National Assembly · Afternoon Sitting
Wednesday, 12 February 2025
The Speaker reminded members of the statutory deadline for the 2025 Budget Policy Statement and Debt Management Strategy, urging the rapid formation of the Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Public Debt and Privatization Committee. Members engaged in procedural exchanges and, notably, Hon. Shakeel Shabbir delivered a tribute to the late Prince Aga Khan, outlining his contributions to Kenya’s education, health, media and tourism sectors. The session combined administrative urgency with a respectful commemoration, reflecting a constructive parliamentary tone. The debate featured Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona repeatedly challenging the Speaker, using cultural metaphors to criticize perceived overreach and demanding a broader, inclusive government. Procedural business was addressed when Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah moved a motion to appoint additional members to the House Business Committee, leading to points of order and interruptions. The session also included a brief expression of support for Raila Odinga’s African Union chairmanship bid. The session was marked by procedural clashes as members disputed the composition of the House Business Committee, with the ODM representative announcing a withdrawal of his party’s members and several MPs walking out. Despite the disorder, members emphasized the need to reconvene the committee to address urgent matters such as school capitation, the Supplementary Appropriations Bill and the reconstitution of other committees. The Speaker reiterated standing orders and called for order before proceeding.
Hon. Members, we have more than the necessary quorum. Congratulations on your enthusiasm. You should keep the same spirit throughout the term and session so that we can better conduct business.
to note that pursuant to Section 25 of the Public Finance Management Act, Cap 412A, the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) must be submitted on or before 15th of February, 2025. Further, under Section 33 (1) of the said Act, the Debt Management Strategy of the National Government over the medium-term ought to be submitted to Parliament on or before the 15th of February, 2025. Hon. Members, today, bein…
Members, take the nearest seats on whichever side you desire. Hon. Jehow, take the nearest seat. Hon. Members, I have a Message from the Senate. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 45 (5) , I wish to report to the House that I have received eight messages from the Senate regarding the passage of the following Bills:
Hon. Speaker, I am waving at the Clerk-at-the- Table for him to spot where I am sitting. I thank you for giving me this opportunity to welcome a great school in my constituency by the name of Magomano Girls’. I want to assure them that the Parliament is a beautiful place to be and to work. Given the opportunity, they now have a dream of a place where they would wish to work and/or even represent t…
Record and decorum, sometimes!
[(Laughter)]
Hon. Chair, is it to lay or to deliver?
This is not the Chair! This is the Speaker. To deliver.
I am sorry Hon. Speaker.
To deliver if you are ready before I give my ruling.
Then I will give it to the Clerk-at-the-Table.
[(Loud consultations)]
The direction was that the Statement was to be presented to the House. Members will not know the content until they look for it after a long while and yet, the issue is that it is of public interest and everybody wants to know what you are saying.
Hon. Speaker, do we do that before we get into the business of the House?
It is part of the business of the House. If you have it ….
Hon. Speaker, then I am not in a position to move it now.
If you are not, that is okay. I was also requested by two Members, Hon. Dawood and Hon. Shakeel Shabbir, to eulogise the passing on of His Highness Prince Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismailia Muslim Community. Between the two, I do not know who will go first. Do you have to do both? Yes. Who is the senior? I will start with the senior. Hon. Shakeel Shabbir, you will start and then Hon. …
[(Hon. Shakeel Shabbir spoke off the record)]
Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I would like to present a tribute to the Aga Khan of the Ismailia Muslim Community, in respect of the passing away of Prince Kareem Aga Khan, whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on Kenya. He was a beacon of hope for millions around the country. His Highness was the 49th Hereditary Hiram of the Ismailia Muslims and passed away on…
Thank you. Hon. Dawood Rahim.
Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to give a tribute to the late His Highness the Prince Aga Khan Al Husseini, Aga Khan IV. Pursuant to Standing Order 43 (1) , I rise with a heavy heart to pay tribute to our towering figure, whose legacy of service, wisdom and compassion has left an indelible mark on our world. The late His Highness was the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network Fo…
over six decades, the Aga Khan dedicated his life to uplifting communities, advancing education, strengthening healthcare and fostering economic development. His leadership of the Ismaili Muslim community was marked not only by spiritual guidance, but also by the unwavering commitment to pluralism, unity and the dignity of all people, regardless of their background. Through the Aga Khan Developme…
Yes, Hon. Passaris, is it on the same issue?
Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I just thought in the interest of gender, we should also have a woman speak to the passing of Prince Karim Al Husseini, Aga Khan IV. What I know is that, as soon as he assumed office at the age of 20, he passed two resolutions to amend the constitution. The first one was that if a family has children, girls and boys, and they have limited resources, the girls should be giv…
Hon. Members, order. We recognise the outstanding work to humanity by the late Prince Aga Khan. Each one of us here has, in one way or another, been touched by the work of the Aga Khan. Either you have gone to Aga Khan Hospital, Aga Khan schools, Serena hotels or you have read the Nation newspaper. In whichever way, you have been touched. I request the House, with great humility, to stand for a mi…
[(Hon. Members observed a moment of silence)]
Hon. Members, I have a Communication to make on the leadership and continuity of the business of the House in the Fourth Session of the 13th Parliament. During the afternoon Sitting of Tuesday, 11th February 2025, the Member for Suba North, Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona, rose on a point of order about the designation of the Majority and Minority parties in the House and their respective leadership. …
[(Laughter)]
[(Loud consultations)]
[(Loud consultations)]
parties to be static throughout the subsequent days of a term of Parliament. The Constitution itself enumerates several avenues in which the number of parliamentary seats secured by a party or a coalition at a general election can be subsequently varied. First, Article 103 of the Constitution spells out seven instances in which a vacancy can arise in the office of a Member of Parliament, includin…
[(Applause)]
In its finding number three, the Court held that the Communication was null and void. Debate arose as to whether this finding affected the propriety of all the business that the House has transacted since it was inaugurated on 8th September 2022. There were perceptions and assertions that the legislation so far passed by the House may have been voided. It should be beyond doubt that there was no …
[(Laughter)]
Hon. Members, you may be upstanding. There being no further business in the House, the House stands adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, 13th February 2025, at 2.30 p.m. The House rose at 4.15 p.m.
Published by Clerk of the National Assembly Parliament Buildings Nairobi