Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 6 May 2025
The Deputy Speaker criticised Senator Khalwale for retreating on a stance against the Interior Cabinet Secretary and accused him of misleading the House, leading to a heated exchange of points of order. The debate then shifted to concerns over micro‑finance institutions and the Central Bank’s oversight, with allegations of predatory lending, asset seizure and collusion with police. The discussion highlighted both personal political friction and substantive worries about financial regulation. Senators commemorated Pope Francis, emphasizing his humility, compassion for the poor and progressive stance on migrants, gender and sexual minorities, and climate action. They urged Kenya to emulate these values, criticizing right‑wing politics, ethnic division and corruption while calling for greater unity and inclusivity. The debate blended praise for the late pontiff with a call for domestic reform. Senator Cherarkey highlighted the proliferation of commercial bank accounts in several counties, questioning compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and the role of the Central Bank of Kenya. He condemned abusive practices by micro‑finance entities that seize assets from borrowers, while also noting recent macro‑economic improvements such as stabilised inflation and a stronger shilling, and urged the regulator to facilitate fair loan conditions for SMEs.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Hon. Senators, kindly take your seats. We now have quorum; we will proceed with today’s business. Clerk, you may proceed to call the first Order.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Hon. Senators, I take this opportunity to welcome you back from recess. I hope you had time to meet with your constituents, friends and families over the past two weeks. I also hope that you took some time to rejuvenate your spirits for the resumption of regular sittings. Part III of the Fourth Session commences today and will run until the rise of the Senate on Thursday, 12th June, 2025.
As you will recall, in Part II of the Session, the Senate considered and passed seven Bills, being:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for welcoming the students from AIC Nunguni Secondary School in Makueni County to the Senate. The students are here
to learn, and I believe they will have an opportunity to understand how Parliament operates. I hope they will be inspired by what they have seen in the Senate and encouraged to pursue leadership in the future. When schools visit the Senate, they experience Parliament firsthand, they can see the Mace and the Speaker. In every examination, there are always questions about Parliament. I am confident…
Hon. Senators, I wish to report to the Senate that pursuant to Standing Order No.47 (1) , I have received the following Message from His Excellency the President regarding the referral of the Conflict of Interest Bill (National Assembly Bill No.12 of 2023) . The Message, which came as a Presidential Memorandum dated 30th April, 2025, was received in the Office of the Clerk of the Senate on Wednesd…
National Assembly for consideration, pursuant to the provisions of Article 110(4) of the Constitution; AND WHEREAS the National Assembly considered the said Bill and passed without amendments on Thursday, 24th April, 2025, in the form passed by the Senate; NOW THEREFORE in accordance with the provisions of Article 110 of the Constitution and Standing Order Nos. 41(1) and 144 of the National Asse…
my Communication, I even indicated the dates when we are supposed to receive the report from the Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights. The Chair is in the House. Chairperson of the Committee of Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, would you like to say a word?
Mr. Speaker, Sir, in the morning when we had a meeting as the Senate Business Committee (SBC) , I indicated to the Committee that we had set aside two days, that is, Tuesday next week and Thursday in anticipation of additional business that may be committed to the Committee. Since we got notice to the effect that that communication was coming, we will purpose to prioritise processing of this parti…
my Communication, I even indicated the dates when we are supposed to receive the report from the Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights. The Chair is in the House. Chairperson of the Committee of Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, would you like to say a word?
Mr. Speaker, Sir, in the morning when we had a meeting as the Senate Business Committee (SBC) , I indicated to the Committee that we had set aside two days, that is, Tuesday next week and Thursday in anticipation of additional business that may be committed to the Committee. Since we got notice to the effect that that communication was coming, we will purpose to prioritise processing of this parti…
Senate Majority Leader, whatever is happening in the National Assembly, the Senate has not been involved. When the time comes to involve the Senate, we shall be able to respond appropriately. At this juncture, my advice to you, the Senate Majority Leader, is you need to get hold of your counterpart. As Speakers, we do not move any Motions or Bills. It must have been moved by your counterpart in t…
accompanied them on that exercise to sensitise the public. Therefore, we appear as if we are being bribed as Senators just to accommodate the NG-CDF. I feel slighted. I also feel bad. As a Senator, I have survived for over 10 years without the Senate Oversight Fund. It is not even a big issue to some of us. However, as an institution, we made a decision that we will operate better and fulfil our …
amend the Constitution. Therefore, we expected that at least there would be guidance from the Office of the Speaker, because there are further technical issues that will arise. Forget about Senate Oversight Fund, but the ability to amend. When we did the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report, which was passed here, having been brought by the Senate Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights Co…
Okay. Next Order.
The Senate Majority Leader, please proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, Tuesday, 6th of May, 2025-
The Senate Majority Leader, please proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, Tuesday, 6th of May, 2025-
The Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget, please, proceed.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
Next Order.
You had two Notices, so you may proceed to the next. Who is giving Notice? Sen. (Dr.) Boni, please, proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give Notice of the following Motion- THAT, the Senate adopts the Joint Report of the Departmental Committee on the Finance and National Planning of the National Assembly and the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget of the Senate on the approval hearing of the nominees for appointment to the Board of Central Bank of Kenya, that was laid on the Table of the Senate tod…
[(Loud consultations)]
Order! Proceed, Sen. (Dr.) Boni.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy had a youthful and energetic weekend where he has performed exceptionally well. Therefore, I can do other duties for him because he is holding forte elsewhere very responsibly as expected, unlike somebody else who is in front of me.
The Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, please, proceed. The Senate Majority Leader, where is the Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy?
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise under Standing Order No. 105. Did you hear the Senate Majority Leader tell the House that the Senator of Siaya County has had an extremely, not using his own exact words, ending up and suggesting that he has had a very good time. The public is following. Therefore, can he specify what he means? Otherwise, he could impute improper motive on the distinguished Senator of Siay…
What is the point of Order, Sen. (Dr.) Boni?
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise under Standing Order No. 105. Did you hear the Senate Majority Leader tell the House that the Senator of Siaya County has had an extremely, not using his own exact words, ending up and suggesting that he has had a very good time. The public is following. Therefore, can he specify what he means? Otherwise, he could impute improper motive on the distinguished Senator of Siay…
Yes, Senate Majority Leader.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I was speaking of the oversight responsibilities of Sen. (Dr.) Oburu. You saw him take on governors---
The Chairperson, Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, you may proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, do you not want me to explain further? Okay.
The Chairperson, Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, you may proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give Notice of the following Motion – THAT, the Senate adopts the Progress Report of the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations on the
Yes, Sen. Ali Roba, you may proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.159 (1) of the Senate, to withdraw the County Statistics Bill (Senate Bills No.5 of 2024) , which is appearing in today's Order Paper as Order No.12. The reason for the withdrawal of this Bill is to allow for further consultation with stakeholders with a view to develop a comprehensive framework that addresses concerns at both the national Go…
Yes, Sen. Ali Roba, you may proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.159 (1) of the Senate, to withdraw the County Statistics Bill (Senate Bills No.5 of 2024) , which is appearing in today's Order Paper as Order No.12. The reason for the withdrawal of this Bill is to allow for further consultation with stakeholders with a view to develop a comprehensive framework that addresses concerns at both the national Go…
Next Order.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Energy on a matter of national concern regarding payments made by Kenya Power to independent power producers under take-or-pay contracts, specifically in relation to electricity that is ultimately lost due to high idle capacity. In the Statement, the Committee should address the…
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 on a matter of countywide concern regarding the revenue generation in Trans Nzoia County Government. In the Statement, the Committee should address the following-
Proceed, Senator for Kisumu County, Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise under Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Education on a matter of national concern regarding the tragic death of two Form Four students at Ramba Boys High School in Rarieda, Siaya County. I am not the Senator for Siaya. The two students lost their lives after falling into a septic tank within the school premises that collaps…
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) of the Senate Standing Orders to make a Statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries during the first quarter of the Fourth Session, that is, January to April, 2024. The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries is established under Standing Or…
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 on a matter of countywide concern regarding the revenue generation in Trans Nzoia County Government. In the Statement, the Committee should address the following-
Thank you, Sen. (Prof.) Kamar. Lastly, I call upon the Chairperson of the Committee on Education to make a Statement relating to the activities of the Committee.
[[The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) left the Chair] [The Temporary Speaker (Sen. Wakili Sigei) in the Chair]]
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) of the Senate Standing Orders to make a Statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries during the first quarter of the Fourth Session, that is, January to April, 2024. The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries is established under Standing Or…
I now invite the Chairperson of the Committee on Devolution and intergovernmental Relations to make a statement on the activities of the Committee.
Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I rise to make a Statement on the activities of the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations for the period between January to April, 2025, issued pursuant to Standing Order No..56 (1) (b) . Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (1) (b) to make a Statement on the activities of the Standing Committee on D…
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, it is meaningless to celebrate the lives of the departed if we do not take moments to ask what lessons we have drawn from them or their works. Predictably, many leaders in Kenya and in the world have had occasion since the death of the Pope to hail him as a great person, a wonderful human being and a compassionate Jesuit. However, I have to point out to everyone that wh…
[(Applause)]
Hon. Members, I will allow you to make comments. As I had indicated earlier, we will make comments on all Statements that have been issued pursuant to Standing Order Nos.53 (1) and 56 (1) (b) by the respective Chairpersons of the Committees.
Let us begin with Sen. Maureen Tabitha.
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for your kind indulgence. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a Statement of general and global concern namely, the passing on of Pope Francis the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican State. He died on Easter Monday, 21st April, 2025, at the ripe age of 88. I join the rest of the world in celebrating the life of arguably the mos…
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, it is meaningless to celebrate the lives of the departed if we do not take moments to ask what lessons we have drawn from them or their works. Predictably, many leaders in Kenya and in the world have had occasion since the death of the Pope to hail him as a great person, a wonderful human being and a compassionate Jesuit. However, I have to point out to everyone that wh…
[(Applause)]
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I would like to comment on the Statement by Sen. Osotsi regarding the presence of expired medication in our public hospitals. The issue of having expired medicines in our public hospitals is a significant one because it has continued to be persist. The Auditor-General keeps raising it and flagging the presence of expired medication in our public hospitals. That means …
We are fond of getting medical donations. Some donations do not align with what is needed on the ground. We do not have to take everything we are given in form of medical donations because we do not even use some of them as a country. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I also want to comment on the Statement by Sen. Sifuna regarding the late Pope Francis. I am not a Catholic, but Pope Francis is one of …
Sen. Cherarkey Samson, please proceed.
My Committee Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are not here, but I would like to state that we are going to look at the bottom of issues of health. With my experience as a pharmacist, I am going to make an input. I was able to inspect key drugs. One of them is Diazepam. That drug was missing in all the counties that I visited. It was less as per the cards and records. Such drugs are always under k…
I am not canvassing. It is not allowed in the Conclave because they are even switching on signals. I was just saying it is the wish of many Kenyans. May perpetual light shine upon him, as he rests in peace. The Catholic Church will continue in pushing for both. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the Catholic Church has done a lot in the education and health sectors. We should ensure that we support the…
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I would like to comment on the Statement by Sen. Osotsi regarding the presence of expired medication in our public hospitals. The issue of having expired medicines in our public hospitals is a significant one because it has continued to be persist. The Auditor-General keeps raising it and flagging the presence of expired medication in our public hospitals. That means …
We are fond of getting medical donations. Some donations do not align with what is needed on the ground. We do not have to take everything we are given in form of medical donations because we do not even use some of them as a country. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I also want to comment on the Statement by Sen. Sifuna regarding the late Pope Francis. I am not a Catholic, but Pope Francis is one of …
Sen. Cherarkey Samson, please proceed.
Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I would like to comment on two Statements. First, I would like to commensurate and pass my deepest condolences to the Catholics across the globe for the unfortunate demise of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. He was the unlikely Pope. If you have watched the movie called Conclave in Netflix, it tries to watershed on how Pope Francis became the Pope, coming from…
[(An hon. Member Spoke off record)]
I am not canvassing. It is not allowed in the Conclave because they are even switching on signals. I was just saying it is the wish of many Kenyans. May perpetual light shine upon him, as he rests in peace. The Catholic Church will continue in pushing for both. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the Catholic Church has done a lot in the education and health sectors. We should ensure that we support the…
that he can be paid a gratuity after serving as the Cabinet Secretary. We should not allow that blackmail to happen in this country. Our politics must be hygienic. It is embarrassing for our farmers from Nyandarua, Nandi, and even Kericho. For the first time, when President William Ruto took office, fertilizer which was Kshs7,000, was subsidized to Kshs2,500. All farmers, not only maize farmers, …
Sen. Cherarkey, it is not called Western Region, but west of the Rift that includes Nandi, Kericho, Bomet and the Western Region.
I wanted to comment on the report by the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, but they have since left. I was deeply concerned as I listened to the presentation by Sen. (Prof.) Kamar, on behalf of the Committee on its activities. I am particularly worried because of the situation that is pertaining in the neighbouring county of Nyamira where there are two county assemblies. I…
their service provision is consuming close to 50 per cent of the funds we are devolving, is that really the original intention of devolution. I do not think that is the case. Therefore, as a House, we must make difficult decisions. We should guide the counties, hold their hands and help them to make the right decision so that there is prudent use of resources. The Public Finance Management Act is…
new about it. In fact, we operate better when there are no resources that are attached to us thus nobody can say that we misappropriated this or the other. However, we have said we will be more effective, as a House, if we hired the correct pool of people to work with us in ensuring that the function of oversight in the office of a Senator in the counties is properly tackled and handled. That is s…
Thank you, Sen. Cheruiyot, the Senate Majority Leader. Shall we rise? Hon. Senators, it is now 6.30 p.m., time to adjourn the Senate. The Senate, therefore, stands adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, 7th May, 2025, at 9.30