Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Wednesday, 26 July 2023
Senators overwhelmingly supported the licensing consolidation Bill, highlighting its potential to streamline procedures, reduce fees, and promote equity for small businesses. They also urged the inclusion of service delivery guarantees for counties and broader public awareness through both print and electronic media. The discussion underscored the need for flexibility in licensing to adapt to challenges such as the COVID‑19 pandemic. Senators used the session to congratulate top athletes while also urging the government to address police brutality and the menace of hired political gangs. They called for unified condemnation of violence, urged legislation to give effect to Article 37 of the Constitution, and highlighted procedural disruptions that hampered the congratulatory messages. The debate reflected both commendation of national achievements and criticism of security and political intolerance issues. Senators debated a licensing Bill, praising its uniform consumer‑protection, environmental safeguards and digital licensing provisions while noting the benefits of a single platform for businesses across counties. However, concerns were raised about Clause 27 centralising regulatory power in a Cabinet Secretary, with calls to empower the Council of Governors and uphold devolution principles. The discussion combined commendations for the Bill’s sponsor with criticism of potential over‑reach.
Do we have quorum? Clerk, proceed to call the first Order.
[(The Clerk-at the-Table consulted the Speaker)]
Before the Senate Majority Leader lays the Papers, allow me to make the following Communication. Hon. Senators, yesterday I did make a ruling and its effect was to suspend for three days, the Senator for Nairobi County, Sen. Edwin Sifuna, MP. Sen. Sifuna did leave the Chamber and today I received an appeal from him, appealing against that suspension as provided for under Standing Order 127. That…
plenary today pending the decision that I will deliver. If I uphold the decision I made yesterday, then the Member will proceed to serve the remainder of the suspension. In the event I vacate the decision I made yesterday, then the Member will proceed to carry out his activities just like any other Senator in the House. It is so directed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, 26th July, 2023- The report of the Auditor-General on the financial statements of Mumias Municipality for 22 months for the period ending 30th June, 2022.
[(Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe laid the documents on the Table)]
Next Order, clerk.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am the Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy. I beg to give a Statement for the period commencing 1st April, 2023 to 30th June, 2023. 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 Energy for the period commencing 1st April, 2023 to 30th June, 2023. During the period under review, the commit…
The Chairperson, Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget, or any Member of the Committee.
We defer that Statement. The Chairperson, Standing Committee on Health, you may proceed. Yes, Hon. Sen. Omar, you may proceed. What is it, Sen. Cherarkey?
[(Statement deferred)]
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I would like to request that at the end of the presentation by the Senate Standing Committee on Health, you can allow us to make a few comments before proceeding to the Next Order.
Let us cross the bridge when we get there.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise under Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) of the Senate Standing Orders to make a Statement relating to the activities
of the Senate Standing Committee on Health during the Second Session of Part 2 and Part 3 of the 13th Parliament. The Standing Committee on Health is established under Standing Order No.228(3) of the Senate Standing Orders and it is mandated to consider all matters related to medical service, public health, and sanitation. During this period under review, the committee had 34 sittings during whi…
The Chairperson Standing Committee on Finance and Budget, please, proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (1) (b) of the Senate Standing Orders to make a Statement on the activities of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget for the period commencing 1st April to 30th June,
Before I allow the Clerk to call the next Order, Pursuant to Standing Order No.45 (2) , I will proceed to rearrange the sequence of today’s Order Paper. We will defer Order Nos.8 to 14 and proceed from Order No.15 onwards.