Senate · Afternoon Sitting

Clerk, do we have quorum? We do have quorum and, therefore, we will start the order of the day as contained in this afternoon's Order Paper. Clerk, proceed to call the first Order.

[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted the Speaker)]

Hon. Senators, I have a Communication to make on the election of Sen. Maureen Tabitha Mutinda, MP to serve as a member of the board of the parliamentary network on the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, IMF for the term 2025 to 2027. Is she in the House? The parliamentary network on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an independent non-governmental organisation t…

resources, advancing poverty reduction strategies and supporting policies that foster inclusive economic growth. Hon. Senators, I wish to inform the Senate that Sen. Maureen Tabitha Mutinda, MP, has been elected to serve as a member of the board of governance of the parliamentary network on the World Bank and IMF for the term 2025-2027. The board of governors is charged with the responsibility of…

[(Applause)]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Allow me to take this opportunity to congratulate my sister and colleague, Sen. Tabitha Mutinda, for the role that she has been appointed to serve in the board of the IMF and World Bank. This speaks volumes about her as a person and the quality of leaders that this Senate is able to produce not just for the nation, the continent, but for the world. To Sen. Mutinda, I …

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to congratulate Sen. Tabitha Mutinda on this nomination. She was very passionate when looking for the vote. I remember her asking me whether I have voted. She really did it. Congratulations! I just want to give her a piece of advice as the Senator of Machakos, a mother and an elder. Go and make us, women, proud. Go and stand your ground …

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I just wanted to say one thing, which is the fact that United Democratic Alliance (UDA) can get their nominations right.

[(Applause)]

[(Laughter)]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. I also want to join my colleagues in congratulating Sen. Tabitha Mutinda on her nomination as a member of the board of IMF and World Bank. Sen. Tabitha Mutinda is the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Finance and Budget. For that reason, I know that this is not an accidental nomination. She is more than qualified to serve in that position. I also co…

So, we will rest it at that.

Next Order.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Sen. Omtatah, what intervention do you have? Certainly, it could not be a point of order.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to share some feedback from the ground regarding the conduct of Senate Mashinani. First, the people of Busia are very grateful for the manner in which we have conducted ourselves and the positive impact this has had on both the economy and the County Executive. However, there are concerns that some key areas were left out. There was a request for the House to conside…

Thank you. Yes, Senate Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, that is a very valid and legitimate concern raised by our colleague, Sen. Omtatah. To the best of my recollection, this will be the first instance of Senate Mashinani without a visit to some of the areas he mentioned. For example, we know that health is a critical function. In every county we have visited, the Senate's Health Committee has at least toured the referral hospital an…

Mr. Speaker, Sir, that is a very valid and legitimate concern raised by our colleague, Sen. Omtatah. To the best of my recollection, this will be the first instance of Senate Mashinani without a visit to some of the areas he mentioned. For example, we know that health is a critical function. In every county we have visited, the Senate's Health Committee has at least toured the referral hospital an…

Thank you. Secretariat, see to it that you accommodate the concerns of Sen. Omtatah within the remaining time that we have here. Next Order.

Thank you. Secretariat, see to it that you accommodate the concerns of Sen. Omtatah within the remaining time that we have here. Next Order.

Request for Statement pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) again by Sen Crystal Asige.

Request for Statement pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) again by Sen Crystal Asige.

That Statement is dropped.

That Statement is dropped.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is Sen. Kiprotich Cherargey with G-E-Y, but I understand.

Senator for Muranga County, Hon. Joe Nyutu.

Senator for Muranga County, Hon. Joe Nyutu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Health on a matter of countywide concern regarding the implementation of the Health Insurance Programme dubbed ‘Kang’ata Care,’ specifically details relating to a payment of Kshs172 million by Kang’ata Care Social Health Authority. The Governor of Murang’a County launched Ka…

Before I call the next Senator to request for a Statement, I have this Communication to make.

[(Interruption of Statements)]

Before I call the next Senator to request for a Statement, I have this Communication to make.

[(Interruption of Statements)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you for the opportunity. The word is Kocholia, the school from Teso North. Students and teachers, you are most welcome. You have come on a very special day. We are basically reading out the roll of fame; who is who in Busia. So, you should be inspired to follow those role models and be the best you can be. All of you have the potential to be very good citizens to contrib…

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you for the opportunity. The word is Kocholia, the school from Teso North. Students and teachers, you are most welcome. You have come on a very special day. We are basically reading out the roll of fame; who is who in Busia. So, you should be inspired to follow those role models and be the best you can be. All of you have the potential to be very good citizens to contrib…

Who is this young brother here? Hon. Sifuna, would you wish to also extend a word of welcome to the young ones? You may proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir and Sen. Okiya Omtatah for the honour and for giving me an opportunity to say a word of welcome to our young brothers from Teso. Welcome to the Senate. It is a privilege for you to experience this. I hope that you get to see all your favourite Senators. I am sure you already have because I am here, but get to interact with them as well and to learn from them. We are hop…

[(Resumption of Statements)]

Hon. Sifuna, having explained your absence to the satisfaction of the Chair, I reinstate the statements by Senator Crystal Asige. You may, therefore, proceed to read those statements.

Indeed, Hon. Speaker. Apologies, I came in late. We had a presentation of candidates today for the by-elections. I was in Kasipul in the company of the Senator for Homa Bay and I came in late. I had been requested to read these statements on behalf of the nominated Senator, Crystal Asige. There are three statements and with your kind permission, I would like to take all of them together. The firs…

Indeed, Hon. Speaker. Apologies, I came in late. We had a presentation of candidates today for the by-elections. I was in Kasipul in the company of the Senator for Homa Bay and I came in late. I had been requested to read these statements on behalf of the nominated Senator, Crystal Asige. There are three statements and with your kind permission, I would like to take all of them together. The firs…

It is a bit hot. I have come from a rally. I think it is ---

I think it is the meal you have consumed because we are in the same environment. It is something that must have ---

Mr. Speaker, Sir, lawyers only sweat during the consumption of a meal, not after.

It may be in liquid form.

Thank you. Hon. Speaker, protect me from Sen. Cherarkey.

[(Sen. Cherarkey spoke off record)]

[[The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) left the Chair]]

Bill and ensuring the teachers are properly trained to identify and support learners with hidden difficulties, we will not only safeguard rights, but also restore confidence and unlock the full potential of every child. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I invite colleagues in this House to support the commendable efforts of the Dyslexia Organization of Kenya, whose mission is to empower individuals with d…

You did not notify the Clerk-at-the Table. Why did you not communicate? Go ahead.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. You know, we are in the league of city Senators, so, it is okay if I read it on behalf of the Senator for Kisumu County.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. You know, we are in the league of city Senators, so, it is okay if I read it on behalf of the Senator for Kisumu County.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I was given three Statements, not two. I pray that I read all of them.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I was given three Statements, not two. I pray that I read all of them.

My second request for statement is on the Stalled Irrigation and Water Supply Projects in Busia County.

Sen. Omtatah, first read the one for the Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, the one you had first approached the Chair with.

It is the one on the East African Court of Justice. I am well guided, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

It is the one on the East African Court of Justice. I am well guided, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

For the other one, first approach the Table as you proceed with the other statements because it is not in my record. Sen. Okiya Omtatah, you can proceed.

[(Sen. Okiya Omtatah consulted with the Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)]

For the other one, first approach the Table as you proceed with the other statements because it is not in my record. Sen. Okiya Omtatah, you can proceed.

[(Sen. Okiya Omtatah consulted with the Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)]

My third request for a Statement is on the stalled irrigation and water supply projects in Busia County. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources on a matter of county-wide

concern regarding several key irrigation and water supply projects in Busia County that remain stalled, incomplete or severely underperforming despite significant public investments. Busia County hosts several high-value public projects intended to boost food security, irrigation and safe water supply, including Sisenye Irrigation Scheme, Bunyala Irrigation Scheme with Lower Nzoia Project Expansi…

Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence, in the public gallery this afternoon, of six students visiting from Arupe University in Teso South, Busia County. The delegation is in the Senate for a study tour. Hon. Senators, in the tradition of receiving and welcoming visitors to Parliament, I extend our warm welcome to the delegation and on behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, w…

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank you. It is good that we have students from Arupe University here. Arupe is just a few kilometers as the crow flies from here. I welcome you to this session. It is historical session, as I have told those who came in before you. It might take another 47 years for us to have another Senate Mashinani Busia. Therefore, take your time, savour the moment. When you look …

[(Resumption of debate on Statements)]

We have two statements and a Standing Order 52 (1) on by Sen. Faki.

We have two statements and a Standing Order 52 (1) on by Sen. Faki.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a statement on a matter of national concern, namely the ongoing strike by the academic staff in public universities. On Monday, on my way to Busia with Sen. Issa Boy, we stopped by Maseno University along the Kisumu-Busia Highway to pay a courtesy call on Dr. Esha Faki Mwinyihaji, a senior lecturer at the inst…

The Union is demanding payment of a sum of Kshs7.9 billion. While we acknowledge that the Government may not have money to pay all that at once, they can enter into negotiations with UASU on how the amount will be paid. As it stands, the students are suffering, yet they have paid for tuition, which is currently not being offered. Further, if urgent measures are not taken to resolve the impasse, a…

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise to second this very important Bill.

It is important to note that this is the third Senate since the new Constitution was enacted. Secondly, this is the 13th cycle of the budget 2012-2013, all the way to 2025-

Devolution is very dear to me. This Bill strengthens devolution because no single ward or no single citizen will say that their ward was allocated X amount of money but nothing was implemented. This will not happen because they will be part and parcel of the process of implementing everything that has been budgeted for. One of my bigger pet peeves is supplementary budgets. Every year, the nationa…

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise to second this very important Bill.

It is important to note that this is the third Senate since the new Constitution was enacted. Secondly, this is the 13th cycle of the budget 2012-2013, all the way to 2025-

Hon. Senators, I will now propose the question.

[(Question proposed)]

is the best solution to the actual problem when it comes to the question of public participation. For me, we would want to tie the loose ends by even ring-fencing the process from political interference----

Madam Temporary Speaker, in the few remaining minutes, I wanted to make my contributions to the Bill by Sen. Ledama Olekina. First of all, my expectation of the Bill would be to address the question of how we exercise oversight and accountability. Our oversight mandate is drawn from Article 96 (3) of the Constitution 2010, that talks about oversight of this House over the national resources that …

to the Senate of the money that goes to our county governments through grants and donor funding. Then, when it comes to accountability, under Article 174(a), it talks about accountable exercise of power. I was hoping that we would use this opportunity that the Bill has presented to enhance accountability at the lowest levels of government. Madam Temporary Speaker, you know that we are in Busia C…

is the best solution to the actual problem when it comes to the question of public participation. For me, we would want to tie the loose ends by even ring-fencing the process from political interference----