Sittings

Sen. Murkomen reflected on his ten‑year tenure in the Senate, highlighting his roles in devolution, county public accounts, and legislative reforms while defending the Senate's constitutional mandate. He criticized the National Assembly and occasional executive interference, and announced his resignation, expressing both pride in achievements and regret for unfinished work. The session began with Sen. Joe Nyutu congratulating Sen. Murkomen on his new appointment and highlighting the need to complete the Kenol‑Marua road, followed by Sen. Murkomen’s extensive thank‑you remarks to colleagues, staff and his family as he prepares to leave the Senate. Subsequent senators used the floor to request statements from standing committees on data‑storage localisation and on compensation for compulsory land acquisition linked to halted coal‑power projects in Lamu, while a brief interjection raised concerns about hospital parking fees. Senators used the afternoon sitting to congratulate Kipchumba Murkomen on his appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, praising his past contributions and urging swift, non‑political action on road projects. They highlighted specific infrastructure gaps in counties such as Tana River and Kitui, and referenced the shortcomings of the previous administration while expressing confidence in the new leadership.

The debate focused on the approval of Cabinet Secretary nominees, with Hon. Peter Makau urging the House to endorse Hon. Peninah Malonza despite questions about her qualifications, emphasizing gender representation and parliamentary oversight. Other members, notably Hon. Sarah Korere, praised the President while highlighting broader challenges such as corruption, rising food and fuel prices, security concerns, and deficits in education and basic rights. The discussion combined supportive arguments for the Cabinet list with criticism of systemic issues affecting Kenyans. Members debated the suitability of nominated officials, weighing integrity concerns such as pending legal cases against their professional qualifications and regional representation. While some speakers criticised alleged misconduct and called for stricter vetting, others defended the nominees, highlighting their experience, tax compliance and contributions to development, particularly in agriculture and women’s representation. The discussion reflected a balance of criticism and commendation regarding the appointment process. Members debated the Teacher Service Commission’s deployment and delocalisation practices, highlighting cases of non‑performing teachers being transferred to remote areas and the adverse impact on families. Hon. Victor Koech moved an amendment to review and devolve teacher recruitment to the zonal level, receiving support from Hon. Cynthia Muge. The discussion combined criticism of the current system with constructive proposals for policy reform.

Members of the National Assembly offered congratulations and thanks to Hon. Duale and Hon. Alice Wahome on their appointments to the Executive, praising their service, mentorship and leadership within the House. The speeches also highlighted the importance of women’s representation, the need for continued parliamentary oversight of the Executive, and calls for greater support to constituency development funds. Overall the tone was appreciative and forward‑looking. Hon. Gideon Ochanda condemned the current teacher delocalisation policy as a punitive, non‑participatory process that has displaced many senior teachers and disrupted communities. He argued that the issue stems from flawed recruitment and deployment practices and urged the Temporary Speaker and the TSC to replace delocalisation with standard civil‑servant transfer procedures, ensuring proper notice and voluntary participation. The debate called for a review of the policy and a more transparent, humane approach to teacher transfers. Members used the session to congratulate and thank senior leaders such as Aden Duale and Alice Wahome, praising their contributions to gender representation, water and sanitation, and national leadership. The speeches were largely appreciative, interspersed with personal anecdotes and light‑hearted remarks about political careers and friendships.

Senator Nyamu highlighted the excessive parking fees and the inadequate, cramped parking facilities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nairobi, urging county governments to create a harmonised framework. She detailed how limited space, short grace periods, and misuse of designated PWD slots compromise dignity and safety, calling for stronger enforcement and inclusive planning. The debate combined criticism of current policies with calls for constructive reforms. The Senate confirmed quorum and laid a series of Auditor‑General reports covering the financial statements of several counties and funds. Senators then paid tribute to the late boxing legend Philip Waruinge, highlighting his poverty in death and urging the Ministry of Sports to improve support for retired athletes. The remarks were supported by fellow senators, blending procedural business with criticism of government neglect of sports veterans. Senators repeatedly highlighted that former councilors received only minimal allowances and now live in poverty without pension or health benefits, urging the Senate to consider a lump‑sum payment or pension scheme. They extended the concern to current MCAs and governors, noting similar gaps in social security and labeling the situation as discriminatory. The debate called for urgent legislative action to address these inequities among past and present elected officials.

Hon. Titus Khamala condemned the 2018 teacher delocalisation policy, arguing it was implemented without stakeholder consultation and has devastated teachers' welfare, families and community cohesion. He called on the Teachers Service Commission to respect teachers as human beings, consider cultural and local contexts, and adopt a holistic, participatory approach to improve education outcomes. The debate also featured a brief exchange with Hon. Omboko Milemba over parliamentary decorum. Members debated the vetting of cabinet nominees, focusing on the rejection of Ms. Penina Malonza and questioning the majority party’s handling of the committee process. Hon. Junet Mohamed highlighted regional and ethnic imbalances in the current cabinet composition and raised concerns about a nominee facing a serious criminal case. The exchange featured sharp criticisms, procedural points of order, and calls for adherence to constitutional principles. Hon. Robert Mbui criticised the wealth of cabinet nominees, urged that wealth declarations be backed by proof, and raised integrity concerns over three rejected candidates, including alleged criminal cases. Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah countered, asserting that the roles of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Deputy President are clearly defined by the President’s executive order and that Mbui’s remarks were out of order. The Temporary Speaker managed points of order and limited the debate’s duration.

Senators voiced strong concern over corruption and unfinished county projects, urging oversight committees to ensure completion and hold governors accountable. They also debated the composition of these committees, urging opposition representation, and questioned whether additional funds should be allocated to counties amid mismanagement. The motion to strengthen committee oversight was broadly supported despite the critical tone. Senators used the afternoon sitting to highlight the ongoing human‑wildlife conflict in Taita Taveta and the lack of compensation for affected communities, while also seeking a statement on healthcare services at Vihiga County Hospital. The Speaker intervened to resolve procedural disputes over the wording of statements and directed the matters to the appropriate committees. The session combined constructive calls for action with tension over parliamentary procedure. Senators discussed the importance of the Committee on Delegated Legislation in ensuring that devolution functions effectively and that regulations comply with the Constitution and public participation. They also highlighted the Senate's role in holding governors accountable through anti‑corruption mechanisms and referenced duties related to the East African Legislative Assembly. A brief procedural dispute over addressing the Temporary Speaker underscored tensions but was resolved with an apology.

Senators debated the effectiveness of county oversight, urging the use of special audits and more proactive committee visits to curb mismanagement and stalled projects. They criticised governors for evading accountability and highlighted delays in Auditor‑General reports, while proposing a split of committees into accounts and investments to improve oversight. The discussion combined criticism with constructive suggestions for stronger parliamentary scrutiny. Senators debated the need for robust oversight of county governors, warning that political party influence could undermine committee work. They emphasized the role of key Senate committees—Public Accounts, Public Investments, and Special Funds—in ensuring accountability, while also touching on salary perceptions and the independence of the judiciary. Praise was offered to individual members, but concerns about interference and procedural challenges were evident. Senators urged that committee hearings involving governors be broadcast live to enhance transparency and allow constituents to see the scrutiny. They reaffirmed the Senate’s mandate, backed the proposed committee members, and highlighted the need for follow‑up on audit reports, PPP arrangements and the upcoming special fund oversight. The session concluded with procedural adjournment.

The Deputy Speaker was urged to give priority to new members for maiden speeches, and Hon. Elsie Muhanda moved a motion calling for an immediate school‑feeding policy to address child hunger and improve school attendance. She highlighted the severity of food insecurity, budgetary and infrastructural challenges, and urged coordinated government action and funding. The debate combined procedural courtesy with a strong, urgent appeal for policy and resource support for vulnerable learners. Members expressed gratitude to President Ruto and highlighted his development agenda, but the bulk of the debate focused on the severe drought affecting northern Kenya, especially Samburu, Wajir South and surrounding counties. They urged the government and development partners to fast‑track relief, water, school feeding and long‑term climate‑adaptation measures, while also raising concerns about constituency size and service delivery. Hon. Mohammed Adow highlighted the positive impact of school feeding but warned that teacher shortages in North Eastern Kenya undermine its benefits, urging the Teachers Service Commission to redeploy staff. Hon. Mark Mwenje, in his maiden speech, outlined chronic infrastructure deficits, land‑title issues, overcrowded schools, and funding concerns such as NG‑CDF allocation and the hustlers’ fund, calling for concrete government action. Both speakers combined gratitude for their constituencies with sharp criticism of current policies and implementation gaps.

The Senate afternoon sitting opened with quorum and the Deputy Speaker welcomed a delegation from Makueni County Assembly’s Hansard department, with several senators praising and encouraging the visit. The House then moved to lay a series of Auditor General reports covering financial statements of various county executive funds and water & sanitation companies. The proceedings were courteous and focused on oversight and capacity building. The Senate debated a motion to approve senators nominated to serve on various standing committees, with the majority and minority leaders expressing support and highlighting the importance of the work. While most contributions were procedural and commendatory, there was criticism over the omission of a respected legal scholar from the Justice Committee and calls for more inclusive nominations. Senators presented motions urging the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing and Physical Planning and the Council of Governors to address exorbitant urban parking fees, and called on the Ministry of Health to integrate mental health services into perinatal care. The session also featured procedural exchanges, including points of order and remarks on recognizing athletes with diplomatic benefits. Overall, the debate combined constructive policy proposals with moments of tension.

Hon. Amos Maina urged the upcoming Cabinet to prioritize the local mwananchi, youth representation and the adoption of ICT across ministries. Hon. Titus Lotee, in his maiden speech, thanked his constituents, highlighted the importance of maintaining the one‑third gender rule during CS vetting, called for strict adherence to standing orders so Cabinet Secretaries answer Parliament directly, and drew attention to the needs of historically marginalized and insecure regions. Hon. Bidu Mohamed used his maiden speech to condemn the chronic insecurity, drought‑related livestock deaths and chronic under‑development in Isiolo and the wider northern region, urging the new government to relocate military bases, ensure equitable benefits from projects such as LAPSSET and address land‑ownership issues. The remainder of the sitting was dominated by procedural points of order and motions before the Deputy Speaker. The session began with a point of order about pre‑empting debate on appointment names, after which Hon. Opiyo Wandayi stressed the need for integrity and fairness in the Committee on Appointments. Hon. Amos Mwago then expressed his constituents’ optimism about economic liberalisation, affordable housing and trade reforms, while warning against displacement and urging careful vetting of nominees. The debate combined hopeful expectations with concerns over implementation and procedural fairness.

Members highlighted the severe drought affecting arid and semi‑arid regions, causing acute food insecurity, livestock deaths and human‑wildlife conflict, and urged urgent government action. They referenced existing policies such as the Ending Drought Emergency Strategy and called for accelerated interventions like water trucking, dam construction and climate‑resilient programmes. The debate combined concern over the crisis with constructive suggestions for policy and infrastructure responses. Members highlighted the chronic drought and water scarcity affecting arid and semi‑arid regions, criticizing historic neglect and corruption that have hampered investment in pastoralist livelihoods. They called for accelerated government action on water infrastructure such as dams, improved roads and electricity, and stressed the need for equitable resource allocation, while also noting recent personal achievements and the significance of increased female representation. The afternoon sitting addressed Kenya’s drought challenges, with Hon. Irene Mayaka proposing a solar‑powered desalination plant and hydroponic farming as long‑term solutions. Hon. Joseph Emathe delivered his maiden speech, thanking his constituents and outlining his agenda for resilience, education, health and investment in Turkana. Hon. Ruweida Mohamed highlighted the acute drought in Lamu, the impact on livestock and food security, and urged the government to treat the crisis as a national emergency and allocate water resources accordingly.

The Senate session focused on procedural matters, including laying Auditor‑General reports for several counties and reorganising the order of business. Senators discussed and approved the calendar for the first session of the 13th Parliament, outlining afternoon sitting times, recess periods, and plans for a second induction session for new members. The debate also touched on the composition of standing committees and the need for flexibility in scheduling to accommodate members' commitments. Senators engaged in a heated exchange over points of order, with the Deputy Speaker and others accusing Senator Faki of misleading the House about party affiliation and the majority‑minority balance. The debate focused on clarifying the status of UDM‑elected senators, respecting previous speaker rulings, and maintaining parliamentary discipline. Senators welcomed students from the Leadership Academy, urging them to see beyond procedural points of order and experience substantive debate on issues like education and health. The chamber also debated a motion on approving the Senate calendar, emphasizing the historical independence of the legislature from the executive and paying tribute to past members. While the tone was largely constructive, some speakers expressed disappointment that the session was dominated by procedural matters.

Hon. Cynthia Muge introduced herself, thanked constituents and praised the President’s detailed speech, emphasizing her commitment to oversight and development. Hon. Peter Nabulindo congratulated leadership, lauded the NG‑CDF, but voiced disappointment that the President omitted any commitment to revive the Mumias Sugar Company, urging government intervention for the sugar‑dependent region. Members raised concerns over the stagnant sugarcane sector, youth unemployment and the need for concrete economic revival plans, while also highlighting local issues such as unsafe school routes, GMO safety, and cross‑border security. Praise was given to the Deputy Speaker and the maturing of Kenya's democracy, with calls for greater governmental accountability and continued investment in education. Members of the National Assembly praised President Ruto’s address, highlighting achievements such as the NG‑CDF, the Competency Based Curriculum, drought relief measures, and the increased representation of women in the Cabinet. They also commended constitutional reforms, including the appointment of judges, the operationalisation of the Judiciary Fund and the devolution of judicial services to constituencies, while urging caution on separation of powers. Overall, the debate was supportive and forward‑looking, with calls for continued delivery on policy promises.

Senators debated the President's inaugural address, focusing on his commitments to strengthen the judiciary and fight corruption, and clarifying procedural matters such as the role of cabinet secretaries and constitutional amendment mechanisms. The discussion also highlighted the government's agenda on affordable credit for small entrepreneurs and reforms to the tax regime, with members urging constructive support despite differing interpretations of the speech. Senator Veronica Maina praised President Ruto’s opening address, emphasizing the re‑election of MPs, the rise in women’s representation, the need for gender parity and the President’s call for national unity and issue‑based politics. The Deputy Speaker repeatedly intervened on procedural grounds, reminding the Senator to follow standing orders and limiting her reading from notes. The exchange combined constructive endorsement with procedural tension, giving the debate a mixed tone. Sen. Okiya Omtatah condemned corruption, called for zero‑tolerance policies, and urged greater judicial independence and funding, while emphasizing bipartisan oversight of the Presidency and the need to return research institution lands. Sen. Miraj highlighted concerns over undisclosed port funds, the impact of privatized air ticketing on tourism, and urged investment reforms including NSSF savings. Both speakers called for reforms to boost Kenya’s economic development.

Hon. Adan Keynan praised the President’s speech and highlighted the importance of the NG‑CDF, diaspora diplomacy and Kenya’s role on the global stage while urging continued support for it. He warned of pressing challenges such as drought, inflation, unemployment and the need to revive agricultural and livestock sectors, calling for collective parliamentary action. The member concluded by emphasizing unity among MPs regardless of political differences. The afternoon sitting focused on procedural disputes over the determination of majority and minority parties, with members expressing anxiety about the House's paralysis. Several MPs used the floor to congratulate leadership and raise constituency concerns such as affordable housing, the Hustler Fund, stalled market projects, and water infrastructure. The debate featured a blend of formal contention, applause, and occasional levity. Members highlighted the acute drought‑induced hunger affecting Garissa and other northern counties, urging the President to prioritize relief and national unity. The debate also covered agricultural challenges, calling for continued input subsidies, the revival of dam projects, and a reclassification of banditry as terrorism to curb violence in the Kerio Valley. Procedural remarks by the Deputy Speaker underscored the need to manage maiden‑speech timings.

Hon. Gitonga Mukunji urged the government to digitise fund disbursements, improve fertilizer and seed supply, achieve food self‑sufficiency and strengthen anti‑corruption institutions while increasing NG‑CDF allocations for education. Hon. Wanami Wamboka called for inclusive governance, equitable distribution of resources, and highlighted long‑delayed road projects in marginalized regions, urging the President to address regional imbalances. Hon. Njeri Maina praised the President’s brief speech, urged full access to subsidised fertiliser for all farmers and called for urgent action on youth unemployment, mental health and substance abuse. Hon. Hussein Weytan highlighted severe insecurity in Mandera, the lack of tarmac roads, inadequate pay for border police, and chronic poverty, urging the government to improve infrastructure, provide clean water, affordable housing and employment opportunities. Both members combined commendation with strong criticism of gaps in service delivery. Both Hon. Onesmus Ngogoyo and Hon. Irene Njoki opened their maiden speeches by congratulating the President, Deputy President and parliamentary leadership, then outlined priority areas for their constituencies. They urged greater transparency, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, universal health coverage, and accelerated infrastructure projects such as roads, water supply and support for small traders through the Hustlers Fund.

Hon. Clement Sloya highlighted the pressing challenges in Sabatia, including youth unemployment, poor roads, housing deficits, security gaps and urged the reinstatement of the NG‑CDF, while praising the President’s initiatives such as the Hustler Fund, fertilizer subsidy and the transformation of KRA to KRS. Hon. Malulu Injendi echoed support for President Ruto’s policies, especially affordable loans for small‑scale traders, tax relief for hustlers, and the NHIF proposal, while commending the new parliamentary leadership. The debate opened with a first‑time MP demanding fair speaking time and more accountable committee appointments, especially for the Public Investment Committee and the struggling sugar sector. Members praised the President’s remarks on the economy, electricity reform and inclusive governance, while urging legislation to break electricity monopolies, revive sugar production and pursue sustainable, non‑GMO agriculture. The Deputy Speaker assured equal speaking opportunities and highlighted the need for stronger oversight across ministries and parastatals. Hon. Ken Chonga raised concerns about land reform, the stalled blue‑economy initiatives, pervasive corruption, non‑performing parastatals and the slow progress of the Nuclear Energy Board, urging the President to provide concrete actions. The Deputy Speaker and Hon. Justice Kemei responded with praise for the President’s agenda, emphasizing debt reduction, savings, education reforms, water provision and the transformative role of the NG‑CDF, and called for legislative support to advance these priorities.

The Senate session opened with a point of order in which Senators accused Sen. Osotsi of giving false information, leading to procedural warnings and a promise to consult the Hansard. The debate then shifted to the President’s address, highlighting affordable housing, the Hustler Fund and the bottom‑up economy, followed by a discussion on women’s representation and the need for fair party practices. The tone oscillated between confrontational exchanges and constructive policy commentary. Senators debated a procedural motion to cap the time allowed for adjournment debates, citing previous misuse of standing orders that threatened a lengthy recess during a busy budget period. The Deputy Speaker and members stressed the need for clear procedural rules, clarified standing order references, and highlighted supportive measures such as gender‑balanced parliamentary internships. Senators largely endorsed President Ruto’s bottom‑up economic agenda, highlighting achievements such as cheaper fertilizer, the Hustler Fund, and affordable housing. They also called for greater women’s representation and the retention of the NG‑CDF for local development. A brief exchange showed tension, with one senator urging strict handling of unsubstantiated claims.

The Senate afternoon sitting was dominated by procedural wrangling, with the Speaker and several senators debating motions to close debate, points of order, and the need for the minority to accept rulings. Senators raised concerns about the conduct of new members, the precedent for the Upper House, and repeatedly called for order amid loud consultations and interruptions. The Senate opened its first regular afternoon sitting, swearing in a new senator and announcing the Majority Party leadership. Senator Tom Ojienda raised a point of order, arguing that designating Kenya Kwanza as the Majority Party was premature given recent cabinet appointments and pending by‑elections that affect party numbers, invoking constitutional and standing‑order provisions. Senator Cheruiyot responded, urging the House to focus on verified facts and the established process. Senators debated the constitutionality of forming a new committee and the procedural authority to rule on law unconstitutionality, while also contesting the status of the United Democratic Movement within the Azimio‑One Kenya coalition. The discussion featured repeated remarks about Sen. Ali Roba’s political alignment, points of order, and occasional heated exchanges, punctuated by laughter and procedural interruptions. The overall tone was contentious with moments of levity.

Hon. David Ochieng (MDG) criticised the Azimio la Umoja coalition, demanding the coalition agreement and seeking official recognition of MDG’s shift to the Kenya Kwanza coalition, while Hon. Junet (ODM) defended the validity of the Azimio agreement. Hon. Kassait Kamket (KANU) invoked Article 36 of the Constitution, calling for protection of his political rights and celebrating perceived freedom, amid applause and the Speaker’s time‑keeping interventions. The debate was marked by procedural disputes and partisan tension. The House first dealt with a procedural motion before moving to a contentious debate over the rightful Leader of the Majority Party, with members invoking Article 108 of the Constitution and relevant Standing Orders. The Speaker stressed decorum, clarified the correct procedure for crossing the floor, and allotted speaking times, while members highlighted procedural irregularities and the impact of recent Political Parties amendments. The session began with the swearing‑in of Hon. Tubi Bidu Mohammed and a welcome from the Speaker to the newly inducted members. The Speaker outlined recent amendments to Standing Orders, especially those governing bill pre‑publication and constitutional amendment procedures, and highlighted pending proposals to embed the NG‑CDF in the Constitution. Procedural matters concerning the formation of the House Business Committee and related motions were also noted.

The afternoon Senate sitting was marked by repeated points of order, interruptions and admonitions from the Speaker to maintain decorum. Senators debated the President’s unannounced visit, the severe drought and famine affecting regions such as Ganze and Magarini, and raised concerns over the handling of livestock relief and the proposed changes to the National Social Security Fund. The overall tone reflected frustration and criticism of both procedural conduct and government policies. The debate highlighted strong support for the President’s initiatives, including the establishment of a Judiciary Fund to expand courts and the ‘Hustlers Fund’ to boost youth employment. Senators also endorsed proposals to amend standing orders so Cabinet Secretaries can be summoned for questioning, emphasizing transparency and accountability. Overall, the speakers stressed national unity and the need for policies that improve justice access and economic development. Senators discussed the need for greater financial autonomy for the judiciary, police and county assemblies, while praising the President’s initiatives such as the Hustler Fund and the operationalisation of the Judiciary Fund. They also raised concerns over rising public debt, stalled infrastructure projects in Ruto‑aligned areas, and urged stricter compliance by Cabinet Secretaries with parliamentary oversight. The debate combined constructive proposals with criticism of government actions, reflecting a mixed tone.

The Speaker outlined a broad agenda to accelerate Kenya’s transformation, highlighting investments in agriculture, affordable credit through the Hustler Fund, and public‑private partnerships for housing, water, electricity and health services. He emphasized reforms to improve judicial efficiency, expand digital financing, and urged legislative action to enable these initiatives. The tone is optimistic and focused on delivering concrete infrastructure and social welfare outcomes. The joint sitting was convened for the President’s inaugural address, beginning with prayers and formal notices confirming the session’s legality. Speakers highlighted record numbers of re‑elected MPs, increased women legislators, and the unique political transition that saw the opposition candidate become President, underscoring Kenya’s democratic maturity. The proceedings were received with applause and light‑hearted remarks. The Speaker warned that Kenya’s fiscal position is weak, with savings below 10% of GDP and heavy reliance on borrowing for recurrent spending. He proposed cutting non‑essential expenditures, launching a national savings drive for informal workers, and highlighted ongoing drought relief and climate‑action measures, while urging better parliamentary oversight. The remarks combined criticism of current policies with constructive proposals for reform.

The Speaker presented a series of policy initiatives aimed at accelerating economic transformation, including scaling up agricultural productivity, reducing fertilizer prices, and expanding affordable credit through the Hustler Fund. He also outlined plans for affordable housing, water and electricity access via public‑private partnerships, and reforms to health insurance to achieve universal health coverage, emphasizing the role of digital technology. The joint sitting was convened for the President’s inaugural address, beginning with prayers and formal notices confirming the session’s legality. Speakers highlighted record numbers of re‑elected MPs, increased women legislators, and the deepening inclusivity of Kenya’s democracy, while the President’s remarks humorously noted the unique political transitions in the country. The proceedings were met with applause and light‑hearted laughter. The Speaker highlighted Kenya’s deteriorating fiscal position, noting low national savings and excessive borrowing for recurrent spending, and called for a shift toward fiscal prudence. He announced plans to overhaul the social security system with a government‑matched savings scheme, and outlined drought relief efforts alongside a push for climate‑friendly policies. The address concluded with remarks on the importance of constituency development funds and parliamentary oversight.

The joint sitting opened with formal prayers and procedural acknowledgements before the Speaker outlined the President’s policy exposition. The address highlighted initiatives to improve credit access, universal health coverage, and digital entrepreneurship, while also warning of a serious fiscal deficit and unsustainable borrowing. The tone combined optimism about reforms with concern over the country’s financial health. The Speaker outlined a series of reforms aimed at revitalising Kenya’s fiscal landscape, including transforming the Kenya Revenue Authority into a customer‑centric service, tackling excessive government borrowing that crowds out private credit, and overhauling the social security system to include informal workers with a matching government savings scheme. He also highlighted ongoing drought relief efforts, the need for climate‑change mitigation, and praised the impact of the NG‑CDF while calling for stronger parliamentary oversight and recognition of the judiciary.

Senators offered extensive congratulations to the newly elected Speaker, highlighting his regional background and the historic nature of his election. The debate also touched on the need for stronger cooperation between the Senate and National Assembly, reforms to the Parliamentary Service Commission, and the importance of regional representation and devolution. Amid the praise, members warned against procedural delays and urged greater seriousness in parliamentary business. Senators used the morning sitting to congratulate the newly elected Speaker Hon. Kingi and Deputy Speaker, praising their leadership and expressing optimism for renewed support to devolution. The speeches highlighted the importance of collaboration, the contributions of nominated women Senators, and the need for an oversight fund to ensure transparent Senate work. Overall, the tone was celebratory and constructive, emphasizing unity and future legislative priorities. Senators used the post‑election session to congratulate the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker, praising their experience and commitment to devolution. They emphasized the Senate’s role in overseeing county development, highlighted the importance of youth representation, and called for strong oversight mechanisms such as the oversight fund.

Senators used the session to congratulate the newly elected Speaker and Deputy, highlighting regional representation and the Kenya Kwanza coalition’s historic win. They also called for greater seriousness in parliamentary business, critiqued procedural delays, and urged reforms to the Parliamentary Service Commission and stronger cooperation with the National Assembly. The debate balanced celebratory remarks with warnings about efficiency and safeguarding devolution. The session opened with several senators offering congratulations to the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker and expressing optimism about renewed support for devolution. Speakers highlighted the importance of nominated and women senators contributing meaningfully, and discussed the need for effective oversight funding and smoother legislative coordination with the National Assembly. Overall, the debate was constructive and forward‑looking, with limited criticism of past legislative delays. Senators used the session to congratulate the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker, praising their experience and commitment to devolution. They pledged support for the Senate’s oversight role, highlighted the importance of the oversight fund and youth participation, and expressed optimism for collaborative governance.

The afternoon sitting featured a procedural clash over a disputed ballot before Hon. Moses Wetang'ula was declared elected Speaker of the National Assembly. In his acceptance, Wetang'ula praised gender parity, inclusive leadership, recent standing order reforms—including new committees and co‑sponsorship provisions—and urged the House to adopt e‑Parliament and paperless processes. Members debated whether Senator Moses Wetang'ula, as a Senator‑elect, was required to resign and whether he could be elected Speaker before taking the constitutional oath of office. The discussion invoked Article 74 and Article 99 of the Constitution, IEBC confirmation of his voter registration, and comparative practices in other jurisdictions, culminating in a call to vote on his qualification. The House detailed the secret‑ballot procedure for electing a Deputy Speaker, conducted the first round of voting and announced that no candidate achieved the two‑thirds threshold, prompting a second round. The Clerk counted the votes while the Speaker reminded members of procedural rules, and a point of order was raised with members offering congratulations to the newly elected Speaker.