Senate · Afternoon Sitting

Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Hon. Senators, kindly take your seats. We have quorum. Therefore, we will proceed with the business of the day. Clerk, kindly, call the first Order.

[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]

[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]

Hon. Senators, the Senate, in collaboration with the National Assembly, runs the High School Voluntary Service Scheme (VSS) . The programme is aimed at providing students with first-hand knowledge in public service, democracy and devolution. It gives the students an opportunity to learn and gain experience across various directorates in both Houses of Parliament. Through this programme, students …

This enables them to better appreciate the role of Parliament and its contribution to devolution and national development. The programme targets public, private and international schools and is conducted during the school holidays when Parliament is in session and on occasion, when the Houses are on recess. The following schools have undertaken and benefited from the programme: Starehe Boys Centr…

Hon. Senators, you may walk in and take your seats. Sen. Mwenda Gataya, take your seat, please.

Asante sana, Bw. Spika. Ningependa kuchukuwa fursa hii kuwa--- Kiswahili ni lugha ya Afrika Mashariki. Kuna wimbo rasmi wa Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki. Nakushukuru kwa nafasi hii kuwakaribisha ndugu zetu kutoka nchi ya Uganda. Kenya na Uganda, tuna mpaka mmoja, kutoka Budalangi hadi Suam, Kaunti ya Trans Nzoia. Jamii ya Wasebei kutoka Uganda na Wasabaot wa Kenya, Wabukusu wa Bungoma na Wagisu wa…

[(An hon. Senator spoke off record)]

viongozi tajika, walio na upeo wa hali ya juu wa kisiasa na kiusomi, wale ambao wanaendeleza Ubuntu, yaani, Uafrika - mimi nanyi ni wa ukoo moja. Tunawakaribisha hapa Seneti. Mji-enjoy. Muhisi mko nyumbani. Mkitoka hapa muwasalimu ndugu zangu walio kule na Rais wenu mpendwa, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Tunamtakia maisha mema na vile vile wabunge wenzetu walio huko. Inshallah Mungu akipenda, tutakutana…

Next Order.

Honourable Senators, I wish to report to the Senate that pursuant to Standing Order Nos.46 (3) and (4) of the Senate, I have received the following message from the Speaker of the National Assembly regarding the passage, by the National Assembly, of The Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.38 of 2025) . The message dated Thursday, 30th April, 2026 was re…

Next Order, Clerk.

This remarkable achievement serves as an inspiration to the youth of this nation and to the world at large. It proves that individual action, when driven by purpose and commitment, can yield global impact. Mr. Kibiwott’s motto, plant trees today, tomorrow and forever for a better future is not just a statement; it is a call to action for all of us. In recognition of this milestone, I urge the Gov…

Hon. Senators, Mr. Hilary Kiplagat Kibiwott is present in the Speaker's Gallery. Mr. Hilary, you may stand, so that the Senate may acknowledge your presence.

[(Mr. Hilary Kiplagat Kibiwott stood in his place)]

[(Applause)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, with your permission, allow me to thank you for the communication you have made regarding the incident involving the young lady, Ms. Murimi, from Braeburn Garden Estate. As the Head of Delegation, I also take responsibility. I have learned my lesson and should be following your guidance. Sometimes we try to mentor and provide opportunities for our colleagues to speak. You have h…

I also wish to inform you that I had a conversation with her. The Communication you have heard today is quite good for the House.

Senator from Busia County, Hon. Andew Omtatah.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on a matter of national concern regarding governance, utilisation and protection of public land held by the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) across the country. The ADC was established to manage public agricultural land for purposes, inclu…

concerns continue to arise regarding the status and management of ADC land in various parts of the country. This includes Galana Kulalu, Magarini, Trans Nzoia and Naivasha, where land held for public agricultural purposes has been affected by encroachment, irregular location, disputed ownership and underutilisation. In the statement, the committee should address the following-

You may proceed, Senator.

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 a matter of countywide concern regarding the continued alienation and non-restoration of land LR NO.209/12678, originally reserved for a public market at Mukuru kwa Njenga, Embakasi South. This land was designated for public use and…

Sen. George Mbugua.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a matter of national concern regarding implementation status of the five per cent employment quota for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the public service. Article 54 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya and the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025 require th…

You may proceed, hon. Senator.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism concerning the milk price stabilisation fund. In the statement, the committee should address the following-

Next is Senator for Kajiado, Sen. Seki Ole Kanar.

Sen. Roba, you may proceed to reply.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to reply. I take this opportunity to thank all the Senators who contributed with commitment in support of devolution to this Division of Revenue Bill and what is proposed by the committee. Just as a recap of what has emerged, the Bill contains Kshs2.9 trillion to be shared between the national Government and county governments. As passed by the National Assembly, the Bill …

Sen. Roba, you may have to make a further request.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to reply and request Sen. Faki to second.

You are supposed to---

I have already done that.

Okay, so then we will defer the putting of the question. Now, Hon. Senators, allow me at this juncture to rearrange today's Order Paper. We will move to prosecute Order No.19, and thereafter, resume the normal flow of today's Order Paper. Clerk, you may proceed. The Senate Majority Leader, proceed.

[(Putting of the Question on the Bill deferred)]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to move- THAT, AWARE that the Senate of Kenya is established under Article 93 of the Constitution and its main role, as set out at Article 96 is to represent, serve and protect the interests of the counties and their governments; FURTHER AWARE of the critical role that the Senate plays in the interlinkage between the National and County levels of government, and …

Honourable Speaker, let me correct that there is Sen. Okenyuri in the House, who is also on the Majority side. I thank Sen. Wakoli, our Whip, for ably moving that Motion which the Senate is considering moving down to Kilifi County to run its business for a week, in line with Article 126 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. It is important that the work we do, as Senators, becomes relevant to p…

planning for this Senate Mashinani, to consider giving Senators an opportunity to board a ship, dhow or some water crafts, and experience how it is to survive in the 48th county, which is the seas and the blue economy sector. Whether it will be a dinner or a study tour within the ocean, we can then ask the meaning of territorial sea and domains and see how far the sea moves into the ocean. We cou…

Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, what is your point of order?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, thanks for your indulgence. I am rising under Standing No.105. Granted that Sen. Veronica might be having an afternoon crush on me, is she in order to suggest that I do not know what blue economy is?

Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, first, withdraw that unparliamentary statement that your colleague could have a crush on you in the Chamber. Kindly withdraw that, then I will deal with the second prayer.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, because of the respect I give you, I withdraw. However, I wish to clarify that the crush was occasioned by the fact that she did not just comment on me once, but several times, which is the medical characteristics of a crush.

Sen. Boni, maybe it is out of hatred. Someone could see it that way. Sen. Veronica, the good doctor has deep knowledge on blue economy. That I can attest.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I stand guided.

Sen. Veronica, you had concluded seconding the Motion, so allow me to propose the question. Honourable Senators, this is rather procedural. The Floor is open for debate. With your concurrence, allow me to put the question, so that we dispense of with this particular Motion or do we allow Members to debate this Motion? Do I have your concurrence to put the question? Thank you. Kindly allow me to…

[(Question proposed)]

[(Several Members spoke off record)]

(The Speaker consulted with the Clerk-at-the-Table) Having ascertained that we have the requisite quorum, I will now proceed to put the question.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity.

[[The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) left the Chair] [The Temporary Speaker (Sen. Veronica Maina) in the Chair]]

[(Loud consultations)]

Hon. Members, could the Hon. Senator be heard in silence, please? Consult in low tones.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I want to give a brief background on why miraa is an important cash crop in Kenya. Miraa is an important cash crop in Meru County, particularly in Nyambene region and to a large extent, the Republic of Kenya. It is estimated to grow in an area covering 22,000 hectares of land and benefits more than 500,000 people, either directly or indirectly. Those are people who are eng…

in European countries, it contributed Kshs7.2 billion to Kenya's national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This proposed amendment intends to amend the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act to remove a substance called cathinone and cathine, as naturally found in miraa crop, which is known as catha edulis, from the classification of psychotropic substances. The two substances, ca…

Nowadays, there is a lot of research going on at the Meru University of Science and Technology and other institutions. There is miraa wine, miraa juice, also there are miraa tea bags. However, these institutions have been unable to market these products because they are not getting licensed by the Kenyan Bureau of Standards (KeBS). That is why I am here this afternoon to plead with the Senate to h…

On a point of order, Madam Temporary Speaker.

What is your point of order, Sen. Faki?

My point of order is that I am not supporting him.

Is that a point of order, Sen. Faki?

He is misleading the House.

He should not affect the flow of my submission with such a point of order. When you get the microphone, that is when you can make those decisions.

Sen. Kathuri, proceed on with your submissions.

I have thanked him so much and I do not know why he is again getting pissed off. Once we get permission to remove cathinone and cathine from NACADA list, we will have no miraa to take to Mombasa. His worry is that maybe there are some people chewing, not even miraa, but also muguka. We will have no miraa to take to Mombasa. We are going to do value addition. With the quantities that we need, even …

In the year 2021, the Meru County Government, in cooperation with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), conducted the International Scientific Miraa Conference. The NACADA and KeBS expressed their support for the development of miraa products. The miraa products are miraa wine, miraa juice, miraa tea bags, and other substances that can be made from miraa. So, these two organisations, KeBS …

Sen. Kathuri Murungi, you are addressing us in English, korosho is cashewnut.

Cashew nut, of course, I know. However, that was for the benefit of Sen. Miraj. I wanted her to feel nice when I mention korosho. It is also important to note that in the exercise of powers conferred in Section 40 of the Crops Act, 2013, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development made the Crops Regulations, 2023, which have been adopted by both Houses of Parliament. The objec…

exposing their countries into the business again. The Parliamentary Committee Report on Agriculture and Livestock, dated 2nd June, 2022, responding to a petition by miraa farmers regarding the matters relating to miraa, among them implementation of the Miraa Taskforce Technical Team recommendations, the diversion of funds for the miraa industry, misappropriation of Kshs1 billion meant for miraa re…

Thank you, Senator Kathuri. Very interesting debate. Sen. Cherarkey, hold on.

[(Interruption of debate on Bill)]

I have a communication from the chair on a visiting delegation of youth leaders from Murang’a County. Honourable Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence, in the Public Gallery this afternoon, of a visiting delegation of 12 youth leaders from Murang’a County. The delegation is in the Senate on a courtesy call to Sen. Joe Nyutu, MP. On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, also fro…

Thank you and welcome to the Senate. Sen. Cherarkey, you may proceed. Before you proceed, let me give an opportunity to Sen. Joe Nyutu to welcome the great 12 youth leaders from Murang'a County.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity to welcome these youth leaders from Murang’a County, where you also come from. These are young people who have volunteered and emerged as leaders in the county. They are here for mentorship and familiarisation. As you have observed, Murang’a County is a great county that continues to produce great leaders. It is also a county that recognises…

here, they will behave like leaders, at least for now. Ultimately, with God’s blessings, they will end up in either of the Houses as great leaders Madam Temporary Speaker, I welcome these young leaders and encourage them to visit again. I thank you for recognising them and calling them out by name. I thank you and encourage our young people to continue associating with leadership and visiting Par…

[(Applause)]

Thank you, Sen. Joe Nyutu. Sen. Cherarkey, you may proceed to second this Bill.

[(Resumption of debate on Bill)]

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, for this opportunity to second the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.1 of 2024) , by the Deputy Speaker of the Senate, Sen. Kathuri Murungi, who is a member of Njuri Ncheke. Madam Temporary Speaker, I also want to thank you since the youth leaders from Murang’a are here. I am happy that Murang’a is one of the…

in Meru and where my brother Mundigi comes from, Embu, depend on this crop. He has been very passionate defending farmers, from coffee to miraa, also known as khat. Approximately 80 to 90 per cent of miraa is consumed locally, which makes it very critical and important. We harvest 32,000 tonnes of miraa annually, generating about Kshs12 billion. That is a significant source of income. I know ther…

imprisonment. Therefore, I appeal to Sen. Faki, Sen. Roba, Sen. Miraj, Sen. Abass and Sen. Chute, that it is crucial because they are just like other farmers. Madam Temporary Speaker, can you believe that the coffee and tea that you take interferes with the central nervous system)? We should not take miraa as a drug because it is like any other crop. I want to appeal to my colleagues especially t…

On a point of order, Madam Temporary Speaker.

Sen. Cherarkey, just hold on. What is your point order, Sen. Roba?

Madam Temporary Speaker, I wish to request Sen. Cherarkey to clarify why he chose to single out Sen. Faki, Sen. Miraj, Sen. Abass and Sen. Roba for the benefit of the House because I do not seem to understand the intention of the Senator.

Sen. Cherarkey, could you clarify why you segregated and singled them out in your submissions?

Madam Temporary Speaker, those are Senators that I saw on the Floor of the House. Perhaps I should add on the list Sen. Kathuri, Sen. Mundigi and Sen. Mandago. I have mentioned a number of them.

Sen. Cherarkey, your eyes are encouraged to see more Senators, so that they feel that your submissions are more inclusive. Kindly proceed and conclude your deliberations.

Madam Temporary Speaker, as per the Standing Orders, I still have one hour, but I will be brief. I want to appeal to Sen. Roba, who is my friend, brother and the party leader of United Democratic Movement (UDM) , that it was not in bad, but rather in good faith because we want people to know that we have a party leader in the House. That is why I keep mentioning you, so that people are aware that …

[(Sen. Ali Roba spoke off record)]

told it is good for the body and the soul and it can assist you in other engagements, especially from 6.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. Therefore, we must do value addition to all products, including miraa. Finally, Madam Temporary Speaker, we should amend the Second Schedule because cathinone and cathine are substances that exist in miraa. I talked to some doctors and I would like to inform my colleagues t…

Therefore, Madam Temporary Speaker, we are proud of you. Many people had said that Murang’a is not in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. However, as the Secretary General emeritus, we know that Murang’a is fully in Government. Many people will be shocked come 2027. I want to appeal to the President--- The moment he signs this miraa Bill into law; he will get all votes of the Mt. Kenya region. Madam Temp…

Thank you, Sen. Cherarkey. Always very interesting in your debates. Hon. Senators, I now propose the question.

[(Question proposed)]

[(Interruption of debate on Bill)]

Should I only do it in the dispatch?

You can choose to do it from wherever you wish.

Madam Temporary Speaker, this apology has been written for me to read. Parts of it constitute an admission to what I have been accused of, which cannot be further from the truth. However, I respect the procedures of this House and the consequences of not adhering to them, I will go ahead and read this apology.

Sen. Roba, what is your issue?

Madam Temporary Speaker, the Hon. Senator, contrary to the guidance that you have given, has disowned the statement that is in her hand by saying it was written for her to read, contrary to what she believes is right. It is very important that

if, consciously, she is not giving an apology, she does not address the Senate because it means that she is under coercion to make a statement that does not belong to her. I thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker.

What is your point of order, Sen. Cherarkey?

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise under Standing Order No.122. If you heard Sen. Karen Nyamu, my good sister, she just said the apology statement she wants to make was written for her, and she agrees with part of the statement. However, she is admitting guilt on the aspect. Madam Temporary Speaker, I would like to appeal to the Senator that according to Standing Order No.122, a Senator commits an a…

Thank you, Sen. Cherarkey and Sen. Roba, for raising those objections. Sen. Karen Nyamu, I would like to guide you. The Speaker has given directions on the apology you are to tender to the Senate. This apology relates to a very young learner, and you know the effect that it can have when statements are misunderstood. That student came here to learn, to be mentored and must be mentored in the best…

[(Sen. Mandago spoke off record)]

Madam Temporary Speaker, before I read my apology, I can let Sen. Mandago inform me.

Sen. Karen Nyamu, proceed to tender the apology. I did not allow Sen. Mandago to proceed with his request on a point of information, because there was no one on the Floor. Proceed.

[(Sen. Cherarkey and Sen. Mandago consulted loudly)]

Sen. Mandago, this House is guided, not by elders, but by the Standing Orders of the Senate, and those are the ones we are operating. We have avenues for elders to guide in other important matters. Proceed, Sen. Karen. What is your point of clarification, Sen. Kathuri Murungi?

Madam Temporary Speaker, I am also very keen to listen to the apology. However, do you mean, according to you, the elders have no place in this House? Many times, we refer to elders, the Chairman, yule wa youth?

[(Sen. Kathuri spoke off record)]

Sen. Kathuri Murungi, you mentor the other Senators as ranking Members of this House. That is recognised by the Standing Orders. You do not mentor outside the framework of the Standing Orders. So, I would like to guide you. Elders have their own space. You can have your own space when you are outside the House. When you are having tea in the lounge, you can play the elders' role. However, within P…

[(Loud consultations)]

Madam Temporary Speaker, I will go ahead and read my apology. Madam Temporary Speaker, I, Sen. Karen Nyamu, MP, hereby tender my unreserved apology to the Senate, the students under the School Voluntary Service Scheme, the family of the student, and the public for the remarks I made on Wednesday, 25th March, 2026, while welcoming the student. I acknowledge that the utterances were inappropriate a…

Sen. Karen, just leave it at that. You may have your seat now. Hon. Senators, having considered the apology tendered by Sen. Karen Nyamu, MP. I hereby acknowledge and accept the same. I nonetheless caution you, as a state officer, going forward, to refrain from making any such disrespectful remarks. I further now direct that all remarks made by Sen. Karen Nyamu, MP to the Senate on Wednesday, 25…

I thank you. Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffa Kingi, Speaker of the Senate. We can now proceed---

On a point of order.

What is your point of order, Sen. Roba?

April, 2026, and that pursuant to Article 113(2) of the Constitution and Standing Order 167(3) of the Senate, approves the mediated version of the Bill. (Motion deferred)

iv) urges the State Department for Gender to submit to Parliament a comprehensive biannual report detailing actions taken by Ministries, Departments and Agencies to promote gender mainstreaming, key achievements, emerging challenges, and proposed interventions; and v) resolves that the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare continuously monitor the implementation of these resolutions and …