Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 6 August 2024
Senators debated the report on the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) nominees, commending the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget for its thorough vetting while urging greater transparency and public awareness of the process. They called for increased youth participation, clearer communication of the SRC’s mandate, and considered expanding the Senate’s role in vetting cabinet secretaries and other appointments. The discussion balanced praise for existing procedures with constructive criticism aimed at improving accountability and inclusivity. The Senate committees recommended the approval of Dr. Patrick Omwanda Amoth as Director General for Health, highlighting his clean financial record and non‑partisan stance. Members also debated the adequacy of public participation in health policy formulation and criticised the rushed 14‑day confirmation window, calling for a review of the Public Appointment Parliamentary Approval Act. The discussion balanced endorsement of the nominee with calls for procedural reforms to ensure transparency and regional diversity. Senators discussed the challenges faced by Kenyans who lose academic certificates, urging the Ministry and KNEC to provide a seamless, preferably free, replacement system and to digitise all certificates to curb fraud and create youth employment. The debate also touched on historical land injustices in the coastal region and included a comparative praise of Rwanda’s governance and anti‑corruption measures. Procedural reminders limited further comments on petitions.
Clerk, do we have a quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly, ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Hon. Senators, I have been informed that we now have a quorum. Those who are standing, kindly proceed to take your seats.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
[(Several Senators walked into the Chamber)]
Clerk, you may proceed to call the first Order.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.232 (1) (b) to present a Petition that has been submitted by residents of Mombasa County, who are citizens of the Republic of Kenya. As you are aware, under Article 119 (1) of the Constitution- “Every person has a right to petition Parliament to consider any matter within its authority, including to enact, amend or repeal any legislation.”
A certified version of this Report The salient issues raised in the Petition are as follows-
Hon. Senators, pursuant to Standing Order No.238 (1) , I commit the Petition to the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources. In terms of Standing Order No.238 (2) (a) , the Committee is required in not more than 60 calendar days from the time of reading this prayer, which is today, to table a report in the Senate for consideration. The Senate shall thereafter consider and ado…
A certified version of this Report
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
Sen. Faki, certainly you cannot rise on a point of order.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow us to comment on this important Petition brought by Sen. Miraj. As you are aware, land is a very important issue---
Sen. Faki, kindly take your seat and acquaint yourself with the amended Standing Orders as far as Petitions are concerned. Next Order.
Statements pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) . Proceed, Sen. Lemaletian.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a Statement on an issue of general topical concern, namely, the Election Observation Mission (EOM) of the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections to the Republic of Rwanda organized by the Forum of Parliaments of the Member States of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) . Mr. Speaker, Si…
A certified version of this Report Mr. Speaker Sir, the Mission's activities before the elections included the release of an Arrival Press Statement, a Comprehensive Briefing and Orientation Programme, a briefing by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), and meetings with various electoral stakeholders. These activities aimed to increase public awareness about the Mission and assess the state o…
Sen. Karen Nyamu, proceed.
A certified version of this Report That Statement is dropped.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (1) to make a statement on a matter of general topical concern, namely, the matter of expensive tedious process of replacement of lost academic certificates by Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) . Mr. Speaker, Sir, following public complaints about the torturous process of application for replacement of lost certificates…
A certified version of this Report
Hon. Senators, before we move to the next Order, allow me to make the following Communication – I would like to acknowledge the presence in the Public Gallery this afternoon, of visiting students from High Flyer Scouts Open Crew from Lugari, Kakamega County. The delegation comprises one teacher and 12 students, who are in the Senate for a one- day academic exposition. Hon. Senators, in our usual…
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Indeed, it is a privilege for me that these children are here with us today. This is the first time we are receiving any delegation from Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga or Busia. So, young people, I will just use this opportunity to remind you that, here, we are guided by the Constitution which provides for culture. This is why I welcome you and end by addressi…
[(Laughter)]
Sen. Boni, if you are to ever welcome a delegation, you need to change your ways. Reserve some language to some social gatherings back in Kakamega, not before the House. Request for statements pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , the Senator for Bungoma County, Sen. David Wakoli, proceed.
[(Resumption of Statements)]
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee of Education regarding the Bungoma County scholarship programme for the needy students. In the Statement, the Committee should -
Sen. Wakoli, when the Chair speaks, you put a break to your speech.
I am sorry, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
Hon. Senators, may the Senator for Bungoma be heard in silence, please. Proceed, hon. Senator.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
Sen. Wakoli, you had two Statements. Are you done with the two?
Yes, Mr. Chairman, Sir.
A certified version of this Report
Thank you. Proceed, Sen. Mwaruma.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you for this opportunity to request for a Statement on the blockage of Njoro Sarafu Water Channel in Taita-Taveta. I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources regarding blockage of River Njoro Sarafu Water Channel at Chumvini area, Chala Njukini Ward of Taita-Taveta. In the Stateme…
The two Statements by Sen. Alan Chesang shall be deferred pursuant to his own request.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (a) of the Senate Standing Orders to make a Statement regarding the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget consideration of the Speaker's Communication on the report of the Senate nominee, on behalf of the county governments, to the position of member of the Salaries and Renumeration Commission (SRC) . Mr. Speaker Sir, vid…
A certified version of this Report Pursuant to Standing Order No.77(1) of the Senate Standing Orders, at the Plenary Sitting of the Senate held on 11th June 2024, the Speaker made a Communication in regard to this matter and referred it to the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget for processing. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Committee-
A certified version of this Report Mr. Speaker Sir, the Committee conducted interviews for the shortlisted applicants on 19th July, 2024 and considered the results of the interview and prepared this Report on 22nd July, 2024. The Committee took note of the information obtained from various agencies during the consideration of the Report. Hon. Abdirahman Ali Hassan, who was shortlisted and inter…
A certified version of this Report The Committee then concluded that the applicant's letter, withdrawing his application from the position, meant that there was no need to pursue the matter further, as the applicant was no longer under consideration whatsoever. Consequently, the Committee resolved to proceed with the moving of the Motion on the Report, as per notice that was issued on Wednesday,…
Hon. Senators, we will have interventions on those Statements for a maximum period of 30 minutes. From my dashboard, I have quite a number of Senators indicating their willingness to make interventions in this regard. Therefore, we may have to limit the time each of us will speak. I will persuade you, any Senator who wants to speak, to take a maximum of 30 minutes, so that we can have as many of …
[(Loud consultations)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir.
Yes, Sen. Faki. Certainly, it cannot be a point of order.
[(Sen. Gataya Mo Fire consulted Sen. Joe Nyutu)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I can see the Chair of my Committee on Delegated Legislation. I do not know whether he is squatting or he is ---
[(Laughter)]
Sen. Joe Nyutu and Sen. Gataya Mo Fire, there is decorum in the Chamber. You do not mount each other.
[(Laughter)]
[(Laughter)]
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I would like to comment on the Statement of Sen. Miraj.
A certified version of this Report Mr. Speaker, Sir, it has been very difficult for many Kenyans who have lost their certificates over the years to recover one. When one has a valid reason as to why their certificate has been misplaced, it only serves right for it to be replaced as quickly as possible. At times, it is needed for one to join a university and for a job interview. If it is made ext…
Before I call upon another Senator to speak, allow me to make the following Communication. Sen. Khalwale, please, take your seat.
[(Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale consulted with Sen. Orwoba)]
[(Interruption of Statements)]
Next Order. First Reading
Next Order. First Reading
A certified version of this Report
Next Order. First Reading
Let us go to the next Order. First Reading
Let us go to the next Order.