Senate · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 27 March 2024
The Senate debated land‑related matters, with the Cabinet Secretary outlining digitisation of land records and the handling of disputed school parcels. Senator Osotsi raised a prolonged compensation and burial case linked to pre‑devolution land acquisition, seeking concrete action, while Senator Orwoba commended the ministry’s performance and queried the timeline for transferring devolved housing assets to county control. The Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary outlined accelerated geothermal projects and fast‑tracked transmission line tenders aimed at achieving 100% renewable energy and reducing load‑shedding. Senators raised urgent concerns over a ten‑month power outage in Lamu caused by a damaged pylon and called for quicker repairs, while also highlighting the need for local manufacturing of meters and transformers. The discussion also touched on engaging Independent Power Producers to secure affordable power by 2026. Senators raised concerns over recent power outages caused by flooding and equipment failures, emphasizing the lack of three‑phase electricity for hospitals, schools and a new rice mill. They questioned the Energy Cabinet Secretary on transformer capacity, illegal disconnections, and the government's plan to achieve universal electrification and 100 % renewable energy by 2030. The discussion combined praise for the Cabinet Secretary’s efforts with criticism of ongoing service gaps.
Clerk, confirm whether we have quorum. Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. was ushered into the Chamber)
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
[(The Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development (Hon. Alice Wahome)]
Clerk, call the first Order.
I understand Sen. (Dr.) Murango is not around, but he has delegated that responsibility to Sen. Mbugua. Sen. Mbugua, ask Question No.008. Question No.008
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to ask the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum the following Question on behalf of the distinguished Senator for Kirinyaga, Sen. (Dr.) James Murango.
[[The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) left the Chair] [The Temporary Speaker (Sen. Wakili Sigei) in the Chair]]
Hon. Cabinet Secretary, you may proceed to respond to the Question from the Senator for Kirinyaga. The Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum : Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, and hon. Senators, good morning. I am happy to be here this
[(Hon. Davis Chirchir)]
morning to respond to the Questions that have been raised. As has been said, I am a frequent member here. I am happy to address some of the challenges as we look forward to building our country together. Following the letter dated 13th February, 2024, which invited us to come and respond to the Question that has been raised by the hon. Member on whether we are aware of the breakdown of over 15 Go…
Unless Sen. Mbugua is with such details, I believe you can respond to in your next question, which is supplementary to the earlier question. Otherwise, the response you have just given is specific to the first Question. If there is any supplementary, I believe the hon. Senator will inquire so that you can respond to it as well.
Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I would like the Cabinet Secretary to assure the country and this House that we have enough transformers in the country. Two, could he also confirm to this House that he has put measures in place to ensure the transformers coming in are not substandard?
Proceed, hon. Cabinet Secretary. The Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum : Thank you for that question. There is a current procurement process going on for a significant number of transformers to address the shortfalls and basically to deal with the challenge you raised in the first and the second question. We work very closely and accompanying me to the House today is our Principal Secre…
[(Hon. Davis Chirchir)]
Thank you very much, hon. Cabinet Secretary. From my dashboard, I have got a list of eight Members who I believe want to ask supplementary questions to the Cabinet Secretary. However, when you look at the number of questions to the second question No.20 by Sen. Chute, it is more or less related, but nationwide. Therefore, I would direct that we allow Sen. Chute to ask that Question. Thereupon, al…
Question No.020
Hon. Senators, having concluded the business for which I extended sitting hours, pursuant to Standing Order No.34 (2) (a) , the Senate stands adjourned until, today, Wednesday, 27th March, 2024, at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 1.15 p.m.