National Assembly · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Members debated the accountability of forest rangers under the IPOA, citing incidents of excessive force and calling for clearer oversight. The House considered amendments to ensure that representatives on the Kenya Forest Service board come from registered community forest associations, with differing views on the selection process. Procedural motions were moved to amend clauses and advance the legislation, reflecting a constructive yet contested discussion. The National Assembly debated several amendments to the forestry bill, including provision of technical assistance for agroforestry, removal of duplicate training provisions, and clarification of buffer‑zone rules. Members expressed concerns about how the 100‑metre buffer might affect private land and homes near forests, while the Chair clarified that the zones would be confined to public land. The discussion was largely procedural but featured constructive exchanges over implementation details. The session began with quorum procedures before Hon. Amina Mnyazi raised a request for a statement on the delayed operationalisation of the Malindi Civil Registration Centre, to which the committee chair indicated a response after recess. A procedural motion was moved and seconded to exempt a business item from standing order restrictions, followed by discussion of a forestation bill aimed at meeting Kenya’s tree‑cover goals. The House concluded the debate on the bill.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please, ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
I order that the Bell be rung for a further five minutes. Hon Members, when the Quorum Bell is ringing, you cannot leave the House. Sergeants-at-Arms are advised to enforce that rule strictly. Order, Hon. Members. Take your seats. Sergeant-at-Arms, stop the Quorum Bell. Let us proceed.
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Chairperson of the Committee on Delegated Legislation, you have a Paper to lay. Who is the Chairperson? Hon. Chepkonga is not in the House. Chairperson of the Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity. Who is the Chairperson of this Committee? Next Order.
The Member for Malindi, Hon. Amina Mnyazi is in the House. Go ahead.
Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the operationalisation of the Malindi Civil Registration Centre. On 21st October 2025, the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration announced the establishment of a passport issuance office in Malindi, which was ex…
Government services for residents of Malindi and the wider north Coast region. However, despite this undertaking, the Civil Registration Centre in Malindi remains non-operational. This has continued to impose financial and logistical burdens on residents of the north Coast sub-region, who are forced to travel to Nairobi or Mombasa to access the services. Further, the delay continues to impede resi…
Thank you. Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security. Is there any Member from that Committee? Is that Hon. Akujah? Did you hear the question?
[(Hon. Protus Akujah stood up in his place)]
Yes.
Please, proceed to tell us how long you will require to deal with this Request. Give Hon. Akujah the microphone.
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have heard the question regarding the operationalisation of the administration unit. Since we are going on recess tomorrow, the Statement will be responded to in the first week after we resume.
Hon. Mnyazi, take it up with him and his Committee and ensure that you raise it again in the first week after we come back from recess.
Hon. Kassim Tandaza, what is out of order?
Hon. Temporary Speaker, maybe there is a problem with my card because I have not made any intervention.
Okay. Next Order.
Whip of the Majority Party.
Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move the following Procedural Motion: THAT, this House resolves to exempt the business appearing as Order No. 12 (i) in today’s Order Paper from the provisions of Standing Order 40 (3) , being a Wednesday morning, a day allocated for business not sponsored by the Majority or Minority party or business sponsored by a committee. We are doing this to give Members amp…
request the very able Woman Representative for Vihiga County, Hon. Beatrice Adagala, who is the incoming Governor of Vihiga, to second.
Hon. Adagala.
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I second the Motion, keeping in mind that this Bill will assist in meeting Kenya’s forestation goals. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Head of State. If we implement this Bill well, we will preserve our indigenous trees like the bamboo and other indigenous trees and Kenya will be covered. It is also our way of going to Singapore. Singapore has a lot of …
[(Loud consultations)]
Order, Hon Members.
[(Question proposed)]
Hon. Members, is it the mood to put the Question?
Yes.
[(Question put and agreed to)]
Hon. Members, debate on this Bill was finalised.
[(Question put and agreed to)]
[(The Bill was read a Second Time and committed to Committee of the whole House)]
Debate on this Bill had been finalised. Next Order. First Reading
[(The Bill was read a Second Time and Committed to Committee of the whole House)]
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairlady. The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : We have not started. We will call you shortly.
I have the microphone.
Clause 2 The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Tandaza.
Hon. Temporary Chairlady, I have consulted with the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, Dr Mutunga, who is here, and we have agreed to set the Bill aside for further consultations. The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Hon. Chairman, do you want to talk about that? What is your comment on what has been raised by Hon. Tandaza?
Hon. Temporary Chairlady, as a Committee, we have reconsidered our amendments. We withdraw them and allow the Bill to pass as it was. I can explain what this is all about. This amendment is intended to ensure that this crop is scheduled through a gazette notice by the Cabinet Secretary. The Member believes that the Cabinet Secretary can still issue a gazette notice to de-gazette it. If we have a …
[(Proposed amendments by Hon. (Dr) John Mutunga Kanyuithia withdrawn)]
[(The Temporary Chairlady consulted with the Clerk-at-the-Table)]
Hon. Temporary Chairlady, the Committee wishes to withdraw the amendment. Clause 1 The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : The Chairman.
[(Proposed amendment by the Committee withdrawn)]
[(Clause 2 agreed to)]
Hon. Temporary Chairlady, the Committee still withdraw the amendment to Clause 1, so that the original version of the Bill is retained. The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Hon. Members, the effect of that withdrawal is as the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock has said. Mover.
[(Proposed amendment by the Committee withdrawn)]
[(Clause 1 agreed to)]
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairlady. I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said report. I request Hon. Kawaya. He seems to be consulting… The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : No, what I want you to do is just to read the first paragraph exactly as it is on that document. Start from the part that reads: “I beg to move” Please, approach the Clerk’s Table.
[(Hon. Tandaza consulted with the Temporary Chairlady)]
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairlady. I beg to move that the Committee do report to the House its consideration of the Crops (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 8 of 2023) and its approval thereof without amendments. The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Thank you very much. The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Hon. Members we are moving to the next Bill. T…
[(Question proposed)]
[(Question put and agreed to)]
Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Chairlady. I am the co-sponsor of this Bill that originated from the Senate. We had agreed as a Committee that another Member will move the amendments of the Committee. As the Chairman and a co-sponsor, it will not be right for me to move the amendments. The responsible Member is out of the country. I pray that we step down this Bill to the next time when the Me…
Hon. Temporary Chairperson, report.
Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the whole House has considered the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 38 of 2025) and approved the same with amendments.
Mover of the Bill.
Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said Report. I also request Hon. Koimburi to second the Motion for agreement with the Report of the Committee of the whole House.
Hon. Deputy Speaker, I second.
[(Question proposed)]
We will put the Question at a later time. Next. Hon. Chairperson?
[(Putting the Question deferred)]
Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the whole House has considered the Crops (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 8 of 2023) and approved the same without amendments.
Mover?
Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said Report. I also request Hon. Lelmengit to second the Motion for agreement with the Report of the Committee of the Whole House.
Hon. Deputy Speaker, I second. Thank you.
[(Question proposed)]
We shall defer putting the question. Next Order.
[(Putting the question deferred)]
Hon. Oluoch? He is not present, so we jump to the next one.
Hon. Mary Wamaua? She is not present. This has been in the Order Paper for very many occasions. Maybe it is better to drop it because she has not been here many times. Next Order.
Next Order.
and improving academic outcomes; this House therefore resolves that the Government, through the Ministry of Education:
Hon. Rahab Mukami, Member for Nyeri? She is not present. Next Order.
Hon. Gertrude Mbeyu? Also, not present. Yes, Hon. Naomi Waqo?
Hon. Deputy Speaker, we all know very well that Wednesday morning is set aside for Private Members' Bills and Motions. It is unfortunate that we have over five Motions or Bills in the Order Paper, yet Members are not here. So, as we go on recess, I think the House Business Committee should decide what to do on this because it has become a tradition for us to miss Members, especially on Wednesday m…
That is well noted. Yes, Hon. Nyamai.
Thank you very much, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I would like to agree with the leader, Hon. Naomi Waqo, because in the past, we used to have concerns that the HBC was not including Private Members’ Bills in the schedule. However, a lot of effort has since been made, and we have seen many Private Members’ Bills being listed for Wednesday mornings. I think politics has become very hot and most Members see…
Thank you. Next Order.
Hon. Members, I would like to note that Hon. Mukunji Gitonga is not in the House at the moment. So, Order No. 19 is hereby deferred.
Hon. Kassim Tandaza
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Pensions (Amendment) Bill 2024, which is both timely and necessary in addressing the welfare of our retired public servants.
Hon. Kassim Tandaza, are you moving this Bill? Move that it be now read a Second Time.
Okay. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to beg that the Bill be read a Second Time.
Are you able to read it as it is in the Order Paper? Say, “I beg to move that the Pensions (Amendment Bill) (National Assembly Bill No. 25 of 2024) be now read a Second Time,” then you proceed.
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg to move that the Pensions (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 25 of 2024) be now read a Second Time. I rise to support the Pensions (Amendment) Bill 2024, which is both timely and necessary in addressing the welfare of our retired public servants. This Bill seeks to respond to the long-standing concerns regarding the erosion of pension value due t…
honourable House to support the Pensions (Amendment) Bill 2024. I ask Hon. (Dr) Mutunga to second. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.
Thank you very much, Hon. Tandaza. Hon. (Dr) Mutunga.
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity to support the amendment brought by the Member for Matuga, Hon. Tandaza, on the Pensions Act (Cap. 189) . The Act as it is right now, and as the computation formula is, retirees get their pensions based on the day they left service. Rarely will you find these benefits being paid one, two, or up to five years down the line. Retirees live in thi…
[(Question proposed)]
[(Debate on the Bill adjourned)]
Before we go to debate, I take this opportunity to welcome our guests seated in the Public Gallery this morning: Kenyatta University Students Association 21st Congress Members, from Roysambu Constituency, Nairobi County. You are welcome to the National Assembly to observe the proceedings of the House.
[(Applause)]
Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity on the approval hearing on nominees for appointment as Chairperson and Members of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission.
Please, continue to give a notice of Motion.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity in its report on the approval hearing of Nominees for Appointment as Chairperson and Members of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 29th April 2026, and pursuant …
Thank you very much, Hon. Mathenge.
Hon. Members, we are back to the debate on the Pensions (Amendment) Bill. I do not see any interest. Hon. Koimburi, do you have your card? I am not able to view you here. I can see you raising your hand. Do you have an interest in this Pensions (Amendment) Bill?
No. It is about this one by Hon. Mathenge.
That one will come later. Once he has given the notice of Motion, the Motion will come later. Ensure that you are in the House in the afternoon if you want to debate the Report of the committee. Member for Gem, you may proceed.
Hon. Temporary Speaker, I seek a brief interlude to welcome the students from Kenyatta University (KU) . I was there in 1990, graduated then and as you can see, I am now in Parliament. This should inspire you, the students of KU, that you can achieve the same as Elisha Odhiambo has done. I am certain that in future, a Kenyatta University alumnus will become the President of the Republic of Kenya a…
[(Laughter)]
Hon. Tandaza, there being no interest, I would like to give you a chance to reply as the Mover. You can go to your position and do that.
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I take this opportunity to reply and thank the House, noting that none has opposed the Bill. As I indicated earlier, this Bill will address many gaps that currently exist. There are instances where a person contributed to a pension scheme and he was deducted Ksh100, when Ksh100 could buy two litres of petrol. His pension was pegged to what he was contributing. To…
Well, Hon. Members, I will defer putting of the Question to a later time. Next Order.
[(Putting the question deferred)]
exporters of avocados and macadamia nuts, and a major supplier of tea and coffee; noting that the commencement of duty-free access to the Chinese market for these products effective May 2026 presents a historic opportunity to widely expand export earnings, create thousands of rural jobs, promote value addition, and strengthen the country’s position in global agricultural trade; concerned that the …
Hon. Members, Order No. 21 by Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, who is not in the House, is hereby deferred. Next Order.
Hon. Duncan Mathenge.
Hon. Temporary Speaker, kindly guide me in the direction.
Please, approach the Table. Well, the fact is that you are the Mover of Order No. 22; you can make a decision. If you are not ready, we will advise you on what to do. If you are ready, you may proceed.
Hon. Temporary Speaker, education in this country under the Basic Education Act is mandatory and compulsory.
Before you debate, I will ask you to move. You move it as it is in the Order Paper. This is your Motion.
Hon. Members, the time being
Published by Clerk of the National Assembly