National Assembly · Afternoon Sitting
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Hon Adan Keynan criticised the poor implementation of the NG‑CDF and devolution mechanisms, arguing that billions of shillings remain idle and that jurisdictional conflicts between MPs and county governors hinder development. He called for a unified, legally‑sound amendment to redirect funds directly to constituency projects and urged greater accountability and concrete infrastructure outcomes for marginalized areas. Members debated the use of the Equalisation Fund, highlighting that allocated monies for projects in marginalized areas such as Mangai, Lamu and other remote regions have not been transparently accounted for, leading to frustration and accusations of mismanagement. While criticism of corruption and uneven development dominated the discussion, speakers also expressed hope that the proposed legislation will ensure fair distribution and improve infrastructure like roads, water, and electricity. Members debated the role of the Equalisation Fund in addressing long‑standing marginalisation after devolution, emphasizing the need for transparent allocation formulas and strong oversight to prevent corruption. While expressing support for the Bill and urging lean administration, they also highlighted gaps in health services, especially cancer care, and broader infrastructure deficits. The discussion called for cooperation between the National Assembly, Senate and CRA to ensure equitable development across all counties.
Hon. Members, there is no quorum in the House. Sergeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell. Hon. Chepkonga, where is the quorum? Order, Hon. Members! We now have quorum to transact business. Clerk-at-the-Table, proceed. Hon. Members on your feet, please, take the nearest seats.
[(Hon. Samwel Chepkonga spoke off record)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
[(Several Hon. Members walked into the chamber)]
Hon. Members, I have a message from the President. You may recall that in accordance with the provisions of Article 112 of the Constitution, the National Assembly considered and passed, with amendments, The Cotton Industry Development Bill (Senate Bill No.5 of 2023) on 14th August 2024. The Bill was thereafter referred back to the Senate for reconsideration. The Bill sought to, inter alia, provide…
Industry Development Bill, 2023 by the Senate before considering the President’s reservations. In the meantime, I direct the Clerk to circulate the Memorandum from the President to all Members to familiarise themselves with its contents. The House is accordingly informed. Thank you.
Leader of the Majority Party.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table: Reports of the Auditor-General and Financial Statements for the year ended 30th June 2024 and the certificates therein for the following institutions:
Thank you, Hon. Owen. Next is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on its Consideration of the Insurance Professionals Bill (National Assembly Bill No.13 of 2024) .
Thank you. Next Order.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion:
THAT, this House adopts the Joint Report of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs and the Senate Standing
Thank you. The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the inquiry into the state of security in six counties of North Rift of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu and Laikipia, declared as disturbed, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 13th August 2024.
Thank you. Member for Nyandarua County, Hon. Faith Gitau.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, aware that the Kenya Roads Act, 2007 provides for the establishment of road authorities responsible for, among other functions, the management and development of roads under their respective purview and for developing and providing adequate transport infrastructure that guarantees safe and efficient movement of people, goods and se…
[(one- way roads)]
crossing zones at regular intervals, proper drainage systems, and other requisite infrastructure for their optimal operation.
Next is the Member for Alego Usonga, Hon. Samuel Atandi. Is he here? If not, let us have Hon. Charles Ngusya.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, aware that sports play an integral role in promoting cultural heritage, national identity, national development, the well-being of the people and sustenance of livelihoods, particularly of the youth; appreciating that Sessional Paper No.3 of 2005 provides a framework for sports development and operationalisation in the country; fur…
Is the Member for Alego Usonga here? This matter is deferred to tomorrow.
[(Notice of Motion deferred)]
Next Order.
Hon. Members, I acknowledge the presence of a delegation from the Council to the Africa Colloquium of Legal Counsels to Parliaments, sitting in the Speaker’s Gallery to observe the House proceedings. The delegation comprises of five legal counsels serving in the parliaments of Libya, Sierra Leone and Eswatini. The delegation is in Kenya for a council meeting to deliberate on various policies and i…
Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I wish to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the employment terms of nurses under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme. In June 2020, the Public Service Commission employed approximately 2,700 nurses on contractual terms to serve in hospitals and strengthen …
Where is the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Health? Wapi Dr Pukose? Cynthia, that is your Committee. Inform your Chair to bring the response in two weeks’ time.
Three weeks would be appropriate, Hon. Speaker.
Thank you. Next Order.
Hon. Members, the time being 8.32