National Assembly 2016-03-31: 15:15 to 17:30

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Page 1 of Thursday, 31stMarch, 2016-JOINT SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND THE SENATE
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 1 PARLIAMENT OF KENYA JOINT SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND THE SENATE THE HANSARD Eleventh Parliament – Fourth Session
(Special Sitting of Parliament convened via Kenya Gazette Notices Nos.2038 of 22nd March, 2016 and 2039 of 21st March, 2016)
Thursday, 31st March, 2016
Parliament met at fifteen minutes past three o'clock in the National Assembly Chamber at Parliament Buildings
ARRIVAL OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT
[His Excellency the President (Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta) escorted by the Speaker of the Senate (Hon. Ethuro) and the Speaker of the National Assembly (Hon. Muturi) entered the Chamber at fifteen minutes past three o'clock accompanied by the Maces of both Houses] [His Excellency the President (Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta) took the Chair of State] (The two Maces were placed on the Table) (The National Anthem was played)
PRAYERS
COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR
CONVENING OF SPECIAL SITTING OF PARLIAMENT FOR ANNUAL STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Your Excellency, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the hon. Speaker of the Senate, hon. Ekwe Ethuro, hon. Members of Parliament, Article 132(1)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya requires the President to The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 2
address a Special Sitting of the Parliament of Kenya once every year and at any other time. Further, Article 132(1)(c) requires the President to, among others:- “once every year- (i) report, in an address to the nation, on all the measures taken and the progress achieved in the realisation of the national values, referred to in Article 10; (iii) submit a report for debate to the National Assembly on the progress made in fulfilling the international obligations of the Republic.” In addition, Article 240(7) of the Constitution requires that the National Security Council whose chairman is His Excellency the President to report to Parliament annually on the state of the security of the Republic. In this regard, hon. Members, following a request from His Excellency the President and pursuant to Article 132(1)(b) and (c)(i) and (iii) of the Constitution and the provisions of Standing Order No.22(1) and (2) of the National Assembly Standing Orders, by Gazette Notice No.2038, which was published in a Special Issue of the Kenya Gazette on 24th March, 2016, I gave notice of this Special Sitting to the Members of the National Assembly. Similarly, pursuant to Article 132(1)(b) and (c)(i) and (iii) of the Constitution and the provisions of Standing Order No.22(1) and (2) of the Senate Standing Orders, by Gazette Notice No.2039, which was published in a Special Issue of the Kenya Gazette on 24th March, 2015, the Speaker of the Senate gave notice of this Special Sitting to the Senators. Accordingly, hon. Members, this Special Sitting is properly convened. It is now my singular honour and privilege to invite His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya to address this Special Sitting of Parliament. I thank you.
(Applause)
Uhuru Kenyatta (His Excellency the President)

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Justin Muturi---
(Several Hon. Members blew whistles) (His Excellency the President laughed)
Uhuru Kenyatta (His Excellency the President)

I can sit kidogo waendelee.
(His Excellency the President resumed his Seat) (Loud Consultations)
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Order, Members! The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 3
I wish to draw the attention of the House to the Provisions of Standing Order No.24(4) of both the National Assembly and the Senate with regard to the President’s Address to Parliament. For avoidance of doubt, Standing Order No.24(4) of the National Assembly provides as follows:- “When delivering an address to the House, the President shall be heard in silence and the Address shall not be followed by any comment or question.”
(Applause)
Hon. Members, for avoidance of doubt once again, I read Standing Order No. 24(4) of the Senate Standing Orders:- “When delivering an Address to Parliament, the President shall be heard in silence and the Address shall not be followed by any comment or question.” Hon Members, as you are always aware, the Standing Orders of both Houses are anchored on Article 124 of our Constitution which empowers each House of Parliament to make Standing Orders for, among other things, the orderly conduct of business.
(Applause)
Hon. Members, therefore, any breach of these Standing Orders indeed would be a breach as well of the anchor. Those that may have had some things they wanted to say, I am sure they have said it to their satisfaction. It is now fair that they allow those others who wish to listen to the Address by His Excellency the President the opportunity to be heard in silence without comment or questions as per the Standing Orders of the two Houses. Hon. Members, as you are aware, this is a Special Sitting. I have just read out the convocation. Hon. Members, it will be disorderly for any Member to interrupt the Speech by His Excellency the President by breaching Standing Order No.24(4) of both Houses. Any breach, obviously, attracts penalties as you have provided for in the Standing Orders. Hon. Members, I thank you.
(Several hon. Members blew whistles as His Excellency the President stood up to read his Speech)
Hon. Members, we have a way of maintaining order in the House. Any Member who is out of order has to be dealt with. Hon. Mbadi, you are out of order. Hon. T.J. Kajwang, you are out of order. Hon. Wanga, you are out of order. Hon. Outa, you are out of order. Hon. Wandayi, you are out of order. Hon. Members, pursuant to Standing Order No.107, I, therefore, order that Hon. Wandayi withdraws from the Chamber. Order, Members! Hon. Wandayi, I order that you withdraw from the Chamber. Hon. Wandayi, for the last time, I order that you withdraw from the Chamber. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 4
(Loud consultations) (Hon. Wandayi remained seated in his place) (Several hon. Members blew whistles)
Hon. Wandayi, having refused to obey the instructions to withdraw from the Chamber, I draw your attention to provisions of Standing Order No.111(1); that now I have to recourse to the use of force. I now order that hon. Wandayi be forcibly ejected from the House by the Serjeant-at-Arms.
(Hon. Wandayi was forcibly ejected from the Chamber by the Serjeant-at-Arms) (Loud consultations) ((Several hon. Members blew whistles) (Loud consultations)
Hon. Members, can the Serjeant-at-Arms confirm to me that the Member has been forcibly removed? Hon. Members, I want the Serjeant-at-Arms to confirm to me that the said Member has been forcibly ejected out of the Chamber. Is he out?
(The Serjeant-at-Arms confirmed that the Member had been ejected from the Chamber)
Hon. Members, I wish to draw your attention and I will read it for avoidance of doubt, Standing Order No.111 reads as follows:- “If any Member shall refuse to withdraw when required to do so, by or under these Standing Orders, the Speaker or the Chairperson of the Committee as the case maybe, having called the attention of the House or Committee to the fact that recourse is necessary in order to compel such Member to withdraw, shall order such Member to be removed and such Member shall thereupon without question put be suspended from the service of the House during the remainder of the Session and shall during such suspension, forfeit the right of access to the precincts of Parliament and the Serjeant-at-Arms shall take necessary action to enforce the order.” It is accordingly so ordered.
(Applause)
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March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 5
Hon. Members, we now resume and allow His Excellency the President to make his Address.
(Hon. T. Kajwang, Hon. Sumra, Hon. Outa, Hon. Mbadi, Sen. M. Kajwang, Hon. Oburu and Hon. Wanga blew whistles while waving placards) (Loud consultations)
Hon. Members, I order hon.T. Kajwang to withdraw from the Chamber.
(Loud consultations)
I order the Hon. Wanga to withdraw from the Chamber
(Hon. Wanga withdrew from the Chamber) (Loud consultations) (Hon. T. Kajwang and Hon. Wanga blew whistles as they withdrew from the Chamber) (Hon. T. Kajwang consulted loudly as he withdrew from the Chamber)
Hon. Kajwang, you are a Member of the Chairman’s Panel and you are not required to demonstrate in the Chamber as you withdraw. You know the Standing Orders.
(Loud consultations)
Likewise, I order hon. Mbadi to withdraw from the Chamber.
(Loud consultations) (Hon. Mbadi remained seated in his place)
I order the Serjeant-At-Arms to ensure that hon. Mbadi is out of the Chamber.
(Loud consultations) (Hon. Mbadi was escorted out of the Chamber by the Sejearnt-at-Arms)
I also order hon. Outa out of the Chamber. Hon. Outa, be out of the Chamber.
(Hon. Outa blew a whistle and waved a placard)
Hon. Outa, be out of the Chamber, failure to which you will be ejected.
(Hon. Outa withdrew from the Chamber)
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March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 6
(Hon. Kipchoim took hon. Outa’s placard and tore it) (Applause)
Order, hon. Members! None of you has better view of the Chamber than myself. With the resumption of order, I request His Excellency the President to make his Address.
(Applause) (Loud consultations) (Sen. M. Kajwang stood up in his place and blew a whistle while waving a placard) (Loud consultations)
Ekwee David Ethuro (The Speaker of Senate)

Order, Members! Order, Sen. M. Kajwang!
(Loud consultations)
Ekwee David Ethuro (The Speaker of Senate)

Order, Members! For the avoidance of doubt, I confirm that the Speaker of the National Assembly, who is presiding over the Joint Session, read correctly the Standing Orders of the two Houses. The sanctions contemplated apply across the board.
(Applause)
Ekwee David Ethuro (The Speaker of Senate)

Indeed, it is the responsibility of the Speaker of the House to maintain order. When the Speaker rises, every other Member must resume his or her seat. Under those circumstances, I hereby order that Sen. M. Kajwang to withdraw from the Chamber.
(Sen. M. Kajwang withdrew from the Chamber) (Loud consultations)
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Order, Members!
(Hon. Odhiambo-Mabona consulted loudly)
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Hon. Odhiambo-Mabona, I order you out of the Chamber.
(Hon. Odhiambo-Mabona consulted loudly as she withdrew from the Chamber)
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Hon. Members, as you know, everybody has a right to hold their opinions. I advise that any Member who feels that he or she is not ready to listen to the Address by His Excellency the President should feel free to withdraw from the Chamber. It does not The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 7
show any level of maturity. If you feel you do not wish to listen to the Presidential Address, you are advised to withdraw quietly.
(Applause)
Now that it appears there is order in the House, may I request His Excellency the President to make his Address.
(Applause)
Uhuru Kenyatta (His Excellency the President)

Thank you’ Mr. Speaker, Sir. After being thoroughly entertained, we can now get back to serious business.
(Laughter)
Uhuru Kenyatta (His Excellency the President)

The Speaker of the Senate, hon. Ekwee Ethuro, hon. Members of Parliament, fellow Kenyans, today I join you in this august House to reflect on the great state of our nation---
(Hon. Arati blew a whistle while waving a placard) (Loud consultations)
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Once again, hon. Members, Hon. Arati, you are out of order. The provisions of the Standing Orders as referred to by the Speaker of the Senate are correct both in the Senate and in the National Assembly. Hon. Simba Arati, you are out of order. Kindly withdraw from the Chamber.
(Hon. Arati blew a whistle and waved placard as he withdrew from the Chamber) (Loud consultations)
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Hon. Members, including the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly, the Speaker is still on his feet. I did indicate that if you want to withdraw, please, do not interrupt. If you could withdraw quietly, it would be great honour. Indeed, it reflects a lot on you. Once again, please, if there is any Member who does not want to listen to the Address by His Excellency the President, he or she should just withdraw. You do not have to blow whistles; as you know that is a matter that will have to be dealt with by the Powers and Privileges Committee. It is gross disorder. I now give one minute to those Members that feel desirous of withdrawing to do so.
(Hon. Bosire consulted loudly while standing)
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (The Speaker of the National Assembly)

The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 8 The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Hon. Bosire, I am on my feet; just resume your seat.
(Hon. Bosire continued to consult loudly while standing)
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 8 The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Hon. Bosire, you are grossly out of order. Let me also disclose that we are able to identify those of you with whistles. If you do not want to listen to the Address, please, just withdraw; do not hide. Nobody should point or name any other Member.
(Hon. Bosire consulted loudly)
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 8 The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Hon. Bosire, you are out of order now. Those Members wishing to withdraw can do so now.
(Loud consultations)
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 8 The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Hon. Members, I take it that no Member wishes to withdraw voluntarily. Let me also restate that any interruption, in whatever manner, will be gross disorder and in breach of Standing Order No.24 (4) of both Houses. Your Excellency the President, you may give your Address.
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
EXPOSITION OF PUBLIC POLICY
Uhuru Kenyatta (His Excellency the President)

Hon. Speakers, this occasion is not just important, but it lies at the heart of our democracy and nationhood. It is in the spirit of accountability and democracy that I have, over the last two years, addressed the nation to explain what my administration has achieved in fulfillment of the constitutional requirements laid out in Articles 10, 132 and 240. Hon. Speakers, fellow Kenyans, I want to affirm that our nation is strong and the Nationalist Covenant negotiated by our founding fathers at Independence is alive and well. We have re-imagined, enhanced and expanded it. The spirit of the Lancaster covenant that bound us together as a nation in the 1960s is still with us. Although we experienced turbulence in the 2007 post-election violence, we as a people reaffirmed our commitment to the Nationalist Covenant in August 2010, when we proclaimed a new Constitution. Hon. Speakers, I am humbled to pioneer the establishment of the Second Republic as envisioned by our second Constitution. To establish the first Republic, our founding fathers sacrificed their years of youth, defended the ideals of the Nationalist Covenant with their very lives and stayed the course until we were free and became an independent nation. Every one of us owes a sacred duty to them and a responsibility to pass on a secure, united and re-imagined nation to future generations. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 9
Hon. Speakers, as I stand here, there are brave Kenyans in uniform who echo the youthful valour and patriotism of our founding fathers. With skill and tireless determination, these young heroes are fighting a cruel enemy who is burning cities and countries across the globe. Our soldiers in Somalia, their police and intelligence counterparts at home are all keeping their part of the bargain by defending the nation. They are protecting the Republic, but more fundamentally, securing the broader Nationalist Covenant. Their duties have at times demanded the ultimate price and for this, we owe them gratitude and an eternal place in our hearts. As their Commander-in-Chief, I honour them and want to assure their families of our utmost consideration and respect for their service and sacrifice. While on this, I want to assure this august House that my Government has every intent to uphold the dignity of our soldiers. As their Commander- in-Chief, I will not allow them to be subjected to undue harassment. Hon. Speakers, I would now like to take a moment to salute our fallen heroes from the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service. I ask the House to stand for a minute of silence in their honour.
(Sen. Bosire remained sitting while other Members stood up in their places) Mhe. Bosire, sikuulizi usimame kwa sababu yangu; ni kwa niaba ya askari wetu ambao wanakulinda hata wewe. (Hon. Bosire stood up in his place) (Hon. Members of Parliament observed a minute of silence)
Thank you very much. Fellow Kenyans, hon. Members, today, I invite you to a moment of national self- reflection. At a personal level, I am compelled to return to the question of our nationhood as crafted by our founding fathers and re-imagined by us in August, 2010. In discussing this question, I will expound on the Nationalist Covenant. This Covenant was crafted as an exchange of promises and guarantees between the communities that make Kenya. It was built as a bond that waxes the 42 communities to one nation. It defined our lowest common denominator and our irreducible minimum as a collection of communities. It was our unwritten contract binding one to all and all to one. That is what convinced all of us to join hands and constitute Kenya. But as the country developed, we took this Nationalist Covenant for granted. We assumed it until we saw other nations losing it and falling asunder. We ignored it until we faced the dangers of losing it in 2007. Now, it is at the centre of our national question and we must tackle it head-on. The question we must now pose is: What is our individual and collective responsibility to this Covenant? If it is the base upon which our nationhood is build, how much do we engage with it? How do we protect it from ourselves and others? How do we preserve it for our children and generations to come? The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 10
The Nationalist Covenant is a bond that brings together 40 million Kenyans. It is greater than each one of us but must respect every one of the 40 million of us. This Covenant is sacred and the 40 million who created it are sacred too. Administrations will come and go but the Covenant and the people remain. Leaders will come and go but the Covenant and the people shall remain. If we disagree as leaders, the Covenant does not change. It remains unmoved and is the embodiment of all our collective aspirations, the representation of all of us. This unity of intent is the lowest common denominator as a people. It defines our nationhood and our diversity as Kenyans. To aggress it is to harm yourselves because it is part of you.
(Applause)
Hon. Members, those in Opposition and alternative society have disagreed with our understanding of this Nationalist Covenant. As a democratically elected Government, we have supported their concerns as part of the expansion of citizen expression. In fact, I think from this, we have created an active and effective Opposition and civil society – in fact, the most active on the continent of Africa –and we celebrate this diversity and Kenyan invention. However, our Opposition should be reminded that they are the alternative side of the Nationalist Covenant; that they are part of it and they are bound by it through normative law. In their undertakings, therefore, they must remain true to the ideal of the commonwealth of all. This way, we, as a nation, can go through election cycles without worrying whether the gains of one administration will be destroyed rather than being assured that they will be built on by the incoming one.
(Applause)
That is why, today, I invite the Opposition and the alternative society to liberally criticise my Government’s agenda but they must not criticise it as a sport. They must criticise it as owners of the Covenant and provide alternatives. Criticism without alternatives is just reckless political sport. Further, I also address myself to the beneficiaries of expanded fields of citizen expression including civil society, the general population and the media. They must enjoy the new liberties with conscientiousness, responsibility and faithfulness to the Covenant. I say this, hon. Members, because new found liberties have a way of promoting reckless abandon. As you enjoy the liberties, we must remain true to the spirit of our nationhood. We criticise if we must, but then give alternatives; build bridges between divides instead of digging trenches and build a culture of celebration instead of a culture of lamentation. In sum, those who enjoy our new liberties must not contaminate the spirit our nationalism. Everything will come and go in Kenya but the Covenant that binds us is eternal. If we remain true to this lowest common denominator, this historical exchange of promises and guarantees, this unwritten contract that binds all to one and one to all, then the State of the Nation will forever remain unchallenged.
(Applause)
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Hon. Speakers, hon. Members and fellow Kenyans, I will now turn to a record of the pledges given by my Government for the current reporting year and our achievements so far. Then, I will attempt to tie them to our nationhood. It must be noted that development is a secondary and supportive aspect of our nationhood. We are a nation on the path of progress; a nation on the move that is rapid and impressive enough to attract the attention of the world. We continue to dare, to hope in the promise of prosperity for every Kenyan. We hold steady the reins of our bold and vibrant Constitution that is intended to empower our people, strengthen our nationhood and advance positive social transformation. Over the last two weeks, you have heard in great detail the achievements of my administration in the last 12 months. You have heard from my Deputy President as well as Cabinet Secretaries the lengths to which we have gone and we will continue to go in order to transform this nation. I want, today, to give context to the work we have done; what it means to the Kenyan people and where we are heading in the coming years. Our economy is resilient at a time of global economic and financial turmoil that has seen some of the strongest performing economies in the world stumble into recession. I am glad that the macro-economic foundations of Kenya are strong and sustainable. Our real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was 5.8 per cent in 2015 and we expect to hit the 6 per cent mark over the next 12 months. Inflation has remained under control and our foreign exchange reserves have improved significantly. We all know that our dreams for decent jobs, more profitable businesses and more taxes to pay for our health and education are depended on a strong economy. We, as Kenyans, have joined the realm of middle income countries with the consequence that we can now access non-concessional credit from institutions such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank at significantly cheaper cost. We have also seen the continuing confidence of the financial markets in Kenya and the world’s most sophisticated financial institutions agree on the strengths of our economic fundamentals, our management of the economy and our future growth story. Speakers, hon. Members and fellow Kenyans, my administration is investing not only in the immediate improvement of Kenyans’ lives but also in laying the future for the true prosperity that we seek. That is why we have made such bold investments in security, transport and infrastructure, energy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), mining and agriculture. We all know that even while the national economy is growing strongly, it is still too small to fulfill our people’s aspirations for themselves and their families. Only a true transformation will do this for us. However, transformations are not easy. They are full of ups and downs, and it is a very hard path. Every Kenyan knows this from their own life stories how tough it is to save money for school or to start small businesses; how difficult it is to walk miles every morning to get to school and work, yet with undying hope in a better tomorrow, the Kenyan people persist in working hard in seeking to improve themselves and their families. My job as President, our job as Government, your job as legislators, is to walk with the people in that path of personal transformation, by ensuring that the country is transforming with our people. As we transform one individual at a time, we will fulfill The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 12
the Nationalist Promise. In time, we will create a collective nation that is secure, prosperous, healthy and well educated in line with the covenant of our founding fathers. This Nationalist Promise that I keep referring to was not just about inspiration or citizenship; it was also a determination to combat poverty, ignorance and disease and that we were going to enable our people to make an honest living. These are the reasons that have driven my administration to now make it easier to register a company. Through the overhaul of the Companies Act, we have cut to a minimum the old stringent rules that once made it difficult for sole business owners to register as limited companies. Further reforms such as the passing of the Insolvency Act have improved the processes that are required for one to be in business in the formal sector. They have sought not to fiddle with existing approaches but instead transform the business landscape. Evidence of our success is that the World Bank’s doing business indicators show Kenya to be the third most improved country in the world. We, as a country, jumped almost an unprecedented 28 positions in their rankings. Nairobi, our capital city, was named the most attractive destination for foreign direct investment in Africa. Kenya alone on the African continent was singled out as one of the seven most promising emerging markets. This achievement is also part of our Nationalist Promise.
(Applause)
I take this opportunity to thank you, Members of Parliament (MPs), both of the Senate and the National Assembly, for taking time to review and pass the necessary pieces of legislation, to enable many of these reforms to be implemented. I also ask for your support in quickly passing other pieces of legislations to support this effort. Speakers, hon. Members and fellow Kenyans, despite global economic and financial turmoil, our Kenyan economy has shown notable resilience. A strong example of this resilience is the performance of the vital tourism and hospitality sectors. These suffered severe setbacks as a result of terrorist attacks. This meant that their vital role in providing employment depended on by thousands of families and businesses was harmed. That is why my administration has laid great emphasis of the full recovery of the tourism industry and we responded robustly. As part of the recovery strategy, my administration has set aside Kshs1.2 billion worth of incentives for charter flights which have resumed their previous frequency; and visa fees for children under 16 were waived with effect from 1st February, 2016. We have also accelerated the construction of the Port Reitz- Airport Road in Mombasa County as well as the planned Dongo Kundu bypass. Together, they will allow Kenyans as well as our tourists to get from the mainland to the south Coast without using the ferry.
(Applause)
Similarly, we have instituted extra marketing efforts and strengthened security measures such as the lighting of our streets and providing extra support to our security services. The result of all these has seen a rise in the number and quality of our hotels. As we The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
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speak, many of our hotels especially in the coastal region have been fully booked through to June. I take this opportunity to thank the investors in the sector who have shown their faith in Kenya, such as the entrepreneurs who committed to the construction of the English Point Marina, the new Best Western Plus Creek side Hotel in Mombasa County and many others across the country. We cannot, however, forget that the major factor in this rebound is the resilience of our own Kenyans and their love for our country’s outstanding beauty. They have continued, even during the difficult times, to travel and book into our hotels. If we do not believe in our country, who will? I thank all Kenyans in a special way, for believing in their motherland and keeping our tourism sector going. Speakers, hon. Members and fellow Kenyans, every single Kenyan knows what a road means to their lives. It is the opening up of numerous possibilities. The instant economic activity that follows their construction is clear to all. That is why my administration is making such a comprehensive and determined effort to open up the country. This is also part of the Nationalist Covenant whose intention was to physically link all our communities to create the nation of Kenya. The logic here is that infrastructure creates nations and jobs. I have emphasized the development of our infrastructure because our vision of growth depends on the ability to leverage our competitive workforce, our regional position and the global economy, to deliver shared and sustainable growth. More than 100 years since the colonial government laid the first rail; the Kenya-Uganda Railway, we are constructing our own world class Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). As I stand here today, we will complete and operationalise the new railway between Mombasa and Nairobi by June 2017. The construction of the SGR project has employed thousands directly and indirectly with over 27,000 jobs created to date. It is the intention of my administration to extend the SGR to Naivasha and eventually to the Port of Kisumu and to the border town of Malaba. This will open up more than half of the country to increased domestic and regional trade. Plans are also underway to modernize the existing metre-gauge railway line across the country covering Voi, Taveta, Thika, Nanyuki, Nakuru, Eldoret, Bungoma, Kericho, Kitale, among others. Along these rails will be new industries and business ventures further enabling us to create jobs for our young men and women. Hon. Members, my immediate predecessor’s administration laid great emphasis on road construction, and rightly so. My administration has built from the strong foundation he started. To this end, my priority has been three-fold; first, to complete the road works commenced by President Kibaki’s Administration; second, to open up major new national trunk routes; and third, to implement the ambitious Roads Annuity Programme that will provide thousands of kilometers of low volume tarmac roads to Kenyan rural communities. Between 1963 and 2013, we built 11,000 kilometers of tarmac road. This translates to an average of 220 kilometers per year. In the last three years, my The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 14
administration has tarmacked approximately 3,000 kilometers of road or an average rate of 1,000 kilometres per year. By 2017, we will have laid almost as much tarmac as happened in the 50 years since our Independence as we also continue rehabilitating our existing roads. Hon. Members, as I address you today, road contractors are on the ground working day and night to complete a number of projects. In Marsabit, for example, the road from Merrille River to Moyale; in Taita Taveta County, the road from Mwatate to Taveta; in Kilifi County, the Mariakani-Kaloleni-Kilifi Road; in Migori County, the road from Kehancha to Suna to Masara; in Kajiado County, the road from Isinya to Ngong and, in Nairobi County, the road from South C to Kikuyu Town. As part of this comprehensive effort in infrastructure, we have undertaken massive rehabilitation and expansion of our main port in Mombasa. In 2013, Mombasa was the 8th busiest port in Africa with a handling capacity of 890,000 twenty-foot containers. Indeed, in February this year, my Government completed the expansion of two additional shipping berths at Kilindini, doubling our total handling capacity to 1.6 million twenty-foot containers per year. Indeed, in 3 years, Mombasa has now moved to becoming the 4th busiest port in Africa down from 8th three years ago. Hon. Members, to consolidate our position as the region’s transport hub, we opened the newly completed passenger air Terminal 2 and in addition, we will be commissioning two new terminals; 1A and 1E by May 2016. These new terminals will increase our passenger handling capacity by 5.1 million new passengers, bringing our total capacity at JKIA to 7.5 million passengers a year. To improve domestic travel, there are new airport facilities at various stages of completion in Homa Bay, Isiolo in Isiolo County; Manda in Lamu County; Malindi in Kilifi County and Lokichoggio in Turkana County. We are also working on Suneka in Kisii County which we hope to start soon, Kakamega, Mandera, among others. All this is meant to link the communities of Kenya into a nation as part of our Nationalist Promise. Mr. Speaker, Sir, efficient and adequate supplies of energy remain central to our nation’s development agenda. My administration can report significant achievements here. In the last year, we have brought on-line 634 MW of new power, raising our total installed capacity to 2,282 MW. We appreciate that taking that power we generate into every Kenyan home is just as important as generating it. That is why we have built more than 10,000 kilometres of high capacity transmission as well as distribution lines, which now connect more parts of the country to the national grid than ever before, some of them for the very first time since Independence. Garissa is a case in point. It will receive the first ever electric power supply from the national grid next month. This shows my administration’s commitment to the Nationalist Covenant and the inclusion of all. This has also enabled us to connect many more Kenyans to the national grid. In the last twelve months, we have connected an additional 1.2 million Kenyans to electricity in their homes and places of work. My Government’s street lighting initiative will have completed the installation of 26,000 new street lights across 5 counties by mid 2016. We have extended this programme to another 50 towns across the country. Why are we doing this? It is to improve security and make the 24-hour economy a reality. From Kibokoni to Mtwapa, from Majengo to Kibera, street lighting means better The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 15
returns for Kenyans and better service for their customers. As a result of this programme, traders like Dominic Ombaka in Mathare, Aisha Abdalla and Mabel Barasa in Kisii can keep their businesses open longer because of improved security. Asha and Mabel have moved from using kerosene to using electricity. This is a 24-hour economy in practice; it is part of the Nationalist Promise to practically prosper everyone.
(Applause)
Fellow Kenyans, the state of devolution is a story of rapid implementation. It is profoundly welcome by the Kenyan people and my administration's dedication to its success. Few countries anywhere in the world have undertaken such a fundamental transformation of their structures of government in such an incredibly short time. Kenya has achieved this and I would like to congratulate every Kenyan for their outstanding and unwavering support for this process. I also thank Parliament, the Council of Governors, the county assemblies, and the Constitutional Commissions for their commitment to the cause of devolution. In spite of disagreements and, sometimes, very strong opposing views, we have stayed the course. Today we celebrate the success of reaching this advanced phase of implementation. We can share in a moment of satisfaction, knowing that more work remains to be done. My Government has fully supported devolution, in the belief that it promises a future of shared prosperity for all of us. We know it broadens opportunities across the country and ensures that our journey forward will leave no Kenyan behind. My Government’s commitment to devolution means that every year of this administration, we have transferred at least double the constitutional minimum of 15 per cent of shareable revenues to the counties. In absolute Kenya Shillings terms, we are talking of transferring one trillion to the 47 county governments as of Financial Year 2016/17, of which, 168 billion has gone directly to Arid and Semi-arid counties; 6 billion as part of the Equalisation Fund targeting previously under-resourced areas; 87 billion to the Constituency Development Fund; and, 13.4 billion to youth, women and persons with disability as part of Affirmative Action. For me this is the biggest demonstration of my administration’s commitment to devolution.
(Applause)
While applauding the success with which devolution has been firmly established and taking ample resources to the grassroots, Kenyans must remember that these funds come from their hard-earned taxes. It is absolutely critical that every Kenyan demands accountability from those who manage these resources. We need, therefore, to be frank. A significant proportion of the funds transferred to the devolved units have not met the expectations of the Kenyan people. You must ask: Is the one trillion sent to the county governments reflected in what you see?
Hon. Members

No! The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 16 His Excellency the President

(Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta)
:
Is there clean drinking water and proper sanitation?
Hon. Members

No!
Uhuru Kenyatta

(Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta)
:
Efficient garbage collection?
Hon. Members

No!
Uhuru Kenyatta

(Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta)
:
Medicines in hospitals?
Hon. Members

No!
Uhuru Kenyatta

(Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta)
:
Agricultural extension workers visiting your farms?
Hon. Members

No!
Uhuru Kenyatta

(Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta)
:
Hon. Members, fellow Kenyans, devolution was meant to be a mechanism that would ensure no areas were left behind. Instead, in some areas we see wastefulness, fleets of vehicles and palaces being acquired to benefit administrators and officials. We have not seen enough of these hard- earned resources being utilised to provide concrete benefits to the people. It is important that we celebrate achievements and also face shortcomings squarely. Just as Kenyans demand from their National Government accountability, today I also join them in demanding total accountability and better results from our county governments; for this is your money.
(Applause)
My fellow Kenyans, while still on the subject of accountability, our nation has for a long time been involved in a protracted war against corruption. Previous administrations attempted to eliminate the vice, but with mixed results that did not meet Kenyans’ justified expectations. Last year, I stood here and renewed our commitment to standing against corruption, an action that led to a robust national debate, renewed scrutiny of public officers and strengthened institutional tools against corruption. I pledged that the days of wanton corruption were numbered and those who chose the way of graft would be brought to book. Today, there are more than 360 corruption cases before the courts, most of them involving senior public officials. I took the unprecedented step of dismissing a third of my Cabinet; a very painful but necessary decision. Those, in years gone-by, who might have used their positions as a shield against prosecution, find themselves today called to account for their actions. Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Governors, and several chief executives of state corporations have been charged for offences related to corruption. My message is clear: there will be no sacred cows. To complement investigation and prosecution, we are investing in preventive measures, as well as tracking, seizing, and confiscating the proceeds of corruption. Let me briefly explain our strengthened approach. We have put in place a multi-agency institutional framework, bringing together all entities responsible for investigation and prosecution. In this Financial Year, we have set aside an additional Kshs1.6 billion to support this endeavour. The sharing of information between them is now more efficient The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 17
and operational aspects of investigations and prosecution are now being completed without undue delays. The Chief Justice has created a specialised division of the High Court to handle corruption and economic crimes. The Director of Public Prosecutions has in the last year trained and deployed 90 additional special prosecutors to try corruption cases. The Financial Reporting Centre and the Asset Recovery Agency are now operational. Consequently, we have traced, and are now preparing for seizure, property and assets worth Kshs1.6 billion acquired using proceeds of corruption. We intend to create a Fund into which the recovered funds will be deposited, with a view to use them for specials projects to uplift the vulnerable in our society.
(Applause)
We have enhanced our co-operation with different jurisdictions through mutual legal assistance agreements. This means that hiding the proceeds of corruption will get more difficult, here at home and abroad. We will seek to prosecute the corrupt even if they seek refuge outside our borders. We have also worked with the private sector to develop tools and agreements that will ensure that it does not drive corruption in the public sector. These efforts are bearing fruit. This is demonstrated by the recent quick tracing and seizure of Kshs400 million of assets acquired through stolen National Youth Service (NYS) funds. There has also been progress in the Jersey and Anglo-Leasing cases. To reduce the temptation and opportunity for corruption, and increase efficiency, my Government has enhanced the automation of service delivery. Speakers, hon. Members, fellow Kenyans, I understand the frustrations of those who feel that investigative and court processes have been manipulated by the corrupt in order to escape accountability, delay and derail justice. It is crucial, therefore, that the judiciary reduces and eliminates the frivolous exploitation of legal technicalities to defeat the course of justice. Hon. Speakers, hon. Members and fellow Kenyans, I understand the frustration of those who feel that investigative and court processes have been manipulated by the corrupt in order to escape accountability, delay and derail justices. It is crucial therefore that our judiciary reduces and eliminates the frivolous exploitation of legal technicalities to defeat the course of justice. Kenyans are justified to demand from the judiciary a tightened regime that is impatient by unwarranted delay. The judiciary has the funding and the requisite leadership and must therefore play its rightful role. It must not be perceived to be helpless, a bystander or complacent in this war. That is a threat to our development and security. They have cases before them and should concluded them and tell Kenyans the verdict. Following the measures I took last year, I am encouraged by the overwhelming support Kenyans and indeed our friends abroad continue to give us in this fight. Everywhere I have gone, people have spoken clearly, demanding that corruption must be eliminated. I believe that this war must and will eventually be won. I will, today, be The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 18
tabling before this House, the report showing cases of corruption that are already in court and another report showing frozen assets acquired using corrupt means. Hon. Speakers, hon. Members, fellow Kenyans, our founding fathers fought for Independence to use our freedom and sovereignty to fight poverty, ignorance and diseases--- One of them is walking in to the Chamber right now.
(Sen. G.G. Kariuki walked into the Chamber)
In fact, this was part of the original Nationalist Promise before we re-imagined it under our Vision 2030. That is why I am of the firm belief that Kenya must make transformative investments in health and education. The proper healthcare of every Kenyan remains a core priority of this administration. Towards this end, we have continued to invest heavily in healthcare. To date, the free maternity programme has doubled the number of Kenyans who have access to affordable maternal healthcare from 600,000 in 2013 to1.2 million in 2016. Mothers across the country have benefitted greatly from this intervention. We are aware that there is still work to be done in this area and I want to assure the nation that we will remain engaged in the pursuit of better maternal healthcare for all women across Kenya. All of us know the cost of treating major chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, just to mention but a few. These diseases have bankrupted many a family. Many of us have had to endure requests for contributions towards medical costs. That is why my administration initiated the Managed Equipment Services Scheme so that Kenyans can find the care that they need at the prices they can afford and in places accessible to them. Our people will no longer have to travel to Nairobi or abroad for that matter to find the specialist medical treatment that they need. The goal and objective of this programme is quite simple. We are equipping two hospitals, One Level Four and one Level Five in each county with state of the art equipment. The intention is to have Level Four and Level Five hospitals in every county. We want this by function and not by name.
(Applause)
Our four national referral hospitals will also receive equipment so that they can diagnose and treat these illnesses. The project is run in close collaboration with our county governments. As an illustration of the impact of this project, in 2013, there were only 44 dialysis machines in our public health institutions. Indeed, most of these were in Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret. By December of this year, we will have a total of 289 dialysis machines spread across the country. Indeed in 2013 there were only 58 ICU beds in our public hospitals and again those were largely in Kenyatta and Moi Referral Hospitals. By the end of this year, we will have 130 ICU beds spread across the country. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 19
In 2013 there were only 10 ultrasound machines in our public hospitals. By the end of this year, we will have over 100 ultrasound machines in our public hospitals. The availability of this equipment in county medical facilities has had great impact on the lives of people such as Japheth Muoki, whom I happened to meet when I went to open the Machakos Hospital. One had to live in Kibera near KNH to beat the long queues. Thanks to the managed equipment scheme, he has now managed to go home to his home County of Machakos and he now has regular and comfortable access to the equipment he needs for his dialysis. We know that there are many like him across the country. My promise to them is that working together with our governors, we shall soon reach each and every single one of you and you will receive treatment at prices that you can affords and in a hospital close to your home. Nimekauka kidogo.
(His Excellency the President took a glass of water)
As I speak to you hon. Members, Homa Bay hospital, Nakuru General Hospital, Gucha Hospital, Kilifi Hospital, Machakos General, Moi Teaching and Referral in Uasin Gishu County have all received major equipment upgrades under the scheme and the roll out is continuing countrywide including such places as Engineer in Nyandarua, Voi, Makueni, Chuka, Kakamega, Isiolo, Mandera, amongst others. This expansive medical infrastructure and capacity is part of meeting our end of the bargain in the Nationalist Promise. I now focus on measures my administration has taken to ensure our education sector is in tandem with our national, social and economic development gains. Before I do that however, let me show you the state of our people’s quality of education in comparative terms. The world economic forum’s global competitiveness report of 2014/2015 has this to say:- “Compared to 144 countries the quality of our education system in Kenya is 30th and first in Africa. We are 32nd in the availability of research amongst those 144 countries and training services and the first in Africa. We are 33rd in this report in capacity for innovation and the first in Africa. We are 32nd in availability of research and training services and the first in Africa. We are 33rd in this report in capacity for innovation and the first in Africa”. These are just a partial reading of the comparative statistics. The conclusion is that Kenya is number one in Africa in multiple categories.
(Applause)
It is a testament to our high standards, reflecting our expectations as a people, but we want to still do more. It is not enough to be number one in Africa. We must be able to become even better educated, more competitive, more driven to have the ability to attract the world’s cutting edge industries and investments in our economy. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 20
My administration takes this as a priority. It is also part of our Nationalist Covenant to eliminate ignorance. We cannot compromise or reverse the gains we have made so far. That is why we have taken swift and stern action against those involved in the corrupting of our examination system.
(Applause)
Hon. Speakers, I am convinced that technology and the ability to innovate it, and use it to transform businesses and agriculture is the bright future of our young people. They must be empowered. We must equip them to be future-ready. In recognition of this, we undertook to provide digital devices to Standard One pupils in every public primary school. It has taken time, but we were and are working on the infrastructure necessary to realize this goal. Today, approximately 22,000 public primary schools in every corner of our country have been connected to electricity.
(Applause)
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am pleased to report here today that our promise to roll out the digital learning programme will be fulfilled this year. The learning devices, I am glad to say, are in the country, and are being subjected to tests. Over 1 million class one pupils will have access to digital learning devices, and appropriate curriculum which has already been digitized for Standard one and two. Equally, 60,000 teachers have already been trained to support the digital learning experience.
(Applause)
Other key indicators of our ICT master-plan remain firmly on track. Indeed, in the last three years alone, we have seen huge leaps in our mobile phone penetration and subscribers. 2G mobile phone penetration increased from 75 per cent in 2013 to 94.4 per cent in December 2015. There are only 116 sub-locations left in the country that are not covered by basic mobile voice services. This is down from 1,119 sub- locations that had no network in 2013. The total number of mobile subscribers has increased from 29.7 million in 2013 to 37.7 million in Dec 2015 while the internet penetration has doubled from 41.6 per cent in 2013 to 82.6 per cent in Dec 2015. The number of internet users increased by an additional 21 million in the last 3 years to hit 35.5 million users in December 2015. My administration has created an enabling policy environment for continued investment in ICT. This is evidenced by the growth of companies such as M-Kopa. The facts that I have shared today speak to how technology has enlarged and enhanced the democratic space for all Kenyans. How it has helped us to “leapfrog” our peers by giving us access to knowledge and information at our fingertips regardless of where we are in the country. It is a testament to how expansion in access to electricity is creating an enabling environment to harness these technologies, establishing a virtuous cycle that enables Kenyans take better control of their lives. More connectivity means that every The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 21
Kenyan has worldwide information at their fingertips. We can learn faster and feed this knowledge into our lives and enterprise. We are a developing country that is steadily taking on the characteristics of a developed nation.
(Applause)
Hon. Members, as we speak, my administration has already began consulting stakeholders to gain their assent and support for the proposed changes to the current 8-4-4 system to maintain the high standard that Kenyans deserve and to make certain that our qualifications are globally credible and acceptable. We are also working with them to restore the integrity of our exam system. We expect to announce the results of this engagement with stakeholders on the 8-4-4 system and to present to the country a new direction in the education of our youth that will produce all rounded students with skills and values for the Kenya that we are building. Education has been the vital pipeline to opportunity in Kenya. We cannot afford to leave any child behind. Hon. Members, in 2015, over 925,000 Kenyan children sat for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). This year, when we did the Form One selection, only 759,000 received places in public and private secondary schools. The result of this is that over 167,000 of our young boys and girls are sitting at home, idle and vulnerable to the lure of vices. It is my determination to reduce this gap to zero by next year.
(Applause)
To this end, I wish to engage with Members of the National Assembly to ensure that by 2017; together we can build 3,000 new classrooms in secondary schools that are required to achieve a 100 per cent transition. I also wish to work with Members of the National Assembly to provide and to ensure that together we provide sufficient capitation for all our students. Hon. Members, this is to attain the full promise of our Nationalist Covenant that requires that no child be left uneducated. I implore Parliament and especially the National Assembly to support us in this endeavour.
(Applause)
Hon. Members, the focus should now be making our youth employable by equipping them with appropriate technical skills. Our labour market suffers a huge deficit of technical skills. This was brought to bear with the exploration for oil by Tullow in Turkana. This brought home the reality when they had to import specialized welders from other countries because we did not have the requisite skills available here in Kenya. We also need to make our technical jobs attractive. We, therefore, need more technicians, chefs, masons, plumbers, welders and agricultural related workers to close this gap. My Government has committed and completed 54 new technical training institutes and plans to construct an additional 76 such institutes. This represents 100 per cent increase in the number of institutes in this country since 2013. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 22
By September 2016, we expect a student enrolment of 350,000 young men and women. We have also invested in the Kenya Medical Training colleges (KMTCs). We have added an additional 33 more county campuses to reach a total of 54 across our nation. Students enrolled in these KMTCs have increased from 19,000 to over 25,000 in the last three years. This is in line with our aim to modernize the health sector, not just through brick and mortar and equipment, but also by building the capacity of our young men and women. This is also part of the Nationalist Promise. Fellow Kenyans, we have vulnerable Kenyans that deserve a helping hand. We are not a rich country able to afford an extensive welfare system, but we are a kind- hearted people who want to help those most in need. My administration has undertaken to provide “uplift” to those who most sorely need it. These are the orphaned children, the elderly and persons with severe disabilities. In the last year, working with some of our development partners, we have benefited over 717, 000 households compared to just over 500,000 in the previous 12 months. In budgetary allocation, we have transferred just over Kshs 18billion shillings in cash transfers compared with Kshs 14 billion in the previous 12 months. Today, Mama Jillo from Malindi who is a senior Kenyan citizen has received the helping hand of the Kenyan people through their Government. The same goes for Amina Kazungu from Kilifi who suffers from disability. They do not need food aid any more. Their dignity and their well being have been uplifted. When I entered office, we also had less than five million Kenyans enrolled in the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). My administration initiated a recruitment drive that today has increased enrolment to almost 7 million. This means that the cost of medical care has been reduced for millions of Kenyans, as the package by NHIF has also been expanded. My appeal to you, hon. Members, is that you join us in ensuring that we register more Kenyans to ensure that the heavy burden of medical expense and cost that Kenyans bear is reduced through adequate insurance cover. Fellow Kenyans, these are concrete manifestations of our embracing the values of social justice and human dignity articulated in our Constitution. My administration is also working hard to ensure that every sector of the economy is uplifted. We know that agriculture is the mainstay of most of our people. It is from farming revenue that school and health fees are paid. To boost the earnings of our farmers, my administration has undertaken measures to address burdensome licensing fees and levies that remain a bottleneck, particularly in sugarcane, tea and coffee farming. As you will recall, not long ago, I appointed a taskforce to address the challenges to the coffee sub-sector. In line with their preliminary recommendations, I have from today directed that all coffee licensing fees and levies be waived with immediate effect.
(Applause)
I expect this to increase the revenues received by the coffee farmers by 4 per cent. I have also directed the Ministry of Agriculture, the Office of the Attorney-General, and the National Treasury to review the other sectors, notably, sugar and tea to come up with a recommendation on the way forward in these sectors. We will extent these efforts also The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 23
to regulatory fees in multiple sectors that continue to make it costly as well as a time consuming affair to undertake new projects or to expand existing ones. To this end, I am also today directing that the prohibitive levies at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the National Construction Authority (NCA) as well as the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) be reviewed with immediate effect.
(Applause)
Hon. Members, ours must not be the business of making it difficult for Kenyans to do business. We must simplify and make it cheaper for our people to do business. In the same vein, I call upon our county governments to follow suit in undertaking a review of prohibitive licences and levies under their purview. I promise you that once done, you will all see the impact on job creation in this country. Fellow Kenyans, under my administration, Article 34 of the Constitution has truly been brought to life. Our media is the vanguard of our values as a nation and they hold a special place in our socio-economic life. They form the essential bridge between the different strata of our society. They help to convey critical information, shape opinions and the psyche of our people. The media shines light on the misdeeds that must be laid bare to the public. It sings songs of praise that galvanize our nation during times of victory. The media is also a broad sword that has grown even more potent with the evolution of new social media channels that bring on board the multiplier effect of citizen journalism. For that very reason, I will never tire to remind the Fourth Estate that with great power comes an even greater onus of responsibility; the responsibility to tell the truth, the responsibility to be fair and balanced in their criticism as well as in their praise of those in the public arena but most importantly, the responsibility and sacred duty to safeguard the unity of our nation.
(Applause)
Fellow Kenyans, hon. Members, these are difficult times. Our country faces various potential threats. The terrorists who seek to attack our people are already trying to anticipate the media’s response to their evil acts. It is up to you to help us frustrate their ends. As journalists, editors and owners, you must always remember that the fate of millions of Kenyans hangs precariously on the tip of your ink pen. You can choose to use your platform to burn or to build your country. I urge you, today, to use it for the latter. I invite you to work with my Government to strengthen and protect our democratic space. In the last year, we have made immense strides in the area of technology. The first phase of digital migration has been successfully concluded. As a result, we now have 63 licensed stations as of December, 2015 compared to only 14 that we found in 2013. Indeed, I would be justified to say that despite the vehement resistance by a section of the media to the digital migration process, it is clear that their fears were unfounded. A recent study indicates that there has been an 11.5 per cent increase in the proportion of daily television viewers. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 24
We have seen a proliferation of exciting local talent and content on our now numerous television channels, from hilarious comedies like Aunty Boss to the educational entertainment offered by the Shamba Shape Up Show. I take this opportunity to salute our local producers like Dorothy Bosibori Ghettuba of Spielworks Media Ltd and Alison Ngibuini of Al Is On Production Ltd who have seized the opportunities brought about by digital migration, to create new jobs for hundreds of young actors, casting crew, videographers and editors. That is what we always envisioned. Speakers, hon. Members and fellow Kenyans, the Government’s most critical duty is to protect the lives and property of its citizens, as well as the sovereignty of our Republic. This task is today made more complex by violent extremism, geopolitical rivals, organised crime such as cybercrime and human and drug trafficking. I will be tabling, before the House, the report of the National Security Council (NSC) on the state of our national security, where I outline specific measures that have been undertaken by my Government to secure the people of Kenya. Allow me now, hon. Speakers, to focus on a few important issues that touch on the security of our nation. We have implemented specific strategies that deal with our security challenges and have made a number of cross-cutting multi-sectoral interventions. These include review of security related legislation, roll out of a collaborative approach to counter terrorism and an integrated command and control centre. We have undertaken National Police Service reforms, reforms to the national administration, immigration services, correctional services, peace building and conflict management, as well as citizen participation in security through our Nyumba Kumi Initiative. Our reforms include the Integrated Population Registration System, operationalisation of the Asset Recovery Agency, Integrated Border Management Programmes, inter-agency collaboration in investigation and prosecution, multi-agency team on eradication of corruption as well as regional and international initiatives. Specifically, hon. Speakers, we have increased the number of police officers by 10,000 in the last 12 months, with an additional 10,000 set for recruitment next week.
(Applause)
We have also increased the number of patrol vehicles on our streets through the managed lease service framework and we can all testify of a much stronger police presence across the country. Modernizing our security apparatus has been a cornerstone of our agenda and we have invested billions of shillings over the last year in specialized government transport equipment, weapons, communication, air borne capabilities as well as personal body armour for our officers. The newly launched National Police Service Communication and Surveillance Command Center is a noteworthy illustration in this regard. This facility is the nucleus of our strategy to leverage the benefits of technology to improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of our security services. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 25
Fellow Kenyans, we cannot run away from the fact that we face a threat of terrorism driven by a globalized ideology that is fanatically opposed to the idea of a multi-cultural and peaceful society. It seeks to destroy our sovereignty, democracy and to annihilate our liberty. This threat is not national; it is global in nature. We have seen it across the world; most recently in Pakistan, Belgium, France, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Mali and Turkey, just to mention a few. One of this country’s greatest strengths is our religious and cultural diversity and I am proud that our people refuse to be divided by the reckless actions of these criminals.
(Applause)
Today, I want to pay particular special tribute to a Kenyan of Muslim faith; Salah Farah. He was shot and killed by terrorists near Mandera for the simple fact of shielding Christians from attack.
(Applause)
He died defending people whom he did not even know. This is because he believed in their right to freedom of worship and he knew that every single life irrespective of faith is sacred. He is a powerful symbol of our country’s ambition to attain the full expression of a secure, cohesive nationhood, and he is a costly reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our freedom. I felt especially proud this afternoon speaking with his brother and his wife, when they mentioned to me that not only are they proud of their husband and brother but they too are ready to commit their lives to protect our way of life.
(Applause)
Salah exemplified the best of who we are as a country; a diverse people united by our common love for liberty and peace and above all, being our brothers’ keeper. His actions epitomize the Nationalist Covenant we so desire to live by. I today acknowledge Salah’s family and I want to tell his children that their father’s sacrifice will never be forgotten and will long be admired. In recognition of his remarkable act of valour and, indeed, on behalf of the people of Kenya, I hereby posthumously award Salah Farah, the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya.
(Applause)
Speakers, Sir, hon. Members and fellow Kenyans, when my administration assumed office, we promised to provide an answer to the perennial land question. We pledged to address the structural challenges that affect our land tenure systems. This we did because we know how important land is, as a productive resource, to the realisation of our development agenda. Land is the basis of all other economic activities and, The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 26
therefore, the sanctity of title deeds should never be in doubt. I am happy to report that in the last one year we have issued an additional one million new title deeds, bringing the total number of newly issued title deeds to 2,405,000 since 2013. We are on track to surpass our target of three million new title deeds by 2017.
(Applause)
From Mpeketoni in Lamu to Waitiki in Mombasa; Kihiu-Mwiri in Murang’a to the Nyeri colonial villages; settlement schemes in Taita-Taveta to those of Trans-Nzoia - in every region of the Republic - substantive solutions to old land disputes have been realised. The progress is there to see for those who choose to do so. We know that much remains to be done, but we are confident that we shall complete this complex task and remain true to our promise. I take this opportunity to commend the National Land Commission (NLC) for collaborating with the Ministry of Lands. We have been able to undertake thorough audits of the 13 major land registries, to facilitate their digitisation and introduce cashless digital payment systems for various land-related services. In addition, this collaboration has given birth to a one-of-a-kind digital titling centre that enables advanced security and transparency features. It has also led to the national geo-spatial infrastructure that will come into operation at the end of this year, setting the stage for further development in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) that will improve service delivery and development initiatives. Hon. Members, we have taken steps to improve access to Government services; creating Huduma Centres that offer Kenyans a range of vital public services under one roof. The Huduma Centres are offering a wide range of different government services and serve approximately 35,000 Kenyans per day. Each of these centres is a visible manifestation of our desire to improve the citizen’s experience of Government and show the Kenyan people that serving them quickly and comprehensively is both our priority and pleasure. Speakers, hon. Members and fellow Kenyans, Kenya’s international standing continues to improve. We have cemented our role as the champion for regional integration and security. Peace-building, ceasefire and national reconciliation processes in the region are often informed by efforts supported and facilitated by Kenya. Most recently, we have witnessed the product of our persistence and faith in peace in the reconciliation underway in our neighbouring South Sudan. Our soldiers are skilled and brave peacekeepers in multiple theatres, particularly in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan, just to mention a few. Our medical staff volunteered to go to West Africa to fight Ebola, a testament of their skill and bravery, and our nation’s leading place in making the world a better place. Kenya matters on the world stage. Our diplomats – and I particularly single out Amb. Kamau – led in the negotiations that led to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We were a crucial player in advancing a World Trade Round that had stalled when we hosted the WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi; the first time it has ever been hosted The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 27
in Africa. We are an important player in multilateral negotiations on trade, environment, sustainable development, and a host of other global challenges. In the past year, we have also hosted major international events including the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. I am happy to report to Kenyans that, that trend will continue this year when we host the First Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), the first ever to be held outside Japan. Also, later this year, we will host the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) which will be holding its 14th Session here in Nairobi. In 2015, one renowned world leader after another visited Kenya. To name but a few, His Holiness Pope Francis made a very successful three day visit choosing Kenya as a first destination on his first African journey. Earlier in the year, President Barack Obama and I hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi and the Italian Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Mateo Renzi made a state visit and we are welcoming more this year. Hon. Members, fellow Kenyans, these visits and conferences are a clear proof of the trust you have placed in the leadership of this country. Kenyans are seizing this moment to create economic opportunities and to expand our influence globally. Our international standing is high. Hon. Speakers, hon. Members, fellow Kenyans, all these efforts are part of my generation’s contribution to the Nationalist Covenant. Just as we have inherited and re- imagined the efforts of our founding fathers, so shall future generations inherit the fruit of our labour; that far, we have kept our part of the bargain of the sacred labour to build a great nation. Earlier in my Address, I singled out the heroism of Mr. Salah Farah and our men and women on the front line. In our way, let each one of us make a sacrifice to make Kenya great. Hon. Members, let us embrace tolerance. Let us celebrate each other. Let us avoid utterances and actions that set one Kenyan against another Kenyan. Kenya is big enough for all of us. It is indeed so. This must be our solemn contract with our nation and with one another. It must be part of our Nationalist Covenant. We must take this trajectory; and if we take this trajectory, we will avoid the pitfall of passing on national challenges to our children. We will enjoy the pleasure of sharing with them the dividends of our covenant in both material and spiritual form. Hon. Speakers, it now my pleasure to submit to Parliament the Annual Report on the State of National Security, the Report on Measures taken and Progress Achieved in the Realisation of the National Values and to the National Assembly, the Report on Progress made in Fulfilling our International Obligations. God bless Kenya. God bless us all. Asanteni sana.
(Applause) (H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta submitted the documents to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Speaker of the Senate)
The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Ekwee David Ethuro (March 31, 2016 JOINT PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 28 ADJOURNMENT The Speaker of the Senate)

Your Excellency, Sir, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Members of the Senate and the National Assembly, the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, 12th April, 2016 at 2.30p.m.
Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (The Speaker of the National Assembly)

Hon. Members of the National Assembly, the National Assembly now stands adjourned until Tuesday, 12th April, 2016 at 2.30p.m.
DEPATURE OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT
(Hon. Members rose in their places while His Excellency the President left the Chamber)
Parliament rose at 5.30 p.m. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
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