanya kazi na kuweza kuona viongozi wao wanavyotekeleza wajibu wao baaada ya kuchaguliwa.Bw. Naibu Spika, la muhimu ni kwamba Nduundune, nilivyoambiwa na ndugu yangu Sen. Maanzo, ni shule…
[(Applause)]
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also rise pursuant to the Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a Statement on the matter of countywide concern, regarding the insecurity situation in Samburu County. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, months ago, Samburu County has been embroiled in bloody conflict and rising cases of cattle rustling, which has claimed so many lives, including that of the security personnel, local re…
Sporadic bandits’ attacks in several parts of Samburu County have become the norm and the county residents are living in total fear of the attacks. In a span of just one week, a bandit has led to the loss of lives of five family members. Apart from the recent incident that happened in Loiborkare and Kurkur, more people have lost their lives and others are hospitalized. Further, the livestock has …
[(Applause)]
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also rise pursuant to the Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a Statement on the matter of countywide concern, regarding the insecurity situation in Samburu County. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, months ago, Samburu County has been embroiled in bloody conflict and rising cases of cattle rustling, which has claimed so many lives, including that of the security personnel, local re…
Sporadic bandits’ attacks in several parts of Samburu County have become the norm and the county residents are living in total fear of the attacks. In a span of just one week, a bandit has led to the loss of lives of five family members. Apart from the recent incident that happened in Loiborkare and Kurkur, more people have lost their lives and others are hospitalized. Further, the livestock has …
Hon. Senators, the Statement by Sen. Hezena Lemaletian is hereby referred to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations for consideration. Sen. Mandago, do you want to make a comment on the Statement by Sen. Mohammed Chute?
[(The Statement was committed to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations)]
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Statement by Senator for Marsabit, Hon. Chute, is a matter that needs to be discussed. As the Chairperson of that Committee, we are already handling another matter where we have invited NHIF. We shall be inviting NHIF to discuss with us that matter. It is a Statement that was sought by an hon. Senator. We shall be glad as a Committee to handle that matter also with NH…
[(The Statement was committed to the Standing Committee on Health)]
Asante, Bw. Naibu wa Spika, kwa kunipa fursa hii. Nimesimama kwa mujibu wa Kanuni za Kudumu Nambari 51 (1) , kuomba Taarifa kutoka kwa Kamati ya Kudumu ya Usalama wa Taifa, Ulinzi na Uhusiano wa Kimataifa kuhusu kuvunjiliwa mbali kwa Kitengo cha Upelelezi wa Jinai. Katika taarifa hiyo, Kamati iangazie yafuatayo-
That Statement stands committed to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations. Sen. Karungo wa Thangw’a, you are on a point of order. What is it?
[(The Statement was committed to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations)]
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise on a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No.98 that might direct you to Standing Order No.52, which might also interest you in Standing Order No.1. I commend the Senate and especially the Clerk’s Office for the ingenuity in facilitating the Senators in exercising their mandate, one of them being protecting the interest of the counties. Section 4 of …
[(Sen. Thang’wa laid the flag on the Table)]
Sen. Thang’wa, I have not allowed you to table it. Sen. Thang’wa, you know that, that is a different matter from what we were discussing or dispensing off on this Floor. Next time, raise your issue as a substantive statement. A statement could do very well, so that the relevant Committee can handle. However, the administration of the Senate is well seized of your matter. Sen. Kinyua, are you on …
[(Sen. Thang’wa retrieved the flag)]
[(Sen. Kinyua spoke off record)]
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Ninamshukuru Sen. Thang’wa kwa kuelewa ya kwamba bendera iliyoko pale sio ya Kaunti yake. Kwa hivyo, anafanya kazi yake ya oversight na kuangalia kila mahali. Ninakumbuka nilipokuwa Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Ugatuzi, nilikuwa nikiangalia mambo kwa kindani. Bw. Naibu wa Spika, kumekuwa na shida katika Kaunti yako kati ya Gavana na madiwani. Gavana Mwangaza alipoa…
On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.
Sen. Thang’wa, I have not allowed you to table it. Sen. Thang’wa, you know that, that is a different matter from what we were discussing or dispensing off on this Floor. Next time, raise your issue as a substantive statement. A statement could do very well, so that the relevant Committee can handle. However, the administration of the Senate is well seized of your matter. Sen. Kinyua, are you on …
[(Sen. Thang’wa retrieved the flag)]
[(Sen. Kinyua spoke off record)]
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Ninamshukuru Sen. Thang’wa kwa kuelewa ya kwamba bendera iliyoko pale sio ya Kaunti yake. Kwa hivyo, anafanya kazi yake ya oversight na kuangalia kila mahali. Ninakumbuka nilipokuwa Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Ugatuzi, nilikuwa nikiangalia mambo kwa kindani. Bw. Naibu wa Spika, kumekuwa na shida katika Kaunti yako kati ya Gavana na madiwani. Gavana Mwangaza alipoa…
On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.
Bw. Naibu Spika, nimesimama katika Hoja ya Nidhamu na Sen. Olekina anaelewa sana kuliko mwingine yeyote.
Umemaliza?
Asante sana, Kiongozi wa Wachache. Sen. Kinyua, umefuata mwigo wa Seneta wa Kaunti ya Kiambu. Amefanya makosa na pia wewe unaendelea kufanya makosa zaidi na wewe ni mwenyeji. Let us proceed with the Statement from the Senator for Vihiga County.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget. It is about the default by the Government of Kenya (GoK) on the Kshs1.312 billion Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) loan from the Export Import Bank of China and other lenders; and the consequent fine as captured in the in the financial statement for the year ended…
Hon. Senators, if you are not interested in that matter, please withdraw your request. I can see requests from Sen. Lomenen and Sen. Maanzo, and they are not in this House at the moment. Sen. Olekina, do you want to say something on this Statement?
Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.
Asante sana, Kiongozi wa Wachache. Sen. Kinyua, umefuata mwigo wa Seneta wa Kaunti ya Kiambu. Amefanya makosa na pia wewe unaendelea kufanya makosa zaidi na wewe ni mwenyeji. Let us proceed with the Statement from the Senator for Vihiga County.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget. It is about the default by the Government of Kenya (GoK) on the Kshs1.312 billion Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) loan from the Export Import Bank of China and other lenders; and the consequent fine as captured in the in the financial statement for the year ended…
Hon. Senators, if you are not interested in that matter, please withdraw your request. I can see requests from Sen. Lomenen and Sen. Maanzo, and they are not in this House at the moment. Sen. Olekina, do you want to say something on this Statement?
Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.
Okay. Kindly take two minutes.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank the distinguished Senator for Vihiga County for bringing a very important Statement. It is important for us to know the financial status of our country. The railway ended up in Narok County in the middle of nowhere. Every so often when I drive to Narok using Ngong Road, I see the train going down completely empty. When you commit this Statement to the Senate Stand…
Ngoja kidogo Seneta. Tunajadili kuhusu Taarifa ya Seneta wa Vihiga, Sen. Osotsi. Unaunga mkono Sen. Osotsi ama Sen. Kinyua?
Naunga mkono Sen. Kinyua kwa sababu ulimkataza kuongea. Bw. Naibu Spika, Kenya ina majimbo---
[(Laughter)]
Tulimaliza mjadala kuhusu Taarifa hiyo kitambo.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment
Ngoja kidogo Seneta. Tunajadili kuhusu Taarifa ya Seneta wa Vihiga, Sen. Osotsi. Unaunga mkono Sen. Osotsi ama Sen. Kinyua?
Naunga mkono Sen. Kinyua kwa sababu ulimkataza kuongea. Bw. Naibu Spika, Kenya ina majimbo---
[(Laughter)]
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I do not want to comment on the Statement because we are still within the Statements’ Hour. When Sen. Lemaltian was giving a Statement concerning security issues, I noted that you did not give us time to give our views on that. I also thank you for committing this Statement to the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations. However, at times in this Ho…
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Sen. Wambua can inform me.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, first, I take this opportunity to congratulate Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, although I am not happy to have cut him short. I know that he takes security issues seriously and is a committed leader in this Senate. I would like to inform him that the Committee on Security, Defence and Foreign Relations we now have, led by Sen. Cheptumo, is likely to be different. To their c…
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I do not want to comment on the Statement because we are still within the Statements’ Hour. When Sen. Lemaltian was giving a Statement concerning security issues, I noted that you did not give us time to give our views on that. I also thank you for committing this Statement to the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations. However, at times in this Ho…
On a point of information, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.
Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, would you wish Sen. Wambua to inform you on this?
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Sen. Wambua can inform me.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, first, I take this opportunity to congratulate Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, although I am not happy to have cut him short. I know that he takes security issues seriously and is a committed leader in this Senate. I would like to inform him that the Committee on Security, Defence and Foreign Relations we now have, led by Sen. Cheptumo, is likely to be different. To their c…
I thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. With your permission, I will seek the two Statements at the same time. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries regarding the drought mitigation programmes in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) . In the Statement, the Committee should –
Sen. Cheptumo, kindly respond because you are the Chairperson of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.
[(Laughter)]
Bw. Naibu wa Spika, ndio niweze kuweka mambo haya bayana, ni vyema niseme ya kwamba nilikuwa diwani wa sehemu inayoitwa Mutara. Pia nilikuwa Mwenyekiti wa Kaunti ya Laikipia. Kwa hivyo, Sen. Olekina aelewe hayo. Naona Sen. Madzayo anababaika. Bw. Naibu wa Spika, nataka kwanza kuunga mkono taarifa iliyotolewa kuhusu janga la njaa. Ni ukweli kuwa kuna janga la njaa. Ukitembea sehemu nyingi ya Jamhu…
Sorry, Sen. Wambua. I did not mean to interrupt you, but could you state the points in support or the clarification that you seek in the Statement for us to close on it in the shortest time possible.
Sure, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I support this Statement. I wish to state that the path or direction that the people living in Lamu are taking is not right. Those few elements who are distributing the leaflets should be picked by law enforcement, brought to book and justice be served. Otherwise, we will not have a country if we are to probably say that the Luhya community, which is the majority…
Thank you, Sen. Wambua. Sen. Shakila Abdalla, you have the Floor and I will give you one minute.
something that I have personally tried to remind my community. It should never happen that a community living in a certain area rises up in arms against another community. (Sen. Sifuna crossed the Floor to consult with the Clerk-at-the Table) The Senator for Nairobi---
working and the county is beginning to thrive. That is why we have people coming out to disturb our peace. There was good security backup in Lamu; there were roadblocks and all manner of security which has been put in place. It is a shame and unfortunate that all these security apparatus have failed to do their work and the county is now being threatened by few individuals who want to disturb its…
Thank you, Sen. Shakila Abdalla. I want us to move to the next order. Before we do so, I commit the Statement to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations to give a report on it. Next Order.
[(The Statement was committed to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations)]
Sorry, Sen. Wambua. I did not mean to interrupt you, but could you state the points in support or the clarification that you seek in the Statement for us to close on it in the shortest time possible.
Senator for Nairobi City County, Sen. Sifuna, I note you have 18 minutes out of your time having previously utilized two minutes. You may go ahead.
Thank you so much, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. Those of us who are new to the House are learning the hard way. The manner in which matters are listed on the Order Paper makes it impossible for us to prosecute any business that we have put in place in terms of Motions. Standing Order No.51 states that Statement Hour should take one hour. However, we sit here every time. I can use the two minutes t…
On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.
working and the county is beginning to thrive. That is why we have people coming out to disturb our peace. There was good security backup in Lamu; there were roadblocks and all manner of security which has been put in place. It is a shame and unfortunate that all these security apparatus have failed to do their work and the county is now being threatened by few individuals who want to disturb its…
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Sen. Sifuna is out of order. In as much as we have Standing Order No. 51, Standing Order No. 1 gives the Speaker the discretion to increase the time for the Statement Hour beyond one hour. Some of the issues we discuss are sometimes of serious magnitude. We are not saying Motions or Bills in the Order Paper are less serious. Sen. Sifuna should proceed and move his Moti…
What is your point of order, Sen. Mungatana?
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Sen. Sifuna is bringing a very important point to this House. You cannot dismiss by saying the Speaker is applying Standing Order No. 1. The Speaker will only apply Standing Order No. 1, if there is no clear provision. However, there is a clear provision that Statement Hour should be Statement Hour. These Statements have taken too long. Let us agree that as Sen. Sifuna…
Sen. Mungatana, and Sen. Cherarkey points of order are noted. Kindly proceed Sen. Sifuna. We will deal with that matter. Sen. Cherarkey, you have already raised your point of order. Proceed Sen. Sifuna.
[(Several Senators spoke off record)]
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Sen. Sifuna is out of order. In as much as we have Standing Order No. 51, Standing Order No. 1 gives the Speaker the discretion to increase the time for the Statement Hour beyond one hour. Some of the issues we discuss are sometimes of serious magnitude. We are not saying Motions or Bills in the Order Paper are less serious. Sen. Sifuna should proceed and move his Moti…
On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.
Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, the more reason why I noted the comments and points of order by Sen. Mungatana, Sen. Cherarkey and yourself. That is noted. Proceed, Sen. Sifuna.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, far be it for me to belittle any business that is brought before this House. I was of the opinion that we are allowed to make suggestions to how we conduct our business in this House. There is nothing wrong with that. Let me prosecute the Motion so that Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale can discuss the question of his chiefs, which he thinks is important than some of the things we w…
[(Sen. Sifuna on 19.10.2022)]
[(Resumption of debate interrupted on 19.10.2022)]
Sen. Mungatana, and Sen. Cherarkey points of order are noted. Kindly proceed Sen. Sifuna. We will deal with that matter. Sen. Cherarkey, you have already raised your point of order. Proceed Sen. Sifuna.
[(Several Senators spoke off record)]
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
I was privilege to travel to Lusaka, Zambia, just last month. There is no parking fee charged at shopping malls because the businesses there recognise that it is an ancillary service that is critical for them to be able to get business. In Nairobi, if you do not have parking at your premises, you are not going to get customers. The first thing that people ask if you open an entertainment space, i…
Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. At the moment, we are on a very dangerous trajectory. The matter raised by Sen. Sifuna, whereas it should be noted, it amounts to him challenging the Chair, the Order Paper and the Senate Business Committee (SBC) . He is on a learning curve. We should quietly help him realize that there is no business in this House which is superior. The fact that his is a …
Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, the more reason why I noted the comments and points of order by Sen. Mungatana, Sen. Cherarkey and yourself. That is noted. Proceed, Sen. Sifuna.
[(Applause)]
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this particular Motion was motivated by a 10 minutes’ discussion with what our brothers on the majority side call the real hustlers here in Nairobi. An Uber driver who picks somebody along Mombasa Road, in some areas the fees Uber levies on customers is may be Kshs250. They have to drop the person at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and upon entry, whethe…
Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I take this opportunity to welcome the students and teachers in the Public Gallery. May I request them to feel free and make the best of their time here as they learn from the proceedings. I am encouraged that the students in the Gallery are girls. I encourage them to shine in their performance in class. Welcome! Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, allow me to also…
[(Resumption of Debate on Motion)]
This morning, I took a sick child to Agha Khan Hospital and it was an emergency. I alighted from my vehicle with the child but then I realised I was missing some documents. I had to send the driver back to the house for the documents. I was really embarrassed to run around looking for some money to give to the driver to pay for parking fees. It was not in order. That is first-hand experience on ho…
Hon. Senators, it is now time to adjourn the House. The Senate, therefore, stands adjourned until tomorrow Wednesday, 26th October, 2022 at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 6.30 p.m.