Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Wednesday, 19 March 2025
Senators raised concerns over inadequate use of NG‑CDF funds for disaster relief, under‑reported county development spending, rising health crises such as kala‑azar, and poor waste‑management infrastructure. They called for referrals to relevant committees, audits of fund allocations, and a coordinated House discussion to address security, health, and environmental challenges. Senators highlighted Kenya’s mounting public debt, contrasting it with lower debt‑to‑GDP ratios in other African nations and urging a shift toward debt‑free status. They criticised the lack of transparency and unequal distribution of borrowed funds across counties, proposing a working committee, a debt register and stricter criteria for fund utilisation. The debate combined criticism with constructive recommendations for improved fiscal management. Sen. Oburu highlighted the drawbacks of relying heavily on loans and stressed the need for alternative financing through private sector participation and transparent Public‑Private Partnerships (PPPs). He warned that project delays caused by inadequate community consultation increase interest costs and burden taxpayers, while urging better debt record‑keeping and digitalisation. Sen. Oketch Gicheru added that a clear Mid‑Term Debt Management Strategy is essential before setting budget revenue targets.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Hon. Senators, we now have quorum. Clerk, kindly call the first Order.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Statement pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) . Proceed, Sen. Hezena.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a Statement on a matter of general topical concern namely the increased cases of gang attacks in Samburu County.
In recent months, Samburu County has experienced a surge in violent criminal activities perpetrated by gangs, distinguishing themselves as bandits. This escalating insecurity poses a significant threat to the safety of residents and the stability of businesses. The several incidents of criminal attacks have been reported as follows–
Statement pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) . Proceed, Sen. Hezena
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources regarding the devastating fire outbreaks in Elbarta Plains in Samburu North Constituency, Samburu County. The Elbarta Plains is a critical grassland ecosystem that has historically supported thousands of livestock and wildlife. It is one of th…
Mr. Speaker, Sir, multiple fire outbreaks have been recorded, beginning with a blaze on 1st February, 2025 in Lbaa Oibor, which spread rapidly to Lderendei, destroying over 1,000 acres. Subsequently, fires erupted in Ltirim Loldrkesi on 7th February, 2025 burning for four days. Again, on 13th February, 2025 affecting Sikira Plain, Lkangura Loregel and Marti Plateau, with flames raging for eight da…
Proceed, Sen. Alexander Mundigi.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing regarding tarmacking of the Siakago-Soko-Kamumu-Kanyuambora road in Mbeere North Sub-County, Embu County. This road serves as a crucial economic corridor for the residents of Mbeere North and its completion is vital for the economic growth of the reg…
Sen. Beatrice Ogola.
This Statement is deferred.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries regarding the shortage of certified seeds at the Kenya Seed Company Limited. In the Statement, the Committee should address the following-
Sen. Githuku, you have two Statements. You may proceed to read both.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources regarding the compensation status of the victims of human-wildlife conflicts in Lamu County. In the Statement, the Committee should-
Sen. Joe Nyutu.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations regarding the insecurity and misconduct of certain police officers in Murang’a County. In the Statement, the Committee should address the following-
Sen. Abass Sheikh.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee of Health regarding the outbreak of Kala-azar in Wajir County. Kala-azar is a severe and potentially vital disease that is transmitted by sandflies. It thrives in conditions of poor housing, malnutrition and weakened immune systems. Several cases have been reported in Wajir County, includ…
Senator Mohammed Chute, you may proceed.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources regarding the status of land ownership and utilisation by the Kenya Prisons Service. In the Statement, the committee should address the following-
Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, you may proceed.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I have three Statements, and the first Statement is on the welfare of National Government Administration Officers in Kisumu County.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations regarding the welfare of the National Government Administrative Officers in Kisumu County. Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs) and other National Government Administrative Officers play a crucial role in maintain…
cooperative saving schemes such as Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs). In the Statement, the committee should-
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources regarding the viability, suitability and safety of Ombeyi Dump Site in Muhoroni Sub-County, Kisumu County. The Ombeyi Dump Site has raised significant concerns among residents due to its impact on agricultural activities, air quality and the env…
Assembly regarding the decision of the National Assembly on the Senate amendments to the Gambling Control Bill, (National Assembly Bill No.70 of 2023). The Message, dated Wednesday 12th March, 2025, was received in the office of the Clerk of the Senate on Wednesday 12th March 2025. Pursuant to Standing Order 46-4, I now report the message- Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No.41(1) an…
Clerk, do we have the requisite number? Hon. Senators, this order is deferred. Next Order.
[(The Clerk-at-the-table consulted the Speaker)]
Hon. Senators, it is now 6. 43