National Assembly · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Members praised the Deputy Speaker before turning to a petition on water scarcity, urging that water resources and funding be devolved to counties and incorporated into NG‑CDF allocations. They highlighted the inadequacy of current statutes, high water costs, and fragmented agencies, and suggested learning from Israel’s water management and consolidating water bodies. The debate combined supportive remarks with clear frustration over the lack of resources and implementation at the county level. The session began with a point of order concerning the right of the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party to request a statement, which was resolved by referring the matter to the Departmental Committee on Education. The debate then shifted to a motion by Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba advocating for the standardisation of school uniforms to reduce costs and promote equity, highlighting the financial burden of non‑standardised uniforms on vulnerable learners. The discussion combined procedural clarification with a substantive policy proposal on education. Members debated the rising cost of school uniforms, urging the House to standardise uniforms to make them affordable and ensure equal access to education. Contributions highlighted the burden on vulnerable families, the role of local designers, and concerns over monopolistic procurement practices by some schools. The Deputy Speaker also praised initiatives promoting locally made attire.
There being no quorum yet, I order that the Quorum Bell be rung for another 10 minutes. Hon. Members, we now have quorum. We may proceed.
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Hon. Deputy Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education regarding the appointment of university chancellors as provided for in the Universities Act, 2012. Section 38 (1) of the Universities Act states that every university shall have a chancellor. Further, Section 38 (1) (a) pr…
[(Hon. Johana Ng’eno consulted loudly)]
Allow Hon. Baya to seek his Statement, Hon. Johana Ng’eno. You have just arrived.
Low tones, please. Hon. Deputy Speaker, the other universities which have not had chancellors in place include:
Thank you, Member for Kilifi North. What is your point of order? You just have to press the intervention button. You do not have to speak out aloud.
Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. First and foremost, allow me to join my colleagues in appreciating you as an African lady. You are well dressed and that cannot go unnoticed. Hon. Deputy Speaker, my point of order is about the Statement that has just been sought. Whereas I acknowledge the Member as having stated that he is the Member for Kilifi North, would I be in order to ask him, in his capacit…
I will let Hon. Owen Baya respond to that one.
Hon. Deputy Speaker, my being the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party does not take away my right to represent the people of Kilifi North in this House. I am asking the Departmental Committee on Education to look into this issue because it does not just affect Kilifi North. My role of oversight in this House has not been taken away by virtue of being a member of the leadership. I rest my case. I …
I think that is well answered. I will now commit this particular Statement request to the Departmental Committee on Education, chaired by Hon. Julius Melly. Next Order.
Hon. Members, the time being