Sittings

The Senate session opened with a welcoming address to visiting students and teachers, then moved to a series of Standing Order No.53 requests for statements on critical issues such as teenage pregnancy rates, County Pension Fund administration, support for athletes in non‑mainstream sports, and the proposed Kanthenge Dam project. Procedural exchanges underscored concerns about transparency, governance and resource allocation across counties. The Senate afternoon sitting on 14 May 2026 was dominated by procedural matters, including electronic voting on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Amendment Bill and the Forest Conservation and Management Amendment Bill. Several amendment proposals were withdrawn after consultation, and the session proceeded without substantive debate, focusing on voting divisions and chairperson transitions. Senators raised concerns over the expulsion of 18 pregnant female recruits from the National Police College, calling for gender‑sensitive reforms and compliance with constitutional equality provisions. The Senate also tabled a report on the Forest Conservation and Management Amendment Bill and a request for a statement on the lack of transparency and community benefit sharing in carbon‑credit projects in Samburu County. Procedural interruptions were noted as the debate progressed.

Senators highlighted several pressing issues, including inadequate funding for Parliament, stalled construction of Bukhungu Stadium and Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital, unresolved cases from the Haiti mission, and significant challenges faced by bee farmers in Embu County. The statements collectively called for greater fiscal prioritisation, accountability, and targeted support to address these concerns. Senators debated a draft Bill concerning forest conservation, devolution of an institute's headquarters to Kiambu County, and the potential misuse of forest easements for road construction. The discussion turned contentious with accusations about MPs' language proficiency and challenges to statements made on the floor, while also highlighting the Bill's provisions for accountability and alignment with constitutional and global standards. Senators debated the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, stressing the need for strong forest governance, community ownership, and alignment with international climate commitments. They highlighted issues of forest evictions, duplication of regulatory roles, and praised Kenya’s tree‑planting initiatives while critiquing opposition rhetoric. The discussion blended constructive policy focus with political tension.

The Senate debated the pending Cooperatives Bill, with the Cabinet Secretary outlining the shortcomings of small, election‑driven SACCOs and the need for digitisation and a Deposit Guarantee Fund. He cited grassroots consultations across all counties and urged legislators to back the reforms, while warning against reliance on harambees and unsustainable practices. The Senate struggled to achieve quorum before moving to a question by Sen. Kibwana on safeguarding children in digital spaces. The Cabinet Secretary’s lengthy legal‑focused response prompted the Temporary Speaker and Sen. Khalwale to demand a concise, action‑oriented answer, highlighting concerns over implementation of ICT safeguards. Senators questioned the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy on its response to child online safety, the rise of harmful content and AI‑generated videos, and the need for stronger cyber security strategies and curriculum. They also pressed for accountability mechanisms for digital platforms, referencing the EU Digital Services Act, and sought data on programme implementation across counties. The tone combined concern and criticism with occasional acknowledgment of the Cabinet Secretary’s efforts.

The Senate afternoon sitting opened with quorum and proceeded to welcome a French parliamentary delegation attending the Africa Forward Summit, followed by a visit from teachers and students of Visa Oshwal Junior School. Senators highlighted cultural ties, youth engagement and parliamentary transparency, while a brief procedural clash over speaking time introduced a note of tension. The Senate afternoon sitting dealt with procedural motions to report and approve several bills—including the Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill, Division of Revenue Bill, Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Amendment Bill, and the Kenya National Council for Population and Development Bill—most of them without amendments and moving them to a third reading. Senators moved, seconded, and prepared for divisions, with the Temporary Speaker overseeing the process. The debate was largely procedural with little substantive contention. The Senate conducted multiple divisions on the Health Amendment Bill, with senators voting by county delegations and procedural motions to amend clauses and schedules. A brief debate highlighted concerns over the Equalisation Fund’s unreleased Kshs62 billion and the proposed increase in county allocations. Procedural issues, such as a senator crossing the aisle without bowing, were addressed by the Deputy Speaker.

Senator Maanzo highlighted the need for progressive gender mainstreaming in Kenya, citing constitutional requirements and examples from Rwanda, Uganda and Makueni County, while warning of costs and corruption concerns. The Deputy Speaker deferred the motion and reorganised the order of business, and Senator Crystal Asige moved the Environmental Management and Coordination Amendment Bill for a second reading, acknowledging her co‑sponsor. The session was largely procedural with limited substantive debate. Senators debated a Bill concerning environmental and scientific considerations, urging greater expert input and more substantive contributions from the full Senate. Concerns were raised about the low number of speakers, procedural rules on quorum and standing orders, and the need for amendments before passage. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn the debate under Standing Order No.110. Senators highlighted persistent health sector problems, including stalled capital projects, drug shortages, and poor inventory management, while outlining the committee's follow‑up actions. They also raised concerns over unequal road funding allocations, infrastructure damage from floods, and inconsistencies in cereal weighing standards that affect farmers. The session included procedural updates on upcoming business and pending legislative divisions.

Senators questioned the government’s handling of compensation for communities affected by transmission line, dam and Konza City projects, and challenged the decision to invest in an oil refinery in Tanzania while leasing the historic Mombasa refinery to a foreign firm. The Cabinet Secretary responded by explaining the roles of KETRACO, the National Land Commission and budgetary processes, and pledged continued efforts to resolve compensation and project feasibility issues. The exchange reflected both criticism of perceived delays and a constructive attempt to obtain clarification on policy and budgeting matters. Senators questioned the Ministry on solar‑energy policy, the status of electrification projects in Isiolo and other counties, and asked for detailed household‑connection statistics. The Energy Cabinet Secretary responded by outlining Kenya’s progress toward universal electricity access, the growing contribution of solar to the grid, and the role of the National Infrastructure Fund in financing energy projects, while promising to supply the requested data and accelerate pending works. Senators debated the commercial viability of the Changamwe refinery and announced upcoming crude production from South Lokichar, while questioning the adequacy of output to support a local refinery. The chamber also scrutinised electricity connectivity figures, asking for county‑level data and the role of the infrastructure fund, with occasional tension over perceived political bias.

Sen. Dullo criticised the implementation of the Equalisation Fund, arguing it has deepened marginalisation due to opaque criteria, incomplete projects and misallocation, particularly in northern Kenya. He highlighted specific failures in roads, health facilities and electricity provision, and urged for transparent procedures, public participation and proper monitoring to ensure the fund meets its intended purpose. Sen. Sifuna criticised the current implementation of the Equalisation Fund, arguing that its allocation is insufficient to address the deep‑rooted marginalisation of northern, western and Nyanza regions and to deliver basic services such as electricity, roads and airports. He highlighted the disparity in infrastructure, cited the Adani PPP proposal that favours Nairobi, and called for greater transparency on how national resources are distributed to counties. The debate combined sharp criticism of past and present political decisions with a constructive push for equitable funding and accountability in a future administration. The session was marked by heated exchanges, with Sen. Cherarkey accusing Sen. Khalwale of condescension and personal insults, while the Temporary Speaker intervened. Sen. Khalwale shifted focus to the chronic marginalisation of northern and western regions, critiquing the Equalisation Fund’s implementation and highlighting stark healthcare disparities. The debate also touched on ethnic integration and procedural interruptions.

The Senate accepted Sen. Karen Nyamu’s apology for inappropriate remarks made to a student, cautioned against future disrespect, and ordered the offending remarks to be expunged from the record. The session then moved to procedural matters, with Senators debating a motion to limit debate time on a bill and raising points of order concerning the correct use of standing orders. Tensions arose over procedural interpretations and the role of elders versus formal rules. Senators debated a motion to limit contributions on the Narcotics Bill, specifically concerning miraa and muguka, to 10 minutes per member, leading to procedural disputes over speaking time and the appropriateness of invoking the President's name. The Temporary Speaker clarified her authority and admonished a senator for out‑of‑order remarks, while other senators highlighted the agricultural and cultural significance of miraa and muguka across Kenyan counties. The Senate was notified of the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill forwarded from the National Assembly and scheduled for first reading. The Speaker lauded a youth‑led tree‑planting initiative, urging government support, while Senators raised concerns over the management and encroachment of public agricultural land and a specific market site, requesting committee statements.

Members of the National Assembly celebrated Sebastian Sawe's sub‑two‑hour marathon, with Hon. Ng'elechei notifying the House of his achievement and several MPs offering congratulations and highlighting his inspirational value. The session also welcomed Kiurani Boys High School students, praising their visit as a sign of future leadership. Overall, the debate was marked by national pride and commendation of Kenyan athletic excellence. The Temporary Speaker directed urgent responses to a request for a statement on gender‑based violence incidents in Mombasa County and set a two‑week deadline for the committee’s report, while also managing procedural matters such as tabling a report on the impact of the US/Israel‑Iran conflict on petroleum distribution. MPs expressed concern over the GBV cases, praised the Cabinet Secretary’s service, and emphasized the need for swift procedural compliance. The session combined substantive issue‑focused debate with routine parliamentary administration. Members highlighted the need for private and public investment in sports facilities across Kenya, praising recent government projects such as new stadiums and increased award payouts. They celebrated athlete Sebastian Sawe’s achievements and urged broader support for a range of sports, from football to boxing and emerging games like Fadel. The discussion was largely constructive, with minor disagreements on the role of stadiums versus other facilities.

Sen. Cherarkey used the floor to urge the President to assent to the National Disaster Risk Management Bill and to adopt preventive disaster measures, while also criticizing the current administration’s economic record and the Kenya Revenue Authority’s taxation of athletes. He highlighted the achievements of marathon runner Sebastian Sawe and called for tax relief for sportspeople, and later Sen. Chute moved to defer the question on the Division of Revenue Bill, which the Deputy Speaker accepted. Senators discussed the challenges facing coffee farming in Bungoma, calling for better funding, extension officers and value‑addition measures, while also raising concerns about cross‑border coffee theft. The chamber then debated the merits of a centralized county payroll system and the ongoing issue of Kenyan youths being recruited to fight in Russia and Ukraine, with the government presenting figures on repatriations and urging factual, non‑political debate. Senators highlighted critical gaps in special education, calling for increased funding, more teachers, and dedicated schools for learners with disabilities, while also urging counties to adopt integrated payroll systems to curb corruption and protect employee benefits. Proposals included expanding STEM scholarships for disabled learners and improving infrastructure and equipment for special needs schools.

The session opened with a heated exchange where Senators accused each other of using the term “goon,” prompting laughter and procedural interjections. The House then adopted a report on a petition concerning discrimination and rights violations of clinical officers, with Sen. Mariam Omar urging swift implementation of HR guidelines. The sitting concluded with a warm welcome to a student delegation and routine procedural matters. The Deputy Speaker announced that a bill to separate the National Treasury from the Ministry of Finance is nearing completion and called for amendments to the Public Finance Management Act to restore public control over money, including similar reforms at the county level. He criticised current fiscal mismanagement, unbudgeted presidential projects, and the conflation of political patronage with development, urging stronger accountability and democratic balance. The remarks combined criticism of existing practices with a constructive push for reform. Senators debated the implementation of devolution, stressing the need for greater county funding and stricter accountability of governors over allocated resources. The discussion devolved into procedural clashes, personal remarks about language and media affiliations, and repeated points of order between Sen. Methu, Sen. Cherarkey and the Deputy Speaker. While the underlying issue of fiscal oversight was raised constructively, the tone was marked by tension and confrontational exchanges.

The Senate session was unable to achieve a quorum despite two calls for members to attend. The Speaker announced the adjournment of the sitting until later the same day, citing Standing Order No.40 (2).

Members debated the accountability of forest rangers under the IPOA, citing incidents of excessive force and calling for clearer oversight. The House considered amendments to ensure that representatives on the Kenya Forest Service board come from registered community forest associations, with differing views on the selection process. Procedural motions were moved to amend clauses and advance the legislation, reflecting a constructive yet contested discussion. The National Assembly debated several amendments to the forestry bill, including provision of technical assistance for agroforestry, removal of duplicate training provisions, and clarification of buffer‑zone rules. Members expressed concerns about how the 100‑metre buffer might affect private land and homes near forests, while the Chair clarified that the zones would be confined to public land. The discussion was largely procedural but featured constructive exchanges over implementation details. The session began with quorum procedures before Hon. Amina Mnyazi raised a request for a statement on the delayed operationalisation of the Malindi Civil Registration Centre, to which the committee chair indicated a response after recess. A procedural motion was moved and seconded to exempt a business item from standing order restrictions, followed by discussion of a forestation bill aimed at meeting Kenya’s tree‑cover goals. The House concluded the debate on the bill.

The session began with Hon. Ruweida Mohamed urging increased budget allocations for committee cases, which the Speaker deferred to after recess. The main business was Hon. Major Abdullahi Sheikh moving a motion to approve Dr Julius Murori Mbijiwe as Kenya’s first resident ambassador to the Vatican, with the committee highlighting his qualifications but noting concerns over cost‑benefit justification and preparedness. The committee concluded there were no legal impediments and recommended approval. Members debated the nomination of a Kenyan ambassador to the Holy See, framing it as a contribution to global peace and cooperation, and subsequently moved to approve the appointment of a chairperson and members to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, highlighting their expertise in unity, hate‑speech mitigation, and inclusive development. The discussion was largely constructive, emphasizing qualifications and the commission’s role in fostering national cohesion. Members raised concerns over the incomplete link roads to the Ngong‑Suswa Highway, highlighting traffic congestion, road deterioration and the need for telecom infrastructure along the route. The Speaker directed the Chair of the Regional Development Committee to provide a statement on the government's flood response, after which a detailed briefing outlined relief supplies delivered to affected counties. The debate combined criticism of infrastructure gaps with a factual overview of humanitarian assistance.

Senators repeatedly expressed frustration over procedural delays and confusion surrounding the Division of Revenue Bill, questioning the Senate Majority Leader's handling of the business and the timing of its debate. While some members sought clarification and urged for constructive discussion, others highlighted the bill's critical impact on their counties and called for its timely consideration. The debate was marked by a mix of criticism, procedural concerns, and attempts at collaborative resolution. Senators highlighted severe funding gaps for teachers, including delayed salaries, inadequate health benefits, and lack of teaching resources, while also raising concerns about agricultural support, deteriorating road infrastructure to rice‑growing areas, and the impact of imported rice on local markets. The debate shifted to the Division of Revenue Bill, with arguments that devolution costs must be transparently sourced from the independent Commission on Revenue Allocation. Overall, the session combined criticism of current budget allocations with calls for clearer, equitable financing mechanisms. Sen. Osotsi criticised the lack of transparency on Kenya’s public debt and warned that the Division of Revenue Bill could be unconstitutional without accurate figures, urging stronger oversight and higher devolution funding of at least Ksh450 billion. Sen. Munyi Mundigi, speaking in Swahili, highlighted chronic under‑funding of county services such as health promoters, teacher salaries, school infrastructure and agricultural inputs, also calling for the same Ksh450 billion allocation to improve service delivery. Both senators emphasized the need for greater accountability and adequate resources to support devolution.

Members raised several requests for statements, including the creation of administrative units in Ijara to address security and service delivery gaps, and the urgent upgrading of the Subukia‑Mwangaza‑Simboyoni‑Kanyotu‑Mbogoini road to support agricultural livelihoods. Hon. Caroli Omondi highlighted concerns over the leasing of sugar mills, alleging assets were given away for free and revenue is being lost. The Speaker managed procedural scheduling, deferring responses to later in the week, reflecting both constructive debate and frustration over delays. Members debated a proposed amendment to exempt capital gains tax on property transfers between companies and their shareholders during reorganisations, emphasizing its role in reducing double taxation and fostering a more attractive investment climate. The mover detailed safeguards to prevent abuse, such as proportional distribution and subsidiary share conditions, and thanked contributors for their support. The overall tone was constructive and supportive of the progressive change. Members condemned the recent deadly attacks on the Kamba community, describing them as heinous and calling for immediate government protection, stronger policing, and regulation of unlicensed firearms. They also highlighted related issues such as drought, poor road infrastructure, and the need for coordinated security operations, while some praised development progress but urged faster action on security. The debate emphasized accountability of security agencies and the urgency of addressing the underlying causes of violence.

Members debated the pricing disparity between tea produced in the Western and Eastern Rift Valley, attributing lower prices to quality assurance lapses, inconsistent grading, and inadequate factory management. They called for stricter adherence to quality protocols, transparent communication from the KTDA, and better‑qualified board members, while also urging market expansion to improve farmer earnings. The discussion was largely constructive but highlighted significant criticisms of certain factories and governance practices. The National Assembly appointed Hon. Dick Maungu as interim Chair of the Public Investments Committee to maintain its work during an ongoing Powers and Privileges inquiry. Members moved to extend the bribery investigation into Hon. Jack Wanami Wamboka and to designate Hon. Samuel Chepkong’a as chair of the Committee of Powers and Privileges, emphasizing the committee’s experienced composition. The debate was largely procedural and focused on ensuring continuity and fairness in oversight functions. Members highlighted the low earnings of tea farmers, blaming broker dominance, inadequate factory leadership and inefficiencies within KTDA. They called for electing knowledgeable farmers, improving oversight of KTDA, and addressing government actions that hurt export markets. The debate combined criticism of the status quo with constructive proposals to boost farmer incomes.

The Senate session began with procedural matters and a motion to strengthen the Senate’s link with county governments. Senators then sought statements on several issues: excessive police force during an Embu County protest, delayed health fund disbursements in Bungoma, the status of the Bachuma Disease‑Free Zone livestock centre in Taita Taveta, and controversial comments by the EACC chairperson linking women to corruption. The debates reflected concern and criticism alongside calls for constructive oversight. Senators condemned the recent police shootings of two young men in Embu County and called for a swift, transparent investigation and accountability from the police hierarchy. They also raised concerns about excessive hospital fees for childbirth and urged the government to address systemic issues such as police training, crowd‑control capacity, and the need for bipartisan dialogue. Proposals were made for a dedicated committee to engage with police leadership away from the public eye to find lasting solutions. The Senate Majority Leader outlined the pending legislative agenda, noting 64 bills at various stages and urging senators to stay for upcoming votes. Senators raised concerns about delayed disbursement of Social Health Authority funds, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and the need for Usalama medical cover for police, calling for committee action. The session combined procedural updates with substantive health and security issues.

Senators raised serious concerns about the deteriorating health infrastructure in Nandi County, highlighting unpaid nurse stipends, unsanitary hospital conditions, and inadequate newborn facilities. They called for the enforcement of collective bargaining agreements, absorption of Global Fund staff, and stronger devolution of health services to improve UHC, TB care, and overall service delivery. Senators highlighted severe gaps in health infrastructure, including non‑functional mortuaries and inadequate maternity units, and criticised the implementation of the Linda Mama/Jamii health insurance scheme. They also raised chronic issues affecting clinical officers such as unpaid salaries, contractual insecurity, and lack of career progression, urging the government to secure financing and improve drug availability. While some praise was given to the Cabinet Secretary and Kenya's economic status, the overall tone was one of frustration and demand for corrective action. Sen. M. Kajwang praised the committee report on clinical officers, highlighted their critical role and recent 135‑day strike, and called for the empanelment of roughly 1,000 facilities and the right to pre‑authorise medical claims. He urged the Senate to allocate an additional Kshs8.94 billion to county governments to fund the return‑to‑work formula and stressed the need for county accountability in using the funds.

Members debated the appropriate use of RMLF funds for road works, with one MP defending a policy of tarmacking rather than grading temporary roads and contrasting constituency needs. The Deputy Speaker then addressed a privilege complaint involving the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, outlining procedural steps, questioning the complaint’s timing, and emphasizing the need for a fair, constitutionally‑guided investigation. The discussion highlighted tensions over resource allocation and parliamentary oversight mechanisms. Hon. John Mutunga Kanyuithia highlighted the tea sector’s critical role in Kenya’s economy while exposing deep‑seated problems such as regional price disparities, higher production costs in the Western Rift Valley, and governance lapses like inflated allowances. The committee’s evidence‑based inquiry pointed to quality differentials, transport and labor cost differentials, and energy pricing as key drivers of farmer disaffection, calling for reforms to ensure fairness and sustainability. The debate highlighted serious governance and operational challenges in Kenya's tea sector, including scale fraud, opaque inter‑factory loans, and over‑reliance on a narrow export market. Hon. Dr. John Mutunga Kanyuithia presented a series of recommendations—ranging from independent audits and power‑wheeling to factory modernisation, market diversification and legislative review—to restore profitability and protect farmers. The House was asked to adopt the report and move the motion forward.

Hon. Dorothy Muthoni questioned why serious allegations raised in July 2025 were only communicated in April 2026 and urged protection of the House's integrity. Hon. Wanami Wamboka defended his role as chair of the Public Investments Committee, detailed alleged Ksh132 million misappropriation by former NCIC commissioners, and criticised the handling of letters and the decision to debate the matter on the floor. Both speakers called for proper procedures and safeguards to prevent the House from being crippled by unresolved disputes. Members debated a Bill proposing a 30% local‑content reservation for multinational cement and steel firms operating along the Athi River corridor, urging that benefits flow to host communities. The speakers voiced strong support for the Bill while highlighting concerns over foreign‑owned contracts, job losses to expatriates and the need for clear implementation timelines to protect Kenyan youth and reduce unemployment. Hon. Stephen Mule urged support for the Prevention of Livestock and Produce Theft Bill, citing recent cattle thefts in his constituency and calling for electronic branding, tracking and stronger penalties to deter criminals. He emphasized the bill’s importance for small‑scale farmers and urged county governments to implement effective measures, while the Temporary Speaker deferred the question on the bill. The debate highlighted both the bill’s potential benefits and concerns over current penalty provisions and enforcement mechanisms.

Members praised the proposed Local Content Bill as essential for creating jobs and industrialising Kenya, citing missed opportunities in projects like the SGR, housing, and public transport where imported materials and goods have displaced local manufacturers. They criticised the current reliance on foreign supplies—cement, bolts, furniture, buses, and fertilizer—and urged strict enforcement of local procurement to boost domestic industry and protect the economy. Members debated the reduction of VAT on fuel from 16 % to 8 % as a short‑term measure to cushion Kenyans from rising global oil prices, with several MPs urging even lower rates or a permanent solution. The discussion also highlighted concerns about the oscillating tax regime, substandard fuel imports, and the untapped potential of Kenya’s own oil reserves, while calling for coordinated action on transport fares and accountability of senior officials. Members debated the ongoing investigation into a child's drowning in Gilgil, pressing for the pending toxicology and DNA reports and clarifying which committee should oversee the case. The Speaker highlighted the need for a clear timeline, accountability for school safety, and urged the government to provide a response. MPs pledged to obtain the required forensic reports and seek a cabinet secretary’s reply.

Members highlighted the constitutional imperative for public participation and the problems caused by the absence of a uniform law, which has led to inconsistent judicial interpretations and nullified decisions. The House discussed the 21‑clause Public Participation Bill, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines on responsible authorities, notice periods, and communication models, while also considering the interaction between national and county participation statutes. Members debated the need for clear, quantitative guidelines to define adequate and meaningful public participation in the legislative process, noting current ambiguities and the risk of costly, ineffective consultations. They called for specific thresholds on notice periods, participation numbers, and submission handling to improve accountability and reduce litigation, while acknowledging the challenges of implementation. Hon. David Gikaria highlighted shortcomings in the current public participation framework, calling for clearer notice, multilingual access, and stronger penalties for non‑compliance. Hon. Ruweida Mohamed reinforced the need for genuine, accessible participation, citing transport costs and inadequate incorporation of citizen input into legislation. Both speakers urged greater transparency and coordination to avoid duplicated efforts between the Assembly and Senate.