Senate · Afternoon Sitting

Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. We now have quorum. Clerk, proceed to call the first Order.

[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted the Speaker)]

[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, Wednesday, 1st April, 2026. Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on the Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bill No.2 of 2026) . Thank you.

The Senate Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate-

The Chairperson, Standing Committee on Health.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, Wednesday, 1st April, 2026- Report of the Standing Committee on Health on a Petition to the Senate by the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) regarding alleged discrimination, interference and violation of Clinical Officers’ practice rights by the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors and the Social H…

[(Sen. Mariam Omar laid the document on the Table)]

Sen. Abass, kindly, take your seat. Hon. Senators, as you may have noted, the Senate Majority Leader has laid on the Table of the Senate this afternoon a report by the National Treasury and Economic Planning on all new loans contracted by the Government of Kenya from 1st September, 2025 to 31st December, 2025. The report contains details on all new loans signed between the national Government and …

“The Cabinet Secretary shall submit to Parliament every four months a report of all loans made to the national Government, national Government entities and county governments in accordance with Article 2(11)(ii) of the Constitution”. Now, pursuant to Section 31(3) of the Public Finance Management Act, the report submitted to Parliament is required to contain the following: The names of the partie…

RECOGNIZING the need to align Kenya’s development with global standards in AI adoption while also safeguarding national values, inclusivity, and employment; CONCERNED THAT the absence of a comprehensive framework may hinder innovation among local start-ups and youth-led tech enterprises and slow down Kenya’s ability to harness AI for inclusive growth; NOW THEREFORE, the Senate resolves that the …

The Chairperson, Standing Committee on Health.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion- THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Health on a Petition to the Senate by the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) regarding alleged discrimination, interference and violation of Clinical Officers’ practice rights by the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors and the Social Health Authority, laid …

Next Order.

Statements pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1) . Is Sen. Veronica Maina not here? That statement is dropped.

Senator for Nandi, Hon. Samson Cherarkey.

Thank you, 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 on a matter of national concern regarding the recent acid attack in Nairobi on a 24-year-old gospel artist, Ms. Marie Claire. This is not just about the attack on the said victim, but also the broader Government response to vi…

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Energy on a matter of countywide concern regarding the persistent power failures in several areas of Nairobi City County. Although I received a communication from the Ministry regarding previous similar Statements, the recent heavy rains and flooding have worsened the already fragile …

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Health on a matter of national concern regarding the recent launching of medical equipment supply initiative intended to enhance access to modern diagnostics and treatment tools in public and county health facilities across the country. The Government recently announced a m…

Sen. Veronica Maina, you had two Statements; one under Standing Order No.52 (1) and the second one under Standing Order No.53 (1) . You may take both.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for that accommodation. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (1) to make a Statement on a matter of international and national importance, namely the participation of the Senate delegation in the just concluded 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSWC) held in the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York from 9th to 19th March,

barracks for National Youth Service personnel, despite a subsisting court order halting such works. The matter demands urgent accountability and clarity. In the statement, the committee should address the following-

Statement pursuant to Standing Order No.58 (1) , Sen. Allan Chesang, you may proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.58 (1) , to make a statement on a matter of concern regarding a publication by The Standard Newspaper under the sensational headline, “The mastermind of Harambe House tender scam,” made on 20th March, 2026. This article directly and recklessly alleged my involvement in fraudulent dealings, yet failed to present any credible evidence or subst…

successfully sued the newspaper for false corruption allegations, with the court awarding over Kshs7.6 million in damages. These are just a few of the cases that demonstrate a disturbing pattern of repeated lapses in responsible journalism. In view of the very malicious and defamatory allegations against me, I am proceeding with legal action against the Standard Group PLC. While I uphold and def…

Is Sen. Tabitha Mutinda not here? That Statement is dropped.

Hon. Speaker, Sir, there is a matter of great concern to the Members of this House that we had brought to your attention. Perhaps, we could address it while

the transgressors are still around because as we speak, they might finish what they are doing and just take off, which is very disrespectful to this House. Should I say something or you will guide us?

What exactly is this matter that you brought to my attention?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, there is a spectacle that we witnessed yesterday in the precincts of Parliament. When I was elected to this House, I was guided that there are rules of admission to Parliament. When our Clerk, on behalf of our committees, writes to governors to appear before a committee of this House, they are told to appear on a specific day, before a specific Committee, in a specific room and …

Thank you.

The Senate Majority Leader, proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have two quick things to say. Number one; sometimes, even we, in the Senate, are our own worst enemies; our processes take far too long. The reason I have not raised that issue with you is because, at around 2.40 p.m., you assured us that a statement was being prepared, and after which, something will be done. It is now 3.20 p.m., more than an hour later and a statement is stil…

[(Applause)]

[(Loud consultations)]

is that he had a camera in tow and he said, “oh no, I just want to have a good photo,” only for me to see the same photo in blogs later, saying that Sen. Madzayo and I have done what we call “dry cleaning” services for him. I can swear, Sen. Madzayo is here, there is no business that we transacted with that gentleman. At least---

[(Loud consultations)]

Order, hon. Senators. Majority Leader, order. Order, Sen. Eddy. Order, hon. Senators. Can the Majority Leader be heard in silence?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, you can suspect me, but what about Sen. Madzayo? Surely, it is completely unfair. This is a serious matter which will require your urgent attention. I know these proceedings are being followed live, issue directions before the Governor of Samburu disappears. Let him be taken to the police station here in Parliament.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. The way Sen. Cheruiyot is laughing, I do not know what transpired between him and Sen. Sakaja, but it is very curious. It is curious that we should allow strangers to just walk into Parliament, meet our leadership and walk out. What is even more annoying is that the Governor of Nairobi, who is my friend and a former colleague, a person I have fought so many battles wit…

Hon. Senators, you have made your point. Sen. Eddy, the point has been made. Which clarity are you seeking, Sen. Eddy?

Mr. Speaker, this is a very serious matter. An hon. Senator: He will run away. We want to go and arrest him.

A citizen's arrest in Kenya is actually a legal mechanism that allows private citizens to arrest people who are suspect under our laws; if you read the Criminal Procedure Code, CAP 75. How come these two governors have appeared before this Parliament precincts and they are not arrested? I request, if you can allow us

to go and do a citizen’s arrest to these people and take them to the police. If that is allowed, we can do it because it is allowed by the law. That is the request I wanted to make. I rest my case, so that you can make the ruling very fast. I want to go and arrest this Governor of Samburu.

Hon. Senators, I had indicated earlier on that I was going to make a communication on this matter. That communication is being prepared. In the meantime--- Senator for Nandi, I am speaking. In the meantime, I will order the Serjeant-at- Arms to escort the Governor of Samburu, if he is still within the precincts of parliament, to the nearest police station.

[(Sen. Cherarkey spoke off record)]

[(Applause) (Loud consultations)]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I want to thank my colleagues, because this is not a simple matter---

[(Sen. Kavindu Muthama consulted loudly)]

[(Applause)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is a very serious matter, and these are moments that call for serious introspection. As a House, the

[(Applause)]

reason I requested that I be advised by my colleagues is that this is not just an issue about one or two governors. When you have governors seated in Kilifi, enjoying expensive drinks, and perhaps doing things that you cannot mention even on the Floor of the House, then incite each other that they shall cease appearing before the House of Parliament, that is not a matter to be treated lightly. Th…

[(Loud consultations)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is a very serious matter, and these are moments that call for serious introspection. As a House, the

Let us move on to the next Order. I want to believe that you have received the Supplementary Order Paper. Sen. Ledama Olekina, you may proceed to give Notice of your Motion.

It is so deferred. Now, Hon. Senators, there is a Supplementary Order Paper, which I believe has been posted on your gadgets.

[(Loud consultations)]

Let us move on to the next Order. I want to believe that you have received the Supplementary Order Paper. Sen. Ledama Olekina, you may proceed to give Notice of your Motion.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to move the following Motion- AWARE THAT, Article 96 (1) and (3) of the Constitution mandates the Senate to represent counties, protect their interests and oversee national revenue allocated to county governments; and that Article 229 (8) and the Public Audit Act require Parliament to debate audit reports and act within three months; CONCERNED THAT, desp…

[[The Speaker (Sen. Kingi) left the Chair] [The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) in the Chair]]

Clerk, let us move on to the Order. Sen. Ledama Olekina, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to move the following Motion- AWARE THAT, Article 96 (1) and (3) of the Constitution mandates the Senate to represent counties, protect their interests and oversee national revenue allocated to county governments; and that Article 229 (8) and the Public Audit Act require Parliament to debate audit reports and act within three months; CONCERNED THAT, desp…

to a sentence of poverty, where when they go to the hospital, there are no drugs. They cannot even walk to the market because there are potholes. There is no vehicle that agrees to go to that road. Even the boda boda do not even want to go there and even when the citizens, who are walking, can barely find an escape to go to the market. So, what we have witnessed in the last two days is just polit…

[(Loud consultations)]

and say that we will stop money from going to the counties, the Constitution limits the period to three months. So, we need to rethink the issue of the Appropriations Act in this country. Two, we need to also think generally, because, today, we are about to discuss the issue of division of revenue. We need to relook at Article 223 of the Constitution of Kenya. When it comes into the issue of mone…

Before the Majority Leader seconds, I want to make this communication of the visiting members of Maendeleo ya Wanawake from the Ndhiwa Constituency in Homa Bay County.

[(Interruption of debate on Motion)]

to a sentence of poverty, where when they go to the hospital, there are no drugs. They cannot even walk to the market because there are potholes. There is no vehicle that agrees to go to that road. Even the boda boda do not even want to go there and even when the citizens, who are walking, can barely find an escape to go to the market. So, what we have witnessed in the last two days is just polit…

and say that we will stop money from going to the counties, the Constitution limits the period to three months. So, we need to rethink the issue of the Appropriations Act in this country. Two, we need to also think generally, because, today, we are about to discuss the issue of division of revenue. We need to relook at Article 223 of the Constitution of Kenya. When it comes into the issue of mone…

Before the Majority Leader seconds, I want to make this communication of the visiting members of Maendeleo ya Wanawake from the Ndhiwa Constituency in Homa Bay County.

[(Interruption of debate on Motion)]

That is good enough. Thank you very much. The Chair of this session believes in you, gracious ladies from Ndhiwa Constituency. I was in Ndhiwa some years back when the daughter to Sen. Kiraitu was married there. Also, the Member of Parliament for South Imenti, the daughter is married in Ndhiwa Constituency. So, Ndhiwa are my in-laws. I recognise them. I do not want to dilute my recognition to them…

My Minority Leader has just stated that I come forward. Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving the great women of Ndhiwa Constituency of Homa Bay County the opportunity to come to the Speaker's Gallery. The illustrious women that are here this afternoon are women of this country who believe in this country going forward. These are women who believe in the leadership of even this House and that is wh…

[(Laughter)]

Proceed and second the Motion. This Motion has generated a lot of interest. So, therefore, let us save time.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is a very important Motion brought by my colleague, Sen. Ledama. Every Senator who minds the affairs of this House and values devolution should take time to not only speak to, but also reflect about and what it means for this House. We must, first, begin by asking the question, “how did we find ourselves here?” We found ourselves here, and I will repeat for the umpteenth ti…

serve in the CPAC, but be that as it may, as a principle, we cannot allow you to select which committee of the House you appear before.” I have spoken more than five or close to 10 times to none other than including the Chairperson of the CoG, my good friend Governor Ahmed, and I have told him that there is a principle that I am willing to die for. We cannot allow any individual to dictate and di…

[(Laughter)]

Proceed and second the Motion. This Motion has generated a lot of interest. So, therefore, let us save time.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is a very important Motion brought by my colleague, Sen. Ledama. Every Senator who minds the affairs of this House and values devolution should take time to not only speak to, but also reflect about and what it means for this House. We must, first, begin by asking the question, “how did we find ourselves here?” We found ourselves here, and I will repeat for the umpteenth ti…

Proceed, Senate Majority Whip.

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to move that debate on the Motion be limited to 10 minutes. Alternatively, we can agree to do five or 20 minutes, depending on the time, so that many of us can ventilate. Standing Order No.111 on Limitation of Debate states that the Senate may, on a Motion made by any Senator in accordance with this Standing Order, impose a limit in respect to debate on a…

[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Deputy Speaker)]

[(Loud consultations)]

On a Motion of this specific nature sponsored by a Member, the House resolved that each Member would have 15 minutes. However, you may decide to agree on any other time. What is the mood of the House?