Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
Senators debated the ambiguous constitutional provision that allows governors to "may" assign duties to deputy governors, arguing it leads to inactivity, lack of accountability and political friction. Several members called for the language to be changed to "shall" and for clear, statutory duties to be defined, while also referencing Kenya's reliance on foreign aid and urging a focus on internal solutions. The discussion highlighted tensions between governors and their deputies across multiple counties. Senators examined persistent oversight gaps in county fiscal transfers and conditional grants, urging clearer policies and stronger Senate scrutiny. They also raised concerns about the lack of a structured reward scheme for athletes and unequal tea farmer bonuses, calling for transparent criteria and fair implementation of internship and merit‑based opportunities. Senators debated the legal basis for assigning responsibilities to deputy governors, focusing on Section 32 of the County Governments Act and whether the wording should be “may” or “shall”. The Deputy Speaker warned Sen. Cherarkey about being out of order, while other members highlighted the need for clear legislation and the relevance of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council. The exchange also raised broader questions about the role of deputy governors in devolution and public service delivery.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Hon. Senators, we now have quorum. So, we will proceed with the afternoon's business.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted the Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
[(Loud consultations)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of Senate, today, 1st October 2025- Report on Standing Committee of Labour and Social Welfare on its consideration of The Culture Bill, (National Assembly Bill, No. 12 of 2024) .
Next Order.
The business is deferred.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a statement on a matter of countrywide concern, namely the disparities in bonuses paid to tea farmers in Kisii and Nyamira counties. The Kenya Tea Development Agency, (KTDA) recently released the bonus rates for the Financial Year 2024/2025. While farmers in certain regions, notably Mt. Kenya, have received substantial bonuses …
[(Applause)]
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a matter of national concern, regarding the implementation of the Government's new reward scheme, stipends and the general welfare for sportsmen and women. Noting that the scheme was revised to enhance the benefits for athletes, sportsmen and wom…
Sen. Andrew Omtatah, your Statement has been reinstated pursuant to the explanation you have given. You may now proceed to read the Statement.
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 nationwide concern regarding financial operations at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) . Recently,the Cabinet Secretary for Health called for enhanced governance standards at national referral hospitals, including the KNH, the country's
largest referral facility, which is expected to uphold the highest standards of healthcare, governance, auditing measures and transparency mechanisms. In the Statement, the Committee should address the following-
Statements pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (B) ; the Chairperson Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism, proceed.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) to make a Statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism for the second quarter of the Fourth Session covering the period between April to August, 2025. During the period under review, the Committee held 30 meetings, during which, it considered 18 Statements, four B…
The Chairperson Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing, proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) to make a Statement on the activities of the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing for the period between 1st May, 2025 and 31st August, 2025. During the period under review, the Committee held 20 sittings, considered 14 Statements and one legislative proposal. During the period, a total of 21 Statements that were…
Transport, as well as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. The purpose of the retreat was to identify legislative gaps and explore opportunities for collaboration and cooperation with the two ministries. Additionally, the Committee conducted a factfinding visit to Mombasa, where it held meetings with the Governor, residents of the former Buxton Estate an…
The Chairperson, Select Standing Committee on County Public Accounts.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion- THAT, AWARE THAT, the Ministry of Education in Kenya, introduced Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) as part of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) implementation marking a major milestone for the country’s education system, and a key opportunity to improve the quality of education available to students; APPRECIATING THAT, the Junior Se…
Next Order. Proceed, Senate Majority Leader.
With those many remarks, I beg to move and ask the Senator from Bomet County, Sen. Korir, to second my Motion.
Thank you very much Hon. Speaker, Sir. Allow me to congratulate the party that has brought me here for giving a chance to my sister, the Hon. Member, and to thank her for accepting to work as a nominated Member. I know she is up to the task. For the few days that we have been together, I have learnt a lot. She is ready to work and I congratulate her. Hon. Speaker, Sir, I beg to second.
[(Question proposed)]
Hon. Senators, this is a procedural Motion. However, the Floor is open for debate. Before I put the question, I will ask the Clerk to confirm if we have the requisite quorum for us to proceed to put the question.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted the Speaker)]
Okay, we only have 13 Hon. Senators. Therefore, we are too short and will defer the putting of the question. Next Order. Clerk, can you count again? Okay, Hon. Senators, I am told we have the requisite quorum now. So, I will proceed to put the question. Take your seat, Senator for Nandi County. I will proceed to put the question. Take your seat, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale.
[(Putting of the question on the Motion deferred)]
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted the Speaker)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, my understanding is that you can only put the question after the Mover has been asked to reply.
If you so wish, Hon. (Dr.) Khalwale, you may proceed to reply.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is a question of procedure. This is what Hon. Martin Shikuku taught me.
[(Laughter)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, things must be done---
[(Laughter)]
Clerk, call Order No. 17.
[[The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) left the Chair] [The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) in the Chair]]
The Majority Leader is not present in the House. That order is deferred.
The Majority Leader is not present in the House. That order is deferred.
The Majority Leader is not present in the Chamber. That order is deferred.
Hon. Senators, we may now rise. There being no other business on the Order Paper, the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, 2nd October, 2025 at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 5.38 p.m.