Leader of the Majority Party, are you ready? Give the microphone to the Majority Whip.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table: 1. Legal Notice No.55 of 2025 relating to the Social Health Insurance Amendment Regulations, 2025. 2. Legal Notice No.56 of 2025 relating to the tariffs for health care services. This is a very important legal notice relating to the Social Health Authority (SHA). Reports of the Auditor-General and Financial Statements for the Year ended 30th June 2024 and certificates therein in respect of: 1. Grand Dream Development Party. 2. Health Records and Information Managers Board. 3. HELB Staff Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme. 4. Jeremiah Nyaga Polytechnic. 5. Kaguru Agricultural Training Centre. 6. Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. 7. Kenya Industrial Property Institute. 8. Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute. 9. Kenya Institute of Primate Research. 10. Kenya Investment Authority. 11. Kenya National Congress. 12. Kenya National Entrepreneurs Saving Trust PLC. 13. Kenya National Shipping Line Limited. 14. Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority. 15. Kenya Trade Network Agency Mortgage and Car Loan Fund. 16. Kenya Trade Network Agency. 17. Kibabii University. 18. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. 19. National Cancer Institute of Kenya. 20. National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation. 21. National Council for Persons with Disabilities. 22. National Mining Corporation. 23. Office of the Deputy President. 24. Special Economic Zones Authority. 25. State Department Culture, the Arts and Heritage. 26. State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications. 27. State Department for Correctional 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.

28. State Department for Economic Planning. 29. State Department for Industry. 30. State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs. 31. Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund – State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs. 32. Tharaka University. 33. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board. 34. University of Embu; and, 35. Uwezo Fund Oversight Board. I thank you.

Thank you, Hon. Owen. The Chairperson, Public Accounts Committee.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the examination of the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for the National Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies for the Financial Year 2021/2022. Thank you.

Thank you. Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, the Member for Kesses.

Thank you so much, Hon. Speaker. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on its consideration of the agreement for the establishment of the Africa Finance Corporation. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you. Clerk-at-the-Table, call Order 6.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on its examination of the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for the National Government Ministries Departments and Agencies for the Financial Year 2021/2022, laid on the Table of the House today. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Member for Kesses.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on its consideration of the of the Agreement for the Establishment of the Africa Finance Corporation, laid on the Table of the House today, The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

and pursuant to the provisions of Section 8(4) of the Treaty Making and Ratifications Act (Cap.4D), approves the Ratification of the Establishment of the Africa Finance Corporation. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Julius. Let us go to Orders 9, 10, 11 and 12 before we come back to Order 7.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to move that the Supplementary Appropriations Bill (National Assembly Bill No.8 of 2025) be now read a Third Time. I request Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, the Leader of the Majority Party, to second.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. As I second, I beg your indulgence to allow me to take this opportunity to thank the Members who stayed on until very late yesterday afternoon to conclude this Appropriation Bill. For the benefit of those who were not in the House, we now have appropriated resources for our Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). I am glad that part of that money touches on some of the pertinent issues in the country that Members have been petitioned on, including the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) for our healthcare and university workers. As you are aware, our university lecturers have been agitating for support from the universities. 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 most important thing I noted in this Bill is the additional resources, from appropriations-in-aid (A-in-A) to our universities and part of our healthcare sector like the national referral hospitals. As I mentioned during the debate, most of these resources result from the digitalisation of the resource mobilisation efforts in most of our parastatals. It is important to point out this because it has previously been a tradition that when we do the Second Supplementary Estimates, most MDAs get into a procurement rush to expend these resources ahead of the new financial year. The money appropriated, even from A-in-A, must be used in a very transparent and accountable manner. This is not only for MDAs that raise their resources but also for other entities like the Social Health Authority (SHA). This is important because even this morning, the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party tabled legal notices that will go towards enhancing the efficiency of the SHA programme. We must ask those agencies that get resources from member contributions to be accountable. This year, we have effected increments in contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). Additionally, there are resources, under pensions, contributed by Kenyans towards their care in old age. Therefore, NSSF contributions have increased almost seven-fold. Accountability of how money is invested and accounted for at SHA and NSSF is something that this House must pay attention to. We must hold the managers of these funds to account. This week, I received a Petition regarding NSSF dealings with Pergamon Investment Bank. I am going through it to understand what is happening. I mention this Petition to emphasise that there must be proper accountability for all these monies that Kenyans contribute and what we appropriate to MDAs. We must ensure proper accountability of all public resources through our Departmental, Audit and Appropriations Committees. That is why I took the liberty of sharing these sentiments during the seconding of this Bill. When I say public resources, it includes money that we appropriate to government agencies and what Kenyans contribute to funds like SHA and NSSF. These include the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), which we still struggle with in Court. We have already published the Division of Revenue Bill for the next Financial Year. We pleaded with the Council of Governors (CoG) and the Senate that once we send the County Governments Additional Allocation Bill to the other House, they should be magnanimous enough to allow it to be passed, just as we did so that our counties can access this money. The Senate should also take its time to hold the governors accountable for the money they appropriate to them. Hon. Speaker, with those remarks, I beg to second. Thank you.

Thank you, Leader of the Majority Party.

Put the Question.

I will now put the Question. I am satisfied that we have enough Quorum in the House to vote on this.

Hon. Catherine Omanyo, you cannot do that. You are out of order. This Bill was debated in extenso . I have been mentoring you to be a decent girl. I want you to be so.

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.

Members on their feet take the nearest seats. Hon. Sigei, take the nearest seat.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to move that the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 2 of 2025) be now read a Third Time. I request Hon. Hilary to second.

Hon. Hilary.

Hon. Speaker, I second.

Order, Hon. Members. Take your seats. I am sorry; I was consulting with the Member for Busia 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.

Order. Hon. Farah, take your seat.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to move that the Public Finance Management (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.26 of 2024) be now read a Third Time. I request Hon. Ruku to second it.

Hon. Speaker, I rise to second the Bill, which is an important component in terms of public finance management, so that we can get it right as a nation. I second.

Thank you. Members on their feet, take the nearest seats.

Members, on their feet, take your seats.

Hon. Ngusya, take your seat.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to move that the Insurance Professionals Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 13 of 2024) be now read a Third Time. I also request the former Member of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, Hon. Makilap, who has since moved to the Departmental Committee on Education, to second.

Hon. Makilap.

Hon. Speaker, I second.

Order, Members on their feet. Hon. Ngusya, when you sit where you normally sit, you are very calm.

Thank you.

The Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon. Speaker, I seek your indulgence that before we go back to Questions and Statements, we consider Order 8, which is a Procedural Motion, and then Order 13.

Please call out Order 8.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 120, this House resolves to reduce the publication period of the Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bill No.10 of 2025) from seven days to two days. I request the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, to second.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. This is a simple Procedural Motion to reduce the publication period for the Division of Revenue Bill to enable it to undergo public participation and be considered when we resume from the short recess. This will also allow the Senate to begin working on their County Allocation of Revenue Bill. Therefore, it is important to reduce the publication period to two days from the normal seven days. I second.

Put the Question.

Hon. Members, I have received a special request from the County Women Representative for Nandi, Hon. Cynthia Muge, who is number six on the list of requests, to be given priority. She says she has an urgent matter to attend to. I will start with you, Hon. Cynthia.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me priority. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education regarding 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.

implementation of the Court Ruling removing age restrictions for participation in school games. On 9th May 2019, the High Court in Mombasa rendered a landmark ruling on Petition No. 65 of 2017, declaring Section 17(iii) of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Constitution unconstitutional and invalid. Section 17(iii) provided that a team/player would be banned from participating in secondary school sports if that player did not meet the age rule, being 19 years and under. This rule was discriminatory to the extent that it failed to consider the unique circumstances that hinder some children from starting school on time, making them fail to meet the age cap previously imposed by the KSSSA for eligibility to participate in school games. Despite the definitive Court Ruling, the KSSSA continues to enforce Section 17(iii) of its Constitution, in clear abrogation of the Constitution and contempt of the Court. The Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KPSSA) also has discriminatory age restrictions, which, if not removed, will continue to limit learners from equal participation in primary school games. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education on the following: 1. The reasons for the continued application of Section 17(iii) of the Constitution of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association, despite its annulment by the High Court in 2019. 2. The immediate steps being taken by the Ministry of Education to ensure that the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association complies with the 2019 Court ruling to ensure that all eligible students above 19 years also enjoy the right to participate in games as affirmed by the High Court, starting with the upcoming 2025 Regional Term One Games. 3. The measures in place to ensure that both the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association align their Constitutions with the Court ruling to guarantee inclusivity in sports for students who are outside the conventional schooling ages at the primary, junior secondary and senior secondary levels. `

Hon. Speaker, it should be noted that an additional class has been introduced in the primary section brought about by the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) system. Therefore, children in the primary section now have one additional year as opposed to the 8-4- 4 system, where kids only stay in primary school for eight years. These are my requests for the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education. Thank you.

Is the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Education present? Is any Member of the Committee present?

The Vice-Chairperson is here.

Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Eve Obara, bring a response in two weeks.

Noted. Thank you.

Thank you.

RECENT VIOLENT CLASHES BETWEEN POLICE AND RESIDENTS OF LIKUYANI CONSTITUENCY Hon. Innocent Mugabe, Member for Likuyani, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. 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.

Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs regarding the recent violent clashes between police and residents of Likuyani Constituency. An altercation between a Nyumba Kumi official and a community member on 4th March 2025 triggered a wave of demonstrations, destruction of property and loss of lives in Kona Mbaya Area, Likuyani Constituency. On 4th March 2025, Mr Simon Ashibira, the Chairperson of community policing in Nzoia Ward, allegedly assaulted Mr Sydney Vugigi Culture, a young community member of ID no. 26448917. Unfortunately, Mr Sydney Vugigi Culture succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the Kitale Referral Hospital. Following his death, enraged residents stormed the home of the alleged assailant, intending to harm him, his family and property. Police officers from Matunda Police Station, reinforced by officers from Moi’s Bridge Police Station, intervened and evacuated Mr Ashibira and his family. Upon the evacuation, violent clashes erupted between angry residents and the police, leading to the fatal shooting of Ms Dorcas Naliaka Wanjala, an expectant lady, and Ms Sarah Toshia Boaz. There was also the injury of six police officers and vandalisation of three police vehicles. This tragic incident raises concerns about public order management, police handling of violent mobs, and overall security in the region. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs on the following: 1. A report on the status of investigations into the death of Mr Sydney Vugigi Culture and reasons for the delay in arresting Mr Simon Ashibira immediately to prevent public agitation and unrest in the community. 2. A report of the investigations into the deaths of Ms Dorcas Naliaka Wanjala and Ms Sarah Toshia Boaz, including steps taken to apprehend the police officers who used live ammunition against unarmed civilians. 3. The measures put in place to prevent the use of live ammunition during demonstrations and the adoption of alternative, non-lethal methods of crowd control. 4. The steps taken by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to compensate the families of the deceased persons. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Tongoyo, when can you bring a response?

Hon. Speaker, we can do that immediately after we resume from the short recess.

That is in two weeks?

Yes.

Thank you. Let us have Hon. Ali Wario, Member for Garsen.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs regarding the killing of Mr Isaac Jarso Delo in Kone, Garsen Constituency. On 29th December 2024, Mr Isaac Jarso Delo of ID number 23397077 was killed by officers of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) during a confrontation between KWS personnel and herders in an incident of human-wildlife conflict. This incident was reported at the Kitui 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.

Police Station under OB Number 3291224 and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) offices in Kitui and Tana River counties. Whereas the KWS has taken responsibility for the incidents, the circumstances surrounding Mr Jarso’s death remain unresolved. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs on the following: 1. Report on the status of the investigation into the killing of Mr Isaac Jarso Delo and steps being taken to apprehend the officers involved. 2. The reason for the shooting to death of Mr Isaac Jarso Delo by KWS officers instead of arresting him to be subjected to a Court of law. 3. The action being taken to prevent further confrontation between KWS personnel, and local herders to avoid similar tragic incidents. 4. The Measures put in place by the Ministry to enhance good cooperation and relationships between law enforcement agencies, local communities and other stakeholders to ensure that such incidents do not escalate in the future.

Thank you. I also want to ask the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs to provide satisfactory answers whenever we ask Questions or request Statements. I requested a Statement regarding the abduction of Mr Abdullahi Ahmed and Mr Ibrahim Ahmed. However, the answers given by the Committee were unsatisfactory, both to the family and the Member of Parliament.

Hon. Wario, you can raise that concern when the response is given or seek a point of order at a different time so that we can deal with the Statement you have just requested.

I am guided, but I request that in the future, whenever they engage the Ministry, they should call the concerned Member to allow for further interrogation. The families of the abducted and deceased persons are suffering. Thank you.

Thank you. We will soon resume having Cabinet Secretaries coming to answer Questions. You can check with the Table Office and the Leader of the Majority Party to see if your Question can be reframed and relisted for the Cabinet Secretary to answer when he appears here. Hon. Tongoyo, when can you bring a response?

We can do the same when we resume from recess two weeks from now.

Next is Hon. Joseph Tonui, Member for Kuresoi South.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs regarding the operationalisation of administrative units in Kuresoi South Constituency.

On 21st July 2017, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration gazetted administrative units, including Tinet and Kiptagich Divisions; Kiptagich, Sotiki, Bararget and Kabongoi Locations within Kuresoi South Constituency. These administrative units were intended to bring essential government services closer to residents, enhance security and facilitate the efficient delivery of public services. However, nearly eight years since the gazettement, the units are yet to be operationalised, resulting in residents travelling long distances to access essential government 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.

It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs on the following: 1. A status report on the operationalisation of the administrative units in Kuresoi South Constituency, including Tinet and Kiptagich Divisions; Kiptagich, Sotiki, Bararget and Kabongoi Locations, in line with the Gazette Notice of 21st July 2017. 2. The measures put in place by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to ensure these administrative units are fully operational, enabling the local population to access essential National Government services conveniently and efficiently. I thank you.

Thank you, Hon. Joseph Tonui. Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo?

Hon. Speaker, I seek your indulgence on this matter. You can recall that a question akin to this one has arisen in every sitting we have had. For the record, as I mentioned earlier, we have already scheduled a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration next Thursday, 20th March 2025, to address the question on administrative units comprehensively. As I previously stated, and as recorded in this House, when they appeared before us on Budget Policy Statement (BPS), they indicated to the country and this House that they had already approved 24 sub-counties, 88 divisions, 318 locations and 674 sub-locations. Therefore, I seek your guidance on this matter because this question continues to arise. Perhaps Members could attend the Committee session as friends so that the Ministry can also respond to their concerns.

Leader of the Majority Party, when will you begin having Cabinet Secretaries come to answer Questions?

As soon as we are back, the first Wednesday, which should be 2nd April.

So, regarding the request for a Statement by Hon. Joseph Tonui and many others of a similar nature, including the issue of classification of hardship areas, you can arrange for the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration to be the first to appear. This way, you can group all those Questions and Statements for him to respond to. Hon. Joseph Tonui, upon resumption after the short recess, be available to prosecute your Statement when the Cabinet Secretary comes here.

Well guided, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you. Next is Hon. Onesmus Ngogoyo, Member for Kajiado North.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations regarding the special status granted to the Gates Foundation, formerly known as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Through Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 181 of 2024, the Government granted the Gates Foundation special privileges, recognising it as a charitable trust with exclusive rights in Kenya. The privileges allow the foundation to engage in a contract, initiate legal action, conduct property transactions, and enjoy legal immunities within the country. However, concerns have been raised regarding the rationale for granting this special status and its broader implications. Given the involvement of the foundation in public health, agriculture, technology 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.

programmes, and other development sectors, it is important to clarify the legal basis and justification for these privileges. Further, it will be important to inform the public of the full scope of activities of the foundation in Kenya and whether the privileges granted are within the established diplomatic norms. While the foundation contributes to national development, it is imperative that its operations remain within the legal and regulatory framework set by the Government. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations on the following: 1. The justification for the grant of special status to the Gates Foundation, including the diplomatic privileges and immunities for these expatriates. 2. A comprehensive report on the scope of activities the foundation is undertaking in the country. 3. Clarification of whether the activities of the foundation in the country are under state oversight and regulation. Thank you.

Hon. Chairman, Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations. Hon. Bashir, two weeks?

Hon. Speaker, I think we can give this response a week after we resume. These matters also touch on diplomacy, which is a bit complicated. We need at least one week after we resume.

Three weeks is okay. Hon. Joseph Gitari, Member for Kirinyaga Central.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Committee on Education regarding the implementation of the Career Progression Guidelines for teachers. In 2017, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) adopted the Career Progression Guidelines, effectively replacing the previous Schemes of Service. The new framework aimed to streamline promotions based on standardised criteria for all teachers, including academic qualifications. However, many teachers have raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of this scheme. Specifically, it is claimed that the Commission does not adequately recognise efforts made by teachers to further their education, leading to career stagnation and demotivation. Further, a report revealed that some teachers have not been promoted in the last 24 years, which has led to further frustration. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education on the following: 1. A report on the implementation of the Career Progression Guidelines, specifically how academic qualifications have been considered in the promotion of teachers. 2. A report on the number of teachers promoted since 2017, including as headteachers, and reasons for the lack of promotion of some teachers over the past 24 years. 3. The measures that the TSC has put in place to remedy the career stagnation problem among teachers, noting the current shortage of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

4. Strategies that the TSC has put in place to motivate teachers, especially those who enhance their academic qualifications. Thank you.

Thank you, Hon. Gitari. Hon. Geoffrey Ruku, Member for Mbeere North.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands regarding the settlement of Ngiiri Market squatters in Mbeere North Constituency. Construction of Kiambere Multipurpose Dam between 1983 and 1988 attracted staff and casual labourers to the site. The staff and other labourers set up temporary settlements at Ngiiri area within the land belonging to the Tana and Athi River Development Authority (TARDA), for them to conveniently work at the site. They continued living there after the completion and commissioning of the dam. By 2016, the number of households in the area had risen to nearly 6,000. TARDA had designated provisional sites to cater for the basic needs of staff and other labourers, including a market, medical centre, school complex, housing estate, and a police station, but never formalised the plan. In 2016, TARDA agreed to cede 182.3 acres of its land - 81.3 acres for Ngiiri Market, 20 acres for Ngiiri Primary School, 55 acres for Kiambere School Complex, 6 acres for Kiambere Health facility, and 20 acres for the Police Station. The process of preparing the Part Development Plan for the area and processing of title deeds for issuance to beneficiaries was commenced by the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, the National Land Commission and the County Government of Embu but has never been finalised to date. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands on the following: 1. A report on the status of the transfer of the land agreed to be ceded by TARDA in 2016 for settlement of Ngiiri Market squatters and establishment of public amenities, including finalisation of the Part Development Plan, adjudication, and issuance of title deeds to beneficiaries. 2. A report on the total size of land to be ceded, specifying the allocation for settlement, schools, markets, health facilities, police station and other public amenities. 3. Plans, if any, to increase the acreage of the land to accommodate the increased population as of 2024 and to allocate 10,000 acres of agricultural land to the marginalised Mbeere community. 4. Reasons for the excessive delay by TARDA to cede the agreed land to Ngiiri Market squatters, the steps being taken to expedite the process, and the timeline for completion of the exercise. 5. The reasons why TARDA continues to deny the people of Ngiiri in Mutito Location the opportunity to undertake subsistence farming on the surrounding empty land, leaving them vulnerable to reliance on relief food and steps being taken to facilitate their access to the land for farming. Hon. Speaker, it is unfortunate…

Order, Hon. Ruku. Do you want to start debating your Statement?

Hon. Speaker, I just want to say one thing. It is unfortunate that the people living in Mutitu Location around Ngiiri have been denied an 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.

opportunity to plant n dengu by TARDA, year in, year out. Yet, this what they can use to support their families, That Authority should be abolished.

Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands, Hon. Nyamoko.

We can bring a response in three weeks.

Three weeks?

Yes, Hon. Speaker.

I did not commit the request for a Statement by Hon. Joseph Gitari to the relevant Departmental Committee on Education. I saw the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Melly, in the Chamber. Leader of the Majority Party, communicate to the Departmental Committee on Education Chairperson to respond to Hon. Gitari's request in three weeks.

I will. He is consulting with the Vice- Chairperson behind you.

The Committee should respond within two weeks.

Two weeks.

Hon. Ruku, as the Chairperson of the Committee has said, you will receive a response in two weeks.

Hon. Irene Mayaka.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Social Protection on the status of the campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by 2022.

In November 2019, the Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action launched a national policy on abandonment of FGM following a firm commitment from the then President on 4th June 2019 to put an end to FGM by 2022. The policy was aligned with the impetus to accelerate the eradication of FGM in the country. While the strides taken by the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action in the eradication of FGM cannot be gainsaid, certain areas in the country still practise FGM. Therefore, there is a need for an extension of the campaign to end FGM to ensure total prohibition and eradication of all forms of FGM in the country.

It is against this background that I seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Social Protection on the following: 1. Status report on the achievements that resulted from the campaign to end FGM by 2022. 2. Initiatives that the Government has put in place to sustain the gains made through the campaign beyond 2022. 3. Report on the programmes the Government has initiated towards sensitising susceptible communities on the negative effects of FGM and the number of resources allocated to achieve accelerated eradication of the vice. 4. Plans that the Government is putting in place to ensure total eradication of all forms of FGM, including extension of the campaign, if any.

Hon. Speaker, this is the second time I am raising this Statement. It was not responded to by the end of the last Session. Therefore, I seek your indulgence to ensure that it is responded to.

Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Social Protection. Who is the Chairperson? Hon. Owen, communicate to the Chairperson to respond in three weeks. 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.

Much obliged, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Walter Owino.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding the safety of road users along the Isebania-Kisii- Ahero Road.

The Isebania-Kisii-Ahero Road is a transit route running along the eastern shore of Lake Victoria from Isebania to Lokichogio in northern Kenya and continuing onwards to Juba. This road not only serves as a key trade route connecting Mwanza Port of Tanzania with Kisumu Port, but also plays a significant role in driving the economic activities of the Lake Victoria Basin. However, over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in road accidents along a section of the A1 road, particularly between Ranen and Awendo Town Centre, resulting in numerous casualties. Many of these accidents are attributed to speeding, careless overtaking by motorists, and lack of dedicated pedestrian pathways. The Highway also traverses areas with densely populated schools, with students, teachers and staff frequently using the road to access their institutions. Therefore, the lack of pedestrian pathways poses a grave risk to their safety due to the speeding vehicles on the road, necessitating Government intervention to improve road safety along the Isebania-Kisii-Ahero Road.

It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure to address the following: 1. The steps being undertaken by the Ministry of Roads and Transport to erect speed bumps along the Isebania-Kisii-Ahero Road, particularly from Ranen to Awendo Town Centre, to regulate high-speeding vehicles on the road. 2. The measures put in place to ensure the safety of road users along the said road, specifically for the students, teachers and staff who require pedestrian pathways for safe crossing. 3. Plans, if any, to upgrade the Isebania-Kisii-Ahero Road to a dual carriageway, being a significant link to the A1 road traversing various counties.

Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, when can you bring a response?

In three weeks, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Walter, you will get a response in three weeks.

Member for Kanduyi. Give him the microphone.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands regarding the registration status of land parcels in Kanduyi Constituency. The land, popularly known as Kiwanja Ndege, located in Kanduyi Constituency within Bungoma County, comprises multiple land parcels registered as L.R. No. Bungoma Municipality/345, 610, 611, 612, 852, 795, 798 and 799. The Government initially designated the land as an airstrip to serve Bungoma Town and its environs. However, these parcels of land The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

are to be decommissioned following the strategic relocation of airstrip operations to Matulo Airstrip in Webuye, Bungoma County. The relocation of these operations was driven by several considerations, including the need to expand the airstrip into an airport, which necessitated a larger area to accommodate growing operational demands. Consequently, the affected parcels of land are proposed to be degazetted with the intention of reverting them to public use for the benefit of the community. However, concerns have been raised regarding the decommissioning process of the parcels of land and the subsequent utilisation by the County Government of Bungoma.

It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands on the following: 1. Clarification on whether land parcels registered as L.R. No. Bungoma Municipality/345, 610, 611, 612, 852, 795, 798 and 799 have been decommissioned and the current status of their registration. 2. A report on the measures put in place to protect the land from encroachment and eviction of any person illegally occupying the land. 3. A report on the public participation processes undertaken by the Government during the decommissioning of the land, including any consultations held regarding future plans for the land parcels.

Let us have the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands. Hon. Makali, that airstrip is the property of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. I do not know whether the Departmental Committee on Lands is the correct respondent. I direct that the request be referred to the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. Hon. GK.

Noted, Hon. Speaker.

When will you bring a response?

In three weeks.

Hon. Thuddeus Nzambia, Member for Kilome.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the abolishment of application and replacement fees for national identity cards.

On 14th November 2023, the then Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, vide Gazette Notice No.15496, announced revised charges and fees for various services, including the acquisition of identity cards. The notice introduced a Ksh300 application fee for first-time applicants and a Ksh1,000 fee for the replacement of identity cards. Unfortunately, these charges have created a barrier for many Kenyans, particularly those from marginalised and low-income communities. As a result, a significant number of first-time applicants are unable to obtain a national identity card, which helps to facilitate access to healthcare, education, financial services, employment and participation in democratic processes.

Furthermore, the high cost of acquiring or replacing identity cards has created a system where access to identification depends on financial capacity. The mandatory imposition of these charges infringes on guaranteed constitutional rights, including the right to vote, access to employment and healthcare, and the ability to fully participate in democratic processes. This The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

places a disproportionate burden on individuals and families living in poverty, exacerbates existing inequalities and pushes vulnerable populations into deeper economic hardship.

It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the following: 1. Immediate measures the Ministry of Interior and National Administration is taking to abolish all charges associated with the issuance and replacement of national identity cards. 2. Steps the Ministry is taking to fast-track the process of issuing and replacing identity cards, including expected timelines of processing such an application. 3. Initiatives that the Ministry has undertaken to sensitise the public on the process of acquiring and replacing identity cards. This is timely because yesterday, the President declared that identity cards should be issued for free. I wish to get a clear and official Statement so Kenyans can continue enjoying services.

Hon. Tongoyo.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. I seek your indulgence, having listened keenly to the request from the Member. Just yesterday, the Head of State, who is the President, pronounced that identity cards will be issued for free. He made that directive because he is a listening and caring President, especially on issues that affect the youth, who are the beneficiaries of identity cards. Therefore, Hon. Speaker, I seek your indulgence because that request has already been overtaken by events since the President pronounced himself yesterday. I am sure even the Member must have heard that pronouncement.

He has just said so. There are similar requests from the Member for Khwisero and one or two others. You can combine them and just bring an affirmation.

Hon. Speaker, it is good that the information is on record.

He has just said so. Hon. Sabina Chege.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Relations regarding the sentencing of Ms Margaret Nduta Macharia in Vietnam.

In July 2023, Ms Margaret Nduta Macharia of ID No.28389979, who hails from Weithaga Village, Kiharu Constituency in Murang’a County, got an opportunity to travel abroad in search of greener pastures through a recruitment agency. Ms Nduta left Nairobi for the People's Democratic Republic of Laos through Ethiopia in the company of a representative from the agency. It is claimed that while in transit, she was informed by the agency that she needed to transfer her personal items to a new piece of luggage provided by the agency representative. From Ethiopia, Ms Nduta’s journey ended in Vietnam under unclear circumstances. Her family was later called by an unknown person and informed that she had been arrested in Vietnam. On 6th March 2025, her family received information that she had been found guilty of drug trafficking and sentenced to death. She had the option to appeal her sentence within seven days, according to Vietnam laws.

It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the following: The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

1. Urgent measures that the Government is taking to intervene and assist Ms Margaret Nduta Macharia, a Kenyan arrested and sentenced to death in Vietnam. I understand that the appeal should have been done by 12th March 2025. 2. Steps the relevant agencies have taken to investigate the allegation of swapping of Ms Margaret Nduta Macharia’s luggage in Addis Ababa while on transit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos. 3. Measures or protocols that the Government has put in place to facilitate the family of Ms Margaret Nduta in reuniting with her and prevention of similar incidents from occurring in the future. Hon. Speaker, we can be informed whether there are any foreign policies we should be aware of, especially for our young people who travel out of the country through recruitment agencies. The Government should take time to educate them on what to expect when they go out there, and how they can reach out to embassies in case they need help.

Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, Hon. Major (Rtd) Bashir.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. As I said earlier, there is another similar request. We will consolidate them and bring a response in the first week after recess.

Thank you. Yes, Hon. Josses Lelmengit. Yes, Hon. Sabina. Hold on, Hon. Lelmengit. Take your seat.

Hon. Speaker, I humbly request the Committee to reach out to the Ministry immediately because a Kenyan is facing a death sentence. It is urgent. The deadline for appeal was yesterday, 12th March 2025. I know we are going on recess, but I ask that this request be immediately forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that they can start handling the matter, especially reaching out to the family, which is in distress.

Hon. Major Bashir, get a hold of the request for a Statement and liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The committees will be working even as we are in recess. Once you have any response, communicate with the questioner and bring a response to the House on the first sitting day after recess.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I am well guided. I will get the Statement and pass it on to the Ministry so that we can get an answer before we resume.

Thank you. Hon. Lelmengit.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request a Statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Social Protection regarding the role of Government in promoting labour mobility among the youth through the Youth Enterprise Development Fund. The Youth Enterprise Development Fund operates under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports. It was established to advance the Government's commitment to job creation, innovation and sustainable development among Kenya's growing youth population. It targets individuals aged 18 to 35 years, who constitute approximately 25 million people. The Fund provides financial assistance, capacity-building programmes, and market linkages to empower young entrepreneurs to establish and expand their businesses. The Fund seeks to enhance employment opportunities and drive economic empowerment by offering 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.

affordable loans and entrepreneurial support, thereby contributing to national growth and poverty reduction. Despite various government interventions, youth unemployment in Kenya continues to rise, posing a major socio-economic challenge. While the Fund plays a crucial role in mitigating unemployment by supporting young entrepreneurs, the available resources remain insufficient to meet the high demand, limiting its overall effectiveness in addressing this crisis. Addressing these funding gaps and expanding access to financial support is essential for maximising the Fund's impact and fostering sustainable economic opportunities for the youth. It is against this background that I rise to seek a Statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Social Protection on the following: 1. A detailed report on the total budgetary allocation for the Youth Enterprise Development Fund since its inception. 2. The current status of labour mobility among the youth and the actual number of beneficiaries who have accessed support through the Fund. 3. A report on the sensitisation programmes, if any, undertaken or planned to be undertaken to enlighten the youth and the general population on the significance of the Fund. 4. The key challenges that have hindered the effective implementation of the programme since it was launched and steps taken to address the challenges. I thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you. Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Social Protection. Deputy Leader of the Majority Party, inform the Chairperson to bring a response in three weeks' time.

Much obliged, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you. Hon. Members, allow me to acknowledge, in the Public Gallery, Heri Junior Secondary School from Dagoretti South Constituency, Nairobi County and Our Lady of Nazareth Comprehensive School, Embakasi South Constituency, Nairobi County. On my behalf and that of the House, we welcome the students and their teachers to the House of Parliament.

Hon. Umul Kheir.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for your consideration. You directed last week that a response would be brought for a Statement I gave to the Departmental Committee on Regional Development.

Is it a Statement you gave or requested?

I requested a Statement, and the response was supposed to be brought today. You directed that it would be brought this week.

Which Committee?

It has not been scheduled. Please, I need your indulgence on this. It is about the drought situation, and we are in the month of Ramadhan. You had directed it to be treated urgently.

Who is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Regional Development? Hon. Lochakapong, ako kwa Nyumba ? He is not here. Hon. Owen Baya, do you know where your Chairman is?

Hon. Speaker, although we decided to sit today, it is an unusual day.

It is unusual for everybody. That is why we are all here.

The Statement is expected today, but I will inform the Chairperson. Being a Friday, we did not expect a Statement to be read. The elections of the chairpersons of committees were done last week. 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 Committee was not affected. Hon. Lochakapong was not subjected to any election. Where is he?

Hon. Speaker, Hon. Lochakapong is not here. Allow me to inform him to bring the Statement. I know it will be late because of Ramadhan. I ask the Hon. Member to allow us to bring the Statement when we resume from recess.

As you do so, once the House Business Committee decides and the Plenary of this House agrees that there is a sitting of the House, even if it is Sunday, it is like any other sitting day. There is no excuse that it is an unusual sitting day. It is unusual for everybody.

I am guided, Hon. Speaker.

Tell the chairpersons of committees, like we have said before, that they must be the first to be in this House every day. Advise Hon. Lochakapong to bring a response on the first day upon resumption from the short recess. However, in the event he has a response in between because committees continue working, direct it to the Hon. Member who requested it, the County Woman Representative for Mandera.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Member for Kabuchai, what is the problem?

Hon. Speaker, I will kindly take the undertaking as well because I am a Member of that Committee. I will call him immediately after I get out. Thank you.

Excellent. Do so. Hon. Abdul Haro, Member for Mandera South, hold your horses before requesting your Statement.

In the Speaker’s Gallery, I acknowledge the presence of Ngamba Mixed Secondary School from Mwala Constituency in Machakos County. On my behalf and that of the House, we welcome the students and their teachers to the House of Parliament. Go on, Hon. Haro.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education regarding the recognition and inclusion of the Madrasa Education System within the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) and its consideration in university admission criteria. Thousands of students in Kenya undergo a 12-year Madrasa Education System. However, upon completion, they are unable to transition to higher education in Kenya due to the lack of a policy framework linking their education to university admission requirements. As a result, many are forced to seek further education in countries such as Sudan, Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan, Somalia and Saudi Arabia, which is an expensive and inaccessible option to many. Consequently, a significant number of students never realise their dreams of higher education, while some who study abroad do not return to contribute to Kenya’s development. The Commission for University Education (CUE) has accredited Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Sharia in select Islamic universities in Kenya, among many other courses. However, without formal recognition of the Madrasa Education System within the KNQF, students cannot equate their prior learning for admission into these programmes. Furthermore, this affects the growth and expansion of Islamic universities in Kenya. Hon. Speaker, Section 95(2)(e) of the Basic Education Act, Cap. 211, provides for the operationalisation of the Madrasa System within the basic education framework to improve 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.

access and retention in regions with high numbers of out-of-school children. With the increasing demand for Sharia-compliant products and services in the region, Kenya has an opportunity to become a hub for capacity development in Islamic studies and Sharia. However, policy gaps hinder expansion in the education sector, limiting Kenya's ability to train professionals for this growing market. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education on the following: 1. Plans by the Ministry of Education to develop and implement a framework for integrating the Madrasa System into the KNQF and university admission criteria as part of the ongoing implementation of the Presidential Working Party for Education Reforms recommendations. 2. Progress made in ensuring the comprehensive integration of the madrasa education system into Kenya's formal education system. I thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Haro. Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education. Vice-Chairperson of the Committee. Hon. Obara, can you bring a response?

Yes. Thank you, Hon. Speaker. We will give it as soon as we return from recess in three weeks’ time.

Thank you. Chairperson of the Liaison Committee, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Hold on; we will take a response to a statement by Hon. Tongoyo first. Is Hon. Gitari in the House? It is a response to his request. Go on, Hon. Tongoyo.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to respond to the question by the said Hon. Member regarding insecurity in Kirinyaga County. This is a report on the status of the investigation into the killing of a minor, Ms Stacy Nyakio Kinyua, and Mr Peter Karima, as well as the robbery with violence attack on Mbogo’s family. On 4th January 2025, at around 2.30 p.m., the area Assistant Chief, Mr Gerald Nyaga, reported that he had received information from Ms Eva Wangechi, who is the victim, regarding Stacy's disappearance. She was a Grade Seven pupil at Kaitheri Primary School. She went missing at approximately 11 a.m. on the same day. During the search, the victim's body was discovered lifeless in a shallow hole within a coffee plantation located about four kilometres from their home. Upon visiting the scene, the officers from Kirinyaga Police Station established that the deceased was half naked with trousers and underpants found beside her body, indicating that she had been defiled and killed. The murder report was booked under Occurrence Book (OB) No. 29 of April 0125 at Kerugoya Police Station. The body was transported to Kerugoya Hospital Morgue, where a post-mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was hypoxia due to secondary suffocation and strangulation following an assault. A file No. 22105 of 2025 was opened with respect to the incident. The forensic evidence, including swabs and fingernail samples, was collected and forwarded to the government chemist for further analysis. To this date, by the time of writing of this report, the case was still under active investigation. There is also the issue of robbery with violence of Mr William Mbogo and Ms Joyce Wangu. On 3rd January 2025, at around noon, Mr William Mbogo Nyaga and his wife, Ms Joyce Wangu, who operate an M-Pesa shop at Block Area shopping centre in Kirinyaga Centre, closed their business for the day. While walking home on foot, they were ambushed by three unidentified gunmen armed with firearms and crude weapons. Although nothing was stolen from them, Mr Mbogo sustained serious gunshot wounds on the right hand near the elbow, 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.

while the wife suffered severe head injuries. The victims were rushed to ACK Mount Kenya Hospital, where they were admitted and are in fair condition. Upon visiting the crime scene, the officers from the said police station recovered one spent cartridge and two live rounds of ammunition. The incident was also booked in Karaini Police Station via OB No. 100301 of 2025, and the investigation commenced immediately under Case File No. 2213025. The spent cartridge recovered from the scene was taken to the ballistic examiner at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters for analysis. The findings confirmed that the firearm used in this incident was also linked to a previous shooting in Ruiru Sub-County, which also had a reported case No. 311002 of 24 at Gatonga Police Station. The case, by the time of writing the report, was under active investigation. Unfortunately, no arrest has been made so far. On the last one, Ms Gladys Nyambura closed her M-Pesa shop on 24th at approximately 9.30 p.m. She operates it in Kirinyaga Town. She boarded a bodaboda ridden by Mr Eric Maina to take her home. Before reaching her destination, they were intercepted by assailants using two numberless motorbikes, each carrying a pillion passenger armed with a pistol. The criminals immediately confronted the complainant, brandishing the pistols and forcibly snatching her handbag while demanding money. Upon hearing the distress call, a local resident, Mr Kamau, aged 44 years, responded in an attempt to assist. Unfortunately, one of the robbers shot him. They also fired two shots into the air to disperse the bystanders before fleeing the scene on their motorcycles. The police officers arrived promptly, but the criminals had already escaped. On the scene, the police recovered two spent cartridges and five rounds of ammunition. The injured victim was rushed to Kirinyaga County Referral Hospital for treatment. However, he tragically succumbed to his injuries the following day. The post-mortem examination confirmed that he had suffered a vital gunshot wound on the abdomen. Investigations commenced under the offence of robbery with violence contrary to Section 296(2) of the Penal Code, referred under Case File No. CR22118 of 2025. The forensic analysis done at the DCI headquarters by the ballistic examinations on the two spent cartridges recovered at the scene established that the firearm used in this incident had also been linked to a separate robbery with violence case No. DCI in Ruiru again, under OB No. 31100224. This means these are notorious criminals. The suspects remain at large now, and the case is still under active investigation to apprehend those responsible. I confirm to this House that when Governor Sakaja dumped garbage at Kenya Power headquarters, we invited him and the Inspector-General of Police. We listed this agenda as Any other Business (AoB) to the Inspector-General of Police. The Member of Parliament had ample time to question him. Some of the interventions were to transfer some of the rogue officers. It was confirmed that they were transferred. However, we are a little bit concerned because no suspect has been apprehended.

If an officer is rogue in Kirinyaga County and you transfer him elsewhere, does he stop being a rogue?

Not really, Hon. Speaker. The issue was that they had stayed there for too long until they got a lot of familiarity. That was the request put across by then, but I agree with you. They had overstayed. That is why the policy is about three years now. At times, these police officers stay in a particular area, get so familiarised, and even start doing business there. When they are transferred to unknown territories, they improve a little bit. This is the response to the three unfortunate cases. I pass my condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Gitari, if you participated in the interrogation of the Inspector- General of Police, I believe that will do. Do you have any issues with the Statement? The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Hon. Speaker, I have a number of issues.

Go ahead.

First, let me thank the Chairperson for taking up this matter. There was something that was outside the Statement about a rogue police officer who was attacking people around Karaini Police Post. The Chairperson of the Committee and the Inspector-General of Police intervened and transferred him the same day. I am also concerned about what you said about a rogue police officer in Kirinyaga County. Like you said, even if he goes to Kapenguria, he will still be rogue. This young girl who was raped and killed was 13 years old. She was a primary school girl. The people of the area called Kithingo and the family have a suspect. When we were young, if we refused to do something, our parents would scare us by saying they would call a certain person. The pupils of Kaitheri Primary School live in fear because the suspect is still at large. They think that he might strike again. What are they doing two months after that when we already have a suspect known to the people from the surrounding? The other issue is the killing of Mr Peter Karimi. The police officers were given Closed- Circuit Television (CCTV) footage of the incident. So, these people are still rogue, and it is over two months. How long will it take for them to arrest the suspects because they have the CCTV footage? The other concerning issue in the response to the Statement is that the Inspector-General of Police agrees that there are rogue gangsters in Kirinyaga County. He admits that they are going around with guns. How many people do they want to be killed so that they can be serious? If they are unable to arrest these people, they can ask us to arrest them, and then we will take them to the police station because this answer is not satisfactory. The performance of Kaitheri Primary School will be affected because the pupils live in fear.

Yes, Hon. Mogaka.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to have a bite on the very good response from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs. I commend the Inspector- General of Police for being hands-on whenever called upon to respond. Indeed, even in my constituency, as the adage goes, familiarity breeds contempt. Whenever police officers and any public officer serve for too long in a place, they become part of the local systems which defeat the efficient operation of government agencies. I am worried because there is a funeral that is supposed to take place today on disputed land at Rangenyo in my constituency. A Court has issued a stop order for that burial. Curiously, the people who have allegedly grabbed the land now have police protection to continue with an illegal funeral on an illegal land. These are the areas where I want the Inspector-General of Police to be instructing his officers. For law and order, police officers should be on the frontline to implement lawfully issued Court orders. I hope that whatever is happening in my constituency at Rangenyo today does not result in loss of life and property. When we resume, I will issue a Statement on that. I thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Will you request for a Statement or issue a Statement?

I will request a Statement when we return from recess.

Thank you. Hon. Tongoyo.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I am happy because the Member confirmed that we got an opportunity to interrogate the Inspector-General of Police. From the Statement he sought, some issues were not captured. The issue of the rogue officer was raised when the Inspector-General of Police appeared before the Committee. It was a subsequent question which was well addressed. The Director of Criminal Investigations 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.

(DCI) was also there. We told them to speed up the investigations and give us the updated report. When we resume from recess, we will ask them to bring it because investigations keeps changing from time to time. In the Second Supplementary Budget, we allocated resources to the forensic laboratory to help our officers. Some of these organised criminal activities are very complex. At times, they need updated equipment and technology. As a committee, we saw it fit to add resources to the forensic lab to help our officers carry out complicated and complex investigations. On the issue in Emuhaya Constituency, Hon. Milemba instructed that I indulge the Inspector-General of Police. I am happy because he confirmed that a lot of good work has taken place in that area.

Yes.

Our officers are on top of things despite the challenges. We are going to make sure that they continue to serve Kenyans accordingly.

Thank you. Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(b), as read together with Standing Order 179(14), I rise to make a Statement regarding the leadership of the Select Committees. Standing Order 179(14) requires the Chairperson of the Liaison Committee, by way of a Statement, to notify the House of the duly elected Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of a Committee when the House next sits after the conduct of an election. At the commencement of the fourth session, on 11th February 2025, vide Communication No. 001 of 2025, you informed the House that the term of the various Select Committees had lapsed on that very day in line with the applicable laws, Standing Orders and practice. Consequently, the Committee on Selection, which is mandated under Standing Order 173 to nominate members to serve in committees, save for the membership of the House Business Committee and the Committee on Appointments, submitted a Motion to the House on the reconstitution of committees. The House will recall that on Wednesday, 5th March 2025, and Thursday, 6th March 2025, we approved the appointment of Members to the lapsed committees and made consequential changes to other committees. Following the reconstitution of the various committees, the Clerk of the National Assembly, in the exercise of the powers conferred under the provisions of Standing Order 179(2), declared the vacancies in the offices of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the reconstituted committees. The Clerk also declared vacancies in the committees affected by the consequential changes. To facilitate elections, and pursuant to Standing Order 179(2), the Clerk appointed Wednesday, 12th March 2025 and Thursday, 13th March 2025, as the dates for the elections. Further to compliance with the Standing Orders, on 6th March 2025, the Clerk published and circulated a schedule of committees, indicating the venues and times of holding the meetings for purposes of conducting the elections. Hon. Speaker, in line with the provision of the Standing Orders, the affected House committees conducted and concluded elections of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons as scheduled. In this regard, I wish to report to the House that all the 18 reconstituted Committees under the category of Audit, Appropriations and General-Purpose Committees, and nine Departmental Committees, affected by the resolution of the House of Tuesday, 11th March 2025, elected their Leadership as follows:

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. Deputy Speaker. Leader of the Majority Party, do you want to say something?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Before you rise, allow me to thank the Deputy Speaker for this Statement. I also note that we have done well in adhering to the election schedule issued by the Office of the Clerk. It is important that even the leadership of the House reflect the diversity of our nation. The leadership of the House, both the Majority and Minority sides, guided the committees to reflect on the regional and ethnic diversity in the elections of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons. We also considered party strengths and conformity to the agreements we have entered into. However, the election of the Vice-Chairpersons of the Regional Development Committee and the Committee on Implementation did not adhere to this. Therefore, as the leadership on both sides, we have agreed to reconstitute some committees immediately after recess. We need to conform to our agreements within our political coalitions and regional and ethnic balance. I would also like to address the new Chairpersons and those who were re-elected. Yesterday, in the Committee of Supply, we only had four Chairpersons present to support the distribution of resources to departments and agencies that fall under their purviews. We have agreed with our colleagues on the Minority side that whether one is leading a departmental or select Committee from either side, their first responsibility is to be in the House. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Hon. Speaker, you have noted that sometimes you have to wait for a quorum, yet over 60 Members of this House are Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of committees. The whips do not even need to go looking for a quorum. I know the other efforts you have put in as the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Chairman, including engaging the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to ensure that Hon. Members are properly facilitated to be available in the House. I plead with all Committee Chairs to always be available in the House, not just during the budget-making process. They should be available even during ordinary sitting days. When Members raise Requests for Statements, you often have had to ask the Leader of the Majority Party to commit to when a Statement will be provided to the House. It has now become customary to say “two weeks.” I get very embarrassed because sometimes I cannot trace the Committee Chairs within the precincts of Parliament even when I leave the Chamber. At least at the rise of the House at 2.30 p.m. or 9.30 a.m., it is imperative that Committee Chairs are in the House. They must be in here. I can see a few new Committee Chairs. I must congratulate Hon. Nyikal on his election as the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Health. I ask other Chairs to emulate Hon. Nyikal, not just as a Departmental Chair but also as a diligent Member of this House. He is ever-present in the House.

I am, therefore, confident that someone like Hon. Nyikal will do very well as the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Health because he is always present in the House. Mine is just to appeal to all Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs, even as we congratulate them, to always be present in the House. Committees have Chairs and Vice-Chairs because one must be present to chair meetings or be in the Chamber if the other one is not available. The two should agree on who will be in the House on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at a given time so that either of you can be seated in the House at all times. This will be one of the parameters we will use to determine whether your contract, as Committee Chair or Vice-Chair, is performing or not. I will not say, “It will be messy and noisy if you do not perform’ because I know who holds the patent. None other than yours faithfully, the Hon. Speaker, holds the copyright and patent of "noisy and messy.”

It will not be noisy. We will quietly relieve you of your responsibilities so that you can allow another Member to join. Any of the 349 Members elected to this House can be Chair or Vice-Chair of a Committee. They can lead. That is why their constituents had the confidence to elect them to serve as their Members of Parliament. Therefore, I hope all the Chairs present and those who are not present will heed our plea to be available and to provide leadership. Most importantly, they should bear the greatest responsibility as leaders of Committees in driving the business of the House seamlessly. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Give the microphone to Hon. Haika.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I am one of the Chairs. I have got an opportunity to serve as the Chair of the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee. I take this opportunity to appreciate Members for giving me and many other Chairs and Vice-Chairs the opportunity to serve this country. With your guidance, we assure Members and the nation that The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

we will serve them well. We shall be guided by the Constitution and the Standing Orders of this House. We are also going to protect the rights of Kenyans. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the President for uniting the country and giving us the opportunity to serve in the broad-based government. In that same spirit, even in this House, all Members have the opportunity to serve Kenyans. We pray that we shall serve Kenyans well. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs, I fully reiterate what the Leader of the Majority Party has said. Please take that responsibility seriously and serve the nation. I have a short Communication in pursuance to what the Deputy Speaker has communicated in her Statement. Hon. Members, this is a form of guidance to newly elected Chairpersons and Vice- Chairpersons of Committees. This guide relates to the Statement that the Chairperson of the Liaison Committee, who is also the Deputy Speaker of this House, has just issued. She has notified the House of the duly elected Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of Committees following the recent reconstitution thereto. At the outset, I congratulate the newly elected leaders. As I do that, I take this opportunity to remind the new Committee leadership of the additional responsibility that has been bestowed on them. The success of the respective Committees, and by extension, the House's success, will largely depend on their approach to the call of duty. Moreover, I call upon the new Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons to rise to the occasion and seek to steer Committees to undertake their mandate effectively and efficiently. In doing so, I encourage them to embrace collegiality, integrity, equity, and fairness when carrying out the affairs of Committees. Additionally, the new leadership is reminded of the great duty of overseeing the mandate that the Constitution bestows to the House, which delegates to the Committees that the new leaders chair. The success of the fulfilment of this role will depend, to a large extent, on the efficiency of these Committees. Only then will the “Welfare of Society and the Just Government of the People” be guaranteed. Having said that, the Clerk is hereby directed to immediately make arrangements to facilitate the new Committees' leadership in line with the Constitution, statute and applicable Parliamentary Service Commission Resolutions. This will include the provision of suitable office spaces as well as other administrative support necessary for Chairpersons. Evidently, there will be adjustments in the occupancy of offices within the precincts of Parliament. In this regard, Members who had been provided with office spaces on account of their leadership positions in Committees and who have since ceased to be Chairpersons or Vice- Chairpersons of such Committees are required to relinquish the said offices not later than Wednesday, 19th March 2025, as we seek to settle the new leadership. Nobody will be left unsettled. You will get an office consistent with and commensurate with your status as an ordinary Member of the House if you are not a Chairperson or a Vice-Chairperson. Finally, Honourable Members, on behalf of the leadership of the House, and indeed on my own behalf, I take this opportunity to assure the new Committee leadership of our joint support as they embark on undertaking the mandate in their Committees. As leadership, we hope that the Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons will take a keen interest in processing House business and be present in the House to prosecute matters under their docket. 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. Members, I also want to point out that I have always talked to the Leader of the Majority Party. There are just a few Committees - not more than three or four - to whom the departments of government they oversee consistently come calling to the Speaker's Chamber. They do so to protest the manner in which Committees handle those government officials when they appear before them. I encourage you to serve without fear or favour and with integrity. Avoid the temptation to have an illegal title within the Committees of a member called "welfare member" so that you do not scare people and cause issues that are not in keeping with the integrity of this House.

Leader of the Majority Party and your counterpart across the Floor, do not just ensure presence in the House as you lead the teams. Also, ensure that integrity is upheld. Do not sweep those complaints under the carpet when you get them. Where such things happen, the House has mechanisms for dealing with any errant behaviour, including the ultimate appearance before the Committee on Powers and Privileges. As your Speaker, I stand here to protect all of you. However, I will not protect bad behaviour.

I will protect all of us who conduct ourselves in accordance with the Standing Orders, the law, the Constitution, and, above all, the expectations of the people of this country whom we serve. Yes, Daktari .

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I am also one of the Members who got the opportunity to be elected as a Departmental Committee Chair. I take this opportunity to appreciate the leadership of political parties that have created the new political arrangement—the President of this country, His Excellency President Ruto and the Leader of our party, Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga. This new arrangement resulted in the re- organisation of Committees, leading to some of us being elected. I also take this opportunity to thank Members of my Committees for having confidence in me. Since we were elected, I have noted that this new arrangement and changes have created a big expectation in the country. People hope that things will change and work for the better. I am aware that we are challenged to rise to the occasion because this is an opportunity to serve our people and not political interests. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Member for Eldas.

Hon. Speaker, this is one of the Houses of Parliament. Of late, the picture out there is that the National Assembly is not working as expected. That notion has created a bit of a lacuna to the extent that the other House takes on everything and anything that comes across them because the National Assembly Committee Members are not doing the same. That scenario created a crisis for the leadership in this House, the Speaker, and the Executive, as well as a crisis in implementation. Now that the issue of Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs and how they merited is behind us, my only prayer is that we serve better under your leadership. Luckily for you, I, and many others, we have taken part in making the current Constitution. We understand what it means to have the National Assembly and Senate mandates. With this convoluted system of broad-based government, I plead with the leadership, particularly the Leaders of the Majority and Minority Party, to serve diligently. With proper guidance from the Clerk's office and having chaired different Committees, I think I have gathered that there is fear among some Chairpersons. I do not know where it is The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

coming from. An issue that is 100 per cent within the mandate of a Committee in the National Assembly goes to the other House. You know the role of that House. The Executive is now put in a very awkward position because there is no avenue to implement. Equally, because they are Members of Parliament and politicians, they will just have to run with it once they find a grey area. That is exactly what is happening. I plead with you and the Leader of the Majority Party to allow Chairs and Vice-Chairs some power to exercise a bit of order. I have also been in this situation before. They should be encouraged. There is nothing to fear. As long as you follow the due process of the law, any report generated will ultimately come to the Speaker, who has to go through it. I am sure you will decline to sign if it is unconstitutional. I have always viewed this august House, particularly the National Assembly, as a very important House. You now have a fifth role. Once elected, your first mandate is representation; the second is oversight; the third is budget making; and the fourth is legislation. Your fifth role is now chairing a Committee. That gives you another mandate. Hon. Speaker, I think my good friend, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah and other leaders need to have a closed-door session with the Chairs and the Vice-Chairs. In addition to urging them to attend the House Sessions, there is also a need to take them through Reports. Once generated, Reports go through validation. We have a competent secretariat. Jurisdictional conflict will end because the Senate will limit itself to its role of overseeing devolution. With what is happening, I am sure you sometimes ask yourself if we have two National Assemblies. We have the Senate and the National Assembly, whose roles we know. In conclusion, notwithstanding your qualifications, there is a reason as to why you have been elected Chair of a Committee. It must come with certain considerations. Those of us floating in Jubilee will have another day to talk about our issues. Politics is very dynamic. Hon. Speaker, you remember the last time you were ejected from the Senate leadership. That was a lesson. As Members of the Jubilee Party, we will have another day to put forth our issues. For now, we will support what is there. How we ended up there is history. I will just use those quotable quotes from you: “It may be a blessing in disguise.” I congratulate all the Chairs and Vice-Chairs who have been given positions. Please, take it seriously. Let it not be a paper title but a real title that will add value to the image of this House. As Hon. Nyikal has rightly put it, the atmosphere is pregnant with expectations because we have a broad-based government. That means the modus operandi will change. I wish you well. Carry our image. I would not say we are "the Upper House", but we are the critical House. Please protect our image out there in the community. We are now under serious scrutiny by members of the Fourth Estate. We need to reinvent ourselves so that it answers re-election. You know how difficult it is to be re-elected. That enhances our name and continuity. I wish you well.

Yes, Hon. Owen.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker and congratulations to the newly elected Chairs of Committees. I also appreciate one fundamental fact: That, for the first time, the composition of Chairs of Committees in the National Assembly has actually reflected the nation. At least every community or region has been given an opportunity to serve as a Chair or Vice-Chair. For many years, I have hoped for a situation where every community, region and county would have the opportunity to serve as Committee Chair in this august House. I am glad that it has eventually happened during our time. You are the Speaker, and I am here serving as the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party. It is a transformation. I remember when Kijana Wamalwa was sworn in as Vice-President, he said, “There is a new gaiety in the country because there is hope and rejuvenation all over the place.” I want to believe that we will, as a House, live the same billing. 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 is a new awakening and rejuvenated spirit that will take the business of this House to a higher level so that everybody feels included. The spirit of inclusiveness witnessed in this House may enable us to unite the nation as it happened during the NARC revolution. That was when everybody said, "Kibaki tosha," and we became a very united country. I look forward to this remaining very united. As the National Assembly, we have taken up that mantle. We are showing it here, that we want to unite this country, as the President has said. I ask every Member who has been given an opportunity to serve to do so with dignity, integrity, and truthfulness so that we can take this country forward.

Give the microphone to Hon. Mrembo. It is where you have moved from, Hon. Mrembo.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I sincerely thank our President for at least honouring me and others with the positions of Vice-Chairpersons. I also thank the leadership of the House for believing in me and the others. I note the historic composition of women in the new leadership of the House. I thank the political party leadership for believing in women to deliver and for believing in some of us as new Members. I request that as we continue, in case there are any realignments, we also try to consider more women. I commit to serve diligently to deliver the mandate bestowed on me as Vice-Chair of the Public Debt and Privatisation Committee. We are going to be there for all Members. To the Members of the Public Debt and Privatisation Committee, thank you for having confidence in me and the Chairperson.’ We shall always be in the House to serve diligently as part of the leadership.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, and Ramadan Kareem to those fasting. I appreciate the confidence that the President of Kenya, His Excellency President Ruto, and His Excellency Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, have in us. I appreciate the gesture, especially being first-timers in this House with Hon. Irene Mayaka and having been given the opportunity to be chairpersons of Committees. It is a great honour; we do not take it for granted. I appreciate that we have four women Chairpersons and four women Vice-Chairpersons even though we are not yet doing well enough as the Constitution requires. Men are more than women. I know it is now realignment time, but even as you do so politically, also do it with a gender-sensitive touch. I saw Hon. Ichung’wah congratulate Dr Nyikal. I looked him in the eye, reminding him I am also here. I am a girl. I went in unopposed. I am always in the House. Please instruct him to come and say, ‘Congratulations!’ Thank you.

On his behalf, I congratulate you.

You have been reaffirmed. That creates an even greater degree of confidence that you enjoy. Same as Hon. Haika. Yes, Hon. Naomi.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I congratulate the new Chairpersons and also those who have been there before and wish them the best. I request them to give their best to the nation. The performance and success of this House depends on the leadership, and the Chairpersons are the leaders of every Committee. The performance of every Committee highly depends on the Chairpersons. 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.

also need your support and commitment as leadership in the House. Many of you have been so committed. Others are always here from morning to evening. Thanks to those people who have always been in the House supporting and debating on different Bills. I also wish the new Members the best and request that we ensure we are always in the House, as expected of us – from the time that we start the House business to the time to end of the sitting. I am happy that many women have been given the opportunity to be chairpersons.

Only four? That is also good. We need to appreciate our President.

Hon. Jematiah, that is her opinion.

That is my opinion. If you want to refute, you can stand up and do so. As I finish, I congratulate our President, who has opened his hands and accommodated everyone to ensure that the country is united and we move together. It is something that is giving us a lot of hope. I am now confident that Kenya is a united nation. Congratulations to our President. Continue with that same spirit. Please remember to pick more ladies for future appointments. Thank you.

Hon. Eve Obara.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. May I also thank my Committee for electing me its Vice-Chairperson. It was indeed an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility. I commit to put my best foot forward. Most importantly, may I extend my deepest appreciation to our two leaders – His Excellency President William Ruto and our party leader, His Excellency Raila Amolo Odinga – for embracing the spirit of inclusivity. What we have in the Committee's leadership is the face of Kenya, which we call ‘inclusivity.’ Thank you very much. May God bless Kenya.

Hon. Jematiah.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I also congratulate those appointed to serve as Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons. I nevertheless have a lot of concerns about the disparity of gender in Parliament. Honestly, Hon. Speaker, if you look at the Departmental Committees, out of almost 20, we only have one led by Hon. Alice Ng'ang'a. We probably have two or three ladies in leadership in the Select Committees. You have just heard the Leader of the Majority Party say that the number of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons in the House is almost 60. It is not fair. Honestly, it is not fair. In future, we should have at least 20 women Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons. We can even reconstitute the Committee leadership when we come back from recess. If we do so, this House will not have a problem of quorum. We frequently experience the problem of quorum because most of the Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons are men. They are always busy doing many deals out there. We, ladies, are always here on time. We are the ones who provide quorum most of the time. If you give us the opportunity today, we will serve this House more diligently and never have quorum issues.

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Jematiah, there is a point of order from Hon. Elisha.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Inferring from the statement of Hon. Jematiah, it will appear that the Members who have been elevated to the positions of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons were appointed and not elected. Ask more women to go for elective positions and make sure that they muscle the membership of the committees so that they are elected. They are not appointed. 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. Jematiah, were you through?

No, I am not, Hon. Speaker. I also want to infer to the statements from the new Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs. If the Member was listening, they always referred to and thanked some appointing authority. That means there is always a way through which Members are guided when elections of the leadership of Committees are conducted. We are all Members of Parliament. We can do these jobs better than some men.

Hon. Jematiah, are you the only stranger in Jerusalem?

Hon. Mutunga.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to start where Hon. Jematiah has left off. I have listened to Members very carefully. As they spoke, they thanked the two principals for creating opportunities, not necessarily for the specific positions that people have been given to some members. We are living in a very difficult time – a time that requires some very difficult decisions to be made. I thank Hon. (Dr) William Ruto and Hon. Raila Odinga for realising that Kenya needs to be united. When times are difficult, people need to move together. If there is anything that we need in this very difficult economic time, it is a working government. Going forward, I hope we shall be a House that will be remembered for coming up with the best, extremely objective laws. Amongst us are people we imagine supporting the government when they are not actually doing the work they are supposed to do. I believe that going forward, given the redistribution of the leadership of the House that has taken place, everybody will be objective. I have in mind the Finance Bill, but I do not want to revisit it. As a House, I do not think we were objective in our debate. We lost that Bill not because it was bad, but because we decided not to be objective as a House. Hon. Speaker, moving forward, now that we are together as a House, let us support this Government to deliver. It is because we are all in it. I hope that whatever laws we make in this House going forward will benefit Kenyans. Kenyans are watching, and they need to have confidence in this House. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Jared.

Nyando, ODM): Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. I join my colleagues in congratulating those elected Chairpersons and their respective Vice- Chairpersons. We hope and pray that they will deliver on the promises we make, both as a house and the Executive wing of the Government. I was asking Dr Nyikal, who was elected Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Health, whether it was wrong to have devolved Health. This is because, from the look of things, most governors who have been mandated to deliver on health matters do not understand their roles. At the national level, the Ministry was to do the policy-making to guide implementation. However, we have a disconnect with the implementers, that is, governors. They have made the Ministry look bad, yet the problem emanates from the ground. We also referred to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), which was a brilliant idea. Again, the Government must have bodies that help regulate the private sector out there. Without KEMSA, medicine such as Panadol would sell at Ksh1,000. It is a Government body that helps regulate prices and comes up with regulations that guide that front. We know KEMSA was brought in to self-fund. The Government was only to give seed money, which it did. As we speak, KEMSA is owed Ksh3 billion by governors of various counties, yet they 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.

keep on taking drugs. As it were, KEMSA is unable to apply brakes on the provision of those medicines to counties until they pay. We find ourselves in a quandary. That is why the health sector is looking very bad. How I wish that in the near future, we can reclaim the health function and revert it to the Ministry at the national level so that it is controlled from there. Otherwise, we will always blame the Cabinet Secretary for Health and the national Government, yet we know exactly where the problem lies. Thank you, Hon Speaker.

Hon. Kimilu.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this important matter. First, I congratulate all the newly elected Chairpersons and their respective Vice- Chairpersons for the opportunity they have been given. I advise all the Chairpersons and Vice- Chairpersons that it is high time they served the country and not their party leaders. If they go in the direction of serving their party leaders, they will fail. Let them know that before them, there were other Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons…

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Kimilu, there is a point of order from the County Women Representative for Migori. What is out of order?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. The Hon. Member claims to be advising Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons that we should not serve our party leaders. I want to let him know that a party leader neither appears in any of the committees nor gives any direction. Please let him withdraw that statement. Party leaders are for politics, not for committee issues.

Hon. Kimilu.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Allow me to ignore my colleague and assume nothing has happened because I am not taking the advice she has given me. All Members in this House come from a certain party, and we have party leaders. My advice is for us to serve Kenyans and not consider the directives of our party leaders. If they give us directions, we also need to consider Kenyans because we are here to serve them. That is why I said that previously, there were Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons who served this country. Therefore, as Members of Parliament, it is important that we leave a legacy. One should be in a position to say, "When I was the Chairperson of a Committee, I delivered to Kenyans." I had nothing bad but to give advice. I congratulate and thank them. For the coming two-and-a-half years, we need to see their work. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Eve Obara.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. It is important to realise that there is something called goodwill. If there were no goodwill from the leadership, we would not be here talking about inclusion. That is what I need to advise my colleague here. Goodwill is what was lacking, but we now have it. So, we must ride on it and make sure that whatever we do here is for Kenya.

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Ariko. Hold on, Hon. Ariko. There is another point of order. Hon. Haika.

Hon. Speaker, I wish Hon. Kimilu would clarify what he means by "serving our party leaders". To my understanding, even 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.

party leaders are Kenyans whom we serve. I do not know what he means by "serving our party leaders." Can he clarify his remarks for this House to understand?

I am sure you know what he meant. Hon. Ariko.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. On behalf of the people of Turkana South and the great people of Turkana County, I want to take this opportunity to appreciate the two party leaders: His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto and…

Hon. Kimilu, did you hear that? Go on.

I wish to appreciate His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto and Rt Hon. Engineer Raila Amolo Odinga for their goodwill in giving two positions to the people of Turkana: Hon. Epuyo and Hon. Dr Ariko as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson respectively in their committees. Again, I thank His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto for considering all Kenyans as shareholders in his Government. The broad-based Government or relationship that we have seen will bring peace.

I thought you impeached somebody for saying Kenya is a kind of shareholding?

All Kenyans are shareholders. I do not want to say one region is a shareholder. However, by virtue of making contributions to this nation in one way or another, all of us are shareholders. That is why I am thanking the President of the Republic of Kenya. I was elected Vice-Chairperson of the Public Investment Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy. I have been informed that this Committee has a backlog that needs to be cleared. With my professional and academic experience in finance, I believe I can add value to the Committee and reduce the backlog. This country has invested a lot in many agencies, and the feedback that needs to come from them can only be obtained through audited accounts. Hon. Chair, I again thank the leadership of this House.

You are addressing the Hon. Speaker, not the Chair.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I thank the leadership of this House for considering us. In one way or another, they contributed to us being elected Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons. To my colleagues elected as Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of various committees, it is our responsibility, as the Hon. Speaker has already pronounced, to be present in the committees so that we execute matters of our respective committees. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Members elected to lead committees as Chairpersons and Vice- Chairpersons. Having been one for two terms, I remind my colleagues that this is a huge responsibility bestowed upon them. It is important for the Chairpersons to take committee work very seriously. A lot of work is done in the committees. Sometimes, what comes here on the Floor of the House is voted for by Members even without understanding the concept or the content. So, it is upon the Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons to ensure that when a subject comes here for discussion, especially the Finance Bill, it is understood. Last time, a lot of politics played in and outside this House. That is why Kenyans really took offence to the Finance Bill. I hope that since we have now come to the second half of our term or tenure, we will be objective and that we are going to ensure we communicate well to the public. These positions come with a lot of responsibility. Our colleague's House, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, was burnt. I 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.

am very sorry for that. It was burnt because of the responsibility he took as the Chairperson of that Committee. Sometimes, we have to take on huge responsibilities. I also advise them that when Government officials appear before their Committees - be they Principal Secretaries or Cabinet Secretaries - let us not be cosy with them. Instead, let us push them because our role is oversight. Once we allocate finances to them, let us also make sure that we follow up to see how they use the money. We have some Principal Secretaries who allocate finances as they wish. It is good that we play our oversight role very well to ensure this Government is broad-based. At the committee level, we allocate finances for projects that will make the mwananchi on the ground feel that the Government is concerned. That is what, maybe, the Hon. Member meant when he said "serving Kenyans". We all serve Kenyans, so congratulations to the new team. Let them put their best foot forward because we are on half term. We need to redeem. As I conclude, Hon. Speaker, let us also not cast aspersions or accuse our colleagues. What happens to a colleague today can happen to us tomorrow. I have been a Chairperson, and I know many people approach Chairpersons as they seek help. Because I come from Muranga County, let me speak about Hon. Ndindi Nyoro, who was the Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee. He assisted very many Members here, but when his time came, the same Members cast aspersions trying to show that he was favouring himself. Please, let us remember the small deeds that our colleagues do unto us because they are in that privileged position. Let us not accuse each other because we never know what can happen in the future. I want to personally congratulate Hon. Nyikal. I served with him in the Departmental Committee on Health. He has gone through all the ranks in the Ministry of Health. I am very sure Hon. Nyikal will give me insights when I move my Motion. We have very good public hospitals. The Kenyatta University Referral Hospital (KUTRH) was opened during my tenure at the Departmental Committee on Health. It is better than any other private facility in East and Central Africa, but even most of my colleagues here do not know about it. The facility is state of the art with a 600-bed capacity. With that facility, we do not need to use any private facility. We can go there and give back the money to the public. It is a hospital where we can have enhanced medical care. So, as I congratulate my colleagues, let them remember that the positions come with responsibility. Let us not babysit these Principal Secretaries and Cabinet Secretaries. Let us push them so that we can work for Kenyans. Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for the opportunity.

Hon. Kimani.

Hon. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity. As we congratulate the new Chairpersons, we also congratulate you, Hon. Speaker, as the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission. We have seen a great change in the running of the affairs of this Parliament. We have seen a lot of change in the environment we work in. We are here most of the time. It is very important that we congratulate you for the good work you continue to do for this august House and for the fairness and magnanimity of the decisions and the rulings you make in this House. Hon. Sabina Chege has talked about last year's incidents during the Finance Bill. As we move forward as a House, I urge us to be very sober when we are having these conversations, whether in the House or outside. The events of August last year left some of our families completely devastated. Some of us got losses that will take us a long time to recover. Everyone in this House knows that the final document that this House approved was a very good Bill. That is why when those amendments were brought again in December, this honourable House passed the same Finance Bill we had passed here. It was through the four different pieces of law that we brought in this House. 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.

So, I urge us to be honest with ourselves, irrespective of whichever political direction we will take moving forward. The political formations could even change as we go towards the election. Let us be honest with our people. Let us be honest to our nation. Let us not make statements in public that we know are complete lies. I urge so even us we move forward together. There is a matter before the Departmental Committee on Finance and Planning about the non-remittance of pensions for pensioners. We have more than Ksh64 billion owed to pensioners, especially from water agencies, universities, and many other state agencies. Accounting officers of these agencies remit salaries to their employees and deduct pension, but they do not remit it to the pension fund. Therefore, we have people who dedicate many years of their service to this Republic, only for them to retire and find no money for their pension. I want to urge all of us in the committees to serve. We will be discussing the Appropriations Bill and the Annual Estimates here. Let us ensure that our entities work, especially on the disbursement of pension funds, so that when people retire, they have their pensions ready. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Richard Yegon.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Hon. Members who were elected as Chairpersons and the Vice-Chairpersons of various committees. I also urge and request all those elected to fairly distribute all that has been put in their budgets and everything we have been planning in the committees. They should make sure that everything is balanced across the country. Some committees skew the benefits towards a given area. We want them to ensure this is acted on so that we all benefit fairly. May God guide us. I thank the Head of State and Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, Hon. Raila Odinga, for bringing calmness to this country after the issues we witnessed last year. Going forward, this is how the country should behave instead of having a lot of squabbles. When we form a Government, some people start pulling in a different direction, and talk of a given area... Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Mwalyo, then we close with Hon. K’oyoo

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I want to congratulate the Chairpersons and the Vice-Chairpersons who were elected for the remaining term of this Parliament. I also thank the outgoing committee leadership for carrying out their mandate well. I also tell them to do better in the committees where they have been placed. Even if one has not been elected a Chairperson, they have been sent to a Committee where their input is required. I, especially, thank the Independent Member who was elevated to be a Chairperson. As a Member of the Independent Caucus, we are grateful she was elected. We also have an Independent Member who was elected a Vice-Chairperson of a Committee. The House is well-balanced. I would also like to thank the broad-based Government for restoring calm in this country and allowing us to work together. As the saying goes, two cannot walk together unless they agree. Now that we are in agreement, I am sure we will do a lot of development in the remaining term of this Parliament. Many Bills will be passed as there will be no more arguments, since we will be working harmoniously. With those remarks, I congratulate them. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Member for Muhoroni.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker, for recognising me. From the outset, I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate my colleagues who have been elected to various leadership positions as Chairpersons and Vice- 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.

Chairpersons. From my experience in this House, I have observed that committees become more visible and effective when they have serious and mature individuals, those who bring cohesion across the board and consult widely. For most of those elected, I have seen very dedicated Members who are always present in Parliament engaged in debates, such as my friend, Dr Nyikal. I congratulate him and hope he will foster strong cohesion among the Members who elected him. To my regret, Hon. Speaker, I belong to a Committee chaired by you. It is called the Powers and Privileges Committee. I have often wondered whether this is a punitive point for those pushed there. It is very inactive. The committee is largely inactive, with very little work taking place.

Which Committee?

The Powers and Privileges Committee. There is very little activity there, yet I am put there in every cycle. Out of loyalty to my party, I accept the placement without complaint. Year in, year out, there is no activity. We do not even go outside. In the last Parliament, we managed to go out for some engagements. Since the year began, we have not done anything. I hope we will improve a bit to restore enthusiasm to the Committee. Thank you again, Hon. Speaker, for allowing me to speak without a card.

Hon. Paul Biego.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for granting me this opportunity. At the outset, I join my colleagues in congratulating the newly elected Chairs and Vice-Chairs of various committees. In exception, I am really happy. I hear people complaining about their committees, but I am proud to have my Chair and Vice-Chair in the House ― Hon. Kuria Kimani and Hon. Fatuma 'Full Network.' I take exception to Hon. Kuria Kimani, who, during committee meetings, sits from morning until evening. I sometimes wonder whether he goes for a call of nature because I do not see him stand up. He has made a lot of commitment to the Committee, and I urge all chairpersons to make that same commitment. He also understands his work. When Hon. Sabina talked about the unfortunate incident that happened to him because of the Finance Bill, I also regretted that fact. He took much of his time as a CPA to analyse and put on their toes all the stakeholders who brought their proposals. I still believe the final draft was a good one. I am also part of the Committee membership. It was so unfortunate, and on behalf of all of us and the members, it was unfortunate that he went through what happened. Pole Chair. Let me also congratulate our principals for uniting Kenya. We can now see new faces in leadership. I have always admired the way Dr Nyikal presents himself in Parliament and the commitment he has given. I pray that when I grow old, I be like him.

When I grow up, I would want to be like Dr. Nyikal. It has given me an opportunity to be on the same Committee with Dr. Ariko. He also gives a lot of commitment. He is now a Vice- Chair of the other Committee. This unity seems to be very strong. He used to be a critic. Today, I am happy that he has mentioned Dr. William Samoei Ruto's name very positively for the first time. Thank you so much. This country is moving forward. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

Hon. Mogaka.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. May I also add my voice of congratulations to our colleagues elected to leadership positions. I also encourage them to make this House, the 13th Parliament, recapture the pride that those of us who have gone to school deserve. 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.

In particular, I want to thank the ODM or the Minority Party for finding a place for Hon. Irene Mayaka as Chair. She hails from my constituency. This reminds me that my constituency is always a first for women. Under the previous Constitution, the only other woman who stepped into Parliament was Hon. Catherine Nyamato, who was also from the West Mugirango Constituency. I am urging Chairs that if you have a project or funds to channel, just look at West Mugirango. That is a very fertile ground, and we are very gender friendly. To Dr. Nyikal, I congratulate you. You are the epitome of a parliamentary success. I will be coming to the Departmental Committee on Health to plead with you. Nyamira Primary School is just next to a mortuary. Whenever bodies are removed from the mortuary, you know the drama that goes along with that in Western Kenya. The majority of our young children get traumatised when they see the way people pull out the bodies from the morgue. I will be coming to you so that we look for a solution. I congratulate you again and wish all of us success in our endeavours. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Rose Museo.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for this opportunity. I wish to join my colleagues in congratulating those elected as Chairs and Vice- Chairs. In particular, I was given a second chance to be the Vice-Chair of the Implementation Committee. Besides thanking you, I also want to praise Members of Parliament for being sensitive to persons living with disability. Being given a position for the second time means that we are becoming sensitive to those who are PWDs, and I want to say congratulations. Thank you, and I look forward to serving this Committee with all my ability. I believe we will achieve the best results by the end of this Parliament. Thank you.

Thank you. Hon. Members, it is now two minutes to 1:00 p.m. We were sitting up until 1:00 p.m. We have…

Pardon? Hon. Paul, do you want to say something? Go ahead. Take one minute.

Asante sana Mhe. Spika. Nami pia nataka kujiunga na wenzangu kuwapa kongole wenyekiti na manaibu wao kwa kuchaguliwa kwa uongozi wa kamati za Bunge. Wakenya wameliangalia hili Bunge sana ili liweze kusaidika kwa hiki kipindi kilichosalia. Sisi tunaoketi katika hizo kamati, tuko tayari kushirikiana nanyi na kuwasaidia popote mnapotaka. Tutahakikisha kuwa yale majukumu yanawafinya wananchi wa taifa hili tumeyatatua. Asante sana, Mhe. Spika.

Thank you, Hon. Members. The rest of the business on the Order Paper will be given priority upon resumption from the short recess. I want to thank all of you truly. Today was not a normal sitting day. You have made a sacrifice, in accordance with our resolution. The industry you have put in clearing pending legislation cannot go unnoticed. We wish you an eventful recess of two weeks. Those in committees spend time doing your committee work, because committees are working. Those who are not, enjoy your two weeks. Hon. Members, let us be upstanding.

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Hon. Members, the time being 12.59 p.m., this House stands adjourned until Tuesday, 1st April 2025, at 2.30 p.m.

The House rose at 12.59 p.m.

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