Sittings

Members highlighted a series of fatal accidents on the Thika‑Garissa Highway, urging the Transport and Infrastructure Committee to address the lack of effective traffic‑calming measures such as speed bumps and rumble strips, while debating the balance between pedestrian safety and vehicle flow. In a separate intervention, a member called for a statement on the utilisation of the Housing Levy for the Affordable Housing Programme in the North‑Eastern region, stressing perceived inequities in fund allocation. Both issues reflect concerns over infrastructure safety and equitable development. The Temporary Speaker introduced the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill and members highlighted its progressive provisions, including limits on acting appointments, new hardship, special duty, reader‑facilitation and transfer allowances for teachers. Hon. Oundo raised a clarification about the term “acting teacher” and the need for registration, but overall acknowledged the Bill’s importance for strengthening the constitutional right to education. Members highlighted prolonged acting appointments and job‑group stagnation, urging automatic promotions, clear acting letters, and harmonised house and disability allowances. They called for the Teachers Service Commission Amendment Bill to entrench these allowances and improve teacher dignity, while also praising teachers’ vital role. The debate combined frustration over current practices with support for legislative reform.

Senators questioned the Cabinet Secretary on the transparency, selection criteria and monitoring of economic empowerment programmes such as NYOTA, as well as on irrigation projects and the high poverty rating for Bungoma County. The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that 26,000 persons with disabilities have benefited from NYOTA and stressed the need for youth sensitisation, while the Speaker repeatedly restored order amid heated exchanges. The Senate session began with a formal welcome to a delegation of teachers and students from Mwongori High School, followed by a series of questions directed at the Cabinet Secretary on police‑related incidents. Senators raised concerns about the fatal shooting of Victor Kipng’eno Mutai, the lack of a victim‑compensation policy, and broader police brutality, urging legislative action. The tone combined courteous protocol with critical scrutiny of security‑force conduct. Senators questioned the Cabinet Secretary on the effectiveness of poverty‑reduction programmes, highlighting concerns over ghost beneficiaries, inadequate assessments and outdated data. They also raised issues about stalled irrigation projects, drought response funding, and emergency support for fire‑affected households in Murang'a. The debate was largely critical but constructive, seeking clearer accountability and implementation plans.

The Senate confirmed quorum and proceeded with its agenda, outlining a retreat to review the previous session and plan for the upcoming one. Members discussed the status of the newly installed multimedia digital congress system and adopted a report on oversight engagements in Mandera, Wajir and Marsabit counties. A motion was moved to adopt the 2026 Budget Policy Statement, noting a revenue shortfall against targets. Senators debated the Committee's recommendation of a Kshs454 billion equitable share for FY 2026/27, urging limits on county recurrent spending and stronger ring‑fencing for development projects. They also raised concerns over unpaid county pensions, delayed stipends for community health workers, and large debts owed to KEMSA, calling for additional resources for health initiatives such as the Emergency and Critical Care Fund. Senators debated the 2026 Medium‑Term Debt Management Strategy, highlighting Kenya’s public debt at 68% of GDP, well above the constitutional limit of 55% by 2028. While the committee’s report was commended, members expressed concern over the sustainability of continued borrowing to fund a Ksh 4.7 trillion budget and called for clearer solutions and adherence to constitutional provisions. The discussion underscored the need for vigilant oversight and equitable revenue sharing with counties.

Members debated the appointment of Francis Meja as Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, with cross‑party support emphasizing professionalism and fair recruitment. The House then proceeded with procedural motions before adopting a joint report on the Field Development Plan and Production Sharing Contracts for Blocks T6 and T7 in the South Lokichar Basin, highlighting the project's massive investment, constitutional compliance, and expected economic benefits while noting security and local‑content considerations. The House moved to adopt the 7th Report of the Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee on the NG-CDF audited accounts, highlighting the recovery of over Ksh 82 million and urging prosecution of any culpable officers. Members praised the committee’s work and the transformative impact of NG-CDF on education, while also criticizing the long delays in audit reporting and calling for faster, more realistic audit processes. Members lauded Ida Odinga’s public service and urged swift parliamentary approval of her appointment to a senior UN role, emphasizing her social capital and the potential to attract more UN agencies to Nairobi. The debate was largely supportive with little dissent, interspersed with brief procedural exchanges regarding other motions.

Senators highlighted the severe drought affecting millions of Kenyans and demanded transparent, equitable distribution of relief food, urging the responsible committee to summon the relevant cabinet secretary. They also raised concerns about the use of World Bank‑funded climate programmes (FLLoCA), calling for clear separation of activities and avoidance of duplication. The debate criticised the politicisation of aid, high logistical costs, and the lack of early warning systems, urging better planning and accountability. The Senate afternoon sitting opened with quorum checks and a welcome to students from Kajiado County, followed by the laying of Auditor‑General reports on Mrima Maternity Hospital and the Taita Taveta County Assembly loan fund. The Senate also received a report on an AI conference and moved a motion to note it, with procedural orders and motions managed throughout the session. Senators emphasized the need to substantiate statements in line with Standing Orders, laid the Finance and Budget Committee reports and an Energy joint report on Turkana oil block development, and moved a motion to adopt the field development plan. The House also deferred a question on a bill and rearranged the order of business, reflecting routine procedural conduct.

Members highlighted the prevalence of stalled projects and undrawn loans that continue to accrue interest, arguing that inadequate appropriation and poor planning waste public resources. They called for stricter adherence to constitutional provisions, better budgeting within the Median Term Expenditure Framework, and stronger audit follow‑up to restore accountability. The House expressed support for adopting the Public Accounts Committee report and its recommendations to curb corruption and improve project completion. The session began with motions noting Kenya’s IPU delegation reports and welcoming education leaders and Koru Girls High School to the chamber. Members then laid a joint energy report approving field development and production sharing contracts for Blocks T6 and T7 in the South Lokichar Basin, and raised a request for a statement on the proposed lease of forest land in Migori County for cotton farming and a gold processing plant, highlighting constitutional and environmental concerns. The afternoon sitting began with the Speaker confirming quorum and proceeded with members laying papers and giving notice of motions. Key business included noting IPU delegation reports, approving Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga’s appointment as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNEP, and adopting the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee’s fourth report. The session was largely procedural with minimal debate.

Senators voiced strong criticism over imported sugar being sold under local brands, police harassment and forced demolitions in Kiambu and Githurai, and persistent insecurity in pastoral regions such as Samburu. They also highlighted the precarious status of JSS interns, urging the Treasury and TSC to allocate funds for permanent, pensionable positions. The overall tone was confrontational, demanding government accountability and concrete action. Senators voiced strong alarm over recent killings at political rallies, notably the incident in Kitengela, and highlighted chronic insecurity in Baragoi, Samburu, urging the Ministry of Interior to take decisive action. They also raised concerns about inadequate oversight of bridge construction projects and the preparation of Bill of Quantities, calling for better accountability. The debate was marked by criticism of security forces and government responses, reflecting frustration and urgency. Senators commended the African Inland Church for swiftly resolving a labour contract dispute and highlighted the Senate's role in safeguarding citizens' rights. The sitting also moved to adopt a committee report on a petition concerning persons living with invisible disabilities, signalling legislative attention to inclusive policies.

The afternoon sitting opened with Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona raising a point of order over alleged misstatements about funding, prompting a brief exchange on minority representation and parliamentary conduct. The Deputy Speaker welcomed students from Nyandarua National Polytechnic, after which the House moved on to a series of technical amendments to a Bill, overseen by the Temporary Chairman. Members highlighted several governance concerns, including KNEC's handling of exam candidates, alleged illegal occupation of public utility land in Embakasi West, and the absence of NTSA services in Turkana County. They repeatedly noted the non‑attendance of departmental committee chairs and sought formal statements, with some commitments given for follow‑up within two weeks. Members of Parliament paid tribute to retiring staff Florence Abonyo, lauding her 34‑35 years of dedicated service, humility and mentorship to new members. The speakers highlighted her impact on parliamentary operations, the importance of recognizing long‑term civil servants, and praised the culture of appreciation within the House.

Hon. James Nyikal highlighted the importance of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, emphasizing the need to clarify which minister oversees legal affairs and to align terminology with the Constitution. He called for extensive public education, victim support, and the removal of stigma, noting gaps in current reporting and treatment of survivors. The speech combined strong support for the bill with constructive criticism of existing legal and procedural shortcomings. Members debated the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, with Hon. Nguna arguing that prostitution is immoral and should be treated as illegal, while Hon. Omondi clarified that only living off its proceeds is a crime. Hon. Ruweida highlighted the need for public awareness, education in schools, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect victims. The discussion combined constructive proposals for harsher penalties and victim support with pointed disagreements over moral and legal interpretations. Members discussed the need for comprehensive public awareness on sexual offences, emphasizing the role of families, schools, churches and community gatherings. Proposals included establishing gender‑specific reporting desks in hospitals, introducing chemical castration for offenders, and strengthening penalties through DNA testing and court action. The debate highlighted both constructive suggestions and concerns about stigma and enforcement.

Senators raised urgent concerns about a mass fish die‑off in Lake Victoria cages, the exclusion of Kirinyaga coffee cooperatives from the Commodities Fund allocations, and a sharp rise in maternal deaths in Samburu County, calling for statements from the relevant standing committees. The debate also featured procedural interruptions regarding the handling of classified information and the order of statements. Senators praised the Electronic Equipment Disposal Recycling and Reuse Bill, noting it is long overdue and essential for proper e‑waste management. The Temporary Speaker highlighted recent government funding for solid waste in Nairobi and urged similar support for other counties, while also raising concerns about licensing provisions. The debate was largely supportive, with procedural interjections but no major opposition. Senators used the afternoon sitting to highlight several urgent county‑wide problems, including alleged non‑remittance of statutory pension and other deductions by Kajiado County, acute water shortages in Tharaka‑Nithi, violent herder‑farmer clashes in Lamu that killed livestock, and a mass fish die‑off in Lake Victoria affecting fishermen’s livelihoods. Each member called on the relevant standing committee to provide a statement and outline remedial actions, reflecting serious concern over governance, resource management and public welfare.

The Senate confirmed quorum and moved to consider a motion adopting the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare’s report on unpaid terminal benefits and SACCO dues owed to former Kenya Cooperative Creameries Ltd employees. Senators expressed concern over the workers’ hardship, criticised delays in payment, and urged the government to allocate funds promptly to settle the outstanding liabilities. Senator Olekina criticised the committee report on the KCC and New KCC liability petition, arguing that the report over‑emphasises humanitarian concerns while neglecting legal obligations. He urged the Senate to reject the report and refer it back to the Standing Committee for a thorough legal review, highlighting potential staff benefit liabilities and recent court rulings. The debate underscored the need for clear legal frameworks when transferring obligations between entities. Senators debated the compensation of former KCC employees, with Sen. Maanzo urging the Ministry of Labour to honor court rulings and allocate budget for the claimants. The debate was marked by procedural interruptions, points of order, and unrelated remarks about stars, the moon, and the coinciding Lent and Ramadan observances. The Deputy Speaker managed the disorder while Sen. Thang’wa highlighted the religious significance of the day.

Hon. Farah Maalim criticised the government's handling of the drought, highlighting misallocation of funds for hay and water and the resulting livestock deaths. He called for urgent action, including a state of emergency, deployment of military resources, and better use of the State Department for Livestock Development. The debate also touched on broader concerns about corruption and the need for a coordinated national response. Members highlighted the severe drought affecting northern Kenya and other arid regions, condemning the government's inadequate response and urging a formal disaster declaration. They called for targeted budgeting for livestock, water infrastructure such as dams and borehole repairs, and emergency school‑feeding programmes. The debate combined criticism with constructive proposals to improve disaster management and support vulnerable communities. Hon. Rozaah Buyu advocated for an amendment to operationalise Article 27, promote equal employment opportunities, address regional resource imbalances and strengthen the hate‑speech commission, while criticizing the current Parliament and Commission for inaction. Other members, including Hon. Paul Nzengu, discussed procedural steps to empower the Commission and clarified that amendments will be tabled in the Committee of the Whole House. The debate combined supportive calls for reform with pointed criticism of existing shortcomings.

The afternoon Senate sitting was dominated by procedural matters, including confirming quorum, laying supplementary papers, and presenting Auditor‑General reports on the revenue statements of Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties. Senator Kibwana introduced a motion invoking Article 42 of the Constitution to address indoor air pollution, deforestation and the need for clean energy in rural Kenya. The session concluded with the Majority Leader being called to the floor for the next order. Senators highlighted the growing crisis of Kenyan youth being duped by illegal migration networks and the failure of county governments to provide jobs, describing it as a national security and welfare issue. They called for fast‑tracking legal migration legislation, better coordination among ministries, and accelerated health funding for cancer patients, while urging accountability for officials. The debate combined sharp criticism with constructive policy proposals. Senators praised the mediation committee's agreement on a bill and urged the Head of State to assent promptly, while also raising concerns about water price increases and the Delegated Legislation Committee's practice of passing regulations without proper Senate or public participation. The debate included procedural remarks about the Deputy Speaker, the Serjeant-at-Arms, and equipment issues.

Members debated the Public Petitions Committee report on regulating TikTok in Kenya, emphasizing the need for content moderation rather than an outright ban. Concerns were raised about inappropriate content, data privacy, mental health impacts on youth, and the duty of care owed by the platform. The discussion highlighted the role of parents, cultural values, and the necessity for robust oversight mechanisms. Members discussed procedural matters including a request for a statement on migration policy, a motion to extend the consideration period for statutory instruments, and an update on a civil service strike. The House also addressed the need to consolidate amendments to the Judges’ Retirement Benefits Bill and sought to reschedule its consideration. Overall the debate was orderly with limited contention. Members of the National Assembly criticised the Fire and Rescue Services Professionals Bill, citing constitutional breaches, procedural errors and the absence of a proper regulatory institute. They praised the committee for flagging the defects and urged the House to reject the bill, arguing that fire‑related standards should be addressed within the existing devolution framework. The debate emphasized the need for legislation that aligns with national and county responsibilities rather than duplicating functions.

Members raised urgent concerns about Kenyan diaspora members missing abroad and urged better registration and communication to prevent exploitation, while also highlighting stalled road projects in Mukurweini that affect local residents. The Speaker and the Leader of the Majority Party outlined the upcoming legislative workload, including the Budget Policy Statement and several Bills, and welcomed a delegation of students from Maranda High School to Parliament. Members praised the Bill that would recognise and certify informal sector workers and those with prior learning, arguing it will open employment opportunities for youth, middle‑aged and older Kenyans. They highlighted the need for an affordable, workplace‑based assessment system and cited examples from construction, plumbing, carpentry and other trades. The debate was largely supportive, emphasizing the Bill's potential to boost skills recognition and economic inclusion. Members debated the nomination of a lawyer as Director‑General of the Financial Reporting Centre, stressing the need for integrity and urging swift action on Kenya’s grey‑listing issues. The House also expressed strong support for the Industrial Training (Amendment) Bill, highlighting the importance of recognising fundi skills and promoting equal educational opportunities. Overall, the debate was constructive but included cautions about potential corruption and implementation challenges.

Senators expressed frustration over perceived lack of accountability for county governors, citing Auditor-General reports that highlight irregular expenditures in several counties. They called for investigations by the EACC and ODPP and debated the constitutional limits of the Senate and the Speaker regarding the suspension of CPAC members. The discussion reflected both constructive oversight concerns and sharp criticism of political actors. The Senate afternoon sitting began with a quorum check and a warm welcome to a delegation of Ugandan parliamentary staff. The proceedings were largely procedural, covering the laying of papers on a citizen‑initiated recall framework, auditor‑general reports on hospitals, and motions concerning the Senate calendar and the extension of consideration time for the Bixa crop regulations. The Senate afternoon sitting focused on procedural matters, including extending the timeline for the Crops (Bixa) regulations and laying various papers. Senators presented statements on agricultural land restoration, security challenges, and infrastructure projects in Kisumu County, while the Majority Leader highlighted the heavy legislative agenda and pending bills for the upcoming session. The Speaker emphasized the need for orderly processing of statements and committee work.

Members raised concerns about Kenyan diaspora members missing abroad and urged registration and government warnings about unsafe job offers, especially in Russia. The House discussed delays in the Gikondi‑Thaara and Mwireri‑Mutwewathi road projects, requesting a committee statement, and outlined upcoming legislative business such as the Budget Policy Statement and several bills. A delegation from Maranda High School was welcomed, highlighting youth engagement with Parliament. Members praised the Bill that would recognize prior learning and provide certification for informal sector workers, arguing it will unlock employment opportunities for youth, artisans and other skilled Kenyans. They highlighted the need for affordable assessment processes and the potential for both local and overseas work. The debate was largely supportive, with calls for swift implementation. Members debated the nomination of a new Director‑General for the Financial Reporting Centre, praising his qualifications while warning of the need for integrity to combat financial crime and urging swift action on Kenya’s grey‑listing issues. The House also discussed broader themes of educational equity and employment fairness, and expressed strong support for the Industrial Training (Amendment) Bill to recognise fundi skills and prior learning.

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 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.

The Senate morning sitting on 11 February 2026 could not achieve a quorum despite ringing the quorum bell twice. Consequently, the Speaker adjourned the session until 2:30 p.m. later that day.

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.