Senate · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 18 March 2026
The session was marked by procedural tension as the Speaker ruled Sen. Chute's question inadmissible and admonished Senators, while Sen. Boni raised concerns about the handling of the query. The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport then detailed government initiatives on urban drainage, the design and funding of the Nithi Bridge, and the dualling of the Nairobi‑Mombasa highway, emphasizing budget allocations and ongoing stakeholder engagement. Senators discussed ongoing and planned road projects, emphasizing the need for value for money, proper geological assessments, and efficient financing. Concerns were raised about flood‑prone roads, maintenance of murram roads, and road safety, with proposals for funding reforms and partnerships with institutions like AIIB, World Bank and the National Infrastructure Fund. Senators raised concerns over incomplete roads to Pingilikani Dispensary and transport safety, while questioning the NTSA’s new instant‑fine regulations and their lack of parliamentary scrutiny. The debate also highlighted the need for better training of motor vehicle inspectors and praised recent road development initiatives. The Speaker emphasized road safety as the central issue.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly, ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the quorum bell for a further 10 minutes. Order, hon. Senators; Sen. Gataya. Clerk, you may proceed to call the first Order.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted the Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
I have been informed that the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Trade, Investments and Industry will not be in a position to appear before the Senate this morning. We just received his letter. We have also received a letter this morning from the Cabinet Secretary in charge of MSMEs that he will not be in a position to appear before the Senate. We are, therefore, left with only one question that is d…
Mr. Speaker Sir, before I proceed with this Motion, allow me to register my disappointment with ourselves because we have said, on many occasions, that we need to relook at the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act as we deal with errant Cabinet Secretaries such as the two that were supposed to appear before us and are now pretending as if there is an emergency that has just occurred. Today, we…
I second.
Sen. Mandago, kindly, take your seat. Hon. Senators, this is a procedural Motion which I need not put to the Floor for debate. With your concurrence, I may go straight away to putting the question.
Order, Hon. Senators. The Cabinet Secretary in charge of Roads and Transport is present. Therefore, we will proceed with Question No.026 by the Senator for Kisumu County, Hon. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda.
[(Sen. Maanzo walked to the Dispatch Box)]
Are you holding brief?
Yes, I am.
Where is your written authority to do so?
On my phone, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Prof. Ojienda is in court.
Hon. Maanzo, you know the drill here. In case you are holding brief, we need to know that. We do not want a situation where Prof. Tom Ojienda comes to disown all these proceedings. Sen. Maanzo, you are properly instructed. You may proceed to ask the Question on behalf of the Senator for Kisumu County. Question No.026
[(Sen. Maanzo consulted with the Speaker)]
Hon. Senators, it is now 1.00 p.m., time to adjourn the Senate. The Senate, therefore, stands adjourned until later today, Wednesday, 18th March, 2026, at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 1.00 p.m.