Senate · Afternoon Sitting

Wednesday, 9 November 2022

Session Summary

Senators discussed the appointment of the new Inspector General, emphasizing the need for improved welfare, remuneration, and housing for police officers. They condemned past extrajudicial killings and called for accountability, while urging financial independence and mental‑health support for the police service. The debate reflected both optimism about reforms and concern over persistent challenges. Senators unanimously supported the motion to appoint Eng. Koome as the next Inspector General of Police, emphasizing his professional background and the need for fresh leadership. They highlighted persistent security challenges—including urban crime, cattle rustling, and drug abuse—as well as systemic issues such as police corruption, recruitment irregularities, and excessive traffic roadblocks, urging the new IG to address these problems. The debate also touched on broader development concerns, notably the impact of insecurity on tourism and regional projects like dam construction in the Kerio Valley. Senators debated the nomination of seven members to the Public Service Commission, emphasizing the need for trusteeship, accountability and representation of women and regional interests. While most speakers expressed confidence and gratitude for the nominees, some warned against self‑interest and stressed vigilance over future conduct. The discussion highlighted bipartisan cooperation but also underscored concerns about welfare and ethical standards for appointed officials.

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Hon. Senators, we have a visiting delegation from the Nigeria this afternoon. I would like to acknowledge the presence, in the Speaker’s Gallery, of a visiting delegation from the Nigerian National Assembly Service Commission (NNASC) , who are here on a benchmarking visit. The delegation comprises of directors and it is led by the Secretary of the Commission. I request each member of the delegati…

[(Applause)]

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Hon. Senators, I have a Message from the National Assembly, No.003, which is, Approval of Members of Parliament for appointment to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) .

[(Sen. Munyi Mundigi walked into the Chamber)]

[(Loud consultations)]

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Sen. Munyi Mundigi, take a seat or freeze.

[(Several Hon. Senators stood at the Bar)]

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Kindly, find your way in as I read this Message. Sen. Korir, I wish you could be faster than that.

[(Sen. Korir stood at the Bar)]

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Sen. Korir

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, you are on your feet.

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Yes, I will give you latitude to get to your seat. Hon. Senators I will repeat.

[(Sen. Korir walked into the Chamber and took her seat)]

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Hon. Senators, I wish to report to the Senate that pursuant to Standing Order No.46 (3) and (4) , I have received the following Message from the Speaker of the National Assembly regarding the approval by the National Assembly of Members of Parliament for appointment to the Parliamentary Service Commission. Pursuant to the said Standing Order, I now report the Message- “PURSUANT to the provisions …

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Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, 9th November, 2022:

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Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statement of Samburu County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021. Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statement of Samburu County Community Conservancies Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021. Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statement of Garissa Water & Sewerage Company Ltd for the year ende…

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

I was waiting for the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.

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Sen. Cheptumo

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, 9th November, 2022- Report of the Joint Committee on the Approval Hearing for Eng. Japhet Koome Nchebere, the nominee for appointment to the position of Inspector General of the National Police Service.

[(Sen. Cheptumo laid the documents on the Table)]

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

There was another Paper by the Senate Majority Leader, but you will do that later. Let us go to the next Order.

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Proceed, Chairperson of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.

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Sen. Cheptumo

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to give Notice of the following Motion: THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Joint Committeee of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs and the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Affairs on the approval hearing for the nominee to

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Sen. Cheptumo

the position of Inspector General of the National Police Service, laid on the Table of the Senate on Wednesday, 9th November, 2022, and pursuant to Article 245(2)(a) of the Constitution, Section 12 of the National Police Service Act, Section 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, and Standing Order 77 of the Senate, the Senate approves the nomination of Eng. Japhet Koome Nchebe…

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Thank you, Chairperson, Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations. There was also a Notice of Motion by the Senate Majority Leader. I will give him an opportunity to give the Notice of Motion when he is around. Let us go to the next Order.

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

We will have Statements pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) . Senator for Machakos County, Sen. Kavindu Muthama, seek your Statement.

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Sen. Kavindu Muthama

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to read my Statement. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industrialization, regarding the Revocation Notice of Drumvale Farmers’ Co-Operative Society Limited vide Gazette Notice No.8427. In the Statement, the Committee should -

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Sorry, Sen. Kavindu Muthama.

[(Laughter)]

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

bowed to the Chair and took her seat) Yes, that is good. Sen. Kavindu Muthama, proceed.

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Sen. Kavindu Muthama

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. We should remember the rules of this House. I will repeat No. 2.

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Thank you, Senator. This Statement is referred to the Standing Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industrialisation. Let us move to the next Statement by Sen. Munyi Mundigi.

[(The Statement was committed to the Standing Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industrialisation)]

[(Sen. Munyi Mundigi’s microphone went off)]

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Move to the Dispatch Box.

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Sen. Munyi Mundigi

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, regarding the delayed payment to transport providers during and after the August, 2022, General Elections by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Embu County. In the Statement, the Committee should -

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Thank you. The Statement is referred to the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights. We have the third Statement, pursuant to Standing Order No. (56) (1) Sen. Murgor, proceed.

[(The Statement was committed to the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights)]

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

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Sen. Murgor

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Committee had invited all Senators to the meeting of the Committee with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the National Treasury, and it was scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, 10th November, 2022, at 10.00. a.m. However, we have just received communication from the National Treasury, which is the lead Ministry in this matter, requesting for a re-schedule …

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The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

Okay. That is well noted Chair. Next Order.

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Sen. Cheruiyot

THAT, Pursuant to the provisions of Article 127(2) of the Constitution, the Senate approves the appointment of the following Members of Parliament to the Parliamentary Service Commission-

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The Speaker (Hon. Kingi)

Next Order!

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The Speaker (Hon. Kingi)

Hon. Senators, there being no other business, the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, 10th November, 2022, at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 6.10 p.m.