Sittings

The afternoon sitting opened after confirming quorum and proceeded with messages from the National Assembly concerning the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill and the Public Service Internship Bill. Senators moved to adopt reports from the Mediation Committee on the Coffee Bill and the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, including petitions on former KCC employees’ benefits and a dismissal case. The session was largely procedural, focusing on the first reading of bills and adoption of committee reports. Senators voiced frustration over the lack of sanctions for officials who mishandle public exercises, urging stronger judicial action and accountability. The debate also focused on the contested 2019 population census, its impact on resource allocation, devolution, and the relevance of the Kenya National Council for Population and Development Bill. While criticism dominated, there were mentions of positive initiatives such as affordable housing and infrastructure planning. The Senate debated the Kenya National Council for Population and Development Bill, emphasizing the need to formally anchor the existing Population Council as a statutory body. Senators highlighted the critical role of accurate population data for revenue sharing, electoral delimitation and planning, while sharply criticizing the recent census for being deemed inaccurate and the lack of accountability for the failure. The discussion also touched on the role of counties and the Council of Governors in the institutional framework.

Hon. Njeri Maina highlighted grave shortcomings in Kenya's health system, citing cases where families were denied emergency care or had bodies detained over unpaid bills despite universal health coverage promises. She urged the passage of amendments to the Health Act to prohibit pre‑payment requirements, ensure emergency treatment regardless of ability to pay, and provide legal mechanisms for recovering costs without compromising human dignity. Members highlighted the crisis of patients and newborns being detained in hospitals over unpaid fees, exposing inflated billing practices and the burden on families. They urged swift passage of a private member's bill to prohibit such detentions, promote affordable preventive care, and strengthen enrollment in the Sustainable Health Access (SHA) scheme. The debate also called for increased health funding and a balanced approach to doctors' fees and hospital financing. The House debated a Bill aimed at guaranteeing families the right to retrieve and bury deceased relatives without undue financial pressure, with Hon. Njeri Maina urging swift passage and highlighting cultural and humanitarian concerns. The session then shifted to the Industrial Training (Amendite) Bill, which seeks to recognise prior informal learning and improve employment prospects for school‑drop‑outs and persons with disabilities, receiving broad parliamentary support.

Members highlighted the urgent need to regulate environmental professionals through the Environmental Professionals Institute of Kenya Bill, citing disastrous outcomes from poorly conducted Environmental Impact Assessments. They called for stronger penalties, professional indemnity insurance, and provisions for foreign affiliations and carbon markets to improve accountability and address climate change challenges. Members debated the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, condemning ongoing sexual violence and urging that all such crimes be prosecuted in court without limitation. They called for stronger legal provisions, comprehensive sensitisation programmes in schools, communities and religious institutions, and praised the bill's sponsor while seeking further amendments. Members highlighted the pervasive nature of gender‑based violence, citing local and international cases and urging the government to allocate resources and amend laws so the state, not the victim, drives prosecutions. They called for stricter sentencing, removal of bail for rape offenders, and greater public education to reduce stigma. The debate combined condemnation of current failures with constructive proposals for legislative and policy change.

The Speaker opened the Fifth Session, confirming quorum and outlining upcoming briefings on security and education oversight, while reminding members of lapsed business from the previous session. He praised the House Legislative Caucus for defending the NG-CDF in court and announced presidential nominations for the UNEP Permanent Representative and the Public Service Commission Chair, referring them to the appropriate committees. A member’s request for condolences for a deceased colleague was acknowledged. Members praised the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judgments that confirm Parliament’s oversight role over the NG‑CDF, lauding the legal team for securing a decision that benefits the poorest Kenyans. The debate highlighted the fund’s importance for education and community development while reaffirming MPs’ responsibilities and procedural matters such as laying a paper on NG‑CDF disbursement. Members of the National Assembly offered heartfelt condolences and eulogies for the late Hon. Hamisi Denar, highlighting his character, service, and personal kindness. The Speaker facilitated the tributes and then moved on to procedural matters, granting time for comments on the National Government Constituencies Development Fund and noting a request from the Legislative and Litigation Caucus. The session concluded with brief exchanges about members' professional backgrounds.

Senators condemned the alleged corruption and impunity of county governors, accusing them of subverting the Constitution and misusing public funds. They called for the EACC, DCI and the Director of Public Prosecutions to act on outstanding recommendations and for the Senate Business Committee to hold governors accountable. Specific examples of financial mismanagement in Nyamira, Wajir and other counties were cited, and the Speaker expressed shame over political interference in devolution. Senators debated the reconfiguration of Senate committees, stressing constitutional compliance and the need for rigorous accountability of county funds and devolution. They raised concerns about gold mining in Kakamega, its potential to destabilise communities, and criticised the Council of Governors for not appearing before oversight committees. Procedural issues such as the scheduling of reports and the establishment of a Senate Business Committee were also discussed. Senators criticised county governors for alleged harassment, intimidation and corruption, urging them to appear before Senate committees and warning of possible fund stoppages. They highlighted the need to prioritize audit reports and proposed motions to name non‑cooperative governors. The debate also referenced challenges in county fund disbursement and the broader role of Senate oversight.