Sittings

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 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.

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 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.

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.