Hon. Members, we do not have quorum. So, the Quorum Bell shall be rung for 10 minutes. The Majority Party and Minority Party Whips are asked to do what they need to do this morning.

Hon. Members, I can confirm that we quorate.

Order Members! Hon. Hillary, Hon. Kamket and the Member for Sirisia, take your seats. The Member for Lugari and your erstwhile colleague, take your seats. Hon. Members, I can confirm that we have quorum. We can start business.

The Deputy Majority Party Whip.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table: 1. Reports of the Auditor-General and Financial Statement for the years ended 30th June 2021, 30th June 2022, 30th June 2023, and the certificates therein in respect of: (a) ACK Nyathuna Secondary School. (b) AIC Mutonguni Girls’ Secondary School. (c) AIC Nyayo Girls’ Secondary School. (d) Athi Secondary School. (e) Bahati PCEA Girls’ Secondary School. (f) Barazani Girls’ High School. (g) Cheplelachbei East Secondary School. (h) Dundori Secondary School. (i) Gathurimu Girls’ High School. (j) Gikindu Secondary School. (k) Gilgil Girls’ High School. (l) Ilbissil Girls’ Secondary School. (m) Ivaini Secondary School. 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.

(n) Kakuyuni Boys’ Secondary School. (o) Kasikeu Girls’ Secondary School. (p) King’ong’oi Secondary School. (q) Kitondo Boys’ Secondary School. (r) Kiungururia Mixed Secondary School. (s) Koelel High School. (t) Kyondoni Girls’ High School. (u) Larmudiac High School. (v) Lugulu Girls’ High School. (w) Marafa Boys’ Secondary School. (x) Matungulu Girls’ Secondary School. (y) Mbooni Boys’ High School. (z) Merit Secondary School. (aa) Molo Academy Boys’ Secondary School. (bb) Mona Secondary School. (cc) Musuani Secondary School. (dd) Nakuru Central Secondary School. (ee) Njoro Girls’ High School. (ff) Nzeveni Secondary School. (gg) Olkejuado High School. (hh) R.C.E.A Biwott Ng’elel Tarit Secondary School. (ii) Regina Caeli Girls’ High School-Karinga. (jj) Rev. Muhoro School for the Deaf. (kk) South Tetu Girls’ High School. (ll) St. Augustine Gikondi Boys’ Secondary School. (mm) St. Bakhita Kiburia Girls’ Secondary School. (nn) St. Mary’s Kiamworia Secondary School. (oo) St. Monica Munyaka Girls’ Secondary School-Nyeri. (pp) Utumishi Boys’ Academy. 2. Submissions of nominees for the National Government Constituency Development Fund Committees for the following Constituencies: (a) Ainabkoi. (gg) Mandera South. (b) Aldai. (hh) Marakwet East. (c) Alega Usonga. (ii) Mavoko. (d) Bahati. (jj) Mbeere North. (e) Bomachoge Borabu. (kk) Mbooni. (f) Bomet East. (ll) Mogotio. (g) Borabu. (mm) Molo. (h) Budalangi. (nn) Mosop. (i) Bura. (oo) Mwingi West. (j) Chepalungu. (pp) Narok West. (k) Chesumei. (qq) Ndhiwa. (l) Embakasi North. (rr) Njoro. (m) Embakasi West. (ss) North Imenti. (n) Emgwen. (tt) North Horr. (o) Emurua Dikirr. (uu) North Mugirango. (p) Gichugu. (vv) Nyakach. (q) Igembe North. (ww) Nyeri Town. (r) Isiolo North. (xx) Pokot South. (s) Kaloleni. (yy) Rongai. 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.

(t) Kesses. (zz) Ruaraka. (u) Kibwezi East. (aaa) Ruiru. (v) Kibwezi West. (bbb) Sigowet/Soin. (w) Kieni. (ccc) Soy. (x) Kilgoris. (ddd) Suba South. (y) Kiminini. (eee) Subukia. (z) Kinango. (fff) Tetu. (aa) Konoin. (ggg) Tharaka. (bb) Lang’ata. (hhh) Tinderet. (cc) Lari. (iii) Turbo. (dd) Likuyani. (jjj) Voi. (ee) Limuru. (kkk) Westlands. (ff) Malava.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you. Next Order.

There is a request for statement by Hon. Onchoke. I have seen him in the House. Go ahead. Please, read the request for statement as it is.

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 regarding the alarming rate of drug and substance use among university students in Kenya. Drug and substance abuse among young people, especially university students, is an increasing public health concern. A recent Report released by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in January 2025, revealed that 45 per cent of university students have used at least one drug in their lifetime. The most commonly available and accessible substances in the university environment and surrounding areas include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and khat ( miraa and muguka) . Many young people resort to using drugs to cope with the social and psychological challenges that they encounter during the various stages of development, particularly from adolescence to young adulthood. Those challenges may include a desire to feel good, the need for social interaction and issues related to personal or social adjustment.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Ruku, you shall not do what you are trying to do.

Order, Hon. Ruku. Hon. Onchoke shall be heard in silence. Hon. Ruku, you shall be silent as the Member puts his request for statement across. Hon. Onchoke, proceed. 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, Additionally, many students find themselves away from parental supervision and authority, which creates an environment that encourages uncontrolled experimentation with drugs and other risky behaviours. Those factors can negatively impact students’ academic performance, mental health and overall well-being, even at post-university stage. It is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education on the following: 1. Actions being taken to address drug and substance abuse among university students in Kenya. 2. Plans that have been put in place by the Ministry of Education to provide affordable and accessible treatment and rehabilitation services that are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of students in institutions of higher learning. 3. Prevention programmes, guidance and counseling services that are available for students at universities in Kenya. 4. Efforts that are being taken to accredit private hostels that are offering accommodation to university students to maintain, control and enforce compliance to standards so as to prevent access to abuse of drugs. I thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you. I will allow a few comments on this. Hon. Ruku, go up there, get your card, and then I will allow you to speak.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I have my card.

Go ahead and insert your card, Hon. Ruku. You can now proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the Crops (Miraa) Regulation 2023, published on April 25th 2023, recognises muguka and miraa not as drugs, but as stimulants like coffee and tea. It is wrong for the Member to stand and say that muguka is a drug that is negatively affecting the people of this Republic. I urge Hon. Onchoke to withdraw that statement because the Crops (Miraa) Regulation, 2023 clearly defines miraa and muguka . There is nowhere in that regulation where miraa or

is defined as drugs. It is part of the indigenous seeds and, therefore, it is extremely against Article 11 of our Constitution, which recognises our culture. In my community of Mbeere, muguka is culturally recognised . It has a cultural meaning and it is wrong for this House to listen to a statement that wants to rule out…

Thank you.

Can we allow Hon. Munyoro to say something? This is not a debate! You have had your chance.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I take great exception when Hon. Ruku tries to equate tea and coffee to muguka. According to the English definition of a drug, muguka and tea cannot fall under the same category under any circumstances. A drug, according to the dictionary, is a substance that has a psychological effect when it is ingested or introduced into the body. I did not hear Hon. Onchoke talk about illicit or licit drugs. He just said a drug and clearly, muguk a is a drug.

Hon. Ruku, do you consider cigarettes a drug?

Cigarettes? 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.

You do not say ‘sig-ret’! You say ‘si-guh-ret’.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, according to the laws of the Republic of Kenya…

I have asked you a question. Would you consider a cigarette a drug or not?

Let me answer your question, Hon. Temporary Speaker. According to Article 11 of our Constitution and the Crops ( Miraa ) Regulations, published on 25th April 2023, muguka and miraa are not recognised as drugs in the Republic of Kenya. Therefore, it is wrong for the Member to categorise muguka as a drug.

Hon. Baya.

Hon. Ruku has always used the issue of muguka to win votes in his place, but I warn him that this time round, it will not happen. There is something called legislative mischief. Hon. Ruku participated in sneaking a definition of

in the regulations. This Parliament will cure the legislative mischief that he and his brother, who was in the Ministry, caused. Hon. Onchoke is quoting statistics from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the agency that is responsible for controlling drugs in this country. This is not his statement. Hon. Ruku needs to know that muguka is not the only crop in this country, and he should allow others to speak about it. That crop destroys the people, especially the youth. It is an illicit drug and we will get rid of it.

Thank you. Let us have ‘General’ Bashir.

I support and acknowledge the request for statement by Hon. Onchoke. It is true that those drugs are affecting many people, especially the youth. In particular, M uguka has been classified as a drug and is destroying the lives of many youths and others. Statistics are there and even the Ministry of Health clarified it seven years ago as an illicit drug.

Hon. Mutuse.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise on a procedural issue having listened very carefully.

Can you protect me, Hon. Temporary Speaker? This is a debating Chamber, not a heckling Chamber.

Order! Order! Hon. Ruku, take your seat. Hon. Mutuse, take your seat. Hon. Members, I am not going to throw anybody out of Parliament this morning.

Order! This request for a statement is referred to the Departmental Committee on Education and that is where the matter ends. Is there any Member of the Departmental Committee on Education in the House? Go ahead, Hon. Gisairo.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. We will give a response immediately after the recess. 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. The next request for statement is by Hon. Peter Mbogho, the Member for Mwatate.

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 Labour regarding the unfair dismissal of Mr Paul Mwandoe Mzenge by the Kenya Ports Authority. Mr Paul Mwandoe Mzenge was employed by the Kenya Ports Authority on 8th March 1985 as an Electrical Technician of Staff number KPA No.88642. He worked diligently for five years and was confirmed as a permanent and pensionable employee after completing his probation period. However, on 3rd July 1990, he received a letter stating that his services were terminated on account of persistent breach of discipline. In addition, the parastatal invited Mr Paul Mzenge for a disciplinary hearing, but failed to give him sufficient notice to prepare for the hearing and also did not provide him with an opportunity to be heard and show cause on the issues that were brought forward against him. Article 41(1) of the Constitution provides that every person has the right to fair labour practices. Additionally, Section 43 of the Employment Act Cap 226 provides that in any claim arising out of the termination of a contract, the employer is required to prove the reasons for termination, failure to which the termination shall be deemed to have been unfair. Mr Mzenge has suffered injustices for over 30 years since he was unfairly dismissed by the Kenya Ports Authority, which failed to prove reasons for the dismissal as no evidence was provided to the employee contrary to the law. Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Labour on the following: 1. Reasons for the unlawful dismissal of Mr Paul Mwandoe Mzenge by the Kenya Ports Authority on 3rd July 1990. 2. Steps taken by Kenya Ports Authority to pay any outstanding benefits and pension owed to Mr Paul Mzenge as well as compensation for the unwarranted violation of his labour rights that are guaranteed under Article 41 of the Constitution. Thank you.

Hon. Baya, I cannot see the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Labour in the House. Would you take charge of this? I hope you got the request for statement.

I will inform him. I think he is currently appearing before the Liaison Committee. Once he is done, I will ensure he gets the request for statement.

How long will this take?

Give us two weeks, specifically after the recess.

Is it possible to get an answer during the first week after we resume from recess?

Yes. Much obliged.

Hon. Peter, you will take it up with him so that it is addressed at the right time.

The Member for Chuka/Igambang’ombe.

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 Transport and Infrastructure regarding the construction of Kirege-Forest-Mubukuro Road in Chuka/Igambang'ombe Constituency.

In 2018, Contract No.RWC 422 was awarded for the construction of the Keria- Kathwana Road to bitumen standard. That project covered a total distance of 32 kilometres, of which, 7 kilometres are located within Chuka/Igambang'ombe Constituency. However, in 2020, Kathwana Town, which is situated in Chuka/Igambang'ombe Constituency, was designated as a municipality and, subsequently, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) took over the 7 kilometres section of the road. It was managed by Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) at the time. In the same year, following some consultations with the Director-General and Regional Manager of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), the 7 kilometres Kirege-Forest- Mubukuro Road was selected and agreed upon as an alternative road to be undertaken by KeRRA, to replace the 7 kilometres section already taken up by KURA. The Kirege-Forest- Mubukuro Road was identified as a priority infrastructure initiative to enhance connectivity and benefit the constituents. Despite this agreement, the road is yet to be constructed. 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. Report on the status of the 7 kilometres Kirege-Forest-Mubukuro Road construction project, including any financial and administrative factors that have led to the delay in construction; and, 2. Plans that have been put in place by the Ministry to ensure the completion of construction of the said road and the specific date of completion of the project. Thank you.

Thank you.

Before you answer, Hon. Jack Wamboka, just go to the Bar and come back. You should not repeat that. Hon. Jack Wamboka, you are out of order. This House shall have decorum.

Is the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Transport and infrastructure around? Hon. Baya, this is again in your hands. I hope you got the request for a statement.

Yes, first week after the recess, we will have a response. I will inform the Chairman. Thank you. Much obliged.

Hon. Members, before we move to the next Statement, join me in welcoming students from the following schools: 1. Kerugoya Municipality Primary School from Kirinyaga Central Constituency, Kirinyaga County. 2. Winners Academy, Kajiado South Constituency, Kajiado County. They are seated in the Public Gallery and are welcome to follow the proceedings of the House this morning. On the same breath, join me in welcoming students from: 1. Riara Group of Schools from Dagoretti North Constituency, Nairobi 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.

2. Kibauni Secondary School from Mwala Constituency, Machakos County. They are seated in the Speaker's Gallery and are welcome to follow our proceedings this morning.

Thank you. Hon. Parashina, you have one minute.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I take this opportunity to welcome students in the Public and Speaker's galleries to this august House. They are here to practically see what happens and follow our proceedings. As they go back, I encourage them to take education seriously because it is the start of everything in life. Many Members here have passed through the same route and were once students themselves. I hope they will one day have the opportunity to become Members of Parliament. In a special way, I welcome Winners Academy, a school in Kimana, Loitoktok Sub- County in Kajiado South Constituency. It was started in 2008 by Ms Maina with the aim of developing children spiritually, psychologically and academically. I celebrate her for starting a very nice school in my place. I know Winners Academy has produced learners who have joined national schools like Mang’u. We also have students who have proceeded to study Medicine, Engineering and Economics at the university. I am proud of them and wish them a safe journey back home. I encourage them to continue working hard in their education. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity.

Thank you.

Hon. Members, I have two Questions to the Independent Offices and Commissions. The first one is by Hon. Baya, the Member for Kilifi North. Do you have a Question to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)? It is in the Order Paper.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I would like to ask Question 001/2025 to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC): (a) Could the Commission explain why Mrs. Janet Kadzo of TSC No.468522 was dismissed by the Teachers Service Commission while serving as a Head Teacher at Garithe Primary School? (b) Clarify whether Mrs. Kadzo was accorded fair hearing in accordance with applicable statutes prior to her dismissal; and, (c) Explain why other teachers who were dismissed on similar grounds as Mrs. Kadzo were reinstated while her efforts to seek reinstatement by the Commission have been futile. Thank you.

This request is referred to the Departmental Committee on Education, which shall summon the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TSC to deal with 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.

Is Hon. Kasalu in the House? I know she has just walked in and so, she can use the Order Paper.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise to ask Question 004 of 2025 to the Teachers Service Commission. (a) Could the Commission elaborate on the criterion used for recruiting primary school teachers, and clarify whether there is a different criterion for recruitment of female teachers, particularly in Kitui County; (b) Explain the reasons that led to the female teachers’ applicants in Kitui County being discriminated against in the recently concluded recruitment process for primary school teachers based on their birthplace, despite the female teachers’ applicants providing their marriage certificates and affidavits indicating their status and are residents in Kitui County; and, (c) State the actions being taken by the Commission to ensure that the affected teachers are accorded equal employment opportunities, given their exemplary performances during the recent recruitment exercise.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you. That is a very weighty issue that has been raised by the Member for Kitui County. There are ladies who are married in counties where they cannot be employed because they cannot produce marriage certificates. I hope the Departmental Committee on Education will get to the bottom of this matter. I do not think it is just an issue in Kitui County, but a concern across the board. The Question is to be replied to by the Departmental Committee on Education. Next Order.

Hon. Owen Baya, go ahead.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move the following Procedural Motion:

THAT, this House resolves to exempt the business appearing as Order Nos.9 and 10 in today’s Order Paper from the provisions of Standing Order 40(3), being a Wednesday Morning, a day allocated for business not sponsored by the Majority or Minority Party, or business sponsored by a Committee.

As you may be aware, we have started the financial cycle and certain documents must be provided and debated in this House to pass the Budget. One of those documents is the Budget Policy Statement (BPS), which must come to this House, be debated and passed. Another important piece of legislation is the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill, which we began yesterday. Those pieces of legislation must be completed before we can fully move into the budget cycle and ensure the financial year is properly 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.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, for those reasons, I request that this House approves the exemption of Motions in Order Nos. 9 and 10, so that they may be debated today, a day set aside for Private Members' Motions. I propose that we start with the Report on the 2025 BPS. I believe the Chairperson, who is also the Deputy Speaker, is ready to move the Motion. We can also resume the debate that was interrupted yesterday on the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill, to make progress and ensure the budget cycle is properly completed. I request Hon. Naomi Waqo, the Deputy Whip of the Majority Party, to second this Motion.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I second this Motion because it is very important at this particular time. Giving members enough time to debate and understand it is the most important thing we can do now. I second.

Put the Question.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Order, Hon. Owen Baya. Take your seat. Hon. Ngogoyo, what do you want to say?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. You cannot just put the Question on such a Motion because yesterday, we extended the timings for tomorrow and the day after. The Leader of the Majority Party cannot belabour this House with business from the Executive while ignoring Members' business when Wednesday is meant for Members' business. The Order Paper has several Motions that have been there. Why should we exempt business that was already planned for Thursday morning? We also have a Sitting on Friday! Why ignore the business for today? Today, we have a voting exercise for several committees. Why bring such business when you know we will be stepping out to vote? I oppose this Procedural Motion by the Leader of the Majority Party because it is not a priority. This is the day we are meant to discuss Members' business. I want to remind him that the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Bill was a Private Member's Bill. This is a very important and sacred time for the private matters of this House. The Leader of the Majority Party can conduct his business in the afternoon. We have already approved the business for tomorrow. We can proceed with the business for today. Therefore, I oppose the Motion before the House. It should not see the light of the day because it is not even important. I do not understand the speed at which they are pushing this. Thank you.

On a point of order.

Hon. Baya, this is your Motion. So, what is your point of order? Hon. Dawood, let us hear what Hon. Baya has to say.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is very sad…

Is it a point of order or do you want to argue?

It is a point of order. The order of business in this House is such that the Standing Orders put certain Motions as important and are given priority. The BPS is a very important Motion that is recognised even by the Standing Orders. So, Hon. Ngogoyo, who has now acquired a lot of bad manners by belonging to the ‘Wamunyoro Group’, needs to understand that the BPS is very important. 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. Baya. Take your seat. This is a Motion, and you are debating it. You cannot say that a Member has bad manners simply because he has a view that is opposed to yours. Hon. Dawood, go ahead.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The Leader of the Majority Party should hold his horses because we support this Procedural Motion due to the time-bound budget. I believe Hon. Onesmus Ngogoyo is just playing to the gallery for now. We support this Procedural Motion because it is very important for this country and for the National Assembly. Thank you.

Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I support this Motion. I would like to emphasise that, in the budget-making cycle, the BPS is the most important. This House, which is guided by the House Business Committee, can prioritise the BPS process, by even dropping other businesses, to ensure that we proceed with the Supplementary Estimates. It is very important for Hon. Onesmus Ngogoyo to learn. He is usually a fast learner. I would just like to tell him that whenever you hear anything about the budget, just support it because it is what brought you here. I am sure that the children from Riara, who are seated here today, are very keen to understand what this Procedural Motion is about. We are just trying to change the procedure so that we can pass the BPS today. Hon. Ngogoyo, when you hear about the budget, just support it because that is what brought you here. It is what will make you take goodies to the people who elected you. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you. Let us have Hon. Sabina Chege.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity. I stand to support the Procedural Motion. I understand that my friend, Hon. Ngogoyo, is still learning.

He is not Ngogoyo. He is Hon. Ngogoyo.

That is why I even started with "my friend," so it is even deeper than that. So, Hon. Ngogoyo is still learning. Sometimes, special occasions and situations, especially when we have reports or Motions with timelines, require us to relook at the Order Paper. I request that we support the Motion so that we can deal with the Report on the BPS. I am one of the affected persons. I had a special Motion that will still require support from the Budget. The Report on the Budget Policy Statement is quite important. Additionally, looking at Order No.10, the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill is also very important. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I support and I urge the other Hon. Members to support. Thank you.

Last to speak on this is Hon. Makali Mulu.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I support this Motion. But even as we support it, a few things must go on record. If you look at this House Calendar, it is only Wednesday morning where individual Members can have a Bill go with their name and signature. Yesterday, we approved to have the House sit tomorrow morning and Friday morning for Government business. I insist that the House Business Committee allows Wednesdays to be for Private Members’ Motions and Bills. It is the only time we have. I submit. 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. Baya, I am sure you sit in the House Business Committee. Do you sit in the House Business Committee?

Yes, but once in a while.

Hon. Baya, just take your seat. What Hon. Makali is raising is very important. That every time the Majority side borrows for Private Member's Bill, they should refund that time. That is the issue he is raising. I hope that the Leadership has listened to him and that, in future, we could also create time for Private Members' Bills in Government budgeted time, to accommodate them. That is his point. Hon. Members, I want to put the Question.

Next Order. The Chairperson of the Liaison Committee.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 48, I beg to move the following Motion in an amended form: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Liaison Committee on the Budget Policy Statement for the Financial Year 2025/2026 and a compendium of Departmental Committee reports on the 2025 BPS, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 11th March 2025, and pursuant to the provisions of section 25(7) of the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, Cap 412A and Standing Order 232 (9) and (10): (a) Approves the BPS for the Financial Year 2025/2026; (b) Makes the following Financial Resolutions with respect to the BPS: (i) That, the National Government budget ceiling be approved at Ksh2,523,774,081,480;

1. The Executive

Ksh2,447,536,081,480

The Office of the Auditor-General Ksh8,652,200,000; 2. Parliament

Ksh49,488,200,000; and, 3. The Judiciary

Ksh26,749,800,000. (ii) That, the allocation to County Government Equitable Share be approved at Ksh405,069,420,197. (iii) That, consistent with the latest audited and approved revenues for Financial Year 2020/2021 amounting to Ksh1,570,562,147,014, the allocation to the Equalisation Fund be set at Ksh7,852,814,725. (iv) That, the arrears to the Equalisation Fund be set at Kshs2,747,185,275. (v) That, the allocation for the County Government Additional Allocations be approved at Ksh69,802,409,623 as per the Third Schedule, which shall form the basis for the County Government Additional Allocations Bill for the Financial Year 2025/2026. 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.

(vi) That, the allocation for the public participation initiatives be approved at Ksh3,000,000,000; (c) Resolves that, the First and Second schedules form the basis for the ceilings for the Financial Year 2025/2026 Budget Estimates. (d) Resolves that, once approved by the House, these recommendations shall form the basis for Financial Year 2025/2026 Budget Estimates; (e) Resolves that, consistent with the Resolution of the House on the 2025 Medium Term Debt Strategy (MTDS), the fiscal deficit is maintained at 4.3 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). (f) Orders that, the First Schedule to the Order Paper forms the basis for the ceilings for the Financial Year 2025/2026 Budget Estimates. (g) Makes the Policy Resolutions contained in the Second Schedule to the Order Paper (Non-financial recommendations relating to the BPS for the Financial Year 2025/2026). (h) Makes the necessary adjustments to the schedules.

, further to the resolution of the House during the approval of FY 2024/25 Estimates, on reengineering the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), the National Treasury submits geographical information of development projects per county and constituency by 30th April 2025. 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.

by 30th April 2025, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission submits to Parliament a comprehensive report detailing all pending bills, including legal fees, election logistics, and other outstanding obligations, for verification and scrutiny.

by 31st December 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock, develops and submits to the National Assembly regulations for the Hides, Skins, and Leather Fund to support its implementation and stabilize market prices. Additionally, the Ministry should review the Hides, Skins, and Leather Trade Act, finalize the Kenya Leather Value Chain Development Policy, and submit the Leather Development Authority Bill to strengthen the legal and policy framework for the leather industry.

within 12 months of the approval of the 2025 BPS, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and the State Department for Foreign Affairs submit to the National Assembly an agreed framework of collaboration to assign existing mission staff, such as Migration Attachés, additional diaspora affairs duties to optimize resources and avoid extra deployment costs.

the State Departments for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Industry develop and submit to the National Assembly, a structured collaboration framework between Constituency Industrial Development Centers and County Aggregation and Industrial Parks by 31st December 2025.

before the submission of the FY 2025/26 budget estimates, the National Treasury prioritizes increasing budgetary allocations for Universal Health Care (UHC) programs, especially the critical healthcare programs considering the possibility of reduction in donor funding, and to realize the health sector goals under Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) plan.

during the formulation of annual Estimates for the Financial Year 2025/26, the National Treasury retains an independent budget line for Lamu Port-Southern Sudan- Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Development Authority under the State Department for Transport. This is to safeguard a structure that ensures the realization of the original goal of the LAPSSET integrated economic multi-modal transport corridor and smoothly executes its critical role of coordination, planning, development and management of the Corridor.

by 31st December 2025, the State Department for Housing and Urban Development puts tangible measures for ensuring that all ongoing projects initiated before the enactment of the Affordable Housing Act and which meet the eligibility criteria under section 11 of the Affordable Housing Act, are prioritized for funding through the Affordable Housing Fund.

by 30th June 2025, the Public Service Commission in collaboration with the MDAs in the sub-sector of Communication, Information and Technology undertakes workforce evaluation with a view of establishing optimum levels of personnel and the best and cost-effective ways of addressing the problems of bloated workforce within the sector. Consequently, a report on the same to be submitted to the relevant Committee of the National Assembly.

before submission of estimates for FY 2025/26, the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Energy and Petroleum ensures that Kenya Power and Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) establish a framework to decentralize procurement of materials through trusted third parties by authorizing qualified distributors and suppliers to procure and supply materials that adhere to stringent quality and standard tests.

to align the National Land Policy with the Constitution; and cater to emerging issues in the Land sector, the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning fast tracks the review of Sessional Paper No.3 of 2009 on the National Land Policy and presents a report to National Assembly by 31st December 2025.

by 30th July 2025, the State Department for Environment and Climate Change presents a comprehensive framework to the National Assembly on carbon credit resource mobilization. This framework should outline strategies for generating and trading carbon credits, regulatory guidelines, and mechanisms for stakeholder engagement.

before the submission of the FY 2025/26 budget estimates, the Appropriations- in-Aid projections for the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) be reviewed upwards from Ksh2.680.1 billion to Ksh3.097.1 billion as indicated by the Authority. This adjustment is necessary to enhance NITA's capacity to provide quality industrial training, expand skills development programs, and support workforce preparedness in line with evolving industry demands.

by 30th April 2025, the Cabinet Secretaries for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports and Defense submit a report to the National Assembly detailing projected costs, completion timelines and amounts spent and indicating the working modalities between the two Ministries in respect of the construction of African Nations Championship (CHAN) and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stadia and training grounds.

by 31st December 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration develops and submits to the National Assembly the policy guidelines on how the citizens will access government services during the expiry of the third generation Identity Card after 10 years to deal with the anticipated disruption of services.

the State Department for Wildlife creates a budget line during the processing of the 2025/26 budget estimates to allocate adequate funding to the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Committee to expedite the processing of compensation claims and provide timely relief to victims of human-wildlife conflict.

the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) provides the National Assembly with a detailed roadmap and timelines on the proposed dissolution 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 six (6) regional development authorities and the eventual transfer of assets, liabilities and personnel to the two levels of government by 30th June 2025.

the State Department for Water and Sanitation submits a detailed portfolio of donor-funded projects in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties by 30th April 2025, for review. This will ensure equitable resource distribution, guide budget planning for FY 2025/26, and help address funding disparities in water-scarce areas.

the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection submits the Social Protection Bill to the National Assembly by 30th June 2025. The bill should establish a comprehensive policy framework to enhance the coordination of social protection programs across the country and outline clear funding mechanisms, programme integration strategies, efficient implementation of Social Safety Net Programs, and strengthen support for vulnerable populations.

the State Department for Higher Education and Research finalizes the revision of the new funding model to address the challenges the model is facing to ensure it responds to the concerns and needs of the students as well as institutions and report to the National Assembly by 30th June 2025.

Hon. Gladys, we had gone through these recommendations. So, you can just say, ‘As per the Order Paper’ because everything you are mentioning is in the Order Paper.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Yes, go ahead.

Okay. 5. That, the arrears to the Equalisation Fund be set at Ksh2,747,185,275. 6. That, the allocation for the County Government Additional Allocations be approved at Ksh69,802,409,623 as set out. 7. That, the allocation for public participation initiatives be approved at Ksh3,000,000,000. 8. That, the First and Second Schedules to the Report forms the basis for the ceilings for the FY 2025/2026 Budget Estimates. 9. That, once approved by the House, these recommendations shall form the basis for the FY 2025/2026 Budget Estimates. 10. That, consistent with the resolution of the House on the 2025 Medium Term Debt Strategy, the fiscal deficit is maintained at 4.3 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 11. Orders that, the First Schedule to the Order Paper forms the basis for the ceilings for the FY 2025/2026 Budget Estimates. 12. Makes the Policy Resolutions contained in the Second Schedule to the Order Paper (Non-financial recommendations relating to the Budget Policy Statement for the FY 2025/2026). 13. Makes the necessary adjustments to the Schedules.

I beg to move and request Hon. Martha Wangari, the Member for Gilgil, who is also the Vice-Chairperson of the Liaison Committee, to second this Motion.

Well done, Hon. Chairperson. Hon. Members, before Hon. Martha Wangari seconds, join me in welcoming pupils and students from Sheria House School from Starehe Constituency, Nairobi County; Kiriani Boys High School from Maara Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County; Kasue Girls Secondary School from Kibwezi West Constituency, Makueni County and Roysambu Primary School from Roysambu Constituency, Nairobi County. They are seated in the Public and Speaker’s galleries, and are welcome to follow the proceedings in this House this morning.

Hon. Martha Wangari, Vice-Chairperson of the Liaison Committee.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Before I second the Motion, allow me to welcome the students in the galleries. I am also expecting students from Gilgil Day Secondary School and Koelel High School from Gilgil Constituency today. You can see how full the galleries are. We are doing well as a House. I thank the Office of the Clerk for the proper facilitation of the students. I wish them well as they observe the proceedings of the House.

Allow me to start by joining the Chairperson of the Liaison Committee in appreciating the Members of the Liaison Committee. As I had said earlier, this is unusual. This is the first time that the Liaison Committee has been tasked to act as the Budget and Appropriations Committee in the 13th Parliament. That has given us a very privileged position as Chairpersons of Departmental Committees to have a dashboard view of how the country is run and ask questions. That is why we considered this Motion for many hours – to understand the budgeting process.

The Mover has already alluded to the figures, and they are in the Order Paper. Therefore, I will not dwell on them. Allow me to just say in general that a BPS is supposed to 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.

outline the goals of any government for the upcoming fiscal year, and also guide decision- making for the upcoming budget. The BPS is also meant to set out the short-term and long- term fiscal strategy, assess the current state of the economy, and also inform the House and the public, by extension, about the resources envelope as it is, and what exactly we have in the pot that we are supposed to share from.

I will pick a few touchy issues to Members in terms of the recommendations that we came up with as we listened to different stakeholders during the BPS hearings. One office that has been very consistent is the Office of the Comptroller of Budget, which has been grossly underfunded in performing its mandate. One recommendation is that because we are the House that comes up with legislation, we should definitely consider empowering the Office of the Comptroller of Budget to oversee the Appropriations-in-Aid (A-in-A) funds. That refers to monies collected by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), which are not remitted to the Consolidated Fund and are currently not within the purview of the Comptroller of Budget. That is not just limited to those funds. It also applies to other funds like the Housing Levy Fund. If you ask the Office of the Comptroller of Budget what its role is in terms of looking after our monies in the Housing Fund, they will tell you that those funds are not under their purview. I hope this House takes these recommendations very seriously and looks at the law in terms of what can be moved and what can be changed to ensure that the utilisation of A-in-A is done in a proper way, and the legal issues that have been raised by the Comptroller of Budget are considered. That will ensure efficiency in the utilisation of the funds that come under A-in- A, and those in other funds like the Housing Fund because all that is public money. We will then have transparency, accountability, and also timely implementation of the projects that are supposed to be undertaken.

As has been alluded to by the Mover, the issue of the Equalisation Fund is very touchy to this House. It has been debated at length and has also been touched on in this Report. Just yesterday, we debated the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill. It is good that it has also been included in this Report because some issues are pending due to counties lacking funds. One issue that cuts across regardless of whether it is the national Government or the county governments, is lack of prudence in the use of public funds. We cannot ignore this matter anymore. The public wants to see funds being used prudently even as we speak of supplementing our resource envelope with borrowing. Kenyans like Wanjiku, Atieno and Naserian are interested in seeing proper utilisation of funds. If we say that we are borrowing funds to construct a road or a dam, has that been done?

The other key issue is that of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA). The BPS has recommended that any monies below Ksh50 million that are being procured under KeRRA and KURA for road construction should be done at the regional level. We will then decentralise bureaucracy and also ensure timely implementation of projects. Hon. Temporary. Speaker, without further ado, I beg to second the Motion.

Hon. Members, as you are aware, this Motion was moved in an amended form.

Deputy Leader of Majority Party, it is now your turn.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to contribute to the BPS. The BPS is usually the 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.

foundation of the budget and the financial year. It speaks to the money envelope that is available for the Financial Year 2025/2026. Although the Motion is on the first page of the Order Paper, there are very important notes that are contained in the First and Second schedules. The First Schedule gives the details and the breakdowns of allocations per ministry, which are found on page 216 of the Order Paper. You will see the details of the Budget as proposed and the ceilings that have been set. You will see the allocations to the Executive Office of the President, the Office of the Deputy President and other offices. The last Vote is Parliament, where we have allocations to the Parliamentary Service Commission, the National Assembly, the Parliamentary Joint Services and the Senate. That amounts to a Ksh2.5 trillion budget. The BPS makes certain very important pronouncements that guide on how we will generate and spend funds in the country and set the ceilings. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am concerned and interested in the policy resolutions because we cannot have a budget that does not have policy resolutions. They are fundamental in ensuring that the budget is properly implemented. One of the key resolutions is that further to the resolution of the House during the approval of the Financial Year 2024/2025 Estimates on re-engineering the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS), the National Treasury should submit geographical information of development projects per county and constituency by 30th April 2025. That is very important because our IFMIS system has been in place for a long time and it helps in managing the country’s finances. The most important point is that the Ministry of the National Treasury and Economic Planning should now submit geographical information of development projects per county and constituency by 30th April 2025.

That is fundamental and important because we have had skewed development in this country, where some regions have had more resources compared to others. Some areas have been purposely under-developed and under-served because of political reasons. We want to know the status of those projects. I urge the Ministry of the National Treasury and Economic Planning to ensure that it submits to the National Assembly the development projects per county and constituency by 30th April 2025. I want to see how much has been invested in my constituency, and how many projects are ongoing in my county generally. I also want to see how many projects are ongoing in the constituency and county of the presiding speaker. We want to ascertain whether what was said yesterday is true. It was alleged that some constituencies have benefited more from budgetary allocations compared to others. We want to understand why some regions have more budgetary allocations than others. That geographical information is very important and we will wait for it on 30th April 2025 in Parliament. Parliament is also requesting for a list of development projects that are earmarked for completion. That is because there are very many incomplete projects from the last regime. For political reasons, they would start a project and we would clap for them. However, after some time, the project would stall. A contractor constructs about a kilometre of road and then he disappears. That has led to many issues. Interest rates on loans have continued to skyrocket and yet, projects remain incomplete.

Hon. Baya, the Chair has given you an additional three minutes. 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. I would like to get that report, so that our country does not continue to lose money. One important thing that the BPS does is to allocate funds to the Equalisation Fund as well as funds to clear the pending arrears. The Equalisation Fund is a constitutional fund to which funds must be allocated each year. If those funds are not utilised, they stay in the account. However, the counties were previously allocated funds but those funds were never put into their respective accounts. All the projects that were meant to be undertaken in previous years have never been accomplished, especially during the years when we had a court case. I thank the Liaison Committee for taking the bold step of allocating Ksh7 billion to the Equalisation Fund and Ksh2 billion for arrears that are due to the Fund. There are many stalled Equalisation Fund projects because of the court case, and many suppliers and contractors have not been paid. Nonetheless, this allocation means that we will have a reprieve, and funds will be made available to areas that need them. Therefore, I thank the Committee for allocating Ksh7 billion to the Equalisation Fund and Ksh2 billion to clear the arrears under the Fund. Another important thing we must note is that, apart from the money that is going to the counties, the additional funds allocation has also been factored in the BPS. That is very important because it brings accountability. Many times, funds are spent without a proper accounting process and, therefore, accountability is lost in the process. I congratulate the Committee for ensuring that additional resources will be included in the BPS. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I want to speak briefly about agriculture. The BPS notes that by 31st December 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development should develop and submit to the National Assembly regulations for the Hides, Skins and Leather Fund. We are a country that keeps livestock, but we have not benefited from the hides and skins industry, which is a big industry that can transform this country. For the first time, the BPS makes such a fundamental resolution that the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development should submit to Parliament a policy guideline on how we will harness our hides and skins to set up factories which will employ many people, thus making Kenya a net exporter of shoes. We used to have the Bata Shoe Company, which closed down and yet, if you go to the northern and north-eastern parts of Kenya, you will find many herds of cattle. What are we doing with the hides and skins after eating the meat? That is a first step towards industrialisation and realisation of better living standards in this country. With those remarks, I support.

Next is the Member for Nyando.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to contribute to this Motion. I join my brothers in congratulating the Liaison Committee for a job well done. The BPS sets the stage for the budget-making process. They have achieved adorable things under a very strict timeline, and we thank them. This is unprecedented because the budget-making process falls under the purview of the Budget and Appropriations Committee. However, because of the lapse of the mandate of certain committees, the mandate was ably picked up by the Liaison Committee, and they have done a splendid job in that regard. The issue of skewed resource allocation in this country needs to be addressed. Yesterday, I heard the Leaders of the Majority and Minority parties take a swipe at the composition of the outgoing Budget and Appropriations Committee. They indicated that if the current Budget and Appropriations Committee, as will be constituted, will engage in the same monkey business, it will be dissolved in the House. That has been done before. Every Kenyan pays taxes, which must serve us equally. People in every region within the confines of this Republic submit their taxes. It is a constitutional obligation. Therefore, if people in certain areas get more funding to address their needs to the detriment of others, that must be properly addressed. 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 high time we expanded our tax base. Only actors in the formal sector pays taxes without sweat. Those in the informal sector, where a huge chunk of income lies, do not pay tax. No one has designed the best strategy to mop up the taxes that are lying out there without the Government's attention. When we were in school, we were taught that agriculture was the greatest contributor to our GDP at 65 per cent, including the provision of jobs. Indeed, agriculture still contributes a big chunk of our country’s GDP. However, the sector is never adequately or properly funded. The Malabo Protocol stipulated that 15 per cent of the budget of any country that subscribes to the Protocol should fund the agriculture sector, but that has not been the case in this country to date. As a country, we must achieve balanced trade so that our currency can compete effectively against foreign currencies. The current exchange rate of our shilling to the US Dollar is 129. Why is it not Ksh100? Why is it not 1 to 1? It is because we tend to import more than we export. As a result, we lose the value of our shilling as a nation. If we export more goods and services, we attract more US Dollars; and if more US Dollars circulate within our economy, the US Dollar loses value automatically, which pushes up the value of our shilling. Lately, the education sector has been a mess from primary school, junior secondary school (JSS), secondary school to university and other tertiary institutions. Something needs to be done. If it is a funding issue, we need to channel more funds to the sector. We will not revel about our time in school while our children languish in distress out there. Therefore, we must wholesomely address the issue of education. We must avoid wastage and pilferage of public resources. In this country, we have a problem of ‘budgeted corruption’ which must stop, going forward. The health sector is in a big mess. The Social Health Authority (SHA), the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF) are not working. Everything is in a mess. Something must be done in that regard. Finally, we have a very big appetite for local and foreign loans. We must find a middle ground as a nation to reduce borrowing, so that we can be self-sufficient…

Your time is up, Hon. Jared. Next is the Member for Kwanza.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to contribute to this debate. First and foremost, I congratulate the Liaison Committee for taking up the responsibility of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, which has not been reconstituted, and coming up with whatever they have done. Secondly, I have not seen a paragraph on incomplete projects in this Report. There are very many incomplete projects across the country. Therefore, we need to have, at least, a committee to be in charge of them, so that they can have proper funding. We also have a problem of oversight. We have ongoing projects. Poor oversight is done by the Controller of Budget. There are people who have not done very well and have misused resources. However, at the end of the day, we do not see them being prosecuted or, at least, made to account for them. Therefore, this should come out very clearly. Thirdly, I will talk about agriculture, which is very important. The level of funding to agriculture is not very good. The sector has been given only 3 per cent as compared with the Executive. This is something that we, as a House, need to review because this is a country where agriculture is practised in arid and semi-arid areas as well as in areas which produce food for both export and local consumption. We should review the 3 per cent allocation because it is not enough. This is because we produce food for our country and for export. Agriculture also provides employment for our people. It should be a priority sector in this allocation so that we have enough resources to produce enough food for export and local consumption. I come 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.

from an area which produces food for this country. I expected the allocation to be slightly higher than what they have done. It is only 3 per cent of the national revenues, which is not very good. Hon. Temporary Speaker, another area we should focus on, as the main national institution with oversight authority in this country, is Appropriation-in-Aid (A-in-A). Sometimes, people misuse whatever revenues they collect. For example, there is misuse of own revenues in the counties and within other public entities. Who is being asked to account for some of those misappropriations? Again, that is not very clear. We should use such resources properly. The responsibility of this House is to oversee activities and resources that are generated to ensure that they are not misplaced or misused. Therefore, people should be held accountable. Those who are unable to account for public resources should be sent to jail. Such a bold move would be a very good way of looking after our scarce resources. Last but not least, I have been told that the Liaison Committee is in charge. I ask them to allocate more resources in agriculture. I stress this point because it is important for this country. We do mining. We generate resources and use them properly. Let us allocate more money in that particular sector. With those remarks, I support the Motion.

Next is the Member for Kuria East, who will be followed by the Member for Gichugu.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute. I join my colleagues in congratulating the Liaison Committee for a job very well done. This is the first time we have seen inclusivity in the BPS and in other matters that concern the budget-making process as presented in this House. What has caught my eye most is not the financial recommendations because the process is already with us. There is nothing much we can do about it now. I want to emphasise on the non-financial recommendations that have been made very ably by the Liaison Committee. Geo- mapping of resource allocation across the country is one of the best things that have happened. The 13th Parliament will go down in history as the Parliament that has taken bold steps to equalise resource allocation in this country. We know how skewed resource allocation has disenfranchised a big proportion of this country to the advantage of a small section. I congratulate and thank the Liaison Committee for the recommendation of zero-based budget, which is critical in financial management. It is quite commendable that revenues collected as A-in-A will now be under the purview of the Controller of Budget. That way, we will be dealing with the problem of lack of accountability for revenues that are collected by the county governments and the SAGAs). Since the inception of devolution, the accounting for such revenues has been left to the discretion of those in power in various categories of devolution. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I also commend the Liaison Committee for proposing that all the nearly completed projects should be fully funded, so that taxpayers can realise value for their money. There are many stalled projects across the country, which are about 80 or 90 per cent complete. Those projects are accumulating interest arrears for the contractors. We can just inject some money into them and have them completed. I want to point out a stalled road project in my Kuria East Constituency. The project starts from Tarang’anya. It comes all the way from Masara in Migori to Kehancha and stops at Tarang’anya. We have tried to get the road done and completed from Tarang’anya to Centre, Ntimaru, Isebania to Nyamtiro across Centre again to Kegonga, and across to Kugitimo and Loliondo. This has been a tall order that has prompted us to even seek the intervention of the President, who gave a directive that the project must be completed. Hon. Temporary Speaker, this brings me to my fifth point. This House must find a way of dignifying the President’s directives. The President cannot be going round the country, making pronouncements and giving directives only for those directives not to be implemented. 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.

We must find a way of making sure that all his directives mean something. This House can come up with a policy or a fund so that every time the President makes a pronouncement, that pronouncement can means something.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, there is nothing out of order. Sit down! You will have your time to contribute.

What is your point of order, Member for Gichugu? You are hereby granted permission to raise your point of order.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Is Hon. Kitayama in order to come here and start crying to the House when he speaks to the President almost daily? I say so because I know that the President is his friend.

Order, Hon. Member. You are out of order. That is not a point of order.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, when I say that Hon. Githinji has no point of order, please, believe me. He did not have a point of order.

Can you add him additional minutes? You will still have your time, Member for Kuria East.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am still within my timing.

Okay, proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, even if I speak to the President on a daily basis and yet the policies that we make here do not anchor or protect him so that the country can move forward, it is still not helpful. One day, the Member will be a beneficiary of the President’s directives because he means well. He intends to equalise this country. There has been a lot of disunity and skewed resources allocation that need a President, at one time or another, to level the playing ground. It is so that everybody in this country can feel included. You saw yesterday the people of Frere Town crying that they want to become nationals. If the President goes there and declares them the 50-something tribe of this country, so be it. Therefore, the President’s directives must find space in this Republic. This House must be bold enough to create that space, so that Kenyans can find equity and all of us can move together as a people, as envisaged in the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity. I support this amended version of the Budget Policy Statement (BPS).

Fair enough. Hon. Kitayama. Where is the Member for Gichugu? Proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to contribute. I also take cue in thanking the Liaison Committee for taking up this matter that ought to have been done by the Budget and Appropriations Committee, whose term has elapsed. That confirms to the entire nation that there is no vacuum in this House. All the matters in respect of the BPS and the Budget can be executed even when the term of the Budget and Appropriations Committee has elapsed. I believe today is the day to reconstitute it as per the Speaker's Communication. Having said so, I also support the financial and non-financial recommendations that have been made in this BPS. When looking at geo mapping of the resource allocation in this country, we should not only look at the geographical locations of this country, but also the 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.

population aspect of it. Resource allocation should also take care of the populations in those areas because they put pressure on the resources. It is because of the required facilities and infrastructure. I sit in the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Co-operatives. This Government, in its policy statements, gives emphasis to value chain developments, including leather, edible oils, coffee, tea, and many other value chains. It supports them for purposes of exports. I believe this is a policy in the right direction. As Parliament, we should continue supporting the agencies that promote exports in this country. Forex will stabilise this country in terms of the economy. It will make sure that our farmers earn more out of the exports, especially coffee and tea. I say so because a majority of my constituents, about 70-80 per cent, are tea and coffee farmers. This is an area that we need to put a lot of emphasis on so that farmers can earn more. One of such agencies that promotes external markets for our products like tea and coffee is t

Before I go to Hon. Wangwe and the Member for Kirinyaga, I recognise the presence of students from Kiatineni Secondary School from Masinga Constituency in Machakos. I welcome the students to the National Assembly. Is there any Member of Parliament from Ukambani in the Chamber now? Under the circumstances, the closest place to Ukambani is Garissa and North Eastern. I will ask Hon. Keynan to give a word of encouragement to the young students and future leaders from Machakos.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I welcome the students to this august House. This is where key decisions concerning this country are made. I am sure you are not only the future leaders, but also the present leaders.

The students from Kiatineni Secondary School are in the Public Gallery.

Welcome.

Go to a place where they can see you giving them words of encouragement. Okay, there you go. They can see you. Proceed.

Ahsante, Mhe. Spika wa Muda. Leo nitazungumza kwa lugha ya Kiswahili. Ningependa kuwakaribisha wanafunzi kutoka Kaunti ya Machakos. Hapa ni Nyumba ambayo sheria inaundwa. Mkiwa wanafunzi kwa sasa, najua huwa mnaitwa viongozi wajao. Lakini ningependa niwaeleze nyinyi ni viongozi wa sasa. Mfanye bidii katika elimu ili mhitimu kuwa viongozi na wataalamu. Nchi yetu inahitaji wataalamu. Kwa hivyo, ningependa kuchukua fursa hii kuwakaribisha hapa. Msome na mfanye bidii kwa elimu. Mkihitimu, mtapata fursa ya kufanya kazi katika nchi yetu tukufu. Karibuni sana. 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.

Mhe. Keynan, kuna kuunda kitu na kutunga sheria. Unaunda gari lakini unatunga sheria. There are students from Greenvale School from Kajiado. I welcome them in the Speaker’s Gallery. I notice Hon. Parashina is in the House. Give them some words of encouragement, including taking you on, if you do not perform very well in your duties as a Member of Parliament for one of the constituents in Kajiado.

Thank you so much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I appreciate you for giving me this opportunity to welcome the school from Kajiado County to this august House. They will see and study practically what we do as they follow the proceedings of this House. I would like to encourage them that education is very paramount and key to success in life. All of us who are contributing here, as Members of Parliament, were students like you. We are now here as Members of Parliament debating issues of national importance. We legislate and do other duties in this House. I welcome you here. I congratulate the school and teachers for choosing to come to the National Assembly to see, study, and follow our proceedings. I welcome all the students who are both in the Public Gallery and the Speaker’s Gallery.

God bless you.

I also welcome students from Gilgil Day Secondary School to the National Assembly. I do not know whether the Member for Gilgil or any of the Members from the area is in the House. The Member for Gilgil was in the Chamber a while ago. Hon. Martha Wangari, give some words of encouragement to your students.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for indulging me. We were just consulting because the Liaison Committee has quite some work to do in the Supplementary Budget. Allow me to welcome the students from Gilgil Day Secondary School, which is one of the biggest day schools in Gilgil. This is the third cohort that has visited Parliament in this Session. I have just spoken to them. Their motto is: Knowledge is power. I hope that they can absorb much information in this Chamber which will help them even in their future endeavours. I also welcome all the other students who are in the galleries. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Wangwe. He will be followed by Hon. Njeri, Member for Kirinyaga County.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to join my colleagues in supporting the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for the Financial Year 2025/2026. It identifies itself as: Consolidating gains under Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) for inclusive green growth. You cannot look at the consolidation without looking at the previous years. I want to look at what happened in the previous years vis-á-vis the ceiling that they have given to us. This BPS suggests that the Budget for the Financial Year 2025/2026 shall be Ksh4.2631 trillion. When you look at the analysis of that, in terms of Recurrent Expenditure at Ksh1.730 trillion and Development Expenditure of Ksh758 billion, and re-work it out in terms of percentage, you will find that 69.5 per cent shall go to Recurrent Expenditure, and 30.45 per cent shall go to Development Expenditure. This means we are not doing very well in terms of what we collect and spend in terms of Recurrent and Development Expenditure. We need to really work towards making sure that the percentage reverses. Recurrent Expenditure can be 30 per cent, but we use more of what we collect to develop our country. When you look at the theme of the BPS for the Financial Year 2025/2026 vis-á-vis that figure, and then how the Government has apportioned the expenditure, I want to look at how they 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.

allocated the resources to health and roads. Health is getting a very small percentage of the resources. Although it is devolved, what remains with the national Government should also be substantively supported. The education sector has been allocated 28.3 per cent in the Budget. Most of it will go to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to employ or support teachers, but what happens? Are we looking at opening up the Budget so that we look at individual expenditure of this amount that we are proposing to give them as a ceiling? This is something that I propose. Let it be laid bare. Let it not just come as a consolidated figure in the final Budget Estimates. Let us open it up and itemise everything so that we can know how much it is. Finally, I will look at the allocation of resources in agriculture. This BPS appreciates itself in the macro-economic framework. Agriculture is one of the substantive sectors that the Government is relying on to project the 5.3 per cent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). If they are looking at the growth of 5.3 per cent from 4.6 per cent in 2024, and then the allocation of resources in agriculture, rural and urban development is at 3.0 per cent, we are not talking the same language. We are simply trying to say we will use agriculture to achieve the GDP of 5.3 per cent, but we are not supporting it in the final Budget so that we achieve that. What will help us have 5.3 per cent growth in GDP? The BPS says we will rely on favourable weather conditions and implementation of BETA. How will it be if the weather condition changes? Let us allocate resources to agriculture so that when we speak of achieving the GDP growth of 5.3 per cent, we can also push for the resources to achieve that. However, there are good things that this BPS talks about. We must applaud the Government for what they are planning to do. For example, they are speaking to the issue of inflation which we all feel. It has come down compared to 6.3 per cent in February, 2024 to 3.5 per cent in February, 2025. That is something we feel affects everyone. It is driven by lower fuel and food prices. This is something which we really appreciate. Let the Government continue driving the economy at that low inflation rate, so that all Kenyans….

Give him an additional one minute to wrap up.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for that additional minute. All Kenyans want the inflation to be maintained at that lower percentage of 3.5 per cent. The current account deficit is a positive look and good thing for the whole economy. We are doing very well in terms of current account deficit, that is, overall from 4.4 per cent of GDP in December 2023 to now a paltry 3.6 per cent. When we now compare the overall balance of payment and our current account deficit that is low, it means we are likely to have sufficient amount of resources to hold, should there be a problem in terms of forex. Our forex position is good, and we are likely to move on. These are the macro-economic issues that the Government is relying on to drive the 2025 BPS. I look at it with lots of hope. I encourage the Government to go in that direction, so that all of us will be happy to live in this country. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I support the BPS for the Financial Year 2025/2026.

Hon. Njeri Maina.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to appreciate the Report on the 2025 BPS and commend the good work that has been done by the team. As we agitate for equal distribution of resources, we must also ensure that we hold leaders - who are given taxpayers' money - accountable. I saw a very unfortunate photo trending of a child who was drinking muddy water in a jug. I will not name the county, but it is one of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties. That child did not make any application to be born in that county just like a child who was born in Kirinyaga County or Kisumu County. We 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.

know very well that we have the Equalisation Fund and 12 years plus of devolution. Water is now primarily a devolved function. What do we have to show for it? As Members of Parliament, we must ensure that - even as we push for more funding for counties and equal distribution of resources - the same is applied because that is taxpayers’ money. There is no single Member of Parliament or an elected leader who spends their own funds to engage in development agenda for their respective constituencies or counties. This House must also be accountable, and must not absolve itself of accountability in regard to the distribution of the national Budget. We were treated to a very melodramatic presentation yesterday where accusations were levelled against the Budget and Appropriations Committee and its leadership. We sit as Members of Parliament to authenticate, question and query the Budget statements that are passed on the Floor of this House. So, when I see Members trying to bedevil each other because of political inclinations and realignments… These political realignments will come and go. Perhaps, Hon. Keynan and I will be on the same side in the next Government. We should quit bedevilling the now - I am not sure if he is the former - Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriation Committee, who has been the Chairperson of that Committee for two-and-half years. Prior to this, he was the Member of Parliament for Kiharu. Members of this House have been to his constituency to benchmark the work he has been doing for the people of Kiharu Constituency. It is the duty of every Member of Parliament to sit here during proceedings. When the national cake is being shared, they oughyto ensure that the people they represent get what they are owed by the Government. We are all taxpayers. We must also ensure that the President makes declarations that impact the people of Kenya. I saw a request for a machine that will make one million chapatis a day. As Members, we must differentiate rhetoric from the needs of the Kenyan people. At the end of the day, in 2027, the electorate will hold us accountable. Therefore, even with the other overriding interests and party positions, let us think about the Kenyan people. What do we need to match for them to feel equally represented? I also wish to appreciate the recent amendments to the Public Audit Finance. I have seen an allocation to the Security Committee and Ksh32 billion to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) for covert operations. Those monies must be accounted for and channelled in a manner that benefits the mama mboga in Turkana, Kirinyaga, Kisumu, and all the other corners of this great nation. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Is Hon. Suzanne Kiamba in the House? If not, let us hear from Hon. (Dr) Racheal Nyamai. Is she present? If not, we will proceed with Hon. Bartoo, followed by Hon. Keynan.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to add my voice to the Budget Policy Statement. I congratulate the Liaison Committee for putting their heads together and coming up with a document that is going to serve the people of Kenya. This Budget Policy Statement covers all the institutions that submitted their statements, which were then compiled by the Liaison Committee. The result of this is the Budget Estimates for the Financial Year 2025/2026, which I hope will transform the society. I hope this Statement captures the needs of every corner of Kenya. We should see the Executive carrying out their mandate appropriately. Parliament should do the same, and the Judiciary to expedite cases. I hope this Budgetary Policy Statement is need-based, allowing us to fully connect our constituencies to power. I represent the great people of Moiben Constituency, where we currently have only 49 per cent electricity connectivity. Moving forward, I would like to see this raised to 90 per cent. We want to see our roads tarmacked and improved for better accessibility in the entire country. The President made a pronouncement yesterday of dualling the Rironi to Mau Summit 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.

Road, which caters for many regions in Kenya. We urge that, that road be constructed with the urgency it deserves. We do not want to be in crisis when schools close and our children are unable to move from one region to another. We also wish to see the stalled projects completed within the shortest time possible. In Moiben, there are three dams that have been constructed since time immemorial, and ten years down the line, the contractors show up once in a while and disappear. A case in point is a TVET school that was initiated by Hon. (Prof.) Kamar 15 years down the line. That project is still pending. I wish that the passing of this Budget Policy Statement and the culmination of the Budget addresses all stalled projects. I have just given a case from Moiben Constituency because that is where I represent. However, I know that we have so many stalled projects in the entire country. Our education system has just undergone a transformation. We hope that we will not have cases of students, teachers, and lecturers on the streets. This Budget Policy Statement should adequately capture their needs. I hope this Budget Policy Statement addresses the issue of jobs for our young people. It should provide solutions to the problems we face as a society so that we can have a smooth life within and outside our borders. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Keynan.

Hon. Korere, is your hand up? You do not have a card. Okay, you will be next.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, in the past, the Budget Policy Statement was the most guarded secret document in the entire country, which gave relevance to professional hoarders and illegal traders. Luckily, courtesy of the current Constitution, this BPS is the precursor to the main Budget-making process. The Budget-making process is a constitutional role of a Member of Parliament. The theme for this year is consolidating gains under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda for inclusive green growth. The key words are “inclusive green growth.” Looking at the face of Kenya, some regions have been neglected, stigmatised, and marginalised over the years. When will those regions get an opportunity to catch up with other regions so that we can have equity, equality, and the same norms in terms of economic developments and appreciation of the dynamics of the Republic of Kenya? As we go through this document, we must also reflect on the previous budgets. Were there instances of fiscal disciplines, public accountability and prudent expenditure? We must also look at public participation. There must be equity, fairness and transparency. The Kenyan public is pregnant with expectations for this year’s Budget because the President has gone to nearly every region in the country. Recently, His Excellency the President was in our region and he presented a wish list. That wish list can only be realised through budgetary provisions. That is why those of us who come from that region and all the other regions that have been neglected over the years must look at this Budget-making process critically, so that we get a share of the national basket. We will continue to be at the periphery if we do not do it. We will continue complaining and raising the expectations of our voters without any meaningful development agenda. There are facts when you go back to the history of this country and the regions where you and I come from. It is a fact they gave birth to the Republic of Kenya. You have been a long-serving Member of Parliament where you come from - Dadaab, formerly Lagdera. I am sure you have not seen even a kilometre of tarmacked road.

Not in Dadaab. 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.

Not in Dadaab, yet you are retiring.

Yes.

What will be the legacy? I have served in Wajir West, and now Eldas. I am still struggling to have the first kilometre of a tarmacked road in Eldas. We must face these realities. Somebody else has tarmacked every bit of his constituency. He is now attempting to tarmac kraals of cows, hens and everything else. Are we going to live in the same country? There is a child whose cattle boma has been tarmacked. Another child from where I represent lacks water, basic health facilities, and has never seen a tarmacked road. The very first definition that comes to the mind of that school-going child is: “What is tarmac? Tarmac is a black substance that is found in down Kenya”. You must psyche that child about where down Kenya is and the definitional picture of a tarmac. These are the realities that we must face. I want all Kenyans here to support the President in his attempt to unite the Republic and take development to every part of the Republic of Kenya. We say “kudos" to Hon. Ruto. We needed that 60 years ago. That is what we needed 50 years ago. That is what we needed 40 years ago. That is what we needed 30 years ago. That is what we needed yesterday. It is happening right now. You are thinking outside the box. Those criticising you just want to limit you to the village.

Give him an additional two minutes because he is also talking for Dadaab Constituency.

Those criticising the President want to hamper his thinking and creative imagination to serve the people of Kenya. That is what fairness requires. I remember you were our Deputy Speaker during the time of the Grand Coalition Government. We had a visit to the late President one morning, to whom we took a very serious wish list. The Isiolo-Marsabit-Moyale Road has now been tarmacked out of that wish list. It is my prayer, yours, and the prayer of all of us that the roads from Garissa-Modogashe-Wajir- Elwak-Mandera, Garissa-Dadaab-Liboi-Kismayo, and Wajir-Moyale-Addis Ababa will be a reality under the Budget right now. That is what the President has promised. These are the realities that we expect. When looking at this Budget, get ready that will be my first entry point so that whatever has been promised is turned into a reality. Finally, I know the management of the national resource pocket is a very difficult and tasking job. Members of the Budget and Appropriations Committee should not worry when they are criticised. That informs the strength over the weaknesses we have gone through. It is not a challenge. We are criticised because we are politicians. Taking definitions and expectations into account, I assure you we will be there to critically look at this Budget and ensure that there is value for every region and support for every part of the Republic of Kenya. I support.

Hon. Kore.

Thank you. From the onset, I congratulate the Liaison Committee. I also support the adoption of the Report of the Liaison Committee on the 2025-2026 Budget Policy Statement (BPS). I will not belabour what my colleagues have already said. I will just concentrate on a few areas that I think are pertinent to me. We need to do some soul-searching on how we do budgeting, from the BPS to the actual Budget that we normally do annually. There are areas that are always a problem. For example, we are having a crisis in the education sector. The university funding model is running through some challenges. We are seeing unions from universities to secondary schools always threatening to go on strike for lack of funding for comprehensive bargaining agreements. 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.

We have seen many challenges with the infrastructure in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS). Those areas are not covered adequately every time we come up with the BPS and our Budget. We are running through many challenges even in our health sector. Among many others, I am told inadequate funding is one of the reasons the Social Health Authority (SHA) is running through some problems. We need to review how we do our budgeting so that we can look at some of the critical areas that are always a challenge to our people, especially in the education and health sectors, so that we adequately resource those areas and take care of them. Electricity, particularly from the region where I come from, is a major thing. As we speak, almost 60 per cent of Mandera County is in darkness due to lack of electricity. Diesel- generated power is no longer sustainable. It is giving people in our region many problems. Big towns have been without electricity for the last six months. Elwak, which is in the constituency that I represent, is an example. There are many electricity challenges in that area. We are going through Ramadhan and yet, we are unable to provide electricity for those areas. An area I will also zero in on is around low-cost boarding schools. Picture this: We have been giving low-cost boarding schools Ksh400 million per year since 2003. This is supposed to be for 411,000 students. That is Ksh5 per student per day for 180 days for a school’s calendar year. That is supposed to cover breakfast, dinner, salaries for staff and support staff, bedding, and infrastructure like constructing boarding facilities for those schools. This is very unfortunate. Imagine Ksh400 million for low-cost boarding schools since 2003. This is unfortunate. I take no offence in mentioning our prisons. Our prisoners are given Ksh105 per day for their meals. For boarding schools or low-cost boarding schools, our students are only budgeted for Ksh5 per day for 180 calendar days. These are some of the areas we need to look into. Given the theme and the mood in the country right now, as spearheaded by His Excellency President William Ruto, the question around equity, equality, and inclusivity should be reflected in all our processes of the BPS and our main Budget. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Kipchumba, Marakwet.

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to contribute to the BPS. The BPS gives us an opportunity as a country to lay our framework for development in this country. We, as a country, need to get our priorities right. There are sections of this country that have been neglected for quite a long period. If you look closely, this country developed along the railway line. All the way from Mombasa to where the railway line ended, development in this country focused there because goods were transported along that line. That is where the country’s development was focused. I was in Wajir and Turkana counties the other day. For the record, I have said that we need equality for this country to develop. For instance, the people of this Republic passed the Equalisation Fund in our Constitution to bring equality across the country. It was meant to bring historically marginalised areas to the same level with other areas in the country. That is why it offends some of us when a formula was introduced, claiming that the provision also meant to benefit areas that were not originally meant to. Let us consider certain things when we look at this BPS. Three countries can fit into a county like Turkana. Burundi, Djibouti and Rwanda combined cover 76,000 square kilometres, while Turkana County alone is 77,000 square kilometres. We must look at the development of Kenya as a whole, even as we look at this BPS. I thank the President who was recently in North Eastern Kenya. When I talked to my friend, Hon. Haro, I asked him about the percentage of electricity connectivity in North Eastern Kenya. He told me it is about 15 per cent or less. The average connectivity is about 25 per cent in Elgeyo/Marakwet County. Other counties in this country have 89 to 98 per cent electricity 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.

connectivity. This country must address that inequality for uniform development. It is unfortunate that some counties are 100 years ahead of other counties. When will we equalise? Recently, the President was in North Eastern where he made promises such as taking the national grid to parts of North Eastern and Turkana County, so that Kenya is served equally. The areas that I have mentioned are very productive. I have no doubt that this country will prosper if we focus on putting the right resources and establishing irrigation schemes in those areas. A country like Egypt depends on River Nile to feed its people. We have Lake Baringo and Lake Turkana and yet, the people of Turkana suffer from hunger. This is because Lake Turkana has not been properly used for irrigation in that part of the country. Even as we unite the country politically, we must also unite it developmentally, so that everybody gets an equal share. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Fair enough. The Chair is tempted to stomp his feet. For one moment, I feel like I should have been on the other side to stomp my feet. I cannot do it from where I am. Thank you, Hon. Kipchumba. Next is Hon. Dick Maundu. Sorry! It is Hon. Maungu.

That is the correct pronunciation. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to join my colleagues by adding my voice to this important subject on the BPS. The BPS is an important framework within which, we, as a country, expects to operate its Budget for the 2025/2026 Financial Year. The Budget stipulates and sets out clear ceilings and allocations to various sectors. I pray that this BPS will move in to address the inequalities that this country has suffered. I come from Luanda Constituency. People may imagine that it is one of the best performing constituencies because it is an urban area. Unlike that, electricity connectivity is at 31 per cent. We have many stalled projects, including roads that began more than ten years ago. It is my prayer that this BPS will address the historical injustices that we have seen regarding resource allocation. I pray that this BPS will move in to bring equity and equitable distribution of resources. Our country is so unequal. We have a country where other regions are doing well while others are struggling. We have had budgets and BPSs tabled in this House over the years. However, they move towards specific areas. We have constituencies in the country whose electricity connection is over 90 per cent. Others survive at less than 15 per cent or thereabout. Others, including mine, have around 31 per cent. I have a prayer and desire as we discuss the BPS and fiscal allocations in this Budget; that we should ensure prudent allocation of resources, accountability and transparent resource allocation. This will bring about equity and a feeling that this country is, indeed, for all of us. Hon. Temporary Speaker, we have a number of stalled projects in this country. I happen to suffer one or two. We have projects that began years ago. We continue to see new projects being undertaken and new roads being constructed and yet, we still have pending projects that began decades ago. They ought to be completed before we can actually begin others. Last year, we had several strikes in the education sector. Lecturers and students in universities went to the streets. Our young boys and girls in high school did not receive their capitation because we made allocations that never reached their schools. As we talk about fiscal accountability, it is my prayer that capitation reflects to schools so that our kids who are under the free day secondary programme can enjoy learning. We have a case in court; whereby, the new funding model has been stopped. Our kids who are in the universities continue to suffer. Through this BPS, it is my prayer that we have maximum allocation to the universities and our schools so that our kids may enjoy being in school. 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 the Committee that came up with this. Even as we come to the Budget, I hope it will capture the aspirations of Kenyans and ensure there is equity and equitable distribution of resources. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Before Hon. Korere takes the Floor, I want to recognise the presence of students from Greenview School, Kasarani Constituency, Nairobi City County, who are seated in the Public Gallery.

Do we have a Member of Parliament from Nairobi to give appreciation? I can see, Hon. Donya. Proceed, Mheshimiwa .

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Indeed, the opportunity to talk to our young ones is a privilege. Sometimes, we always have meetings with women and the elderly when we are in the village. They tell us: “Hon. Members, when you get an opportunity, tell our young kids to go slow on alcohol and love affairs. Our children receive many love letters that distract them from their education”. Children should be roses to their parents. They should slow down on drugs and absconding their duties, both at home and at school. Cooking and washing utensils are not gender roles. They are basic skills that help them grow. Our children, know that we love you very much. Please, work hard. It is a common saying, and always aim high. Thank you.

I also recognise the presence of Roysambu Junior School, Roysambu Constituency, Nairobi City County. You are welcome. I will ask Hon. Owen Baya to say a word of encouragement to them because you are a leader in the House.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

You represent both your constituency and the country at large.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. As I welcome the students from Roysambu…

Look at this side.

You are welcome to the National Assembly. This is the august House where policy, certain rules and statutes are passed. Above all, I encourage you to work hard. I used to be a student at Kenyatta University many years ago and that was how I associated myself with Roysambu. Roysambu was a small growing town then, in the early 90s. I know many of them, even their parents had not met. As you pursue your education, always have a vision with a focus. If you have a vision without a focus, you may not achieve much. I ask the students who are visiting Parliament today to, please, focus on their studies, have ambition, plan to succeed and emulate the great minds of men and women in this country. I wish you well. Desist from deviant behaviour, but walk on the straight path just like your teachers tell you so that you can become successful in life. Otherwise, welcome to observe the proceedings of the 13th Parliament and feel welcome.

Finally, I also recognise the presence, in the Speakers' Gallery, of students from Loreto High School. Welcome to this institution called Parliament, the National Assembly. I will ask the lady Hon. Member sitting next to Hon. Martha Karua, to give the girls a word of encouragement.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me the opportunity to welcome the great students of my dream school. If I was to be younger, I would want to go to Loreto. I encourage the girls that you are in the best place. This is Parliament where you normally study in your history subject when you are learning about 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 three Arms of Government. This is one of the Arms of the Government. I wish you the very best. If you work hard, you can be anything in this world that you ever want to be. You have the energy, opportunity and strength. Please go for it, and you will surely get it.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

What is your point of order, Hon. Nyamai?

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Please, allow me to also welcome the students.

Fair enough. It is not a point of order but proceed. You are a senior Member of this House and, indeed, a role model to most of the girls in the country. Proceed and give these ladies some words of encouragement.

Thank you for your kindness. I welcome the students from Loreto. It is a wonderful school. It is a school that so many young people would love to go to, excel and go all the way to the place where they would like to go. We welcome you. As I say that, Hon. Martha Wangari is the one who is seated with the Member who welcomed the students from Loreto, but you said Hon. Martha Karua. Hon. Martha Karua is also a very nice person in this country, in her own way. But, Hon. Temporary Speaker, we do not have Hon. Martha Karua in the House. You meant the Member…

I meant Hon. Martha Wangari. Yes.

Hon. Martha Wangari, a third-term Member of Parliament, has shown that a woman can be nominated in this House for the first time through affirmative action, and go all the way, be elected and re-elected. The students from Loreto, you can be what you want to be. Just follow Hon. Martha Wangari and then later, you can also think of Hon. Martha Karua, the one who has been mentioned by the Temporary Speaker.

I have had Hon. Martha Karua in my psyche for far too long because we came to Parliament on the same day in 1992. Nonetheless, I very much recognise and respect the indomitable lady, Hon. Martha Wangari. Please, say a word of encouragement too.

Thank you very much.

I want you to do this because we also have Father Makewa High School Makutano, Yatta Constituency and Thangira Umoja Secondary School, Maragua Constituency, Murang’a County in the Public Gallery. Kindly, address them both.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I do not mind you comparing me with Hon. Martha Karua, who is my senior and whom we also share two names, Martha Wangari. More importantly, thank you for the clarification. We share the names, but not the personality, but walking in the footsteps of serving as many years as we can in this House. Allow me to recognise the students as they are coming in. As I had said earlier, it is a very busy day. If you go outside, there are many schools that are queuing to come in. I would encourage both the girls and boys, because a balanced society has to have both genders so that we can make a balanced community, that they can learn as many positives as they can from this House to ensure that it contributes to their future. Thank you very much.

Hon. Korere Sarah, proceed and contribute to the Motion. 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. I also want to add my voice to the Budget Policy Statement (BPS). Many people have spoken about the inequalities in this country. We have to amplify our voices on the same. I say so because I, honestly, believe that the BPS before us is going to address the inequalities that have been witnessed in this country since time immemorial. Equity and inequality are two different things. When we come to this Parliament, we are told that money is allocated equally to all constituencies when we know very well that we are not equal. If today you come to Laikipia County, in general, it is 9,600 square kilometres. Laikipia North as a constituency is 5,600 square kilometres. It is bigger than Laikipia West and East combined. When you look at the 22 per cent of the money on roads, we are allocated the same money with a constituency in Central Kenya, say Murang’a or Kiambu, where the Member of Parliament can wake up one day and go around the whole constituency before midday and come to attend the sessions in this Parliament. You wonder where the equity is. It is very, very unequal. That is why, in this era, in the 21st Century, in northern Kenya, in Laikipia North, when people are talking of stock exchange, we are still talking of stock theft. Why? When the money for low-cost boarding is being reduced and when Government officials who have no idea what children in northern Kenya go through to go to school, just sit down and make a blanket statement that they are going to abolish boarding schools, including in northern Kenya, it is pathetic. You cannot budget more money to feed prisoners and reduce money to feed our school-going children. The other thing is this: Even the wastage in Government offices is budgeted for. I seriously hope and pray that this BPS is going to address the waste. In this era, some people are still dependent on relief food, queuing to receive three kilos of rice and a kilo of beans so that they can eat today, while God takes care of them tomorrow. It is demeaning. There are well-wishers and Members of Parliament who donate food and pose for pictures with the very poor people, and then post them on Facebook and WhatsApp. It is demeaning to those people. This country is in a position to pump money into the agricultural sector and production. Livestock keeping is not backward but, for a very long time, it has not been looked into as an economic way of life that can uplift the economy of this country. When I look at the budget for livestock, I can see a lot of reductions. Beef is a billion-dollar industry. We know that Kenyans love nyama choma, which does not grow on trees. Beef is got from cows and goats. Sheep also provide meat. I truly believe that this Budget Policy Statement (BPS) is going to address that. Finally, let me speak about stalled projects. We see new projects coming up. When you go, for example, in...

Can you give Hon. Korere Sarah an additional two minutes?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Doldol is the Sub-County Headquarter for Laikipia North but, since Independence to date, there is no single tarmac road in that constituency. The only road that was launched in 2021 stalled. I truly believe we are not going to see a round of new projects being launched while we still have old projects like the Doldol-Nanyuki Road and the Rumuruti-Nanyuki Road which have stalled. Finally, we saw our intern doctors in the streets. We need doctors in this country. You and I do not have to fly to India or London to get attended to because we have people in this country who can attend to us. We would rather start putting our priorities right, and not upside down. I believe with the stewardship of His Excellency the President, Dr William Samoei Ruto, a person who understands what Kenyans are going through, we are going to address the inequality where some Kenyans have become more equal than others. 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.

Hon. Parashina, Member for Kajiado South, followed by Hon. Marianne.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I also stand to support the Report on the Budget Policy Statement for the Financial Year 2025/2026. I appreciate the work that has been done by the Liaison Committee. This Report has covered a lot of areas that are very important and instrumental in this country. As I support the Report, it is good to emphasise on something on the county allocation that was given Ksh4 or Ksh5 billion. The general picture the framers of the Constitution had when they introduced counties is for development to spread across the country. In terms of allocation of resources, things are happening. However, when we go to counties, sometimes we feel let down because our people do not get real services from the money this House allocates. When I look at the work that is supposed to be done, counties should understand that the allocated amount is supposed to help our people develop and get services. As a result, our country will head somewhere. Specifically, let me mention the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs). They were to address the value chain. Every county was to produce and concentrate on a certain area. For example, Kajiado can concentrate on leather, milk products or even tomatoes because we have them. However, considering the pace at which CAIPs are being done, we might not be able to achieve that in our first five-year term. This is because up to now, only 19 have been done or are in the plan. The speed at which the work of creating small industries is being done is too slow. This year, we have had the creation of the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), which deals with product accreditation. We were not able to do much with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Europe or America because we did not have an accreditation body that is recognised internationally. The money that has been allocated to KENAS is a plus to us. By establishing KENAS, Parliament has done justice to our business people and county. This is where we want to see our county in five years. There have been a lot of complaints about products that have been checked by Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). We are now going to have a body which is going to oversee them. That is a plus to the Report we are debating today. On the issue of the environment, the Carbon Credit Resource Mobilisation Framework has been proposed. I have a feeling that we need to check it. Clearly, when we want to tax carbon credits while the market is entirely international, maybe in some years to come, investors might choose to go to other places like Paraguay or Gabon, where there is no issue of taxes against carbon credits. I need to see how the framework is going to work out. I come from Kajiado, an Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL). Add me a minute because I have one issue before I conclude. There is the issue of the proposed mergers by Cabinet. In the Report, the Inter-Governmental Relation Technical Committee (IGRTC) is supposed to bring a report. I feel...

Give him an additional minute. Please, wrap up.

Hon. Sarah Korere spoke about the issue of marginalised areas that have been left behind. I appreciate that it has been captured here. There is a proposal of merging parastatals that fall under the ASALs and the Northern Corridor where there are many stalled projects. An example is the tomato factory that is being done by Ewaso Nyiro South Development Authority (ENSDA) in Kajiado South. That project needs an allocation of Ksh200 million plus to kick start it. It will provide employment for our youth. However, there is a proposal that ENSDA could be merged. 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.

As Members from the ASALs, we feel that when the report would be brought, we be allowed to debate it keenly. This is because the moment they remove ENSDA from our area, we will lack water and other facilities that are very instrumental to us. I plead that the House considers the report with the condition that once the report is tabled by the IGRTC, we request that parastatals should not be cancelled. If they have to be cancelled, let it be after 2027. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Marianne Kitany.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I stand to support the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for the Financial Year 2025/2026 as laid and as read on the Floor of the House. I support it because the Ksh2.4 billion ceiling that is proposed for the Executive will go a long way in helping achieve the development agenda for this country. The Constitution of Kenya talks about equity and equitable distribution of resources. In this BPS, we would like to see equitable distribution of resources for roads. Aldai Constituency, where I come from, and Nandi County, an area that has not had a lot of development in roads, should now see the construction of roads. Similarly, the north eastern region, where the President was the other day, should also get equitable resources for roads and water so that they can be at the same level as any other part of this country. This BPS proposes the creation of businesses in this country by creating a good environment for businesses to thrive. A case in point is the allocation of money for county aggregation and industrial parks that will spur economic growth. They will allow the youth and the people in communities to develop and grow businesses under the county aggregation and industrial parks. We also hope to see a lot of development in the Special Economic Zones and the Export Processing Zones (EPZs). They will attract foreign investors as well as local ones who will leverage on the environment to grow their businesses. Many people who want to start businesses find it an uphill task to put up a warehouse, connect electricity, and other infrastructural requirements. That has a negative impact because they may not have the resources for that. However, if we are able to put up industrial parks that are plug and pay, investors will come in and employ our youth. Through the 2025/2026 Financial Year BPS, we hope to see a lot of development and a lot of resources being put in sectors where our youth will get employment. The President has been moving around launching projects in various parts of the country. Right now, he is in Nairobi. He has started many programmes. If many of those programmes are put in the 2025/2026 BPS, this county will not only become a middle-income economy, but it will also grow threefold to become one of the top tiers in Africa and compete with the other developed countries in the world. It is proposed that our GDP growth should be 15 per cent by 2028. We expect that to happen because many of the proposed programmes in the BPS will go a long way in helping this country to achieve its targets. If this BPS considers areas that have over time not had equitable distribution of resources, we can imagine the kind of growth this country will experience. This is the year we must see a lot of development because we are approaching elections. We know that little development takes place during an election year. So, as a country, we have an opportunity, as we pass this BPS, to ensure that resources are equitably distributed and ensure development happens in our country. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I support.

Leader of the Majority Party, followed by Hon. Agnes Pareiyo and Hon. Eve Obara.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the passage of this BPS for the Financial Year 2025/2026 and the Medium Term. This BPS comes at a time when our economy is recovering from the 2022 dilapidated economy. 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.

This Administration came into office in 2022 when the inflation and exchange rates were very high. Inflation rate in February 2025 was at an average of about 3.5 per cent as opposed to the 9.6 per cent in October 2022, when this Administration came into office. This has not been easy to achieve. This is as a result of a lot of concerted effort to reduce the cost of commodities, especially the food items. The massive investment that has been done in the agricultural sector has, indeed, paid off for our country. Today, we are not only food secure, but the food security has also ensured that inflation and exchange rates have stabilised. Even our interest rates have begun coming down. We have seen the rush by commercial banks to reduce interest rates. The 9-days treasury bills have declined from 15.7 per cent in December of 2023 to the current rate of about 9.6 per cent in February of this year. Our exchange rate has come down from a high of Ksh160 a year ago to an average of Ksh128 to Ksh130 to the US Dollar. In the last one month, the Kenyan Shilling has stabilised at about Ksh128 to Ksh129. This year's BPS basically highlights the progress that we have made in the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) that was anchored on the Fourth Medium-Term Plan of our Vision 2030. That tells us that we continue being consistent in pursuit of the Vision 2030 and ensuring that all our Medium-Term Plans fit into the bigger goal of Vision of 2030. I thank our Deputy Speaker for her leadership of the Liaison Committee that considered the BPS together with the Departmental Committees. When the National Treasury submitted this BPS this year, Members will note that it was prepared in a backdrop of an economy that is rising, steadily recovering and stabilising. Indeed, we can now proudly say that our economy has stabilised. The debt challenge that we had is also being addressed very well. I am happy that even this BPS has laid very good or special emphasis on fiscal consolidation to reduce our public debt vulnerabilities, while providing fiscal space to deliver on essential goods and services especially by ensuring that we have adequate funds to roll out the development agenda that we promised the people of Kenya. I am happy that even as we assert that we have stabilised our economy, we are also opening up the fiscal space to roll out development programmes. I must also use this opportunity to thank and recognise the efforts I have seen from the Office of the Controller of Budget. Recently, we said that there are issues in the Controller of Budget Office in terms of accountability. When they do well, we must also recognise them. I recognise the work that I saw her roll out yesterday in establishing a framework on approval processes that will ensure counties and county governments are able to access money and the approval process is seamless. The criteria on which approvals are made from that Office should be clear so that governors and county government officers are not extorted by officers in that Office. It is a fact of life that extortion has been going on. I am glad yesterday I saw that action has been taken following the calls that we made in this House. We should also ensure that there is a criterion that is set in terms of approval for development work, so that we do not spend all our money on recurrent expenditure both in the county level of government and also in the national Government. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am sure towards the end of this week, without anticipating debate, we will work on the Division of Revenue Bill. It will be coming for the First Reading before we commence the short recess. These are some of the issues that our county governments will look into.

As I said, the efforts to bring down our public debts are quite evident. People will bear me witness that our public debt is on a downward path that is consistent with our debt anchor as passed by this House and our colleagues in the Senate. I have said before that this BPS is anchored on those two issues- fiscal consolidation and proper management of debt vulnerability.

On the tax measures, as part of that fiscal consolidation effort as we reduce our public expenditure, we also look at boosting our revenues. I am happy that this BPS speaks to 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.

measures towards enhancing our revenues. I am happy that this has been brought to us as a combination of tax administrative matters not just on the increment of taxes and tax policy reforms that includes strengthening our tax administration to enhance compliance to expand our tax base but, more importantly, to reduce our tax expenditures. In the reduction of tax expenditures, Members will remember even last year’s Finance Bill had very good measures for reducing tax expenditures. Very good measures.

Tax expenditure at the end of the day benefits business people more than the consumers, especially in the area of Value Added Tax (VAT). That is the area in which we are more vulnerable in terms of high tax expenditures. You will find so many exemptions on VAT and other taxes that ought to benefit consumers, but they end up benefitting only traders and business communities. I am glad that the National Treasury has seen the need to ensure that we minimise tax expenditures while also leveraging on technology. I must speak to this. We have been told over the years that we will leverage technology to enhance revenue mobilisation and collection, but we have never seen it working. I am aware that KRA is working on a robust programme to relook at their systems right from their customs and income tax systems. I hope that it will not just be another year of endless talk, but that will see the actualisation of those measures to leverage technology, revolutionise our tax processes, and seal loopholes on revenue leakage. This will generally enhance efficiency through the use of technology in our Ministries, Department, and Agencies (MDAs), and leverage technology even for taxpayers. This will make it easier for taxpayers to settle their tax bills and arrears and communicate effectively with revenue officers and revenue systems at KRA. I say that because there are also measures which I spoke to last week. I see this BPS in terms of strengthening our expenditure control and improving efficiency and effectiveness in public spending. The National Treasury is telling us that they will also ensure that they leverage technology and e-procurement to have an end-to-end e- procurement system to maximise the value for money and increase transparency in procurement. These are very good semantics. I reminded the National Treasury last week that none other than the President in his State of the Nation Address towards the end of last year, committed that he has directed the National Treasury to ensure that e-procurement is a reality before the end of the first quarter. Let me remind the Cabinet Secretary, Hon. John Mbadi, Principal Secretary Kiptoo, and those who are in charge of the National Treasury, that we have less than 45 days to the end of the quarter. By the time they bring the annual Estimates, we want a report on the actualisation of that directive by the President on e-procurement. We cannot talk of efficient procurement and use of public resources in terms of public expenditure if we are not leveraging technology. I know there is immense resistance in Government to e-procurement, but it must be done since it is the right thing to do for the country.

It may not be popular with the procurement officers in the public sector. It may not be popular with many business people who rig the system to get tenders that they do not deserve or for amounts that do not give value for money, but it is the right thing to do for the country. We must insist on that as a House. That is why I have taken the liberty to remind the National Treasury that, as they bring their annual estimates later next month, they must also give us a report on the status of implementation of e-Procurement.

In conclusion, now that we have concluded the elections in some of the departmental committees, including the Budget and Appropriations Committee, which had their elections this morning, I congratulate Hon. Atandi and Hon. Dr. Robert Pukose. I want to urge them 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.

all Members of that Committee to adhere to what we said yesterday. Do your work in the best interest of the country. Ensure there is an equitable share of resources across the country and all our counties. They should also ensure the budget ceilings as approved in this House are adhered to by all the MDAs.

Hon. Pareyio Agnes, followed by Hon. Obara Eve.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to support the Liaison Committee Report on the BPS.

I support this Statement with the hope that it will address issues that affect our constituencies. All that matters at the end of it all is how the constituencies will benefit. I say that because in terms of equitable distribution of resources, we are not all equal. When I look at the constituency that I come from, we still have problems with the roads. Our roads are impassable. I hope that this Statement will address issues affecting those roads.

In my constituency, we produce wheat and every time we harvest wheat, there is always a problem of brokers. They import wheat and, hence, we do not get the market for it. This is what our people expect to develop their families and take their children to school. With the poor roads, without driers, and the market for our wheat, we are always at a loss. Every year we argue. We have a problem with the Government because we have no market for our wheat. I expect the Statement to look into the roads and electricity connectivity. We all need what other Kenyans have. We have no electricity and no clean water. We take water that is not fit for human consumption.

I support this Report since I feel it will look into injustices that happened to other constituencies. We are not all equal. There are people with tarmac roads and yet, in Narok North Constituency, we do not have even a single one. That is where we get wheat and potatoes. That is where Nairobi is fed from. When it rains like it did yesterday, I am called by everybody since they expect me to build roads for them. Looking at the resources, they are not there. I want to ask the Government to look into those constituencies or areas that are not developed since we are not all equal.

With those few remarks, I want to support the Statement with the hope that we will see an equitable distribution of resources. We also have Eneng’eetia National Cereals and Produce Board where those people are supposed to take their wheat when it is raining and yet, we have no driers there. I still want to remind the Government that we also need driers for our people so as to protect their wheat from being destroyed in the farms.

Okay, Hon. Eve Obara.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I want to say something on the boarding schools. I do not support boarding schools…

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Proceed, Hon. Eve Obara.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to also support the passage of this BPS. I had put up my hand at that time because I wanted to welcome the girls from Loreto High School. That is actually my school. I am an old girl of Loreto Limuru. It moulded me to who I am today. I remember Sister Mary Owens. For your information, there are two of us in this House who are old girls of Loreto Girls Limuru - Hon. Rozaah Buyu and I. So, thank you very much Loreto Girls for coming. For Loreto, the sky has always been the lower limit. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

As I get to the BPS, my focus is on the issues of concern that have been raised in this Report. If you look at the various departments, 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.

there are critical issues that have been raised that should have been addressed many years back. If you look at the State Department of Higher Education, there has been a ‘back and forth’ on the issues of funding.

You have only two minutes before I call upon the Mover to reply because of time constraints. Proceed.

On the issue of the new funding model, I do not have to repeat what has already been said about the challenges our students are facing with this new funding model. I am happy that it has come up and the Department has been given a deadline of 30th June 2025 to make sure that this matter is sorted. Secondly, on the issue of TVETs, we should come up with a clear guideline to make sure that we stop the confusion that we see when it comes to matters of promotion and deployment. These are critical issues that affect the department and that deadline must be honoured. Not only that, in other departments as well, you can see that deadlines have been given, but we must focus on those deadlines to make sure that we hold the departments accountable to do the things that they are supposed to do so that the resources are equitably distributed amongst Kenyans. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the time. I would have said more on the concerns that have been raised, but given the limited time, I will discuss it at another time.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I presume you are initially laying the Supplementary Estimates on the Table. After that, you will have to give notice of motion and reply as well. You can proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Liaison Committee on its consideration of the Second Supplementary Estimates for the Financial Year 2024/2025, and a compendium of Departmental Committee reports on their consideration of the Supplementary Estimates. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Go ahead and give the notice of motion.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Liaison Committee on its consideration of the Second Supplementary Estimates for the Financial Year 2024/2025, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, and pursuant to the provisions of Article 223 of the Constitution, Section 39 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012 and Standing Order 239– 1. approves the Supplementary Estimates II for FY 2024/2025 as indicated in the schedules to the Report; 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.

2. resolves that the Schedules form the basis for the introduction of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2025; and, 3. orders that “The Speaker do now leave the Chair” to facilitate the consideration of the said Budget Estimates with respect to each Vote and Programme in the Committee of Supply as contemplated under Standing Order 240 (Consideration of Supplementary Estimates in the Committee of Supply).

or Administration Multi-Agency Strategic Planning and Interventions to enhance Support operations. Services

for multi ahency strateguc interventions

for commisiions and tribunals

for Coordination of National Lotery Fund. Government

for Kenya International Bounderies Office.

or Coordination O&M and Supervision 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.

owards security operations-HQ item 2211312.

for DCI HQ item 2211312 - security operations.

for HQ Office of the DIG AP for food rations and other O&M.

drainage system at service central stores.

from HQ Medical Insurance.

om construction of Police Camp in Obunga.

rom construction of Police Station Office at Kikambuni.

r ODPP

for DCI security.

for Administration Private Security and Support Regulatory Authority. Services

) for taskforce on campaighn against GBV and femicide.

for legal claims. 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.

or Services PBO Authority.

for public benefit organization regulatory authority.

or Construction of sub- Field county Police HQs Administration Central Ward Services

or Oversight induction of new board Services members.

for Livestock Production Services for items including animal feed rations, fuel and specialized supplies to 16 livestock breeding farms.

to cater for pending bills and to complete solarization.

for establishment of feedlots, fodder and pasture.

for Sustainable Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis free areas in Kenya (KENTTEC).

for Livestock Training Institute-Kitui.

for food rations and pending bills at AHITI Kabete (A in A funded).

for payment of gratuity for officers whose contracts have ended (A in A funded).

to operationalize National Livestock and promotion marketing board.

or feedlots, fodder, pasture and water development.

or Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya for employee compensation and O$M.

for Pesticide Control Produce Board towards surveillance against entrance of unauthorised pesticide

for Agriculture Technology Innovation Canters for adoption of technology, innovation, management and practices.

for National Value Chain Support project to cater for pending bill relating to e-voucher services.

for construction of HQ and Satellite campuses for KSA.

for food security and crop diversification to support provision of seeds and seedlings

for Ketut-Mokoro Irrigation Scheme -NIA as seed capital to start the project.

for National Expanded Irrigation Programme to cater for pending bills.

for Adich Gorge Dam- NIA as seed capital to start the project.

for National Water Harvesting and ground water exploitation NWSHA for payment of pending bills.

for Infrastructure 000) 00 LVNWWDA for Development installation ERP system.

for TANATHI WWDA for P.E.

for Tana WWDA for ERP.

Kegonga Cluster Water Supply -LVSWWDA.

for National Water Harvesting and ground water Exploitation.

for water harvesting projects CWWDA to pay pending bills.

Aguthi Water Project TWWDA to pay pending bills.

for Karuiru water project TWWDA to pay pending bills.

for Kwa Mutonga Earth Dam -TANATHI to pay pending bills.

or Mutyambua Earth Dam -TANATHI to pay pending bills.

for Mekilingi Earth Dam -TANATHI to pay pending bills.

for Sere Earth Dam - TANATHI to pay pending bills.

or GK Memorial School Borehole NWWDA.

for Senetwa-Kamelilo Water Project LVNWWDA. to pay pending bills

for Kipkoil-Kimatkei water project- LVNWWDA to pay pending bills.

for Turbi Borehole NWWDA for drilling, solarization and desalination.

for Hawashow Water Project -NWWDA to pay pending bills.

from Restoration and conservation of water catchment areas.

for Sidokho Dam LVNWWDA.

for Lumiko Dam LVNWWDA.

or Asega Dam LVNWWDA.

for Kapsiro water supply LVNWWDA.

rom Kamoi-Kapterit- Surwerwa Water Supply project.

for critical

or LVNWWDA

for Kenya Fishing Industries Corporation for the Jetty and Uvuvi Fishing Boat pending bill.

for Kenya Fish Marketing Authority for pending bills for fish post harvest losses management.

for Kenya Fisheries Service to fund operations at the 3 laboratories

for Administration, HQ Administrative Planning and Services to cater for Support pending bills. Services

for supervision of streetscape &Wastewater reclamation facilities.

for Office of the Data Protection Commissioner for capacity building and sensitization.

or Directorate of information HQ for equipping and capacity building of field officer..

for Media Council of Kenya .

for KNQA to put in place a system that captures all learners.

or Administration, completion of MIS Planning and System. Support Services

or Multimedia University to support ICT modernization.

or Jaramogi Odingalibrary complex.

for Administration, M&E. Planning and

or Services MIS System

from 1066104918 Construction of Classroom, laboratory, admin block at DEB Primary s. (public participation project.

for 1066104918 Construction of Classroom, laboratory, admin block at Nyamira DEB Primary School. (public participation project.

for Assembly of Assistive Devices Project for SNE Learners -KISE.

for NACONEC.

for Capacity building of school managers at KEMI.

to Standards KICD for capacity building on CBC.

or Administration, upgrading NIMES. Planning and Support Services 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.

for Resource Development for Nuclear Programme

Publicity and Advocacy

from Critical Rural Access Last Mile Connectivity.

for Sondu Homabay Ndhiwa Awendo Electrification Project

Substation

) from Hydro dams Water catchment re- afforestation

or Administration 0) 0) pending bills Naivasha Planning and Data Center-Misrot Support Limited Company. Services

for KRA.

for Horn of Africa Initiative Secretariat.

rom, Budget reserves, leasing of vehicles, ESP and Administrative serrvices.

for multi agency.

rom the programme.

r capacity developmen on procurement

for Financial Policy finincial reporting Formulation and center. Management

or Policy and capacity building of county planning officers 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.

from construction and equipping of health centers.

from construction and equipping of level 4 hospitals.

for construction and equipping of Mt. Elgon hospital.

or construction and equipping of Mogotio Health Center.

for construction and equipping of Iftin level IV

for construction and equipping of Kegonga level IV hospital

for construction and equipping of Wamba Health Center. 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.

for construction and equipping of Kanyarkwat Health Center.

or construction and equipping of Sankuri Health Center.

for construction and equipping of Mur Malanga Level 3 Hospital. .

for construction and equipping of Khwisero Level IV hospital.

for upgrading of children's ward Kibunga Level 3 Hospital.

for construction of Ugenya Hospital.

or supply of medical supplies and commodities-vulcan.

for Supply of CD4 Counter instruments. 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.

or KNH for specialized medical equipment.

) from refubishment of equipment at KNH.

or cyflo CD4 counter instruments.

for Reproductive 0) 00 National Syndemic Maternal New Diseases Control Born Child Council for pending Adolescent bills.

rom special global HIV grant

or procurement of equipment for blodd transfusion. 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.

or construction of KEMRI laboratories.

rom construction and upgrading of KEMRI Laboratories.

rom digital health platform.

for training of health care workers under the state department for medical services.

for HQ professional service.

or universal health covergae.

or procurement of Anti Health Services TB Drugs.

or outbreak of KALA AZAR.

rom Port Health Control.

for Kenya Institute of Primate Research to manufacture snake anti- venom.

for Kenya Institute of Primate Research for P.E. Shortfall.

rom training for human resource for health

for Kenya Heath Professions Oversight Authority.

for Physiotherapist's Council of Kenya.

for Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

for clinical officers council.

for Administration HQ admin services.

) from Social and physical Infrastructure.

for Administration O&M cost for Planning and supervision of ongoing Support Projects. Services 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.

for Development of National Construction the Construction Authority towards Industry sensitization, technical training and enforcement of building codes across the 47 counties.

for FY 2023/24 carryovers for damaged infrastructure and civil works in penal institutions.

from the budget of Asset Recovery Agency. 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.

for Legal Training Kenya School of Law as and exchequer support. Constitutional

for the Council of Legal Education to enable them execute their mandate.

for maintenance of the Kenya Legislation and Case Law database.

to settle rent arrears and service charge for NCLR Office and warehouse.

for legal information and printing of Kenya Law Reports.

to Protection enhance O&M.

o Promotion of support the Human Rights Commission's core mandate of resolving human rights complaints, enhancing public awareness and understanding human rights.

or Administrative O&M. Justice

for recruitment of 110 interns.

for P.E. deficit.

for P.E.

or Judiciary Training Institute.

to facilitate settlement of pending bills certificates for construction of occupational safety health institute.

for National Employment Authority (NEA) for hosting internet connectivity system in Konza and ICTA and facilitate job fairs for overseas recruitment in counties. 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.

o cater and facilitate posting of labour Attaché in Berlin Germany.

for finalization of critical labour mobility bilateral agreements.

for settling of pending bills to suppliers of goods and services.

o Transformation 00) 0 cover salary shortfalls for the Human Resources Management Professional Examination Board.

om construction and civil works.

for operationalization of huduma centers (Kibunja-10 million and Kitui-20 million).

or KSG hostel rehabilitation.

from operationalization of Huduma Canters.

rom Administration Printing, Advertising Planning and and Information Support Supplies and services. Services

from other operating expenses- 22113000.

(Recurrent) Remuneration Management

or Services Nairobi Rivers Commission.

for World Scout Parliamentary Union Secretariat.

for IGTRC

for Financial Management Services. 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.

or Ewaso Ngiro North Cathcment Riparian Conservation project ENNDA.

for Rongo Bee Keeping Project.

for construction of dykes in Nyando and Muhoroni-LBDA.

) from KVDA-Etio Phase II water distribution

for construction 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.

NTIIL borehole -KVDA

for-Lalwasokoria water pan.

for yokot phase II water supply.

for Child Welfare Society for Kenya emergency food support.

rom Development 0) NGAAF.

for Administration, policy matters Planning and Support Services

or Services Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA).

for Kenya Academy of Sports for P.E., contracted services and gratuity.

from Anti- Doping Agency of Kenya.

from HQ administration Services. 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.

for Heritage National Heroes Council.

for Permanent Presidential Music Commission.

for Kenya National Library Services to pay outstanding rent owed to the State Department for Sport.

for Services Kenya Film Classification Board for P.E, contracted services, staff medical insurance, gratuity and rent.

or Kenya Film Commission for P.E, contracted services, staff medical insurance, gratuity and rent.

for Kenya Film School to purchase equipment and customize learning spaces. 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.

for protection and development of Mawe Tatu Heritage site in Kakamega (A In A).

for Mumonyonzo Dam ecotourism project phase two in Kakamega (A in A).

or Installation of solar power back up CCTV camera for e-citizen revenue gates KWS-(A in A).

for Jomo Kenyatta Beach Rejuvenation in Mombasa County - KWS-(A in A).

from debt waiver.

for CS operations.

to settle pending bills.

or PAVI Ginnery pending Bills.

or Luanda Ginnery completion.

to and Enterprise 0 KNTC for financial Development obligation from edible oil and rice importation.

for Trade Japan Expo 2025. Development

or KEPROBA P.E

) for COMESA summit.

for Administration, O&M. Planning and Support Services

for Administration O&M. Planning and

for Services rent.

for Industrial Audit Committee.

for CAIPS M&E.

rom Purchase of Elgeyo Marakwet land.

or KITI.

for KIRDI O&M.

for Quality KENAS. Infrastructure &

or KIEP.

for Center of Excellence.

for cold storage facilities.

for Development SEZA (23 million non- and Promotion discretionary expense, 40 million for recruitment of staff 20 million for purchase of Vehicles.

for Ken Invest( 9 million non- discretionary expense, 21 million core mandate, 30 million National Investment council, 20 million investment conference).

for repairs of Athi River Textile hub (EPZA)

for the construction of critical roads and payment of pending bills.

or the construction of critical roads and payment of pending bills.

for KURA critical roads.

or critical raods

for Administration, the State Department of Planning and Transport HQ for ICT Support upgrade and associated Services infrastructure.

for Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA) for salaries of newly recruited officers, purchase of furniture and equipment. 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.

for Lapsset Corridor Development Authority (LCDA).