Senate · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 21 June 2023
The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture discussed the push for mechanisation in tea and other farms, acknowledging potential job losses while emphasizing efficiency and food safety. He detailed recent maize imports from regional neighbours and Ukraine, and addressed sugar imports, noting short‑term price stabilization despite declining domestic milling capacity. The Temporary Speaker also welcomed a school delegation and reminded members of procedural rules. The Senate examined the process for sugar import licences and duty waivers, clarifying the quantities authorised and emphasizing the online system’s transparency. Members welcomed a Rotary Club delegation and highlighted its community work. The Cabinet Secretary detailed a Kshs27.9 billion World Bank‑funded agriculture project for the North Frontier Counties, noting disbursements, 100 % completion in Marsabit and ongoing audit reports. Senators questioned the handling of private import contracts amid currency volatility and urged more caution with importers, while expressing frustration over unresolved tea sector disputes and the impact of mechanisation on farm labour. They also sought data on duty‑free maize imports and assurances that the Cabinet Secretary will address KTDA directors’ court cases and the broader agricultural supply chain. The debate combined criticism with calls for constructive action.
Clerk, do we have quorum?
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]
[(Loud Consultations)]
Hon. Senators, before we resume to the next Question, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the Speakers Gallery this afternoon of a visiting Delegation from Rotary Club Nairobi who are in the Senate for a one-day visit. Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across…
Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I followed your introductory remarks when welcoming this delegation. I realized that you may have forgotten to introduce my good friend and a good gentleman, the Hon. Shakeel Shabbir who is part of the delegation. When I saw him, I thought that this is his African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) delegation, but this is a rotary club of Na…
Thank you very much. It might have been a typo. The name of Hon. Shabbir, indeed was missing but he is welcome to the Senate. I will call onto the next Question No. 24. The Senator for Marsabit, Hon. Sen. Chute, proceed to ask your question the Hon. Cabinet Secretary.
Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. Let me first of all thank the Cabinet Secretary for the answers. I also appreciate that as a farmer, I got some fertilizer for my farm in Naivasha at a reduced price. My question is-
Hon CS, you may proceed to respond to the Questions under (a) , (b) , (c) . I hope you will be able to do that in the nest five minutes’ maximum. The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development (Hon. Linturi) : Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. This is a World Bank funded project in 24 counties. It is worth Kshs27.9 billion running in the 24 counties. The whole purpose of the…
meant to lapse on 30th September. I am sure that by the time we get to 30th September, all the other counties will have achieved their target. So, Mheshimiwa, Senator of Marsabit County, it is 100 per cent. You have good people. Your Governor has done a good job. We work closely together in the implementation of this project. The last question, Mr. Speaker, Sir, is whether there has been any aud…
Thank you very much Cabinet Secretary. In the interest of time, I believe Hon. Chute, the question has been well answered. I appreciate you CS for taking your time to be here and for the responses that you have given us. Next time, when you are called upon by this House, we are accountable to the public and the people of Kenya. We believe and expect that you come and respond to the questions comi…
On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker. It is like you got the letter yesterday. The question asked by Sen. Lomenen was a question that was asked two months ago. Why should somebody wait until yesterday to write a letter to the Speaker of the Senate? We need to---
Resume your seat Sen. Chute. Thank you very much. Cabinet Secretary, you and your team are discharged. Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi prepare to ask your question to the Hon. Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development. (The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development was ushered into the Chamber) Welcome Hon.Cabinet Secretary and your team from the Min…
[(Hon. Linturi) was ushered out of the Chamber)]
[(The Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development (Hon. Njeru)]
Hon. Senators, it is now 1.05 p.m. I have directed the late interruption of the House Pursuant to Standing Order No.34 (2) (a) . The Senate, therefore, stands adjourned until today, Wednesday, 21st June, 2023 at 2.30