I notice that Members are still streaming in. There is no quorum. Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell for five minutes.

Hon. Members, I can now confirm that we now quorate to transact business. Hon. Members who are on their feet, please, take your seats. Clerk-at-the-Table.

Hon. Members, as you are all aware, the House approved the Motion on the Report of the Committee of the whole House on the consideration of the Senate amendments to the Sugar Bill, (National Assembly Bill No. 34 of 2022), on Thursday, 1st August 2024. Notably, the Committee had rejected some of the Senate amendments to the Bill. This decision consequently committed the Bill to a mediation committee in accordance with the provisions of Article 112 of the Constitution and Standing Order No.149. Article 113 of the Constitution requires that whenever a Bill is referred to a mediation committee, the Speakers of the Houses of Parliament shall appoint an equal number of Members from both Houses to attempt to develop a version of the Bill for consideration by the Houses of Parliament. In this regard, Hon. Members, having consulted with the Leaders of the Majority and Minority parties, I have appointed the following Members to represent the National Assembly in the mediation committee on the Sugar Bill, 2022: 1. Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe, CBS, MP; 2. Hon. (Dr) John Mutunga, MP; 3. Hon. Justice Kemei, MP; 4. Hon. John Okwisia Makali, MP; 5. Hon. Nabii Nabwera Daraja, MP; 6. Hon. John Walter Owino, MP; and, 7. Hon. Peter Masara, MP. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

The aforementioned Members will await the appointment of Senators to the mediation committee for the committee to be fully constituted for purposes of commencing the mediation process. Once I receive a message from the Senate to that effect, I will convey the same to the House. Thereafter, the mediation committee will embark on an attempt to develop a version of the Bill for consideration by the Houses of Parliament in accordance with Article 113 of the Constitution. The House is accordingly guided. Thank you.

Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table: 1. The Draft Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (Amendment) Proposed Regulations 2024, and the related annexures from the National Treasury – (to be referred to the Committee on Delegated Legislation); 2. The Quarterly Economic and Budgetary Review Reports in the 2023/24 Financial Year from the National Treasury; 3. Insurance Industry Annual Report of 2022 from the National Treasury; 4. Monetary Policy Committee Report for April 2024 from the National Treasury; 5. Annual Report for the Financial Year 2022/2023 from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; 6. Audited Finance Statements for the year 2022/2023 from Laikipia University; and, 7. Annual Report for Financial Year 2022/2023 from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. 8. Reports of the Auditor-General and Financial Statements for the year ended 30th June 2023, and the certificates therein in respect of the following institutions: (a) Geothermal Development Company Limited; (b) Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency; (c) Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited; (d) Kenya Meat Commission; (e) Kenya Wildlife Service; (f) National Museums of Kenya; (g) National Oil Corporation of Kenya Limited; and, (h) Nzoia Sugar Company Limited. 9. Reports of the Auditor-General and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2023, and the certificates therein in respect of the following institutions: (a) ADCAFC Development Limited Liability Partnership; and, (b) Institute of Certified Investment and Financial Analysis. 10. Reports of the Auditor-General and Financial Statements of the National Governments Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) for the year ended 30th June 2023, and the certificates therein in respect of the following Constituencies: (a) Chepalungu; (d) Mwingi West; (b) Kisumu East; (e) Nakuru Town West; (c) Mwingi North; (f) Kaiti; The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

(g) Narok North; (j) Mukurweini; (h) Kilome; (k) Ol Jorok; and, (i) Kinangop; (l) Maragwa. Thank you, Temporary Speaker. I beg to lay the Papers on the Table of the House.

Thank you. The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Co-operatives, Hon. Gakuya. The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security. Hon. Raso is here.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on its attendance at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs Held in Vienna, Austria, from 14th to 22nd March 2024. Thank you. I beg to lay.

The Chairperson of the Diaspora and Migrant Workers Committee.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Diaspora and Migrant Workers Committee on the inquiry into the role and conduct of private employment agencies in the recruitment of migrant workers and placement of students abroad. I beg to lay.

Thank you, Hon. Haika. That marks the end of that Order. Do we have a Member who has been left out?

What is it, Hon. Gitari?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am standing in for the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands. I have a Paper to lay.

Hon. Gitari, approach the Clerk-at- the-Table.

Hon. Gichimu, you had something to say.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am a member of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry & Co-operatives. The Chairperson was meant to table some papers. I wanted to hold his brief, but I am being informed by the Clerk- at-the-Table that they do not have the papers. I request that the matter be stood over until the next sitting.

Just inform your Chairperson that his attendance in the House is key. He will be allowed to lay the papers the next time the House sits. Hon. Gitari, you can take the next seat and lay the Paper. Hon. Gitari will lay the Paper on behalf of the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Report of the Departmental Committee on Lands on its consideration of the Land Control Bill, (National Assembly Bill No. 39 of 2023). I beg to lay.

Thank you. Next Order.

In this Order, we have three Members who have notices of motions. Member for Nairobi City County, are you ready?

Hon. Mwenje, allow the Member for Nairobi City County to be ready for this business. Hon. Passaris, are you ready to give notice of a motion?

Okay. The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Co- operatives. Hon. Haika, you have a notice of motion to give. Go ahead.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Diaspora and Migrant Workers Committee on the inquiry into the role and conduct of private employment agencies in the recruitment of migrant workers and placement of students abroad, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 15th August 2024.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you. Hon. Passaris, do you now have the notice of motion or we need to give you more time?

One more minute! It is being brought. Sorry, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Okay. Whip of the Minority Party, you are recognised and welcomed to the House this afternoon. Go ahead.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for recognising me. I have two issues that I wish to raise. One relates to what you have just said on being the Whip of the Minority Party. I would like to seek guidance from the House leadership on my correct title. Am I the broad-based Whip or the main Whip? I know there are two: Broad-based Whip and main Whip. I think I am the main one. So, you can ask the House to address me as the main Whip.

The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Order. Hon. Millie. You are quite okay, but can we finish because we are in the middle of Order No. 6? Nothing is out of order in Order No. 6. So, let us deal with that and then we come to you.

Hon. Passaris, this is your chance.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for your indulgence. I apologise. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, aware that Article 43(1) as read together with Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution provides that every person has the right to education and enshrines the right of every child to free and compulsory basic education; further aware that Kenya Vision 2030 identifies education as a crucial component for transforming the country into a globally competitive nation; appreciating that bursaries play a vital role in supplementing funding for enhancing access to education, particularly, for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and contributes to the realisation of universal basic education; noting that various education bursaries exist in the country including ward-based level bursary, county governments’ bursary, National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) bursaries, the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) bursaries and the Presidential Secondary School Bursary (PSSB); further noting that the evolution of bursary schemes from centralised to community-based administration aimed to enhance educational access, equity and responsiveness to local needs; concerned that despite those efforts, the current bursary system faces numerous challenges including lack of standardised and transparent selection criteria, delay in disbursement of funds and insufficient coverage of education costs leading to gaps in support; further concerned that these challenges have resulted in persistent disparities in education access, increased dropout rates particularly in secondary schools due to financial constraints and strain on household incomes as families struggle to meet educational expenses not covered by bursaries; acknowledging that the implementation of community-based bursary scheme has not fully achieved its intended objective and hence the need to re-evaluate the current bursary systems with a view to ensure equitable and free access to quality education for all students; cognisant that the duty of the Government to provide free basic education can best be achieved by consolidating education funds and directly remitting to public schools; now therefore, this House urges that the Government, through the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the various stakeholders, undertakes a comprehensive overhaul of the education bursary system with a view to collapse all bursary schemes and allocate the funds to the State Department for Education for provision of free basic education through capitation to be directly remitted to schools. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you. Before I listen to Hon. Millie, I would like to re-organise the Order Paper, so that we consider Order No. 8 and 9, and then we come back and listen to Hon. Millie. Then, we will go back to Order No. 7.

Hon. Members, debate on this Motion was concluded.

Thank you. Hon. Millie, this is your chance now to say what you wanted to say.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. Before I raise the issue that is of concern to me, I want to indicate that I might have bouts of interruptions because I am coughing a little. I think that there is an outbreak of The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

influenza in the country. The Ministry of Health needs to tell the public that there is a problem, and there is a way we need to manage it. I have put it on my Facebook page, and everybody is commenting. Because there is no proper way of management, it is becoming a challenge. It is not an issue if we have a problem in the country. We just need to have a better way of managing it. That was a by the way, Hon. Temporary Speaker. As I told you, I have two main concerns. I want a ruling from you.

Hon. Pukose has said you should have a mask as part of the management of this process.

I agree with him. If I can be provided with one, I will be very happy, though I am at the tail-end of it.

Proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I hope I can be given a mask. I hope the House is well-equipped, as part of that management. They should have masks at all times.

Proceed.

I thank all the Members who have supported my appointment as Whip of the Minority Party, even though I wanted to be Leader of the Minority Party. I am glad because I occupied the seat of Leader of the Minority Party. It allowed me to be Whip of the Minority Party. I encourage all the young women to

That is how you get seats. They are not given, but you grab them. There is one thing I want you to clarify. There has been an issue about the broad-based government. I came in as Whip of the Minority Party, but I can see there are broad-based things. Within it, can Hon. Osoro be called the broad-based Whip, and me the main Whip? For purposes of clarity, we may have Hon. Osoro as the broad-based Whip and me as the main Whip. That is my first concern. I have a second issue to raise. I am seated here at the position of Whip of the Minority Party. I do not know who was seated here. We have a digital Parliament nowadays. The Generation Z has made us move with speed. There could be a Generation Z up here taking a screenshot. I have found a profile of my good friend and brother, Hon. Moses Kuria, here. Somebody might interpret that I have come to be a Whip to harass my good brother, Hon. Moses Kuria. Can I please know who was seated here, and what interest he or she has in Hon. Moses Kuria? Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you so much. I hope you will be provided with a mask.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Pukose, what is out of order?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Hon. Millie, Whip of the Minority Party has said that we have cases of influenza, and there is no proper treatment. There are guidelines by the Ministry of Health about the administration of influenza vaccines, which are given to those who are over 50 years and those who have The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

underlying conditions. We also have pneumonia vaccines that are also administered to the same age bracket and children. The guidelines are available.

I know that you are 20 years old. There are guidelines that are provided. Kenyans should approach their medical doctors or go to the hospitals. They should not say there is influenza, but no treatment is provided. It is important for the public to know that there is treatment and they can be assisted in any hospital.

Thank you.

There is no debate about what you said. Hon. Mwenje, do you have something to say on this matter?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to be the first one to congratulate Hon. Millie on her appointment as Whip of the Minority Party. I have to now get used to having a handbag next to me here.

We have just been men here. So, clearly, the scenery on this side has changed for the better. I also support Hon. Millie’s statement that she is the substantive Whip, and Hon. Osoro is the broad-based Whip. We need to understand what he will be doing. I do not where he is today, but you need to give a ruling on the substantive Whip of the House as indicated.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Okay.

Hon. Nyamai, do you want to say something on this matter?

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Just a minute.

Whip of the Minority Party, Hon. Millie, this is not how it is done. Take your seat. You will learn that once you speak, you have to allow others to have their say. If there is need for clarification, we will come back to you, now that you have a mask.

Hon. Nyamai, go ahead.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, thank you for giving me a chance to comment on this matter. The House is obviously excited about this The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

position of our senior, Hon. Millie Odhiambo, the main Whip of the Minority Party. I was just looking at Standing Order 20. I remember the leadership, on Hon. Millie’s side where I am also seated, has been working on making sure that Hon. Millie sits in that position. She just told us, in quotes, “ alianguka nayo. ” She has advised us and those who follow her that all we need to do is just to anguka nayo, anguka nayo, anguka nayo. Is that the way to go? Do we lobby? Do we just wait until they slumber a bit and then we anguka nayo the way Hon. Millie did? I congratulate her, but please guide us. Will we follow what Hon. Millie has told us? Will we follow the Standing Orders? There is something I also will want to anguka nayo. Which direction do I take, Hon. Temporary Speaker?

Hon. Mayaka.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. As a mentee of Hon. Millie, allow me to congratulate her on the new position. As women in this Parliament, we are very proud. We now have two of our women outstanding ranking Members as part of House Leadership. For us, it is a moment of pride. In regard to the broad-based Government of National Unity, we are operating in extraordinary times in this country. I do not even know the right tongues. Hon. Millie is very right in seeking directions on this matter so that we can know how we treat her and Hon. Osoro. Who is the broad-based Whip, and who is the substantive Whip in the House? As I conclude, I want to tell Hon. Racheal Nyamai something. I know she is our ranking Member. When dancing to that anguka nayo song, we do it in italics. You do not do it like you are falling in water. You slide as you are falling. Thank you.

However, I did not see you slide. Let us have Hon. Naomi Waqo.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I congratulate our senior, Hon. Millie, for the seat that she is occupying. She seems to be occupying it fully. As women in leadership, we congratulated you. We are all proud of you. I am happy now because I have a colleague we can relate. To add to that, Hon. Osoro is the Whip of the Majority Party, while Hon. Millie is the Whip of the Minority Party.

I know I am not the Speaker. I am just speaking on behalf of my colleagues.

Hon. Naomi Waqo will be listened to like others.

Yes. The Standing Orders recognise that. We serve in capacities that are supported by our Standing Orders. Hon. Osoro remains the Whip of the Majority Party and Hon. Millie is the Whip of the Minority Party. Thank you.

Hon. Jayne Kihara. All of you are on a point of order. You just have to wait. This matter is very simple.

Thank you for giving me the chance to congratulate my sister for the position of Whip of the Minority Party. I remember hon. Prime The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Minister Raila Odinga saying that he did not enter into a coalition. Now that it is not a coalition, I think we just stay the way we are. We have Hon. Osoro as the Whip of the Majority Party. To my sister, you know how I love and support you. Just remain the Whip of the Minority Party. God bless you.

Hon. Makali Mulu.

Thank you very much. I join my colleagues in congratulating Hon. Millie for this important appointment. If parties actually respected seniority, Hon. Millie would have been sitting there many years ago.

She has all what it takes to sit there. But we know what happens with most of our parties. I congratulate Hon. Millie. You know I am your very strong supporter. You can count on me as you push and anguka na watu . Hon. Millie is raising a very important matter, and we should consider it. Hon. Osoro should be the broad-based Government Whip, and then Hon. Millie becomes the main Whip. In simple terms, she is telling you that both sides of the House have one leg on this side and the other leg on the other. As you give your direction, it will be very important to determine whether we have legs on both side. If we do, it becomes a more serious matter we are talking about. I humbly request you to put a bit of thinking into this issue. Take time. Do not rush to it. Your determination might change a few other things. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

I will give a chance to two more, one minute each. Member for Busia.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. To start with, both my legs are on this side. I want to correct the Hon. Member.

He did not talk about your legs.

Hon. Millie did not say that she is the broad-based Whip. Both my legs are here. It is not good to mislead the public. The matter of the Minority and the Majority is still in court. We might be sitting here and yet, we are supposed to sit there. Let us not discuss that. Thank you.

Thank you. The Member of Endebess.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I take this opportunity to congratulate Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona for being nominated the Whip of the Minority Party. I would not say that is a recognition of women, but her capacity. She does not represent women here. She is a Member of Parliament representing a constituency, who stood against men and other women, and won. She represents her constituency by all rights. Therefore, representing the Minority side, the credit goes to Baba for recognising her contribution in this House and the country.

Hon. Rindikiri.

Thank you. I am very excited to see Hon. Millie move many rows from the back to the front. She is a person I have always listened to since I came to this Parliament. I have benefited a lot, particularly when it comes to various The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Bills that come to this House. Rarely would you hear her making statements that run away or contradict her responsibility as a Member of her constituency. Millie, I congratulate you. The other side of Hon. Millie is a bit of activism. Now you are in leadership. Please, try as much as you can as we look at you as a leader.

Hon. Murugara.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Let me congratulate Hon. Millie, the great lady who is now the Whip of the Minority Party. She deserves it in all ways. You have contributed a lot to this House and the country. We will cherish as you continue to serve us. In regard to our position, the term “broad-based government” and the word “government” is a term of art. It refers to the Executive. It does not refer to this House at all. The position remains what has always been prevalent here. We have the Majority side and the Minority side. The positions of leadership remain as they have always been.

Hon. Wamaua.

Thank you for giving me this chance. I congratulate our senior, Hon. Millie Odhiambo. Thank you so much for portraying your capacity to carry out the task you have been given. If it were not just for getting this time to debate a point that has already an answer, I support my colleague that “broad-based” is a word or statement from the Executive. It has no legal basis when it comes to our parliamentary work. It is within the Standing Orders that we have the Whip of the Majority Party and the Whip of the Minority Party. Therefore, my dear sister and colleague continues being the Whip of the Minority Party.

Thank you. Member for Nambale, you have one minute.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to thank Hon. Millie for the chance to serve as a Whip in this House. Having listened to all speakers who have contributed to this debate, we would, as Independent Members, love it if you could consider us and give us a Whip. We have heard there are the whips of the Majority and Minority parties. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Member for Kabuchai.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I think Kabuchai cannot be left out in congratulating Hon. Millie in her new capacity. We know that she is equal to the task of carrying the responsibility of that position. I respect her so much. Even before I became a Member of Parliament, I have been watching her while at home. As she carries on all her political duties in this House. I believe that she can do that. Regarding her and Hon. Osoro, the House can make a timetable of who becomes a Whip and which week. They can share positions.

Thank you. The Member for Eldas. I have given chance to five Members from this side. You can be sure this side will also get five. Hold your horses. You have one minute each.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to congratulate the ranking Member, Hon. Millie. She has also been the Chair of Parliamentarians for Global Action. I appreciate Hon. Millie as a very pragmatic, astute and quintessential debater, and leader. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has just realised this, belatedly though. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

That being the case, Standing Order 106 as read with Standing Order 19A clearly refers to relevance. Secondly, the issue of the Minority and the Majority is clearly spelled out under the Standing Orders. Will I be right to say that we are debating something that ought to have been discussed outside this House? Thirdly, Hon. Naomi Waqo clearly said she was not given an opportunity. We are debating what she said; the issue of a broad-based government is a rumour in this House. It can only be attributed to outsiders. As parliamentarians, the structure remains the Majority and the Minority.

Thank you. Member of Bumula.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, Hon. Millie is one of the outstanding debaters in this House. She is a person I have admired for very many years even before I joined this House. She is a friend I have known for some time and we share common friends. I admire her debating skills and I think, though belatedly, the Minority Party has done the right thing. I have a lot of faith that Hon. Millie Odhiambo is going to steer our Coalition to greater heights. In terms of Hon. Millie and Hon. Osoro, if you gave me these two, honestly, it is not rocket science. You put Hon. Millie Odhiambo here, you put Hon. Osoro here, who is the best. Clearly Hon. Millie Odhiambo stands out. We cannot even debate about…

Thank you. Hon. Major Bashir.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. First and foremost, I take this opportunity to congratulate Hon. Millie. She is also a ranking Member in the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee. I attest that she is equal to the task and she is a performer. I would like to tell her that the sky is the limit. On matters of Majority and Minority Parties, we follow the Standing Order, which are very clear. They talk about the Majority and Minority side. Anything outside the Standing Order is something that we can discuss outside this House. Let us congratulate Hon. Millie as the Whip of the Minority Party and welcome her. Thank you.

Thank you. Hon. Members, I think Hon. Millie needed recognition as the Whip of the Minority party. We have done enough of that. Is that not so? We needed to congratulate Hon Millie and we have done that. The matter should rest there. As far as Standing Order 20 is concerned, if there are two people who people assume are married, but they all insist they are not married, why do you insist that they are married when they are saying they are not married. I mean, we had Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and now we have Broad-Based Government (BBG). But as Hon. Adan has said, all that is rumours. This House was guided by the Speaker on 7th of August 2024, on the leadership of the Minority Side. I refer you to the Communication from the Chair No.41 of 2024 that was delivered last week by Hon. Speaker about the Minority Side appointing Hon. Junet and Hon. Millie as the Leader of the Minority Party and the Whip of the Minority Party, respectively. That is the order of leadership in the Minority and that remains the law and the position. Next Order.

Hon. Members, we have Members’ Questions and Statements. I will start with the Member for Manyatta Constituency. Just hold The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

on. Let us start with Members who have requests for statements. Let us start with the Member for Kandara, Hon. Chege Njuguna. You can use the microphone next to you.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the appointment and conduct of the Chairperson of Betting, Control and Licensing Board, one Ms. Jane Mwikali Makau. Ms Jane Mwikali Makau was appointed as the Chairperson of the Betting, Control and Licensing Board on 20th December 2022. She also serves as the Director of the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) and the Chairperson of the Strategy, Technical and Business Development Committee for the same board. Her appointment is in contravention of a court ruling in the Employment and Labour Relations Court, Case No.3 of 2022, where the court held that a person serving as a full-time public officer is not eligible to serve in any other public office. Further, the spouse to Ms Jane Mwikali, Apostle Dr Carace Ownze Toomey, was charged on 14th April 2023 with defrauding a Korean businessman of Ksh54 million in a fake gold transaction. The relation raises questions as to the conduct of the Chairperson. Pursuant to Article 10 of the Constitution, all persons, including State officers and public officers, are bound by the National Values and Principles of Governance as per the Constitution. On 22nd February 2024, while accompanying Mr Fred Afune, Director of Playco Technology Ltd trading as Shabiki.com to an official launch of water tanks in Makueni County, Ms Jane Mwikali Makau, in her speech, lauded the move and invited other betting companies to emulate the same gesture. Her action not only amounts to conflict of interest, but also contravenes the Constitution. Additionally, noting that the Finance Action Task Force (FATF), the global anti-money laundering watchdog recently included Kenya on the list of grey listed countries, there is anxiety that a number of people may use gambling as a means of laundering money, thereby, jeopardising the economy of the country. It is against this backdrop that I seek a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the following: 1. Could the Ministry of Interior and National Administration expound on the measures being taken, if any, to address the appointment of the Chairperson which is in contravention of the court ruling in Case No.3 of 2022? 2. Could the Ministry provide the mechanisms put in place to avert cases of conflict of interest in the Board? I, thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker

Thank you. Hon Members, because of the number of requests for statements today, we will not allow Members to comment on the requests. The next Member who has a request is the Member for North Horr, Hon. Adhe Wario. Sorry. Hon. Raso, before we move to the Hon. Member for North Horr, this is directed to your Committee. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Thank you very much Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have heard what my colleague has presented as a request for a statement. It borders on a civil case but also it talks about a court ruling. As a Committee, we will have to sit. We will also not delay. We will dispatch it to the Ministry and then we will give the House feedback during the second week after recess, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you. Hon. Njuguna, is that okay with you.

Thank you Hon. Temporary Speaker. I agree with the Member.

Thank you. So, two weeks after we resume from recess. Hon. Member for North Horr.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to request for a statement regarding the brutal and senseless killings of innocent and peace loving Kenyans along the Kenya-Ethiopia Border. Hon. Temporary Speaker

Thank you. Hon. Raso.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am personally aware of what Hon. Adhe, the Member for North Horr has presented. The Ministry and the national Government are seized of that matter. The statement he has requested will be dealt with by the Committee. The Committee will deal with it as soon as it is practically possible. The Ministry is already seized of the matter. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Are there timelines?

We do not want to give ourselves two weeks because we can give him feedback in a weeks’ time. The people on the ground are doing their work.

Thank you. The Member for North Horr, is that okay with you?

That is okay. I and the Vice-Chair are affected by this. I agree to the proposed time frame.

Thank you. The next Statement is from the Member for Fafi, Hon. Yakub.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to request for a statement on behalf of Fafi Constituency. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding insecurity in Fafi Constituency. Fafi Constituency has, for a long time, witnessed a series of attacks by suspected militants. Those attacks have seen several police officers, national police reservists (NPRs) and civilians lose their lives and communication masts blown away. For instance, on the morning of 10th August 2024, Mr Dekow Mohamed Aden of ID No 26617498 and his 12-year-old son were reportedly killed by suspected Al Shabaab militants at Daad Abbass Village Kamuthe Location; accusing him of working with security agencies. Mr Dekow was among a group of 17 locals who had volunteered to work with the special operations group (SOG) to eliminate

activities in the area. The team had been vetted by Bura East Sub-county Security Intelligence Committee (SCSIC) in October 2022 and recommended for recruitment as NPRs. Numerous appeals to the Government to beef up security by deploying additional officers and recruiting more national police reservists have not been successful. Schools and hospitals have been closed as roads remain impassable due to insecurity. The situation is worse in rural and border villages including Yumbis, Harbod, Dagega, Degbon and Dekaharia. Owing to the growing insecurity in the constituency, I cannot freely move around to undertake development activities as I am also a target of the militants due to my denouncement of their actions. Additionally, local administrators in border towns fear for their lives and, as such, stay away from their areas of jurisdiction in the villages opting to stay in major towns. Sadly, the few police reservists that were manning the constituency have been served with discharge letters after leaving the area exposed. It is against this background that I seek a statement from the Chairperson of the Department Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the following: 1. Reasons as to why the Government is downscaling security levels by discharging sixteen national police reservists in Bura East Sub-County from duty on 6th August 2024, instead of beefing up security in the area; 2. Reasons as to why the 17 national police reservists (NPR) locals who had volunteered to work with SOG and other security agencies to eliminate AlShabaab activities in the area have not been armed and yet, they are remunerated and embedded within the Government security agencies; 3. Specific actions being taken by the Government to enhance security in Fafi Constituency, considering the minimal allocation of national police reservists (NPR), the limited administrative and divisional infrastructure, and the scarcity of SOG camps; and, The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

4. Clarify whether the Ministry maintains records of abductions by Al Shabaab in Fafi Constituency and other Government security agencies and if such records do exist, provide the numbers of abductions and measures taken by the Ministry to ensure the safety of residents.

Having stated that, I want to add that, as the Members of Parliament from Northern Kenya and victims of Al Shabaab attacks, we have been raising issues of insecurity for the longest time and the answers we get are ‘desktop and laptop’ answers. I request that you direct the administrative …

Thank you, Hon. Member. By now, you know the drill. All the things that you wanted should have been captured in your request for a statement. There are no speeches after you have issued your request for a statement. Hon. Dido Raso, today is your day.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Today we were vetting the nominee for the position of Inspector-General of the National Police. As you are fully aware, we also had the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior before the Committee. That is one of the things that the Committee has been grappling with, particularly in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). Hon. Adhe, the Member for North Horr and the Member of Parliament from Garissa raised that issue. The thinking now of the Committee and the Ministry of Interior is to re-look at the security architecture in the ASALs. That is why the Hon. Member talked of ‘desktop and laptop’ answers. I seek your indulgence that we give a response in the second week after the recess. Thank you.

Thank you. Hon. Yakub, the Hon. Member has told you what they are going to do. At that time, when they give their answer, you will tell them whether it is ‘desktop or laptop’ and then you deal with it at that level.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I was just emphasising that, so that the Committee can take the issue seriously. I have been crying in this House for the longest time. I hope this time round they will come up with the right answers. I also hope that they will visit the area to get the facts themselves. They have been sitting here listening to the Ministry only. We want them to go to the ground from Mandera to Lamu and get the facts from the locals that were abducted, from the SOGs and the Government officers who are working there. There are camps with 150 police officers without vehicles and we expect them to work. I request that you direct them to do that. Thank you.

Hon. Raso, you can carry the laptops to the ground so that the answers you give are not just laptop answers but real answers from the ground.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Hon. Yakub is aware that I am a former KDF officer and not just a decorated officer. Many of these issues that are being raised, particularly by the corner communities that live in far-flung areas like Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa and Mandera. They are not new. That is why we are pushing the Ministry to re-look at its security architecture. What we have against the situation that is obtaining on the ground is not working for those people. We will not restrict ourselves to just listening to feedback from the Cabinet Secretary. We have to hit the ground so that we can talk to our people, first hand. Thank you.

Thank you. I think that is okay. Member for Garsen.

The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife regarding the indefinite closure of Malka-Halaku Corridor that runs between Tsavo East National Park and Galana Kulalu. Hon. Speaker, we appreciate that natural resources are a cornerstone for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Indeed, it is imperative that dispersal areas ought to be secured to allow wildlife to move freely across landscapes while, at the same time, protecting other key land use activities such as agriculture, settlements and infrastructure development. Over the years, residents of Garsen Constituency and neighbouring communities have faced constant human-wildlife conflicts which have affected their livelihoods. While residents have had to adjust their activities, recent directives have negatively impacted on the normal lifestyle in the region. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) recently closed the corridor connecting Tsavo East National Park and Galana River with claims of area residents trespassing in the park. This has impaired the movement of persons in the area. Additionally, reports of harassment of residents have been made where persons are arrested and arraigned in Kitui and Voi courts, instead of Garsen court. Residents have suffered in the hands of KWS officers who beat and injure the alleged trespassers. For instance, in July 2024, a Mr Hussein Dandi and Mr Hassan Galge Gobu were badly beaten by KWS officers and robbed of approximately Ksh250,000. That harassment has continued despite the Presidential Directive of 29th July 2024 in Kone area, Garsen Constituency. It is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Department Committee on Tourism and Wildlife on the following: 1. The status of the implementation of the Directive by His Excellency the President of 29th July 2024 regarding the opening of the corridor to ensure residents access water at Galana River; 2. The number and particulars of people that have been arrested by KWS officers for alleged trespass since the beginning of this year; 3. The reason for arrested persons being arraigned in Kitui and Voi and not being taken to the nearest court, which is Malindi/Garsen Law Court; 4. The number of human-wildlife conflicts cases reported within Tana River County in the last one year, and the compensation provided by KWS to the residents around the Tsavo East Park at Kone, Assa and Garsen Central, Kipini West; and, 5. Steps that the KWS is taking to cultivate good relations with communities who are the largest host of wildlife. Thank you

Thank you. That is quite a long one. The Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism and Wildlife? Any Member from that Committee?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee are not in the House. They went to Eldoret for the conferment of the city status. As a Committee, we will take up the matter after the recess. We will bring a statement to this House two weeks after the resumption.

Member for Garsen, I think that is reasonable. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is not reasonable because the people are suffering. There is severe drought there. People have no access to water. KWS officers are harassing and arresting people. They are denying people flowing water.

What would you rather the Committee does?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the Committee should direct the KWS, as the President directed, to allow the community to access water immediately.

Hon. Khamis.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the Committee is scheduled to meet next week on a different matter. I will talk to the Chairman and he will be able to give a more definite answer. At the moment, the only way we can bring a statement to this House is after the recess when the House is in session. Thank you.

Because of the urgency of the matter, Hon. Khamis, please communicate to your Chairman that the Hon. Member for Garsen be invited to your Committee and this matter be placed before it next week when it is sitting. I think that should be able to sort out the urgency of the matter. Hon. Nyamai, I had decided that we are not going to have Members comment on the statements. What is it you wanted to say?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, thank you for allowing me to comment. I do not know how the Hon. Member for Garsen will take this. The matter he is raising is not only a matter of tourism or wildlife, but it is also a security issue. I am saying this because the Hon. Member is my neighbour. He talked about people being arrested on the side of Kitui and on the other side. One of the places he mentioned is Kone. Kone-Kaliti is somewhere in my constituency. For us as the people of Kitui, we have a problem with people being told to access that place because we got peace from the time that this matter was handled by the former Cabinet Secretary. So, as this is being looked into as a matter of tourism and wildlife, it may also require to be looked at as an internal security issue. That is my comment and I would like him to take it and to know that the security of this country is not about a county and another county, but it is for all of us. If we are infiltrated by people who should not be in the forest, then all of us, even in this Parliament, will not be safe.

Thank you.

Thank you so much. The Member for Garsen, this is the last bite on this.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The ranking Member, who is also in the Speaker's Panel, did not understand the question. The question is not about the Kone-Kaliti issue. It is between Galana Kulalu and the Tsavo East National Park. I think you are obsessed with Kone-Kaliti, Hon. Nyamai. The Kone-Kaliti issue is different. In fact, it is not in my constituency. This is the Garsen Constituency. The other one is in the Galole Constituency and the Member concerned, Hon. Said, is here. The Member is obsessed with Kone-Kaliti, but the Kone-Kaliti issue also needs to be addressed because you have moved children of Kalalani Primary School out of school.

Thank you. The Member carrying a hand up, do you have a card? Go ahead.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Let me remind the Member that Kone-Kaliti is in my constituency. It is not in her constituency. The people who are staying there are Ormas. There are no Ormas in Kitui.

Thank you. The Member for Kitui South is guided to bring a statement on that matter, if she wants it handled the way she proposes. This matter for now will go to the relevant committee, which is the Committee on Tourism and The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Wildlife. Then the matter will be handled with the relevant committee when a statement in regard to that is brought before the House. Hon. Members, before we move to the next statement, join me in welcoming students from Tingatela Comprehensive School in Kipkelion West in Kericho County, and students from Borowet Primary School in Kipkelion West, Kericho County. They are seated in the Public Gallery. They are welcome to follow our proceedings this afternoon. Next is the Member for Lurambi.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, regarding the reduction of sugarcane prices by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA). The Agriculture and Food Authority was established under Section 3 of the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, Cap 317 with the mandate of regulating, developing and promoting scheduled crops in the country, including sugarcane. The authority plays a critical role in promoting crops value chain for increased economic growth in the country. However, recent price changes by AFA have raised significant concerns among sugarcane farmers and stakeholders in the sugar industry. On 7th August 2024, AFA issued a notice directing a reduction in sugarcane prices from Ksh5,125 to Ksh4,950 per tonne effective from August 2024. It is particularly concerning given that the Authority had earlier revised prices from Ksh6,100 to Ksh5,125 per tonne. Those reductions represent a significant setback for sugarcane farmers as the cost of production has not decreased, meaning that farmers are now operating at a loss. Furthermore, there has been no public participation nor stakeholder engagement meetings with the farmers and millers, raising questions about the transparency and inclusivity of the decision-making process. Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on the following: 1. Report on the factors and indicators that the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) used to determine the new sugarcane prices; 2. Mechanisms in place to ensure that price regulations are made with adequate input from all relevant stakeholders, particularly farmers and millers; 3. Plans to review and potentially reverse this price reduction in light of its negative impact on the livelihoods of farmers; and, 4. Long term strategies to stabilise sugarcane prices and ensure fair compensation to farmers. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Before I allow the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock to respond, the Member for Kakamega has a related question. I will allow her to proceed. You do not have to go through your question the way he has done. You can just go through the areas you think he has left out.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I take this early lead to congratulate Hon. Millie Odhiambo “Anguka Nayo” as our new Minority Whip. As women, we are very proud of her. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock regarding the interim cane price for the month of August 2024, as set out by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) (Sugar Directorate). On 7th August 2024, the Acting Director-General of the Sugar Directorate within the Agriculture and Food Authority issued a circular, Ref: AFA/SD/DIR/TAS/11/ (41), addressed to all sugar millers. That circular followed the expiry of the interim cane pricing committee and in the absence of a Cabinet Secretary to appoint the same, guided the price for cane in the interim at Ksh4,950 per tonne for the month of August. Despite the circular being issued on 7th August 2023, it was vague regarding the effective date of the interim cane price, referencing the entire month of August in an omnibus manner. As a result, this has affected all the sugar cane that was harvested in August, with millers retroactively adjusting transactions for the entire month in line with the circular. The sugarcane price per tonne was initially set at Ksh6,100 in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with sugar stakeholders. Unfortunately, that price has since fallen to Ksh5,200, then to Ksh5,125, and now Ksh4,950 as set by AFA. That drastic reduction has severely impacted farmers, as the interim cane price was established without considering the cost of production and time factor. To put this in context, at the time of planting, farmers incurred costs of Ksh5,500 per tonne for seed cane, Ksh5,500 and Ksh5,300 per bag for DAP and Urea fertilisers respectively, with each acre requiring two bags of each. Moreover, land preparation activities such as ploughing, re-ploughing, harrowing, furrowing and weeding have imposed significant financial burdens on the farmers. Despite the western region relying on sugarcane as the major cash crop, farmers are currently spending more than they earn on sugarcane production due to the low prices. Those low prices have led to devastating consequences, including cane poaching, diminished agricultural development and some farmers uprooting their sugarcane crops to plant alternative crops and consequential increased poverty levels. Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on the following: 1. A comprehensive report on the rationale and basis used by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to set the interim cane price for August 2024 at Ksh4,950 per tonne, including the criteria used to determine that price; 2. The effective date of the interim cane price and explain why the Circular issued by AFA on 7th August 2024 did not specify a clear start date, leading to confusion and retroactive adjustments by millers; 3. An update on the measures being taken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to control the influx of cheap sugar into the country, which has contributed to price fluctuations, thereby undermining the development of the sugar cane farming sector in Kenya; 4. Details on the consultations, if any, that were undertaken with sugarcane farmers and other stakeholders before the interim cane price was set and whether the concerns of farmers regarding the production costs were considered; and, The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

5. Detailed information on the composition and status of the reconstitution of the cane pricing committee, including whether there is representation from sugarcane farmers in the current structure.

Note that for farmers to continue growing cane, the sugar prices must be adjusted. For farmers to continue paying school fees, sugarcane prices must be adjusted. I thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you, Hon. Elsie Muhanda. Is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Mutunga, in the House?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I have heard what the Hon. Member has asked. We can bring a report the first week after recess.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Members, in the interest of time, I will stick to the guidance that had been given earlier that we do not make comments because we have so many statements to go. Hon. Elsie, your statement will be responded to the first week after recess. Is that alright with you? Put it on record, please.

No! We have already passed that. Hon. K’Oyoo, you are out of order. You are not going to comment on this. I am sorry, but in the interest of time, we must make progress. You are out of order, Hon. K’Oyoo. Take your seat. Hon. Titus Khamala, the matter you are raising is also on the reduction of sugarcane prices by the Agriculture and Food Authority. In terms of timelines, it will be answered in the first week after recess.

Hon. Dorice Donya, Member for Kisii County.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research regarding the school start time in the country. Hon. Temporary Speaker, our school-going children are subjected to early mornings in a bid to start classes on time. It is unfortunate to note that the majority of schools in the country have insufficient school buses or other means of transport. This has led to students being woken up in the wee hours of the morning to be picked up by the few buses. The children spend a great amount of time in the buses during pick-up and drop-off. Additionally, students are subjected to tuitions on weekends which leaves them fatigued during what should be their rest time. Hon. Temporary Speaker, countless studies have shown that early school start times are associated with students getting less sleep, which negatively affects their academic performance. Further, students with less sleep time have difficulty paying attention in class and are likely to obtain lower grades. Additionally, early school start times and the resulting insufficient sleep may result in an increased likelihood of students engaging in negative behaviours, such as bullying and fighting, alcohol and drug use, higher risk of athletic injury, The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

and an increase in depressive symptoms including suicidal ideation, among other behaviours. Sleep deprivation also has long-term physical and mental health consequences such as diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and obesity. Hon. Temporary Speaker, Section 84 of the Basic Education Regulations of 2015 states that the official operating hours for all day public or private official school institutions shall be Monday to Friday from 8.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. for class hours and 3.30 p.m. to 4.45 p.m. for co-curriculum activities. The regulations go further to state that no day institution of basic education and training shall require learners to report earlier than 7.15 a.m. Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research to apprise the House on the following: 1. The strategies that the Ministry of Education has put in place to ensure that schools adhere to the set regulations, including prohibiting tuition during weekends; and, 2. The plans the Ministry has put in place to ensure that all public and private schools that pick and drop students have sufficient vehicles to avoid long travel time to and from school. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you, Member for Kisii. Is the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research, Hon. Melly, in the House? Hon. Members, we agreed that we stick to the Ruling of the Speaker that there would be no comments because we have many statements. Any Member of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research? Hon. Clive.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. We will give a response in two weeks.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much. Member for Kisii, is that in order with you?

Though it was a bit urgent, we have ten days for the schools to reopen, and I am worried. I wanted that attention to be taken keenly on what time children should be going to school and when they are supposed to leave. I am told some students wake up at 3.30 a.m. What are you doing in school at 3.30 a.m.? You get fatigued and you know the Gen Zs are saying they do not fear death. Maybe, they have experienced a lot of depression in school and fear nothing.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Okay, take your seat Member for Kisii. The matter you are raising is important and urgent. However, you sought a statement and the only way to get it is by having it brought to the House. The Member seated next to you has been kind enough to take the statement on behalf of the Chairman. It will be responded to in the first week after we open. Hon. Members, we have a Statement by Member for Ijara. I would like to give you a chance right now so that we can finish with the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security. You may proceed, Member for Ijara.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the brutal attack of herders in Gababa Location in Ijara Constituency. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, on 13th August 2024, two herders from Ijara Constituency, Mr Resora Abdi Muhamed of ID number 34595419 and Mr Burow Hassan Muhamed of ID number 34602136 were brutally attacked in Tabatak area, Gababa Location, which borders Galole Constituency in Tana River County. The herders were grazing their cattle when they were assaulted by eight National Police Reservists (NPRs) accompanied by two chiefs and two administration police officers from Tana River County. The NPRs are claimed to have been receiving orders from the two chiefs namely Mr Kamora Abdalla, Chief, Zubaki Location and Mr Moro, Assistant Chief Zubaki Location to chase the herders away with allegations of trespassing on their grazing land. The victims were fatally injured due to gunshots on the legs and back which led to their admission at Garissa Level 5 Hospital and Masalani Level 4 Hospital, respectively. These cases have caused a lot of restlessness among the residents in that area. Hon. Temporary Speaker, the attack raises grave concerns about the conduct of public officers, particularly the chiefs and NPRs involved, and the apparent misuse of authority by those individuals. The presence and involvement of those officers in such violent acts against innocent citizens are not only alarming, but also demand immediate investigation and accountability. Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the following – 1. The steps that are being taken to apprehend and prosecute the NPRs, chiefs, and AP officers involved in that brutal attack; 2. Measures being implemented to ensure that such incidents do not recur, particularly in areas where communities are vulnerable and depend on pastoral activities for their livelihoods; 3. Compensation and support being provided to the victims for the injuries and trauma they have endured; and, 4. The measures the Government has put in place to address the issue of grazing rights and resource allocation, especially around borders between counties. Thank you.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you, Member for Ijara. Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, when will you respond to that request for statement?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. It will be available two weeks after we resume from recess. The statement that has been sought by Hon. Abdi is a very important one.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you. Hon. Abdi, you will get the response two weeks after the recess.

Thank you very much.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you. Hon. Suleka Harun, Nominated Member.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Energy regarding the status of Ashabito Mini-Grid in Mandera County. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

On 2nd May 2019, the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) commissioned the Ashabito Solar Mini-Grid in Mandera County, featuring a 60 kilowatt solar power installation. The plant was intended to provide electricity to approximately 1,000 households, as well as public facilities, including schools, market centres, health centres, mosques and the office of the area ward administrator. The mini-grid has played a vital role in bringing electricity to the region, thereby accelerating economic activities. However, for the last six months, the mini-grid has had frequent technical breakdowns due to the worn-out batteries, resulting in constant power supply fluctuations. Most components that make up the mini-grid are old. We urgently need a replacement or upgrading. Additionally, due to the faulty batteries, the community in Ashabito has been compelled to purchase fuel for the generators to restore power and yet, they continue to pay electricity bills to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). The fast deteriorating condition of the mini-grid has grossly affected service delivery in the provision of healthcare, with hospitals reportedly struggling to function, and in circumstances forcing nurses to deliver babies using a torchlight. Other essential services, such as printing, have also been brought to a halt in schools. Continuous blackout heightens the already existing security threats from Al Shabaab, putting the government installations and officials at further risk in Mandera County. It is against this background that I request for the following: 1. Plans to devise a maintenance schedule to ensure that all parts or components of the mini-grid are in optimal working condition to restore power to the community living in Ashabito and the larger Mandela County. 2. Measures taken to upgrade the old and inefficient infrastructure to a more modern, sustainable and cost-effective technologies to relieve the community from the burden of fuelling the generators. 3. Plans to connect Marothile Ward to the mini-grid. I, thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Hon. Suleka Harun. Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Energy. Is he in the House? Is the Vice-Chairman or any Member of the Committee in?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am a Member of the Committee.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): What is out of order, Hon. Bashir Abdullahi, Member for Mandera North? Please, take your seat, Hon. Ken Chonga.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. There is nothing out of order. With your indulgence, I would like to second and contribute to the request for statement by Hon. Suleka.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Major Bashir, I have a lot of respect for you because you served the country in the army. I will give you one minute only.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Ashabito Sub-County falls under my constituency. I appreciate the Nominated Member for bringing up this matter. She happens to be a resident in my constituency in Ashabito Sub-County. She feels the pain of the lack of power in that area. It is true that the solar mini-grid in that place is not functional. It has been out of service for the last eight months or so. Therefore, it is quite timely. We have a new sub-county hospital in that place that needs to be operationalised. Unfortunately, we cannot go on with it because of lack of power. So, I also call upon the Committee to ensure that they fast-track the process so that The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Ashabito has a solar mini-grid that is fully operational. This will help the people of Ashabito and Marothile get light and services at the end of the day. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you, Hon. Bashir. Hon. Chonga, respond to that on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am under guidance from my Chairman, who is in Eldoret, together with the Vice-Chairman. Apparently, he was aware about this question and we know what is going on. I do not want to mitigate on this matter, but the Chairman has promised to give a response within two weeks. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much,

. Yes, Hon. Suleka.

Thank you so much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The Member is not committed to giving a response to this urgent matter. I have stated the reasons why the matter is urgent, including women giving birth while using torches as a source of light in Ashabito Sub-County. We have no power and the security threats are alarming. We really need this to be responded to urgently. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Chonga, the matter being raised by Hon. Suleka is very important. Can you give us a response?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. As a parent – and I am sure the Member is a mother – I know how sensitive this matter is. The problem does not just affect her constituency alone. Let me commit that the Departmental Committee on Energy will respond in a maximum of five days, within which action will be seen in the constituency. I will be part of that process.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you. You need to know that this is a very weighty matter. In five days, something will be seen on the ground?

Yes, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I will take it up right away.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Suleka.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for your intervention. We will wait for the five days.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much. Hon. Chonga, as you have indicated, even if action is taken within those five days, please, remember that you will bring a statement to the House.

Yes, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have committed to bringing it within one week.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): One week after we resume from the recess? So, you have five days for action to be taken, and then one week after we resume, the statement will be brought to the Floor of the House. Thank you.

Much obliged, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you. Hon. Joseph Lekuton, Member for Laisamis, proceed please.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning regarding the operations and performance of the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA). The UFAA was established under Section 39 of the Unclaimed Financial Assets Act, Cap. 494. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding unclaimed financial assets held by various entities such as banks, insurance companies, pension funds and other financial institutions. The Authority receives unclaimed financial assets from holders of such assets, safeguards and reunites them with the rightful owners. Given the significance of the UFAA’s role and the substantial amounts of unclaimed assets under its purview, it is imperative that this House and the public at large are fully informed on its activities. Transparency and accountability in the management of those assets are crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring effective execution of the UFAA’s mandate. It is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on the following: 1. Report on the total amount of unclaimed assets collected by the Authority since its establishment. 2. Report indicating the number of individuals that have successfully reclaimed their assets through the UFAA, including the total amount disbursed. 3. An outline of the investment strategies employed by the UFAA in managing the collected assets, including investment portfolio, total interest earned and risk management policies. 4. Report on any Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) initiative undertaken by the UFAA. 5. Measures taken by the UFAA to leverage on technology to enhance its operations, including digital platforms to support asset identification and reunification processes. I, thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Member for Laisamis. The Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning is not in House because of the way things are today. Is the Vice-Chairman or any Member of the Committee in the House? Yes, you may proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I have spoken to Hon. Chairman. He has told me that he would respond to the request for statement the second week after recess. Thank you.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you, Hon. Namoit. Is that agreeable to you, Member for Laisamis?

No objection, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. John Kiarie, Member for Dagoretti South. I cannot see him where he normally sits. The assumption is that he has withdrawn from the Chamber. We will move to the next one. Hon. Joshua Kandie, Member for Baringo Central.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding the deteriorating state of roads within Baringo Central Constituency. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) is responsible for the development, rehabilitation, management and maintenance of rural roads. In carrying out those functions, KeRRA receives funds as appropriated by the National Assembly. Rehabilitation of roads is expected to be regular and as when required due to damages that may arise from time to time. Rainfall experienced in the last few months has caused extensive damage to roads in Baringo Central, severely impacting access to essential services. Most roads leading to schools, markets, health centres and public offices have become impassable, isolating communities and hampering daily life. Of concern is the blockage of bridges and culverts due to landslides which have forced rivers to change their courses, redirecting water to residential areas. This has not only destroyed property, but also poses imminent threat to human lives. The situation is particularly alarming in areas such as Sigowo, Sakasak, Kabasis and Kaplele which are prone to landslides. With the continuous heavy rainfall, those regions face an impending disaster, if immediate action is not taken. With schools re-opening in the coming weeks, students are at significant risk due to the hazardous road conditions and overflowing bridges. It is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on the following: 1. Measures that the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Public Works has taken to address the dilapidated condition of road networks within Baringo Central Constituency. 2. Plans that KeRRA is putting in place to adequately address and resolve this issue, including ensuring that the repairs that are carried out on those particular road sections are up to standard. 3. Strategies that have been put in place to ensure safe access to schools for students.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Hon. Joshua Kandie. Is the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure in the House? Is there a Member of this Committee? Hon. TJ Kajwang’, I have been informed that you are the one to respond to this matter. You may proceed.

Yes, I am, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am a ranking Member of this Committee. I have understood the concerns of the Member. We will fast-track that response within two weeks after we come back from recess. I have heard that children will go back to school and the roads are dilapidated. I am not sure, if the Member’s concerns would be ameliorated within those two weeks. However, we will respond two weeks after we come back. Thank you.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Hon. Kajwang’. You are indeed a ranking Member of this House. Hon. Joshua, are you okay with the two weeks?

I am okay, but I will be very happy if they can contact the Director-General of KeRRA, so that he can do something using emergency funds.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Kajwang’.

Whereas we cannot speak about the funds, automatically the first thing we do is to call the agencies. In fact, we do not have any response. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

I am just a normal Member like you. I have no more information than you do. We call those agencies and bring in verbatim response that they give us. If the issue of funds will arise, this Member will be called to this Committee to state his issues in the presence of KeRRA. If there are some funds that he is aware of, then we will be very happy because Baringo people will benefit. Thank you.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): You will bring a response the second week after we come back from recess. Hon. Owen Baya.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, Hon. Kandie is my very good friend, and he is almost a ranking Member. He is the one who controls KeRRA in his constituency. If a road is dilapidated, he needs to call the Director-General and they can fix it without waiting for the recess to end and then a further two weeks and yet, the children will go to school the next day. This is something that he can do within the domestic framework to ensure that the road is made passable for the children, instead of waiting for Hon. TJ to come with a response after two weeks and then another three or four weeks to fix the road. This is something that he can fix. I can even call the Director-General in your area to fix the road for the sake of the children.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Is it a point of order or you would like to discuss this matter? What is out of order, Hon. Kajwang’?

Let us not allow this statement to go in The

. If Members take phones and call people out there, let it not go in The Hansard . Whether Hon. Kandie is on the other side or this one, he is just a legislator like all of us. He has no more powers than I do, even when he is in the Majority Party. All of us oversee those people. It is, in my view, very unfortunate that the leader puts it in The Hansard that he can call somebody out there and get things done. I think Gen Z out there should not find it very interesting that, that can be done.

Thank you.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): In the interest of time, I order that the response should be brought in the second week. Hon. Caleb Amisi, Member of Saboti, has a request for a statement to the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.

Absent.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): He may have withdrawn from the House. I may not be able to know if he is absent. I think he has withdrawn from the Chamber. I am informed that Hon. Njoki will present the request for statement of Hon. Justice Kemei, Member for Sigowet/Soin. You may proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am here to represent Hon. Justice Kemei. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the recent outbreak of Mpox in East and Central Africa. The Ministry of Health recently confirmed the country's first Mpox case, an infectious disease commonly known as Monkey Pox. While traditionally endemic to certain regions in Africa, its recent spread has raised significant concerns. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Alarmingly, the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported nearly thousands of infections and even deaths related to Mpox in the recent past. However, there has not been ample response by the Ministry to that potential health crisis. Given the serious nature of that health threat, it is imperative that we discuss the situation urgently. It is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health on the following: 1. A report on the Mpox case detected in Kenya, including when it was identified and how many more cases have since been detected. 2. The specific measures being implemented on detection and plans to prevent the spread of Mpox. 3. Reports on assessment of the nation's preparedness to handle a potential Mpox outbreak, including current state of our health care facilities, availability of medical supplies, including vaccines and health care workers. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Hon. Njoki Njeru. The Speaker has given permission to Hon. Machua Waithaka to say something as a follow-up to this. Is Hon. Machua in the House? That is okay. We proceed. I can see that the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health is not here. The Vice-Chairperson? Any Member of this Committee in the House? Deputy Leader of Majority Party.

We will respond in two weeks after opening. I will let Hon. Pukose know about that request for statement so that they can follow up. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much. Hon. Njoki Njeru, is that acceptable?

That is okay, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Thank you.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much. The Hon. Member from Mbeere, Hon. Geoffrey Ruku, you have a request for statement. He seems to have withdrawn from the Chamber. In that case, we proceed to the Hon. Wanami Wamboka, Member for Bumula. You have a request for statement. You may proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c). I wish to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations regarding the disparities in the recruitment by the Kenya Defence Forces. The Kenya Defence Forces annually recruits general service officers. That recruitment initiative is necessary to address human resource and capacity gaps within our defence forces. As per their annual adverts, the recruitment process is conducted at sub-county levels. While that is commendable, it is crucial to acknowledge that many applicants may currently be unemployed, hence the need to ensure fairness in the numbers of recruited candidates per region and equal opportunity to all sub-counties. Furthermore, despite the KDF vowing to ensure that mass recruitment exercise across the country is transparent and free from bribery, it is sad to note that the vice versa is true. For instance, the countrywide recruitment that went on last year in the months of August and September 2023 never considered young men and women from Bumula Constituency. It is The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

more regrettable that among the youth that were recruited, some claimed to be from Bumula Constituency, but their records reflect otherwise. Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the following: 1. Reasons behind the rampant irregularities during the KDF recruitment. 2. A comprehensive list of youth that were recruited in the last recruitment per sub-county, including those who claimed to have hailed from Bumula, a fact that has been contradicted by the Chief of Nakhwana Location, Madam Lucy Makokha, and the Sub-Chief of Bitobo, Mr Reuben Kuloba. 3. Steps taken by the Ministry to ensure that future recruitment processes are fair and transparent. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much Member for Bumula. Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations? Vice- Chairperson or any Member of that Committee? In the absence of all, I would like to ask Hon. Owen Baya to respond to the request for statement by the Hon. Wanami Wamboka on behalf of the Chairperson. When will Hon. Wamboka get a response?

Hon. Wamboka being my friend, I will gladly ask that in two weeks after resuming from the recess. I will ask Hon. Koech to fast track the request for statement. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you. Hon. Wamboka, is that acceptable with you?

Indeed, Hon. Baya is my partner in crime. We do so many things together. That thing affects very many Members. I am seated with Hon. Kibagendi here and he confirms that a majority of the people who were recruited in his constituency were not from there. What I would want my good brother in crime to do - in Christ - is to have a comprehensive answer. I agree with him on the two weeks.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Order, Hon. Wanami. Did you say, “your brother in crime”? Did you say, “in crime”?

I said, “my brother in Christ” because we fellowship together in the same church.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): I ask the Clerks-at-the-Table to check whether you said, “brother in crime”. Would you like to withdraw if you said that?

In case I said, “crime”, it was a slip of the tongue.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Would you like to withdraw?

I withdraw because he is indeed my brother-in-Christ.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Alright.

My point, Hon. Temporary Speaker, is that this affects almost every constituency. My brother-in-Christ, please, ensure that the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Defence. Intelligence and Foreign Relations gives us a comprehensive answer. Two weeks after recess is agreeable.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Hon. Wamboka. Hon. Gonzi Rai, Member for Kinango. Is Hon. Gonzi Rai in the House? Since he has withdrawn from the Chamber, we proceed to Hon. Danson Mwashako, Member for Wundanyi.

The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise on behalf of myself and my colleague Hon

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Hon. Mwashako. Hon. Members, for the record, Hon. Khamis Chome associates himself with the Statement that has been made by Hon. Mwashako. The Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security has withdrawn from the Chamber and the Vice-Chairman is not here. Do we have a Member of that Committee? In the absence of any Member from the Committee, Hon. Owen Baya, on behalf of the Leader of the Majority Party.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I sympathise with the people of Taita Taveta for the problems in the bodaboda industry. Having said that, I commit that I will inform Hon. Tongoyo to respond within two weeks. But this is something that probably requires an urgent operational kind of action. Therefore, I may also ask officers at Vigilance House to do something as we wait for the response. We thank you for the intervention. We will try to put in some intervention so that before we get the statement, something can be done. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Two weeks after recess. Hon. Mwashako and Hon. Khamis?

Let me allow my colleague Hon. Khamis Chome to say whether that is proper.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Khamis, you limit yourself to the timelines.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I join Hon. Mwashako in condemning the brutal and senseless murders of our bodaboda operators. The time limit given, because we want a sufficient response, is adequate in our opinion, given that the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party has promised to prompt the security agencies into action, while we are waiting for the statement. That will bring back confidence amongst the people of Voi Constituency. We await that prompt action. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Very well, Member for Voi. Hon. Member for Tiaty, Hon. William Kamket. Hon. William Kamket seems to have withdrawn from the Chamber and so, we skip that. Hon. Clive Gisairo, Member for Kitutu Masaba.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding aircraft safety in the country. Hon. Temporary Speaker, on 5th March 2024, a catastrophic mid-air collision occurred involving two aircrafts, a Cessna 172M aircraft, registration 5Y-NNJ, carrying two occupants, and a Bombardier De Havilland Dash 8 DHC 8-315 aircraft, registration 5Y-SLK, with forty- four occupants on board. The Cessna C172M, operated by Ninety Nines Flying School, had departed from Wilson Airport runway 07 on a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) circuit training mission. Concurrently, the Bombardier De Havilland Dash 8 DHC 8-315, operated by Safari Link Aviation Limited, had taken off from runway 14 of the same airport on a commercial scheduled passenger flight to Ukunda Airstrip in Kwale County. Upon collision, the Cessna C172M was destroyed, resulting in the tragic loss of both occupants, Captain Newton Omote Mokaya, the trainer, and Ms Mariam Yusuf Omar, the trainee pilot. The Bombardier De Havilland Dash 8 DHC 8-315 managed to initiate an air turnback and landed safely at Wilson Airport, but it sustained extensive damage. That incident raises profound concerns about the state of aircraft safety in the country. It underscores potential gaps in air traffic control, pilot communication and collision avoidance systems. Although such occurrences are rare, that tragedy highlights the urgent need for stringent safety protocols and continuous advancements in aviation technology to ensure utmost safety of passengers and crew. Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on the following: 1. Provide a comprehensive report on the investigation conducted to establish the facts, circumstances, conditions, probable causes, and contributing factors that The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

led to that tragic accident, including the role of the air traffic controller during the incident; 2. Details of the efforts made to ensure that the families of the two victims who perished in the accident are duly compensated; and, 3. Measures that the Ministry has implemented to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, including any changes to flight patterns, communication protocols, or training requirements and adherence to safety standard requirements.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you, Hon. Clive. Hon. Members, in the absence of the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman, I give a chance to Hon. Baya to respond on behalf of the Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon. Clive, I will inform the Chairman so that you can receive a response within two weeks after the resumption of the House. Thank you.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you, Deputy Leader of the Majority Party. Hon. Clive?

I am most obliged, Hon. Temporary Speaker. However, knowing that this happened in a busy airspace around Nairobi, it is important that we take this matter seriously. That time, the accident may have cost us two lives, which is already too many. If this matter is not taken seriously, it may lead to an incursion between a major airliner heading to JKIA and another one departing from Wilson Airport.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): The second week after resumption is acceptable to you. Hon. Ariko Namoit, Member for Turkana South.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the strategy to address and resolve the long-standing conflict between the Turkana and the Pokot communities. Turkana and West Pokot counties have been plagued by an inter-communal conflict since pre-colonial times. That protracted conflict has caused devastating consequences on the lives and livelihoods of pastoralist communities in those areas. Despite numerous interventions by various actors over the years, the conflict has persisted, with both the county and national leaders engaging in unproductive blame games with no lasting solution. It is imperative that we take immediate and decisive action to prevent further escalation and restore peace in that volatile region, including establishing new administrative units along the boundary. Sections 14(1) and (3) of the National Government Coordination Act, Cap 127, empowers the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration to establish administrative units as service delivery coordination units across the country. Those units, managed by National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), are very crucial for decentralising services, improving accessibility for residents, and helping resolve inter- community conflicts. Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the following ― The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

1. Specific measures being instituted by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to resolve the conflicts between the communities in West Pokot and Turkana; 2. Plans to mitigate tensions in that volatile region, including the establishment of new administrative units along the county borders; and, 3. The timelines for the operationalisation of the already established administrative units in Turkana County by the Cabinet Secretary. Thank you, Hon. Temporary speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you, Hon. Ariko. The Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security have withdrawn from the Chamber. Let me give this chance to Hon. Owen Baya to speak on behalf of the Leader of the Majority Party.

Thank you, Hon. Ariko. I will speak to the Chairman, Hon. Tongoyo, on the same so that we can get a response within two weeks after we resume from recess.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, as I agree with Hon. Baya, it is quite unfortunate that we have raised a number of Questions in this House, but we have not received any responses. The Committee had gone round the volatile areas but up to now, no findings have been brought to this House. In addition, I had requested for a statement regarding the abduction of my constituency fund manager but to date, no response has been provided. Thank you.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Ariko, what I can do now is to focus on the current request. We will stick to the timeline of two weeks as guided by the Deputy Leader of the Majority. The Speaker has already ruled that we do not make comments in the interest of time. So, I will not give you a chance. I now give the Floor to Hon. George Mukunji, the Member for Manyatta and Chairperson of the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA), to make a statement.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am Gitonga Mukunji John, not George. We have George Murugara Gitonga and John Mukunji Gitonga.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): That is noted.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, this being the International Youth Week, I rise to read a General Statement regarding the 2024 Kenya Young Parliamentary Association (KYPA)-Bunge Youth Dialogue. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 43, I rise to make a Statement regarding the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA) Bunge Youth Dialogue 2024, which took place on Monday, 12th August 2024, at the County Hall Mini-Chamber in commemoration of the International Youth Day. The Bunge Youth Assembly is an initiative of KYPA under the Power of the Dialogue Program, which serves as a crucial platform for youth in the country. This forum enables young people to engage in meaningful dialogue on pressing issues, propose innovative interventions, and enhance their understanding of parliamentary procedures. The programme is founded on the principle that when political and civic actors collaborate with citizens in inclusive, The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

transparent and accountable political processes at both local and national levels, responsive political decisions can be achieved. Hon. Temporary Speaker, on 12th August 2024, KYPA had the privilege of hosting 80 youths from across Kenya, representing diverse political parties, youth-serving organisations, universities and civil society groups. Under the sub-theme "From Clicks to Progress: Youth's Digital Pathways for Better Governance in Kenya," the sessions explored the transformative potential of digital tools in advancing democracy and good governance. This gathering provided a unique opportunity to highlight the significant strides made in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development and digital literacy, emphasizing how those technological advancements contribute to realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The participants recognised the vast untapped potential of ICT in achieving all 17 SDGs, also noting challenges in the sector – including inadequate ICT infrastructure, persistent digital inequalities among the youth and insufficient digitisation in the manufacturing sector. It was truly inspiring to witness the passion and dedication of the youth as they engaged in insightful debates. Divided into four mock committees, the participants developed recommendations that I believe warrant serious consideration by this august House. The recommendations include: 1. Seamless integration of technology in health care delivery to enhance efficiency, boost public awareness and facilitate advanced training for medical practitioners. 2. A strategic policy shift from a narrow Information Technology (IT) sector focus to a comprehensive emphasis on digital manufacturing with particular attention to the JuaKali industry. 3. Innovative application of data analytics, robotics and artificial intelligence to address all 17 sustainable development goals, including food security, clean energy promotion and emissions reduction. 4. Proactive measures to ensure gender equality across the digital landscape, addressing disparities in access and opportunity. 5. Provision of essential digital resources such as laptops, free Wi-Fi access to learners thereby facilitating e-learning and mitigating digital inadequacy. Hon. Temporary Speaker, KYPA remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering our youths and amplifying their voices in the national discourse. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all participants, our esteemed partners, Mzalendo Trust and the dedicated parliamentary staff who contributed to the success of that event. As we move forward, we anticipate continued collaboration to harness the immense potential of our youth for the betterment of our nation. Their insights and innovation are not just for the future of Kenya, but the driving force of our present. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Hon. John Mukunji. Congratulations on the good work that you are doing with the young people, and also for preparing them for future leadership. Hon. Members, I know that this is a matter that has a lot of interest, especially with the young parliamentarians. However, because of the business that we have, and bearing in mind that we are going on recess today, I will give a chance to only one person. Nominated Member, Hon. Irene Mayaka, you have two minutes.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I want to join our Chairperson in commemorating that very important period for the young people of the world. Some of us are millennials but we acknowledge that the Gen. Z of this country have had so much influence on young people in the rest of the world in the sense The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

that they have been very aware of the issues that affect their country. They have had a conversation that has stirred even us leaders to think in the right direction. I want to encourage young people that even when we are told that we are the leaders of tomorrow, we should insist that we are the leaders of now. Therefore, the young people of this country need to take ownership in terms of leadership. I also want to encourage you that as a young person, you do not have to wait to be employed. You can actually be a chief executive officer of your own organisation. Right now, in this world, we are in a space where people are making a lot of money through social media channels and creative content creation. One of the challenges I want to share with the young people of this country is in the field of what is called Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the AI space, we have young people globally making a lot of money by selling applications that even we in Kenya consume. For example, there is one application called Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) that people can use to make a lot of money even from our own country, but that money goes to young persons in other countries. I would like to encourage our young people that we can also be innovators in this space. We can come up with our own applications, make money out of it and rely on ourselves. Let us not wait to be employed. Let us remember that we live in a country that is extremely rich in terms of human resources. We can take advantage of the resources that we have amongst ourselves. I encourage them to keep getting involved in issues that affect the day-to-day lives of all Kenyans. To all the young people of this country, this is an accolade to you. I salute you and I can assure you that, as the young Parliamentarians from the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association, we are here for you. We are here to support you and we will always be your voices in the House. I thank our Chairperson for the good job that he is doing. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you. Leader of the Majority Party, let us have the Thursday Statement, pursuant to Standing Order 44(2).

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. It has been a long wait, indeed, but we are finally here. First, I would like to congratulate the gallant lady for having been given the chance to be a Whip. Geza geza, you are welcome to the leadership of the House. It will be a pleasure to serve and learn from you. Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order44(2)(a), I rise to issue a Statement on behalf of the House Business Committee, which met on Tuesday 13th August 2024 to prioritise business for consideration during the week. As Members are aware, the House is scheduled to proceed on long recess tomorrow, Friday, 16th August 2024, and resume its regular sittings on Tuesday, 17th September 2024. I commend the leaders of the various committees and their members for the dedication and co-operation they have exhibited during this Session so far. This has enabled the House to conclude critical businesses, including the Committee on Appointments, which has facilitated the appointment of a new Cabinet through vetting and approval of the nominees. Even yesterday, a Report on two other nominees was adopted by this House, and we are waiting for a report on one more nominee. There are also many Bills that have come to the House after passing through departmental committees for review. Chairpersons of committees have been very good at their The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

work. I want to thank all Member for their dedication because this House has passed critical businesses during this Session. I thank everybody. With regard to the business as from Tuesday, 17th September 2024, when we resume our sittings, the House is expected to consider the Second Reading of the Coffee Bill. We expected the Bill yesterday, but it was not considered. Today, I am not so sure whether we will be able to deal with it. However, it is evident that we will have the First Reading of the Coffee Bill then, and the Equalisation Fund. The Equalisation Fund is an important piece of legislation that will unlock a lot of money that goes to the marginalised areas as envisioned in our Constitution. This is an important piece of legislation, especially for those areas that are affected and need to get the funds. If not concluded today, we expect these two Bills to come on Tuesday, 17th September. Additionally, debate will also be undertaken on the following Motions, should they not be concluded today, which we are very certain. We will resume the following Motions on the 17th of September: 1. Report on Enhancing Reporting of Parliamentary Business Online Platforms; 2. Report on the Consideration of the Consolidated Fund Services Expenditure for the Supplementary Estimates I, for the Financial Year 2024. This is an important piece of legislation and I wish we had the time to actually dispose of it today; 3. Report on Consideration of the Public Petition on Funds Spent Contrary to Provisions of Article 223 of the Constitution; 4. Report on the Implementation Status of Reports on Petitions and Resolutions Passed by the House; 5. Report on the Alleged Unfair Trade Practices by Foreign Investors in Kenya; 6. Second Report on Employment Diversity Audit in Public Institutions; 7. Report of the Extraordinary Session of the Sixth Pan-African Parliament (PAP), and; 8. Consideration of the Reports on the Financial Statements of State Corporations, Nyanza Region. As I wind up, allow me to inform Hon. Members that pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 29(1), the House may be recalled for a Special Sitting to consider critical businesses that may arise during the recess period. I want to put Members on notice that even as we go on recess, we may have a Special Sitting. Members may be recalled to transact critical business. As you plan your schedule, remember that this is a possibility. In addition, I also wish to remind the House of the Resolution passed on 14th February 2024, which allows the Hon. Speaker to refer any business determined to be of priority to the relevant committees for consideration. In this regard, any Messages or Papers received during the recess shall be referred to the relevant committees based on priority and nature of the business. For now, Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to wish all the Members a restful recess period as they engage with their families. Take your time, and spend time with your families and constituents. We have had a tumultuous time and it is time to go back to the constituencies, work with the people, be on the ground, listen to them, and get their views so that we can cool the fires we have had in this Session. Hon. Temporary Speaker, in conclusion, the House Business Committee will convene on Tuesday, 17th September 2024, to schedule business for the rest of that week. I now wish to lay this Statement on the Table of the House. Thank you very much, and I wish everybody a good recess. However, this does not mean that we will not continue with the business of the House. We will continue until the end of the day. I think we have quorum to transact business. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

I, thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Deputy Leader of the Majority Party. Next Order.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much. Hon. Murugara, Member for Tharaka.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to debate this Bill. The Bill originated from the Senate and the Members started debating it yesterday. This morning, we walked into a very sensational Report by one media house on the Mung Beans Bill, popularly known as the Dengu Bill, and in American English, the Green Grams Bill. The Mung Beans Bill had been debated in the Senate. Thereafter, it was brought to this House, and we have to consider it in accordance with the Standing Orders of the House as to whether we are going to adopt the Bill and agree with the Senate.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Order, Hon. Member for Tharaka. I know you are very enthusiastic on this subject just as many Members are, but there is a point of order by Hon. Wilberforce Oundo, Member for Funyula. What is out of order, Hon Member?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, my good colleague is debating a very important Bill that touches on the lifestyle of so many people. I rise under Standing Order 35. Looking around the Chamber, we obviously do not have quorum to debate such an important Bill. I, therefore, seek your guidance.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Once a Member says there is no quorum, I would have to go ahead and order the Bell to be rung for ten minutes.

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(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Members, when the Bell is being rung, our Standing Orders do not allow you to leave. I, therefore, request that you stay in the Chamber and see whether we can raise quorum.

Hon. Wanami, we have another seven minutes to decide.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): I order the Serjeant-at-Arms to stop the Bell. Ten minutes have expired. Thank you very much, Hon. Members.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Members, the time being 5.19 p.m., this House stands adjourned until Tuesday, 17th September 2024, at 2.30 p.m.

The House rose at 5.19 p.m.

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Clerk of the National Assembly Parliament Buildings Nairobi The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.