Sittings

The Speaker reminded members of the statutory deadline for the 2025 Budget Policy Statement and Debt Management Strategy, urging the rapid formation of the Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Public Debt and Privatization Committee. Members engaged in procedural exchanges and, notably, Hon. Shakeel Shabbir delivered a tribute to the late Prince Aga Khan, outlining his contributions to Kenya’s education, health, media and tourism sectors. The session combined administrative urgency with a respectful commemoration, reflecting a constructive parliamentary tone. The debate featured Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona repeatedly challenging the Speaker, using cultural metaphors to criticize perceived overreach and demanding a broader, inclusive government. Procedural business was addressed when Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah moved a motion to appoint additional members to the House Business Committee, leading to points of order and interruptions. The session also included a brief expression of support for Raila Odinga’s African Union chairmanship bid. The session was marked by procedural clashes as members disputed the composition of the House Business Committee, with the ODM representative announcing a withdrawal of his party’s members and several MPs walking out. Despite the disorder, members emphasized the need to reconvene the committee to address urgent matters such as school capitation, the Supplementary Appropriations Bill and the reconstitution of other committees. The Speaker reiterated standing orders and called for order before proceeding.

Senators expressed strong support for the forest conservation bill, proposing school tree‑planting clubs, a national tree‑planting month, and revisiting the Chiefs Act to tighten control over tree felling. They called for mandatory public participation before permits are granted and highlighted the need to avoid non‑native species such as blue gums that threaten water resources. The debate combined constructive suggestions with concerns about implementation and environmental impacts. The Senate addressed the enforcement of Sen. Gloria Orwoba's suspension following a court stay, with the Deputy Speaker outlining the new suspension period. Subsequent proceedings were largely procedural, with several senators giving notice of motions to adopt reports on the Conflict of Interest Bill, teacher allowance discrimination, maize disease impacts, graft investigations, and alleged fraud in the beverage sector. Senators debated a forest conservation amendment, urging stronger enforcement, tax incentives and a dedicated tree‑planting week to boost Kenya’s forest cover. They highlighted weak current enforcement, proposed incentives for private owners, and expressed broad support for the Bill’s objectives.

Sen. Tabitha Keroche urged support for local ethanol and beverage production, linking sugarcane processing to Kenya‑made vodka. Sen. Joe Nyutu raised concerns over the low, delayed stipends and inadequate equipment for Community Health Workers, calling for increased funding, timely payments and training. The Senate then moved through procedural motions to appoint additional members to the Procedure and Rules Committee and the Committee on Powers and Privileges. Sen. Khalwale criticised the superficial nature of public participation and warned of extensive county‑level corruption, referencing an EACC report that listed several counties with a 100 % corruption rate. He urged the Senate to adopt the Bill’s provisions on public participation (Clause 8) and civic‑education funding (Clause 9) as a means to improve accountability, while other senators voiced support for the legislation. Senators debated the ownership and operational rights of Mumias Sugar Company and its associated ethanol and power plants, accusing Mr. Rai of fraudulent claims and highlighting a High Court ruling that denied his entry. The discussion emphasized the economic significance of Mumias Sugar to Kakamega, farmer payments, and the need for government backing while condemning past business failures linked to Rai.

Sen. Onyonka highlighted the lack of dedicated oversight funds for Senators and called for rotational Senate committee membership, while also critiquing the current funding mechanisms for MPs, MCAs and women representatives. The Temporary Speaker shifted the discussion to recent political coalition realignments, urging honest constitutional interpretation and warning against partisan convenience. The debate combined constructive proposals with sharp criticism of party politics and governance practices. Senators repeatedly condemned Governor Mutahi Kahiga for insulting the Maasai community, urging respect, unity and condemning divisive politics. The debate also touched on the work of the Senate Business Committee and expressed support for pending legislation such as the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood) Bill and the Civic Education Bill. Procedural interjections and calls for further deliberation were noted throughout the session. The Senate debated the creation of a Senate Business Committee to foster a more cooperative relationship with the National Assembly, with the Temporary Speaker warning that many bills die in the Assembly and urging remedial action. Members broadly supported the motion, discussed procedural matters such as quorum, division scheduling, and the need for a stable devolution fund, and noted shifting party alignments. The debate combined criticism of current legislative bottlenecks with constructive proposals for improved coordination and oversight.

The Speaker rebuked Hon. Peter Salasya over alleged phone streaming and accusations of dishonesty, while members debated the court ruling that determines the parliamentary majority coalition. Hon. Robert Mbui and others argued that coalition composition should follow the Registrar of Political Parties and warned against frequent party‑switching, emphasizing procedural delays and the need for clarity on majority versus minority status. The exchange was marked by tension over parliamentary authority and conduct. The Speaker reiterated parliamentary rules, especially prohibiting personal attacks on judges, and opened the floor for points of order. Hon. Junet Mohamed used the opportunity to argue that the Majority Party’s leader need not be the ruling party’s executive, warning of a potential constitutional crisis and citing foreign democratic practices. The exchange highlighted procedural enforcement alongside a contentious debate over party leadership and constitutional norms. Members of the National Assembly delivered heartfelt tributes to Ms Anne Wambui Njoroge on her retirement as Director of Hansard and Audio Services, lauding her decades‑long dedication, mentorship of parliamentarians, and role in ensuring accurate parliamentary records. The speeches also touched on the broader issue of women’s representation in senior parliamentary positions, urging greater inclusion. Overall, the debate was celebratory and appreciative of her legacy.

Senators highlighted that recent tax changes and mandatory contributions are pushing civil servants below the constitutional one‑third salary rule, urging a review of the Human Resource Policies. The Senate also resolved to reduce Sen. Gloria Orwoba’s suspension period and addressed the three‑week UHC nurses’ strike over contract terms, unpaid gratuities, and the whereabouts of a supplementary budget, calling for a joint meeting with the Cabinet Secretary. Senators invoked Standing Order 53 to request statements from various committees on a range of governance concerns, including the alleged theft of excise duty stamps, compensation for wildlife‑related injuries, disputed county boundary changes, delayed exam‑related payments, pension arrears, unfair labour practices, and the status of health facilities. The interventions underscored frustration over lack of accountability and service delivery, urging prompt investigations and remedial action. The Senate confirmed quorum and proceeded with procedural business, including a motion to adjourn for discussion of the urgent issue of Kenyan fishermen killed in the Todonyang area. Senators also laid several Auditor‑General reports on Bungoma County finances and acknowledged a visit by Daystar University students. The session concluded with arrangements for a service for the late Senator Cheptumo and routine acknowledgements.

The House debated the approval of three diplomatic appointments, highlighting the qualifications of the nominees and urging the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Head of Public Service to improve due‑diligence to avoid last‑minute refusals. Members praised the nominees' experience, especially in peace and security for the Haiti mission, while also noting procedural shortcomings. A brief reference was made to the recent Gaza ceasefire as a global diplomatic development. The session saw heated exchanges over regional identity and accusations of sectarian politics, with the Speaker repeatedly warning members to maintain decorum. The debate then moved to the approval of cabinet secretaries, where members praised former governors’ records, discussed ICT connectivity challenges, agricultural sector issues, and warned against corruption and cartel influence. The afternoon sitting featured Hon. Liza Chelule thanking the President and urging support for pyrethrum cultivation in Nakuru, while Hon. Anthony Wainaina praised the newly appointed cabinet secretaries and called for their commitment to food security. Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah stressed that cabinet secretaries serve all Kenyans, warned against extortion, and urged the House to approve the nominees with integrity. The debate combined commendations with calls for accountability and inclusive governance.

Members unanimously backed the introduction of Clause 27A and Clause 30A, emphasizing tax concessions, research grants and intellectual‑property safeguards to boost youth‑led startups. They highlighted the need for faster IP registration and collaboration with KIPI, while procedural motions were carried to read the clauses a second time. Members debated an amendment to align the Bill with the Data Protection Act, emphasizing protection of personal data, intellectual property and AI‑related misuse for startups and content creators. The House also considered new clauses establishing a multi‑agency startup committee and incentives for incubators and accelerators, with broad support despite routine procedural interruptions. The National Assembly convened a special afternoon sitting after the New Year, with the Speaker confirming quorum and outlining the agenda. Members laid departmental reports and papers on the appointment of cabinet secretaries, public service commission members, ambassadors and other officials, and gave notice of motions based on those findings. Expressions of gratitude for a colleague’s funeral highlighted a cooperative tone amidst the procedural business.