Senate · Morning Sitting

The Senate confirmed quorum and moved to consider a motion adopting the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare’s report on unpaid terminal benefits and SACCO dues owed to former Kenya Cooperative Creameries Ltd employees. Senators expressed concern over the workers’ hardship, criticised delays in payment, and urged the government to allocate funds promptly to settle the outstanding liabilities. Senator Olekina criticised the committee report on the KCC and New KCC liability petition, arguing that the report over‑emphasises humanitarian concerns while neglecting legal obligations. He urged the Senate to reject the report and refer it back to the Standing Committee for a thorough legal review, highlighting potential staff benefit liabilities and recent court rulings. The debate underscored the need for clear legal frameworks when transferring obligations between entities. Senators debated the compensation of former KCC employees, with Sen. Maanzo urging the Ministry of Labour to honor court rulings and allocate budget for the claimants. The debate was marked by procedural interruptions, points of order, and unrelated remarks about stars, the moon, and the coinciding Lent and Ramadan observances. The Deputy Speaker managed the disorder while Sen. Thang’wa highlighted the religious significance of the day.