Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Wednesday, 2 April 2025
The Senate debated the strict application of Standing Order No.55(3), with the Speaker insisting that only statements meeting the criteria be processed and warning against fear‑based approvals. Senators questioned the Secretariat’s handling of statements, sought clarification on procedural rules (including Standing Order No.53) and raised concerns about the appropriate committee referral for issues such as the Kenya National Police DT SACCO. The exchange revealed procedural tension and a call for clearer guidance while maintaining a largely procedural focus. Senators criticised the handling of a free‑service doctor’s death at Kenyatta National Hospital and condemned recruitment agencies exploiting Kenyan job‑seekers, calling for a crackdown and the dismissal of the Labour and Social Protection minister. The debate also moved a motion to consider the amended Persons with Disabilities Bill, highlighting legislative progress on disability rights. Overall, the session combined sharp criticism with procedural discussion of inclusive legislation. Senators raised concerns over exploitation of Kenyan diaspora workers, especially in the Middle East, and criticised the Cabinet Secretary for Labour’s lack of response to reported incidents. Parallel debates highlighted systemic failures in providing clean water, inclusive services for persons with disabilities, and affordable health care, while also acknowledging a visiting delegation from Makueni County Assembly. The overall tone combined strong criticism of government shortcomings with occasional positive remarks about inter‑governmental cooperation.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Order, hon. Senators. We now have quorum. Clerk, you may call the first Order.
The Senate Majority Leader, proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Senate Majority Leader, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025-
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding the fate of candidates shortlisted for the diaspora jobs programme under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. In the Statement, the Committee should address the following-
Sen. Richard Onyonka, please, proceed. Is the Senator not in the Chamber? That Statement is dropped.
Sen. Tom Ojienda has two Statements. Those two statements are dropped.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
I will allow comments for not more than 15 minutes. Hon. Senators, if you have an opportunity to speak, do so for not more than three minutes. Sen. Aaron Cheruiyot, please proceed.
In the statement, the Committee should address the following-
Senator Cherarkey.
Next Order. Chairperson, Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare.
Madam Temporary Chairperson, pursuant to Standing Order No.153, I beg to move that the Committee of the Whole do report to the Senate its consideration of the Energy (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.42 of 2023) and seek leave to sit again tomorrow. Thank you, Madam Temporary Chairperson.
[(Question proposed)]
[(Question put and agreed to)]
[(The House resumed)]
[[The Temporary Speaker (Sen. Wakili Sigei) in the Chair]]
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Energy Amendment Bill (Senate Bills No.42 of 2023) and seeks leave to sit again tomorrow. The Temporary Chairperson (
Mover, Sen. Sifuna.
Thank you, Mr. Temporary Chairperson. I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report. I request Sen. M. Kajwang’ to second. The Temporary Chairperson (
Sen. Kajwang’, proceed. (Sen. M. Kajwang' spoke off the record) The Temporary Chairperson (
You are yet to be on the microphone. Give the microphone to Sen. Kajwang’.
This is a Bill sponsored by Sen. Eddy Oketch who is not present in the Chamber. The same is, therefore, deferred to a later date. Next Order.
This is a Bill sponsored by Sen. Eddy Oketch who is not present in the Chamber. The same is, therefore, deferred to a later date. Next Order.
This is a Bill sponsored by Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi who is equally absent in the Chamber. The same is deferred to the next sitting Next Order.
Sen. Mbugua, who is the sponsor of this Bill is not present in the Chamber. Therefore, the same is deferred to the next sitting. Next Order, Clerk.
This Bill is sponsored by Sen. Fatuma Dullo. She is not present in the Chamber. Therefore, the same is deferred to a later sitting. Clerk, please call the Next Order.
This is a Motion by Sen. Karungo Thang’wa, who is also absent from the Chamber. Hon. Members, you may rise.
Hon. Senators, there being no other business on the Order Paper, the Senate stands adjourned until later tomorrow Thursday, 3rd April, 2025, at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 5:42 p.m.