Sittings

Senators called for earlier committee reports to improve legislative efficiency and welcomed a university student delegation, emphasizing unity and a drug‑free future. The debate then focused on a Bill to amend the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, aiming to operationalise arrest powers and fair‑hearing rights while criticizing past police harassment of MPs. Members urged cooperation with the Clerk’s office for orderly summons and stressed the need for clear, dignified procedures. Senators debated an amendment bill to raise fines for officials who fail to appear before parliamentary committees and to eliminate anticipatory bail, arguing that current penalties are too low and enable impunity. They cited examples from other countries and urged stricter enforcement to restore the Senate's credibility and protect public resources. Senator Tabitha Mutinda reported several positive outcomes, including the removal of a Ksh5.8 billion medical equipment cost, allocation of industrial park funds, release of Ksh425 million library funding, and new climate‑change financing, while urging senators to oversee these resources. The Speaker facilitated the debate and later Sen. Cheruiyot highlighted a record‑setting passage of seven bills, reflecting a constructive legislative session.

Sen. Crystal Asige urged the committee to add an addendum to the NADCO report to address the chronic under‑representation of persons with disabilities in public service and county assemblies, citing constitutional obligations and current low employment figures. Other senators, speaking in Swahili, praised the NADCO report and backed its recommendations on development funds and parliamentary oversight, while also noting political tensions and the need for broader inclusion. The debate combined constructive support for the report with criticism of existing exclusionary practices. Sen. Prof Kamar praised recent negotiations and the peace‑building approach of the President and former Prime Minister, while lauding the creation of new parliamentary offices aimed at inclusivity. He expressed disappointment that the gender report failed to produce concrete legislative proposals and urged immediate operationalisation of constitutional gender clauses. The senator also supported entrenching the Senate Oversight Fund but raised concerns about its scope and the representation of nominated members. Senator Oketch Gicheru praised President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for fostering dialogue that restored peace, while commending the work of special committees such as the Shakahola report. He highlighted pressing socio‑economic challenges, urging expansion of the Social Protection Fund to include youths, persons with disabilities and the elderly, and called for stronger devolution and electoral justice. The remarks balanced appreciation for political reconciliation with calls for concrete policy reforms to address cost of living and poverty.

Members discussed extending time for stakeholder input on borrowing amid concerns over public debt, and moved to adopt the mediated version of the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill. The debate highlighted the mediation process between the National Assembly and Senate, detailing conditional grants from development partners and specific projects such as KISIP and NARIGP. References were also made to the Road Maintenance Levy Fund as a critical pending issue. Members debated the implementation of the two‑thirds gender rule, urging constitutional protection for NG‑CDF/NG‑AAF funds and greater representation of women. They also examined electoral reforms, including IEBC restructuring, staggered elections, and the need for a well‑resourced Official Opposition Leader, while noting concerns about petition timelines and the cost‑of‑living impact. Overall the tone combined constructive proposals with criticism of existing gaps. The afternoon sitting dealt primarily with amendments to the affordable housing fund Bill, including a contentious proposal to base contributions on basic salary rather than gross salary and a motion to delete a clause perceived as discriminatory. Numerous amendments were repeatedly dropped because of procedural objections or member absences, resulting in a largely procedural but somewhat tense debate. The session concluded with a move to introduce a new debt‑recovery clause.

The Senate afternoon sitting was largely procedural, with members moving several bills—Equalization Fund Appropriation, County Licensing (Uniform Procedure), Agricultural and Livestock Extension Services, and Mung Beans—through third‑reading motions and reporting committee approvals with amendments. No substantive debate or contentious exchanges were recorded, focusing instead on formal approvals and divisions. The Senate session was largely procedural, with senators moving a series of motions for committee reports on bills such as the Equalization Fund Appropriation, County Licensing (Uniform Procedure), Persons with Disabilities, Mung Beans, and Start‑up Bills. Senator Crystal Asige also proposed a new clause to grant income‑tax exemption to parents or guardians of severely disabled persons, urging support for the amendment. All motions were put and agreed to without notable conflict. Senators repeatedly urged the Temporary Speaker to grant an extension for reviewing the Budget Policy Statements (BPS), citing insufficient time to engage ministries and clarify allocations, especially for affordable housing, health, and roads. They highlighted past instances where Senate input was ignored, and stressed the need for detailed scrutiny to ensure funds for UHC, kidney treatment, and other programmes are properly allocated. The overall tone blends constructive intent with frustration over procedural delays.

The sitting opened with procedural business before members moved to adopt reports on the employment of persons with disabilities and a diversity audit in public institutions. The main debate centered on an amendment bill to remunerate village elders, with several MPs praising their essential role and urging legal and budgetary support. Overall, the discussion was constructive but highlighted ongoing gaps in compensation and inclusion. Members debated a bill to formally recognise and remunerate village elders, proposing allowances of up to Ksh6,000 per month to aid community mobilisation against illicit alcohol and other social issues. Several MPs voiced strong support, citing the elders' vital role, while others highlighted procedural concerns such as gaps in parliamentary recordings and urged swift passage of the legislation. The discussion combined constructive advocacy with criticism of parliamentary processes. Members debated a Bill to codify the retirement age at 60, highlighting cases of unemployed senior teachers and the unfairness of prolonged acting appointments. They criticised the misuse of extensions and acting contracts that demoralise staff, while expressing broad support for the legislation to impose clear limits. The discussion also touched on pension timing and succession planning in public institutions.

Members debated the report’s recommendations, with Hon. Caroli Omondi challenging the claim that new counties require a referendum and urging constitutional accuracy, while also raising concerns about party discipline and civic education. Hon. Naomi Waqo highlighted the importance of reconstituting the IEBC, delimiting boundaries, and approving the Ward Development Fund to strengthen local governance. The discussion reflected both criticism of the report’s wording and consensus on the need for reforms. Members debated a finance Bill on tax collection, questioning how to levy taxes from informal traders such as chang’aa brewers and discussing a proposed amendment to remove a 10 % deposit requirement. The debate also focused on whether the Bill concerns county governments and featured strong rhetoric about job creation, leading to heated exchanges before the Speaker restored order for the vote. The debate focused on adopting the NADCO report, urging constitutional amendments to extend the constituency‑boundary review period and calling for a transparent audit of the 2022 General Election. Members expressed cautious support, highlighting the need for goodwill, IEBC reforms, stronger electoral justice, and the entrenchment of the Ward Development Fund, while also stressing the fight against corruption and clarifying future government structures.

The Senate afternoon sitting featured multiple senators seeking statements from standing committees on matters such as electricity connectivity in hospitals, adult education teacher welfare, industrial waste disposal, and a tragic flood‑related death, while voicing frustration over committees exceeding the 60‑day response deadline. The Speaker instructed committee chairs to provide status reports, and Sen. Cheruiyot moved a motion to adopt the National Dialogue Committee report, emphasizing the value of cross‑party dialogue and national cohesion. The debate blended procedural grievances with a constructive endorsement of collaborative dialogue. Sen. Sifuna outlined the Azimio Coalition’s four priority issues—cost of living, the 2022 election, IEBC reconstitution, and party fidelity—highlighting partial wins such as fuel levy cuts and an extended election‑petition timeline, while lamenting failures to secure broader tax reductions and other reforms. He expressed pride in the negotiation team’s achievements but frustration at the inability to persuade the majority on key proposals, reflecting a mixed tone of optimism and disappointment. Sen. Mungatana advocated for separating county and national elections and called for stronger legislation on governor impeachment and oversight, criticizing delays and lack of accountability. The Senate Minority Leader highlighted issues of party‑switching, proposed extending senators’ terms to seven years, and discussed judicial time‑frames for cases, emphasizing the need for legal reforms.

Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah urged Parliament to fast‑track the housing bill, arguing that large‑scale social and institutional housing will create millions of jobs, address slum conditions and fulfil the constitutional right to adequate housing. He highlighted the need for a housing levy and fund to finance the projects and praised cross‑party support while critiquing past delays and vested interests. The speech linked the housing agenda to broader economic recovery and urbanisation goals. Hon. Johana Kipyegon presented findings from nationwide public consultations on the Affordable Housing Bill, emphasizing the urgent demand for affordable homes across urban and rural areas. The debate focused on how levies should be collected and managed, the establishment of a governing board, and mechanisms to ensure equitable access, including deposit flexibility and targeted housing categories such as institutional, student, social, and county allocations. The debate centered on the Affordable Housing Bill 2023, with Hon. Paul Nzengu questioning the bill’s financial safeguards, eligibility criteria, and the qualifications of its implementing officials, while Hon. Ronald Karauri defended the legislation, citing extensive public participation and recent amendments that address affordability and allocation concerns. The discussion highlighted tensions between the need for rapid housing delivery and worries about fiscal transparency and administrative efficiency.

Sen. Omogeni vehemently opposed the Water Amendment Bill, arguing it would unconstitutionally transfer water service responsibilities from county governments to the national government and undermine devolution. He highlighted the importance of protecting county functions, cited water-related conflicts, and called for rigorous scrutiny and adherence to the 2010 Constitution. Sen. Cherarkey urged that water services remain under national control, warned against unchecked privatization of state corporations, and highlighted gaps in consumer protection for water and powdered milk. He called for affordable water tariffs, stronger regulation, and urged colleagues to support the water bill to ensure safe, accessible water for all Kenyans. The session also included procedural exchanges and a welcome to visiting university students. Senators outlined the set of questions to be tabled for the upcoming sitting, highlighted the receipt of key budgetary documents, and moved a motion to approve the Senate calendar for the third session of the 13th Parliament. The debate emphasized the need for full attendance and timely committee work, referencing past quorum problems and urging members to engage constructively.

Members highlighted the chronic lack of remuneration for village elders, arguing that unpaid work fuels poverty and corruption. They urged the inclusion of a dedicated budget line for elders in the upcoming fiscal plan, citing examples from Kilifi North and the need for equitable support. The debate combined criticism of current policy with constructive proposals for financial allocation. The National Assembly debated a series of procedural motions to set specific time limits for speeches on audit committee reports, other committee reports, and the President’s address. Each motion was moved, seconded and approved without significant opposition, reflecting a routine, orderly conduct of business. The proceedings were largely procedural with no substantive policy disputes recorded. Members highlighted the vital role of village elders in community governance and called for formal recognition and financial support through a new Bill. They urged the government to allocate budget resources for elders' stipends and health insurance, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment of both male and female elders. The debate combined praise for elders' contributions with criticism of current funding gaps.

Members debated trust and funding commitments for school fees while Hon. Esther Passaris sought adjournment to address the urgent rise in femicide cases. The House also considered several procedural motions to limit debate times on sessional papers, constitutional commission reports, and the budget report. Members, led by Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, criticised the slow disbursement of NG‑CDF and NGAAF funds, labeling the committee’s statements as misleading and demanding at least 60% of the outstanding Ksh35 billion be released before year‑end. Other members, such as Hon. Silvanus Osoro, pointed to recent improvements and projected full fund release by May, while also acknowledging the broader financial crisis and budget implementation challenges. The debate underscored frustration over Treasury delays and calls for greater accountability. Hon. Leah Sankaire urged the House to treat femicide as a national crisis, condemning the slow prosecution of perpetrators and the lack of effective reporting mechanisms. She called for a national register of gender‑based violence offenders, stronger international cooperation, and dedicated, sensitised reporting desks. The speech called on security agencies, the ODPP and the judiciary to act swiftly to protect women and children.

Senators debated a bill to strengthen the Senate's enforcement powers under Article 125, proposing the creation of a Parliamentary Police Service and granting arrest authority to authorised officers. While acknowledging current weaknesses in summoning witnesses, they cited international examples, especially the US Senate, to justify harsher penalties and contempt powers. The discussion was largely supportive of the amendment but highlighted concerns about constitutionality and implementation. Senators debated amendments to strengthen the Senate's ability to compel witnesses, including higher fines and the power to attach salaries of non‑compliant officials. They argued that current penalties are too low and that clearer, personal liability provisions are needed to enforce constitutional mandates such as Article 153. The discussion also covered procedural timelines for summons and the constitutionality of the proposed measures. The Senate session began with procedural checks before the Speaker committed a petition concerning a veteran’s unpaid dues to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations. The House then approved the draft Senate calendar, adjourned to address the surge in killings of women and girls, and welcomed a group of secondary‑school students on an educational visit.

Senators criticised the proposed Water Act amendments, arguing they reverse devolution gains and weaken county control over water services. They highlighted mismanagement of projects such as Thwake Dam, inadequate public participation, and persistent water supply and quality problems, urging thorough revision of the bill. Sen. Sifuna warned that the proposed water bill would transfer bulk water supply to private operators, risking loss of county revenue, jobs and undermining existing water infrastructure. He argued that water services are a devolved constitutional function and criticised the bill as over‑reaching, stating he will oppose it in its entirety. Senators debated a proposed water services Bill, highlighting concerns that it is unconstitutional, centralises water provision, and could burden citizens with loan‑derived costs. Multiple members (Sifuna, Orwoba, Osotsi) voiced strong opposition and called for the Bill’s rejection, while the session also featured procedural interruptions and a brief commendation of young visitors.

The Speaker addressed procedural matters, welcomed a Zambian parliamentary delegation, and highlighted the lapse of unfinished business and Bills. Members expressed frustration over unanswered questions to cabinet secretaries and delays in NG‑CDF fund disbursement, questioning the executive’s commitment to honour parliamentary decisions. The debate combined courteous acknowledgments with criticism of procedural inefficiencies and executive reliability. Members of the National Assembly expressed condolences for the death of marathon star Kelvin Kiptum and called for a thorough investigation into the accident that claimed his life. Several MPs urged the government to improve athlete welfare, including security, insurance coverage, and post‑career guidance, while also noting procedural matters such as a motion to appoint additional members to the House Business Committee. The House observed a minute of silence to mourn the death of marathon world‑record holder Kelvin Kiptum, with members offering condolences and personal reflections. Hon. Gideon Kimaiyo and others called on the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports to improve support and safety for young athletes. Earlier remarks highlighted procedural frustrations about getting the House to order.

Senators opened the session with New Year greetings and calls for a more effective legislative agenda, highlighting the need for reforms in law‑making and oversight mechanisms. Several members criticised the exclusion of the Jubilee party from committees, raised concerns about revenue allocation and committee report handling, and urged action on child protection and gender‑based violence. The debate combined hopeful remarks with sharp criticism of procedural and societal issues. The Speaker opened the afternoon sitting by reviewing the Senate’s recent devolution events, legislative output, and the backlog of pending bills, urging faster processing and active participation. The session then focused on appointing members to the Senate Business Committee for the Third Session, with motions moved and procedural steps followed. Senators expressed concern over laws being made outside Parliament and called for technical consultations to ensure constitutional compliance, while also urging proper oversight of county executives in Kisii and equal treatment of nominated senators. Condolences were offered for recent deaths, and the Speaker facilitated the proceedings.