Senate · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 3 July 2024
Senators voiced deep frustration over the recent protests triggered by the Finance Bill, condemning police and military actions that resulted in deaths and injuries. They linked the unrest to widespread corruption and wealth disparities, calling for accountability, reform of fiscal policies, and dialogue with the youth. The debate combined sharp criticism with proposals for new legislative and security measures. Senators decried widespread corruption and nepotism in county administrations, accusing governors of siphoning taxpayer money and calling for investigations, special committees and a presidential memorandum to halt the abuse. They also mourned the recent deaths of young protesters, demanding accountability, reforms in security and public‑sector hiring, and urging the government to address the grievances of the Gen Z generation. The debate combined sharp criticism with proposals for concrete remedial actions. Sen. Wambua used the session to condemn the lower house’s inaction and called on the Senate to fast‑track the Finance Bill 2024 while urging austerity measures, including a reduction of the Cabinet from 21 to the constitutional minimum of 14 secretaries. He criticised the police leadership, the anti‑corruption commission and the judiciary for pervasive corruption, and highlighted questionable budget allocations such as the NG‑CDF additions, demanding a national conversation on these issues.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Order, hon. Senators. Kindly take your seats, so that we proceed with today's proceedings. Hon. Senators, before I call the first Order, let me make some few remarks. You are all aware of the happenings that have been taking place in this country. It is sad that we have lost Kenyans because of the happenings that have been going on. We, as a House, need to reflect on th…
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted the Speaker)]
[(Several Senators walked into the Chamber)]
Director General (DG) for Health, following a competitive recruitment exercise conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Section 16(2) of the Health Act requires Parliament to vet the nominee submitted by the Cabinet Secretary for appointment as the Director General for Health. The said section states as follows- “The Director-General for Health shall be recruited by the Public Service C…
Proceed, Senate Majority Leader.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion- RECOGNIZING the State of the nation at this moment; the ongoing protests following the passing of the Finance Bill (National Assembly Bills No.30 of 2024) on 25th June, 2024 by the National Assembly; the loss of lives, maiming and loss of property that has been occasioned following these protests; COGNIZANT THAT pursuant to Article …
Next Order, Clerk. Proceed, Senate Majority Leader.
Hon. Senators, it is now 11 minutes past one. Having concluded the business for which I extended the time of sitting, pursuant to Standing Order No.34 (2) (a) , the Senate stands adjourned until today, 3rd July, 2024, at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 1.11 p.m.