Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Wednesday, 29 May 2024
Senators debated the challenges of devolved functions such as health and agriculture, urging greater and more direct funding to counties and highlighting duplication of responsibilities with national ministries. They called for stronger accountability for the Ksh 400 billion allocation, conditional allocations, and prompt payment of pending county bills. Support for the mediation committee and conditional support for the bill were also expressed. The Senate afternoon sitting confirmed quorum, announced the 21st National Prayer Breakfast and its theme of "Hope," and directed a petition on county legal representation to be examined jointly by the Devolution and Justice committees. Senators then laid multiple Auditor-General reports on water and sanitation entities and committee papers on county public investments and the County Licensing Bill amendments. Senators expressed frustration over the current state of electoral laws, citing vacant seats and the need for post‑election audits to improve transparency. They also debated the revenue formula for devolution, questioning the allocation of funds to counties and the role of protected constituencies. Procedural interruptions highlighted tensions but also a willingness to seek clearer oversight.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Order, Senators. You may now proceed to take your seats. We do have quorum now, so we will proceed with today’s business. Clerk, kindly call the first Order.
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Hon. Senators, as you are aware, the National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event in the Calendar of Parliament. It is an interdenominational prayer meeting sponsored by Members from both Houses of Parliament. The event is being coordinated by an organizing committee, which has been working closely with the Kenya National Prayer Breakfast Coordination Team. The Organzing Committee is co-chaired b…
This year’s National Prayer Breakfast is scheduled to be held tomorrow, Thursday, 30th May, 2024, at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, from 7.00 a.m. You are expected to be seated by 6.30 a.m. The theme for the event is “Hope”. I, therefore, take this opportunity to invite all hon. Senators to the 21st Edition of the National Prayer Breakfast. Further details relating to the event will be given throu…
Hon. Senators, as you may recall, at the sitting of the Senate held on Tuesday, 30th April, 2024, I reported a Petition to the Senate by Mr. Laban Omusundi regarding restricting county governments from hiring external law firms for legal representation in court cases. Pursuant to Standing Order No.238 (1) , I committed the Petition to the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Rela…
I thank you. Let us go to the next Order.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, Wednesday, 29th May, 2024- Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Municipality of Kimilili – County Government of Bungoma for the year ended 30th June, 2023. Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kyeni Water and Sewerage Company Limited for the year ended 30th J…
[(Sen. Cheruiyot laid the documents on the Table)]
The next one is by the Chairperson of the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Chairperson of the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, 29th May, 2024- Reports of the Select Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds on its consideration of the Audit Reports for the Financial Years 2018/2019 (Volume IV) , 2019/2020 (Volume V) and 2020/2021 (V…
[(Sen. Cheptumo laid the document on the Table)]
The next one is by the Chairperson of the Committee on Trade, Industrialization and Tourism.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Chairperson of the Committee on Trade, Industrialization and Tourism, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, 29th May, 2024- Report of the Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialization and Tourism on its consideration of the proposed amendments by the National Assembly to the County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Bill (Senate Bills …
[(Sen. Okenyuri laid the document on the Table)]
Let us have the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, 29th May, 2024- Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on its consideration of the County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.39 of 2023) .
[(Sen. Ali Roba laid the document on the Table)]
Let us go to the next Order.
The Chairperson, County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. On behalf of the Chairperson of the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, I beg to give notice of the following Motion. THAT the Senate adopts the report of the Select Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds (CPIC) on its consideration of the audit reports for the following years; 2018/2019 (Volume IV) , 2019/2020 (Volume V) and 2020/…
Next Order.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources concerning certain properties in Machakos County paying land rates to the Nairobi Land Registry instead of Machakos Land Registry. In the Statement, the Committee should-
Sen. Muhammad Chute.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Speaker. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Labor and Social Welfare regarding the delay in salary payments to the employees and interns serving the County Government of Marsabit. In the Statement, the Committee should-
Sen. Kisang?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries regarding the shortage of wheat seeds in the country. In the Statement, the Committee should-
Sen. David Wakoli?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding claims of unfairness in the recruitment and payment of casual workers by the Bungoma County Government. In the Statement, the Committee should-
Next Order.
Next Order.
Hon. Senators, resume your seats. The results of the Division are out---
[(Loud consultations)]
Hon. Senators, resume your seats. The results of the Division are out---
[(Loud consultations)]