Hon. Senators, I have a Message from the National Assembly on the approval of the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No.3 of 2016). I wish to report to the Senate that pursuant to Standing Order No.40(3) and (4), I received the following Message from the Speaker of the National Assembly regarding the approval by the Assembly of the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No.3 of 2016). I quote:- “Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Orders No.41(1) and 142 of the National Assembly Standing Orders, I hereby convey the following Message from the National Assembly:- Whereas the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No.3 of 2016) was published vide Kenya Gazette Supplement No.51 of 18th April, 2016 as a Bill concerning county governments to provide for equitable allocation of revenue raised nationally among the county governments for the 2016/2017 Financial Year and the responsibilities of the national and county governments pursuant to such allocation; Whereas the said Bill was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, 7th June, 2016 and referred to the National Assembly for consideration and; Whereas the National Assembly by resolution made on Tuesday, 28th June, 2016 approved the Bill without amendments and in the form passed by the Senate; Now, therefore, in accordance with the provisions of Article 110 of the Constitution and Standing Order No.41(1) and 142 of the National Assembly Standing Orders, I hereby convey the said decision of the National Assembly to the Senate.” The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
There are statements to be issued. Is the Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries here? Vice Chairperson or any Member of that Committee?
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I have two statements that I am expecting will be issued today. By the look of things, the Chairpersons of the Committees are not here. This is my worry and I seek your intervention.
How do I help you? I am with you here and they are not here. Is the Chairperson of the Committee on Roads and Transportation present? Can we proceed with the Statement to be issued by the Senate Majority Leader on the business for the week? Sen. (Dr.) Machage, I can see you have been appointed the Acting Majority Leader. BUSINESS OF THE WEEK COMMENCING TUESDAY 5TH JULY, 2016
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for the compliments. I am reading the Statement on behalf of the Senate Majority Leader on the business of the Senate for the week commencing Tuesday, 5th July, 2016 pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No.45. Hon. Senators, pursuant to provisions of Standing Order No.45, this is to present the Senate business for the coming week. On Tuesday, 5th July, 2016, the Rules and Business Committee (RBC) will meet at 12.30 p.m. to schedule business of the Senate for the week. Subject to further directions by the RBC, the Senate will continue with business that will not be concluded in today’s Order Paper focusing on Bills at the Committee of the Whole Stage. On Wednesday, 6th July, 2016, the Senate will continue with the business not concluded during the Tuesday sitting. In addition, the following Bills will be scheduled for the Committee of the Whole:- (a) The Natural Resources (Classes of Transactions Subject to Ratification) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 54 of 2015). (b) The Forest Conservation and Management Bill (National Assembly Bill No.49 of 2015). (c) The Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions Bill (National Assembly Bill No.48 of 2015). (d) The Energy Bill (National Assembly Bill No.50 of 2015). (e) The Access to Information Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 36 of 2015). The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Hon. Members, I can now respond to the issues raised by Sen. Karaba. Sen. (Dr.) Machage, since you have been the Acting Majority Leader, you may also wish to tell us what happened to the statements listed as 3 (a) and (b). I want to believe the transfer of temporary powers was complete.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, in exercising the temporary transfer of power, I hereby request that you reallocate the time for these statements to be given.
These statements will appear in the Order Paper on Tuesday in that order. DELAYED PAYMENT OF FRENCH BEAN FARMERS IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY BY VALUE PAK LTD CONSTRUCTION OF KIRINYAGA SEWERAGE PLANT
Sen. Karaba, I understand your feelings, bear with us. We will ensure that the statements are responded to on Tuesday.
The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Hon. Senators, before we proceed to the next Order, I wish to recognise the presence of visiting students and teachers from Kawaida Primary School, Kiambu County. They are seated at the Public Gallery. In our usual tradition of receiving and welcoming visitors to Parliament, I extend a warm welcome to them. On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, I wish them a fruitful visit. I thank you.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, as the Chairperson of the Committee on Education, I wish to extend my congratulations and welcome to the students from Kiambu County. They have found it necessary to come and see how we perform our duties and activities. I would like them to continue observing what is good. What is not good, they should not carry it with them. This House comprises of what you see and hear.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I also join you in welcoming these young boys – no - girls from Kiambu County. I hope they will get---
What is the “no” about Senator?
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I was just confirming whether it is a girls school. I am seeing many girls, but there are also boys. As a mother of such young children that are close to the age of the ones seated at the gallery, it is quite a good site. I hope they will pick things from this Senate and know that they can become anything they want to become. As the Vice Chairperson of the Kenya Women Senators, I welcome them to the Senate. The young girls should know that they can reach any limit and their dreams are valid. I urge them to pick what is good from this Senate. We hope to see them here in the years to come.
“Sen. Kananaiza.”
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am not “Kananaiza”. I am Kanainza. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to welcome the pupils from Kawaida Primary School. Being a Member of the Committee on Education, I wish them well as they engage with Parliament. I wish to tell them that their dreams are valid. The Senate also has young people. Looking at their ages, I believe that by the year 2022, they will be participating in elections and the voting exercise. I wish those with the aspirations well to be leaders of this country well.
Sen. Kanainza, you can conduct tutorial lessons for me. Proceed, Sen. Omondi. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Speaker Sir, I join you in welcoming these students. It reminds me of the days when I would hope someone would pay for such a trip. Then I could not afford. This is a great opportunity for these students. I have not seen learners with special needs coming here. I think it is because of the issue of accessibility. Whoever is listening to the proceedings of this House, maybe teachers from special schools are also encouraged to bring learners with disability to learn the practices. We want them to be in leadership. They cannot be in leadership if they cannot learn the practices. On the issue of accessibility, I think it is not your making, Mr. Speaker, Sir, but I would like to ask the leadership of Parliament to ensure that the Speaker’s and public galleries are accessible to everybody because there is discrimination if they cannot access the Senate or the National Assembly.
Point noted, Senator.
Mhe. Spika, nafurahia sana kuona wanafunzi, hasa vijana chipukizi, wengi wao wakiwa rika ya wajukuu wangu wakifika kwa Bunge hili ili kujionea yanayotendeka hapa. Watasoma mengi kuhusu shughuli za Bunge hii. Ninataka wajitayarishe siku za usoni kufika hapa kwa sababu wengi wetu tutakuwa tume yoyoma na kuondoka. Nakumbuka siku nilizoingia Bunge, wengi wenu hamkuwa mmezaliwa. Mungu awabariki.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I also join my colleagues in welcoming the pupils seated at the gallery. I wish to add that they are very lucky to have come to see what their Members of Parliament are doing. Some of us grew up seeing Members of Parliament at barazas and funerals until the Constitution made it possible for us to be here. For you who are here, this is an opportunity created by God to learn. In my capacity as the Organising Secretary of the Kenya Young Parliamentary Association (KYPA), I would like to tell you that it is possible to be whoever you would like to be if you put your mind to it. Welcome to the Senate. INVITATION TO MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE DURING THE UNCTAD 14 AND TICAD VI CONFERENCES
Hon. Members, before we move on to the next order, I want to make a communication. This is to invite Members of the Senate to express interest to participate in the conference sessions during the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD14) and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI). Pursuant to Standing Order No.45(2)(a), I wish to inform to this House that Kenya will be hosting two international conferences in July and August 2016; the 14th UNCTAD and the TICAD VI in Nairobi at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from 17th -22nd July, 2016, and 27th - 28th August, 2016, respectively. This will be the second time the UNCTAD Conference is being held in Nairobi since 1976 and the first time that the TICAD conference is being held out of Tokyo, Japan, since its inception in 1993. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate today, Thursday, 30th June, 2016:- Report on the Forest Conservation and Management Bill 2015 (National Assembly Bill No.49) of 2015.
Next order. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to move the Motion that the Senate note the report of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Regional Capacity Building Workshop held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on the 20th -23rd of January, 2016. First of all, I would like to thank you for having given me the opportunity to attend this conference which was attended by women parliamentarians from all over Africa. We learnt a lot from this conference. I would like to bring to your attentionthe many women who attended this conference, the different things that we learnt from each other and the recommendations that we came to---
Order, Senator. I am told that you need to move the Motion properly.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to move the following Motion:- THAT, the Senate notes the report of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Regional Capacity Building Workshop held in Dar es Saalam, Tanzania on the 20th to 23rd of January, 2016 laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 17th March, 2016. I beg for your indulgence, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
Order, Senator! You have not said a thing. I cannot prevent anybody from attacking what does not exist.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, kindly control the Members who are consulting in very loud voices.
Proceed, Senator. I will deal with that matter when you are on course.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend this conference and representing the women in this Senate and the women in the National Assembly. We were only two women who attended the Conference from Kenya together with 200 other women from other parliaments in Africa and all over the world. Some of the issues that were discussed in this Conference were the issues of political parties and how women should relate with political parties, women and the media, and how we should conduct our political engagements. There was a lot to learn from the Conference, but I would like to start with the issue of women and how we should conduct ourselves with political parties. We had different speakers in this Conference. One of them was a woman speaker from Ugandan Parliament. This topic wasvery impressive and she had a lot to teach us on how women should engage with their political parties. We all had different experiences that we The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
What is it Sen. Billow?
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Did you hear the hon. Member say a statement that is not befitting of this House? She said that if she fell down right now, the honorable male Senators in this House would only be interested in seeing her legs go up and that it is only the ladies who would be concerned with lifting her up? Is the hon. Senator in order to use such a derogatory attitude towards the male colleagues whom I am sure would be more than happy to lift her in the event that she fell down. It is unfair for her to suggest that we would be more concerned with what is between her legs. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Order Members! The Hon. Member can tell us what she meant. However, what I understood is that the male Members may be more careful to confirm that she has actually fallen down because when one falls, it means that the legs are up and not down.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I believe that I have very beautiful legs. Therefore, if I fell down right here, the ladies will be concerned about my health while the men would be concerned about other things. I did not mean it in a derogatory manner. My point is that women deal with things emotionally. Another woman would understand my concerns and problems more. I know that the men are there to support us and we are grateful for the support that we receive from them in our houses, Parliament and society. However, we need to get away from the belief that women are their own worst enemies. It is the women who vote in the male Members of Parliament. Back at home they go to the women groups, the same ones we go to, and they bring the belief that we are our own enemies. Men who are in this Parliament even today are here because of women. So, why can a woman not be brought to the decision-making table with the same gusto and energy that she makes a house be a home? Why are we trying to make the world believe that a woman’s place--- She makes the society and the family complete but she cannot be a leader? We aired our concerns on that day and realised that the only way we can bring out the leadership qualities of women is if all women came together and agreed that they are not their own enemies. We are friends although we support men, we should find a way of softening them to support us. Mr. Speaker, Sir, another point that was brought out in the conference is that women’s problems can only be understood by fellow women. Therefore, we need to enlighten the men on the problems we have and the kinds of issues we experience in our leadership. Through that, they will be in a position to support us differently. Also through such mechanism, we will have more Members of Parliament who are women and in the society we shall have leaders other than teachers and nurses. Most of our parents are teachers and nurses. My mum is a teacher and I am proud of her. This goes way back in believing that the only jobs that women can do is teaching and nursing. Women can make good leaders and be on the decision-making table but that cannot be so if we cannot accept the fact that women make the society a better and happier place. This will not be understood if we do not come out and speak this to the people. We should also endevour to enlighten our women back at home. This conference took place at the time that elections were going on in Uganda. The Speaker of Uganda was giving us an experience about the way women who were campaigning to be Members of Parliament were stripped naked just because they came out and expressed their need to vie for elective position. She asked us how she could advice such women to go back to politics. Then again who said that there is something easy in life? If we go for the easy, I am not sure where we will end up. It is more tough for women, both in Parliament and outside as leaders. For women who have had bad experiences--- I have had bad experiences myself but I do not believe The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me to congratulate Sen. Gwendo for laying this Report to the Table of this House. I also thank the office of the Speaker for always facilitating women in this House to attend these meetings. I have not attended a Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians meeting but we have hosted them at Safaripark Hotel. The experience shared in such a meeting is not anything you can exchange for anything else. I want to thank you and your office for facilitating this. The issue of women in leadership is a wide and contentious issue. When President Obama said that if we do not have women in leadership, it is like having half of your team in football and not having them play the game in the field. Despite being over 50 per cent of the population, we are still marginalized. In fact, as a country we are still struggling to reach the 30 per cent that we have put as a minimum threshold in the Constitution in terms of political leadership. It is not just limited to Parliament and political leadership; if you look at this report, you will actually see that the main thing was actually increasing women participation in decision-making structures. Sometimes, we over rate political leadership. In fact, we need to incorporate every other decision-making organ, be it in the church or in academic institutions. We must have women playing their rightful role in various institutions including county assemblies. This conference happened after Tanzania had held their elections and it was very significant to have it in Tanzania. It is the first time in history that we have a deputy president who is a woman in Tanzania. It was a timely conference to confirm that it is possible. We are also hoping at one point, we will get to the presidency as the women of this country whether as the president or the deputy president. We are headed there and we will get there. The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians is the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kedaga, the Speaker of Ugandan Parliament. I have heard the opportunity to listen to her when she recently came to join us in the national prayers at Safaripark hotel a while ago, she is full of wealth and inspiration to young women. So, we actually have a mentor and a role model in her. These conferences are not just limited to Members but they actually come with parliamentary staff. In terms of gaining experience, we are actually favoured to have the staff to contribute and be a part of that set up. In the tenth Parliament, the Kenya Women Parliamentarians did a study that was focusing on how possible it is for a woman to be elected in this country. It was quite interesting that every time a woman vies, she has a 50 per cent chance of being elected but the problem is how many are able to vie. That is when it becomes difficult; how do we get women out there. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Hon. Senator, you do lead by approaching the table? Even the menu is on the table.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I would like to support this Motion and congratulate my voter, Sen. Joy Gwendo, for moving this The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Bure Kabisa!
Mr. Speaker, Sir, that was at a time when people like my dear friend, “King” from Meru County, regarded the initiative as bure kabisa . Ms. Charity Ngilu did her best. We wanted it to be a sign of encouraging women to enter the political scene. I must say at that election, the number of women who were elected as councilors across the nation increased tremendously. I think it formed the first step that a lesson went to the public that, to assume that women could not climb to the higher echelons of politics was done a big blow. Mr. Speaker, Sir, subsequently when we formed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as a party in 2005/2006, the first Executive Director of that party was Madam Janet Ong’era who is currently a Senator here. So, we have milestones of women’s achievements in the politics and public affairs of this country which should be celebrated. I am not saying that that is the end of the journey. It is the beginning of an important journey which, nonetheless, shows that there are some people who have blazed the trail as women in our nation. Going back to history, some of the very progressive African leaders have demonstrated their progressive politics in taking a very firm stand on women and the women liberation movement. When Mwalimu Julius Nyerere was a student at Makerere University, the first book that he wrote was on women liberation. People do not know this but I launched this book at Makerere University some years ago and actually wrote a preface to this book. It had been sitting in the archives of publishers for long but finally Makerere University published it as a book to initiate a scholarship programme for women at Makerere University. Part of this programme was contributed to by the Joshua Mugenyi Foundation, which I also launched in Makerere University at that point in time. I think it was in 2008. Dr. Joshua Mugenyi was my Vice President in Makerere University when I was the President of the Makerere Students’ Guild. I am not in a hurry to be a president again because I have occupied that position before. Mwalimu Julius Nyerere wrote that book as a senior student at Makerere University. If you look at his writings, the emphasis of the freedom of and participation of women in politics --- The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Is Sen. (Prof.) Anyang'- Nyong'o in order to tell us that he has been President before and he is not interested to be a president again? Could he tell us exactly which type of President he has been? Has he been a President of a republic before and might not be interested to the President of a republic again?
Order, Sen. Okong’o! That is an argument. He did not specify which one. He just said that he has been a president before and he has no desire to be one again. It could be again of the same.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I think Sen. Okong’o was not listening to me. I said I was the president at the Makerere University Students’ Guild, one of the oldest students’ organisations in Eastern Africa. It has been headed by many prominent people. Being the president of the guild in those days was like being a head of State. So, when I said that I am not interested in being President again, it is because I have occupied that seat before. So, that will come in my biograph subsequently. Nonetheless, if you look at ---
Order, Senator! Now, you are getting yourself into murkier waters at the invitation of Sen. Okong’o. When you said it before it was okay. You are now equating a student president to a head of State. Surely, they cannot be the same.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, no. I said: “it was like being”. I did not say: “it was as being”. It was just like because of the dignity that was accorded that office. These are semantics. When the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) was struggling for freedom in Mozambique, the Head of State, Samora Machel’s wife, Josina Machel, was on the forefront. She was only 24 years but was on the forefront for fighting for the liberation of Mozambique. Within the liberation zones, Josina Machel was killed in the forefront of the battle field. To celebrate her contribution in the liberation struggle of Mozambique, the late Samora Machel started a nursery school in the bushes and named it Infantario Josina Machel. It means, the nursery school for Josina Machel. That became a landmark in the Mozambican history of the importance of women to take part at the highest levels of political struggle with men. The place of women in FRELIMO and in the new Government of Mozambique remained progressive. If we go to the 17th and 18th Century, some of the most important pro-feminists of that century, a century that was full of conservatism, could be found in France. Many of the French authors, Denis Diderot and Charles - Louis de Montesquieu wrote fantastic things on the liberation of women. They did so at a time when few in Europe thought that liberation of women was an important matter. John Stuart Mill, in 1866, wrote a very important book called The Subjection Women. It was extremely important in Victorian England. Mind you, Queen Victoria was the longest serving Queen in England. Yes, as a queen, she herself never promoted the liberation of women. However, Stuart Mill, in the midst of Victorian conservatism, wrote that book. He said, among other things, that marriage for Victorian women was predicated upon a sacrifice of liberty rights and property. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Order! Sen. Professor.
I beg to support, Mr. Speaker, Sir.
If I had extra powers, I would have allowed you to continue, but we have limited powers which I must enforce. So your time is over.
Mr. Speaker Sir, as I support this Motion, I give words of encouragement to the women of Kenya---
Order, Sen. (Dr.) Machage. Just allow me briefly to welcome and recognize the presence of visiting pupils and teachers from Mbagathi Road Primary School, Nairobi County, who are seated at the public gallery. In our usual tradition of receiving and welcoming visitors to Parliament, I send a warm welcome to them and on behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, we wish them a fruitful visit. I thank you. Proceed, Sen. (Dr.) Machage. Sorry for that interruption, it is because their time is limited.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to encourage the women of Kenya that not all is lost. If you look at the world history and leadership of countries and you look at today, we have 22 women who are heads of state in 22 countries. To mention a few, we have the President of Liberia, Chancellor of Germany, the President of Lithuania and many others. You just have to google and see. I do not have to read the whole list. Previously, we had world renown leaders such as Golda Meir of Israel, who was quite a known head of state, Indira Gandhi of India, and Margaret Thatcher from Britain. What is the cry all about? It is true, whether you want to accept it or not that the statement that we are always reminded of is that, it is only women who are enemies of women. Men have never been enemies of women. Men like and love women and would want to nurture them onto very soft landing spots. No man would want to see a woman ridiculed in whatever forum, not even refusing to pick a falling woman in a respected House like this, as has been alluded to. That is not manly. The important thing, as the Motion says, should have been that we were supposed to discus capacity-building in Dar- es-Salaam. When I go through the report, whereas I really support the women, I see so little on that workshop on capacity-building, and I The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Bw. Spika, ninaunga mkono Hoja hii. Heko kwa akina mama kwa sababu Katiba yetu imewapa nafasi katika shughuli zetu za ujenzi wa taifa. Kwa mfano, Seneti hii ina Maseneta 18 wa kike walioteuliwa kwa sababu ya Katiba yetu. . Tunajua ya kwamba kuna akina mama waliogombea kiti cha urais katika nchini. Hawa ni Mhe Ngilu, Mhe. Karua na Mhe. Nazlin. Hii ni kwa sababu hakuna unyanyasaji wa kisiasa na Katiba yetu inampa kila mtu haki ya kugombea kiti chochote nchini. Ninawasihi akina mama kujitoa mhanga na kugombea viti vyote vya kisiasa bila kungojea kutengewa viti fulani. Tuna mifano mingi ambako akina mama baada ya kuteuliwa kwa muda wa miaka mitano, wao hujipigia debe hadi kuchaguliwa. Ni lazima akina mama viongozi hapa nchini wapange kongamano na akina mama wa mashambani ili wawaeleze umuhimu wa kungombea viti vyote vya kisiasa. Viwanda vingi ambavyo vinasimamiwa na akina mama vimeimarika sana. Mama Tabitha Karanja wa Keroche Breweries ni mfano mzuri wa akina mama waofanya vizuri. Amekiongoza kiwanda hicho hadi kufikia ngazi za kimataifa. Ni lazima akina mama wa mashinani waelemishwa kuhusu nafasi ambazo Katiba yetu imewatengea ili wawe na ukakamavu wa kugombea viti vyote vya kisiasa. Hapa The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Hon. Senators, I have to interrupt this particular debate because we have other commitments. After my communication, we will resume the debate.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I have listened to your ruling. It is an excellent ruling. It makes this House proud that we have a Speaker who can make such rulings. The issue which gave rise to those comments as you may recall was the way the proceedings of the County Public Accounts and Investments Committee proceeded when the Governor of Nairobi County appeared before it. I am glad that in spite of what the Chairman of the CoGs said arising out of that incident, the Governor for Nairobi City County only yesterday appeared before our Committee. He was well prepared with all documentations. I, therefore, appeal to other governors to follow his example. There is a misconception when the governors compare themselves to the President of this Republic. The governors think that they are mini presidents of county governments. The President of this country has a dual role of being the Head of State and the Head of Government. The governors have no other role other than being Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of county governments. They do not have the role of being heads of counties. Therefore, they should not confuse themselves because I have heard them try to compare themselves in the manner of entourage and podiums. I hear that some of the podiums are carried hundreds of kilometres to different venues just so the governor can use the podium to speak at the right time. Let the governors humble themselves by being hands on CEOs of the various county governments. I, therefore, laud your ruling and appeal to other governors. I know that both the former and current Chairpersons of the County Public Accounts and The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you very much for the solid Communication from the Chair. I would like to underscore that the incident that took place in our Committee involving our colleague was an isolated incident. The actions that you and the Committee took demonstrate clearly that isolated incident should not lead to a generalized form of behavior that the governors fear. Therefore, that matter can be put to rest. The other issue that I would like to be put to rest is that of saying that since certain Senators have expressed interest in running for the governors’ positions, they are not in a position to fulfill their roles as Senators, including in Committees like ours which involves accountability by the governors. So far, we have known that in public life, one has to be prepared to play many roles and that is part of civility. Therefore, unless somebody feels that civility is not there in public life, I think that is a wrong assumption. Mr. Speaker, Sir, secondly, even if some Senators have expressed interest, it is not a fact that they will vie for that position. One has to wait until the bell rings for declaration and commitment to running for any position. In any case, even in the United States of America (USA), we have witnessed situations where Senators run for presidency, but they are recalled back to the Senate to play their roles as Senators. Therefore, it is a wrong assumption that is so. I would like to give an example, if your daughter declares that she is going to get married and she is betrothed to a young man, you tell your daughter, now that she is interested in playing a similar role to her mother, she is not entitled to make any comments about the relationship between me and her mother because she is now an interested party to that entitlement. Therefore, it is completely wrong for the governors to think that once Senators declare their intention, they are immediately assumed to be in conflict with the governor’s interest. What is important is to look at the facts. Except for the incident by Sen. Sonko, whether there has been any kind of ocular proof that Senators have abused their positions in these Committees. As far as I am concerned, we have behaved very civilly and fulfilled our roles in line with the law. Therefore, excuses should not be adduced by the governors who know – and most of them who are vocal on this – that they are in trouble with the Auditor-General because they have already seen the audited accounts of their counties that implicate them in serious issues of accountability and transparency. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to support your Communication.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I join my colleagues; Senior Counsel, Sen. Amos Wako and Sen. (Prof.) Anyang'- Nyong'o whom I must admit that while on my way here, I listened to his contribution on a Motion earlier, spoke very well as the The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me to thank you for that ruling. I want to laud that you have not, in your ruling, belittled the complaint by Governor Munya. You have clearly told him that the matter has been referred to the Senate Rules The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, allow me to congratulate the Speaker for a very well-reasoned and justified communication. I want to say over and above what the Speaker has clearly stated, Section 30(3) of the County Governments Act talks about things to do with accountability for all resources in the county; human resources and financial resources. That responsibility is on the governor of the county and not any other officer. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for that reason, the governor of a county cannot abdicate his or her responsibility and pretend to send junior officers when serious issues of accountability have been raised. Lastly, what we are seeing now is just a symptom of what is about to come. I am convinced beyond doubt that 2013 was a trial face for theft and robbery in the counties. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, first, allow me to declare my interest. The letter that was subject to the statement by the Speaker was written by the Chairman of the CoGs, the Governor of Meru County, who happens to be my competitor. The comments that I will make have no reference at all to our political competition, because they are of general interests. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this is a very clear case of impunity. The governors have been operating as if they are law unto themselves; they do not want any scrutiny. What happened between Gov. Kidero and Sen. Sonko is something that is already past us because Sen. Wako mediated and Gov. Kidero even appeared before you after that incident. However, the Chairman of CoGs would like to use that as an excuse, because he is the next person to be summoned by that Committee. He is trying all tricks not to appear The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I wish to join my colleagues in congratulating the Speaker for that ruling. It is a ruling that we have been eagerly waiting for. In fact, we were hoping that it would come yesterday. I have sat in the CPAIC since its inception and seen what we have gone through. In fact, we have a backlog because the governors used to go to the courts to actually curtail our work. Being the law-abiding citizens that we are, we respected that. We were not able to invite them for about eight or nine months and that is exactly why this Committee has a lot of work. We meet from 8.00 a.m. and sit throughout the day because there is a lot of work. It is our responsibility to actually generate reports to this Committee. My personal view, of course, is that the scuffle that happened between the Senator for Nairobi and Governor of Nairobi City County was unfortunate. However, I also want to thank the leadership of this House and the Committee for showing the way forward. In fact, our Chairman gave a personal statement immediately and sought the way forward and direction. I hope that we will maintain that spirit. It was unfortunate to actually see the CoGs jump into this issue immediately. It appears like they had planned for it because The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I will be brief. Ten months ago, I told those governors that they might get painkillers from the courts. Those orders that they got were just painkillers. A governor cannot account for Kshs1.2 billion for the taxpayers of Tharaka-Nithi County and another has suffocated the county assembly and squandered up to Kshs700 million. We then get excuses left, right and centre. We are working as per our oath of office and we are ready to perform our duty. I, therefore, laud your ruling and commend that kind of effort. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I would like to congratulate the Speaker for this communication. It is sad that four years down the line since we started implementing this Constitution, there are governors who have just decided to clearly dismiss the work of the Senate. They do this both outside and even under our mandate as an institution. The role of every elected leader in representing their people is expressly clear. It is clear what the National Assembly, the Senate, governors and the county assemblies do. On this role of oversight, the Senate continues to be bashed and abused severally. Why would a governor refuse to appear before our constituted Committee which looks at the taxes that Kenyans pay, and this is not anyone’s money, but taxes which go to counties? They are supposed to work for the people. The express role of the Senate is to oversight and protect these counties. The Senate also ensures that resources that go to counties actually work for the citizens of this country. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, it continues to sound out of question why someone would not appear before the Senate. Unless it is a sign of guilt because why can you not come and address a matter that is just a query? Unless you are guilty, that could be the only reason you do not want to come and explain why a certain audit query has been raised. We have not said that you are guilty of misappropriation of funds. It is upon you because when you took the oath of office, you said that you will serve the people of that county. One of the tasks was to spend their money in the right way. If there is a query, then you appear before the Committee of this House which does that job and clear your name and that of your officers. Whether a Senator sits in that Committee and wants to run for governor, National Assembly seat or any other seat like the presidency in the next elections, it is not this Committee that will vote for you and neither will any Senator. You will go back to the electorate and ask for votes. I do not know what you are afraid of over a Senator who sits in this House and will also have to go and ask for votes out there. So, you cannot say that you cannot appear before that Committee because so and so sits in that Committee and wants to be governor. Both of you will go back to the electorate and they will give you a red card whether you come to this Committee to clear your name or not. It is the electorate who will put everyone on a weighing scale and decide whether you have worked for them or not. As I conclude, it is unfortunate, but I hope that my Samburu County Governor had valid reasons as to why he did not appear before this Committee today. Those of us who come from counties where for a long time we have cried that we are marginalised, we want to know whether the resources that go to those counties are being used to do the work that they are supposed to do. I hope that he will appear before the Committee, clear the queries that are there and then move forward in serving the people of this country. Finally, the court has now ruled that they should appear before the Committee. They should stop looking for flimsy reasons about Sen. Mbuvi and Gov. Kidero who already came today. Please, look for another reason as we have dealt with that one. Gov. Kidero came and answered his queries. I urge all governors who are supposed to appear before this Committee to do so and spare us a lot of time to discuss matters which are straightforward. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I also rise to laud the decision of the Speaker to uphold the law as it is. As a Member of the Committee on the CPAIC, as I was listening to the various contributions and, especially the one by the Senate Majority Leader, I was being reminded of extremely disturbing and interesting incidents that have continued to be displayed in this Committee. For example, one governor appeared before the Committee and there was a query for Kshs256 million. The governor said he had spent it on bush clearing and building roads. Upon challenge that the Committee should go to inspect and see where this Kshs256 million was used, the governor was very prompt to say that the bushes had already grown again and so it would be futile to go and inspect. This is the kind of theft and lies that have occurred in almost all our counties. It is also important for us to tell the country that we should remember the precedent set by governors. Indeed, it is clear that they intended to use this incident as a scapegoat. Let us remember that immediately the Senate came into being and the role of oversight started to be implemented, governors rushed to court. As we stand now, as a Committee, are 10 months behind schedule. We have barely looked at three quarters of the counties. As we are trying to catch up on time, this is the time that these governors are trying to use a new excuse. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, let me say two things quickly. One, we need to tell governors that it is not optional for them to choose to obey or disobey the law. It is clear as set out in the role of this Senate in Article 96(3), that it is our work and duty to oversight counties. The Constitution is also clear in Articles 228 and 229(6) as to what should happen to the reports of the Auditor-General. It is also clarified in the Standing Orders of this House. Article 125 goes ahead to lay out the powers of this and all committees of Parliament as to what we should do in case of defiance. We, as the Senate, must also seek to introduce or enhance this role by doing specific things that will make it unfashionable and a quick choice for governors to choose to disobey. The way the game is played now, it is like governors assume that if they refuse to appear before the Committee, Senators are the ones who will suffer, be ashamed or feel belittled. That is the conception. We must enforce the law to ensure that this does not become what is played out. One way to do that is in enforcing the reports of the Auditor-General, which are about projects and misappropriation of funds at the county level. We need to pick those specific projects where money has been stolen, and as Senators, including the Senator of the County, should go to the ground, and call the people who are the owners of this money and tell them, “We have come here because your Governor has refused to come to answer questions about this project.” As you heard the Senator for Tharaka-Nithi saying, let us go to those rivers, snake parks and roads and call the people who will come, and tell the stories where they are, at the county level. I assure you that once we do that, no governor is going to be hiding any more at the county level. They would rather come to the Senate, because the way they are playing it now, it looks like we are begging them and we cannot afford to do that. Secondly, Mr. Speaker, Sir, we should rope in the other constitutional offices that are involved in this. One, the Office of the Controller of Budget, in releasing the various tranches of funds that go to the county. This House needs to find a way that, when we The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Hon. Senators, there is a communication after the intervention led by the Speaker. Earlier, we were debating on the Motion on the Report of The Commonwealth Women Parliamentary Regional Capacity-Building Workshop Held in Dar es-Salaam, Tanzania. I want to interrupt that debate so that we can allow Sen. Murungi to go on with the Fisheries Bill. So, we go to the Committee of the whole and then after that, because he is a Member of the House Business Committee, we will go back to the Motion by Sen. Gwendo.
(Sen. Mositet
(Sen. Mositet
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 10 of the Bill be amended in sub Clause (1) by deleting the words “and the Director of the Service” appearing immediately after the words “the Director-General” in paragraph (g).
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The Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 33 of the Bill be amended in subclause (2) by inserting the words “collaborate with the Director-General in the management of fisheries and shall, for this purpose” immediately after the words “each county shall”.
Could you briefly justify the purpose of the amendment?
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, the purpose of this amendment is to clarify the roles of the county governments vis-a-vis the role of the Director General. The amendment is to provide collaboration between the Director General and the county government in the management of fisheries in the respective counties as the original Bill did not provide for a role of the county Government. This being a devolved function, we thought it would be necessary for them to be involved in collaboration and consultation.
Division will be at the end.
Division to come later.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 35 of the Bill be amended by deleting paragraph (b) and substituting therefor the following new paragraph – (b) take into account any recommendations that may be made by the Director General with respect to the plan. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division will come later.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move: - THAT, Clause 36 of the Bill be amended by – (a) deleting subclause (3); (b) deleting subclause (4). The purpose of this amendment is to remove the powers being conferred on the Cabinet Secretary to take over the management of fisheries from the county governments in cases where they think there is mismanagement. This taking over functions by the national government is unconstitutional given the fact that fisheries is also a devolved function. We are, therefore, removing those powers from the Cabinet Secretary to take over the management of fisheries at county level.
Division to come later.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 37 of the Bill be amended – (a) in subclause (1) by deleting the words “governing the administration of beach management units” appearing immediately after the words “make regulations” and substituting therefor the words “setting out standards for the management of beach management units established by the county governments”. (b) in subclause (2) by – (i) deleting paragraph (b) and substituting therefor the following new paragraph – (b) minimum standards in the general administration of the beach management units; (ii) deleting paragraph (c); (iii) deleting paragraph (d) and substituting therefor the following new paragraph – (d) standards to be adhered to by beach management units in imposing levies and charges and the management and utilization of such funds; The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division to come later.
Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move: - THAT, Clause 39 of the Bill be amended – (a) in the introductory clause of subclause (1) by inserting the words “in consultation with the Council of Governors and” immediately after the words “the Board may”; and (b) in the introductory clause of subclause (2) by inserting the words “in consultation with the relevant county governments” immediately after the words “Director-General shall”. Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, the purpose of this amendment is to create some consultative process between the Director General and the Council of Governors in the designation of fisheries.We feel that this consultative process is important because fisheries is found within the counties.Therefore, it will be very difficult for the Director General to come and implement programmes in the counties without consultation with the Council of Governors.
Division will be at the end.
Division to come later. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division will be at the end.
Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 84 of the Bill be amended – (a) in subclause (1) by – (i) deleting paragraph (d); (ii) deleting paragraph (e). (b) by inserting the following new subclause immediately after subclause (1) – (1A) The respective county governments shall be responsible for issuing licences with respect to – (a) using any vessel for recreational fishing in the Kenya fishery waters; and (b) operating a fish processing establishment within the respective county. (1B) The Cabinet Secretary shall prescribe the standards for the registration of vessels and grant, renewal and revocation of licences by a county government under subclause (1A). (1C) Each County Government may enact county specific legislation setting out the – (a) criteria for the registration of a vessel and issuance of a licence to an applicant for a licence under subsection (1A); (b) information required to be submitted by an applicant for registration or issuance of a licence; (c) process of determination of an application; (d) conditions for the issuance or renewal of a licence under this Act; (e) grounds for the rejection of an application or cancellation of a licence issued under this Act; (f) process of application for the renewal of licences, de-registration of a vessel and revocation of a licence issued to an applicant by the county government; and The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 85 of the Bill be amended in subclause (1) by inserting the words “to the respective county government” immediately after the words “shall require to apply”. Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, the purpose of this amendment is to register the people who would be interested in fishing for only subsistence purposes; those who are not fishing for commercial purposed.
Division will be at the end.
Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 87 of the Bill be amended in subclause (4) by inserting the words “county executive committee member responsible for fisheries in the respective county in consultation with” immediately after the words “effect unless the”. The purpose for that amendment is to ensure that the Director General issues standards to be complied with by the county governments who have now been involved in the licensing processes for recreation and subsistence fisheries.
The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division will be at the end.
Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 104 of the Bill be amended in subclause (2) by deleting the words “Cabinet Secretary” appearing immediately after the word “The” and substituting therefor the words “county executive committee member”. The purpose of this amendment is to confer the powers to except fishing vessels for non commercial purposes from the Cabinet Secretary to the county government. The exception should not be made by the Ministry but by the county government.
Division will be at the end.
Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 112 of the Bill be amended – (a) in subclause (1) by – (i) inserting the words “respective county executive committee member responsible for fisheries may, in consultation with” immediately after the words “quantity as the” in paragraph (a); (ii) deleting the words “Director-General” appearing immediately after the words “notified to the” in paragraph (c) and substituting therefor the words “respective county executive committee member responsible for fisheries”\ The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division will be at the end.
Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 114 of the Bill be amended in – (a) subclause (1) by inserting the words “or the county executive committee member responsible for fisheries, as the case may be” immediately after the words “the Director-General”; (b) subclause (4) by inserting the words “or the county executive committee member responsible for fisheries, as the case may be” immediately after the words “the Director-General” The purpose for this amendment is to enable the county and national Government to appoint inspectors to carry out inspection and ensure conformity with the standards in existing legislations in respect to the functions that we have given to the county governments regarding recreational and subsistence fisheries.
Division will be at the end.
Division will be at the end. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division will be at the end.
Division will be at the end.
Division will be at the end.
Division to come at the end.
Division on this will come at the end.
Division will come at the end.
The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 200 of the Bill be amended by deleting paragraph (f). The purpose of this amendment is with respect to the Fish Marketing Authority. This authority is a national government function and paragraph (f) confers on it the powers to develop fisheries which are functions conferred to the county governments under Part IV of the Constitution. Therefore, we are proposing that this Clause be amended to delete paragraph (f) as this function falls within the ambit of county governments and should not be performed by this authority. So, production of fish should not be a function of this authority, instead, it should concentrate on marketing.
Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 201 of the Bill be amended – (a) by inserting the following new paragraph immediately after paragraph (e) – (ea) one person, who has knowledge and experience in matters relating to fisheries, nominated by the Council of Governors; (b) in paragraph (h) by – The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division will come at the end.
Division will be at the end.
Division will come at the end.
Division will come at the end. We are done with the amendments so I call the Mover.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move that pursuant to Standing Order No.139, the Committee of the Whole report progress on its consideration of the Fisheries Management and Development Bill (National Assembly Bill No.18 of 2014) and seek leave to sit again tomorrow.
The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Fisheries Management and Development Bill (National Assembly Bill No.18 of 2014) and seeks leave to sit again tomorrow.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said Report.
(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki) seconded.
(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki: Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I rise on a point of order to seek the guidance of the Chair on whether the Chair could recognize, I see we have very many pupils and students in the Gallery. In accordance with our tradition in this House, it would be proper for them to be acknowledged.
Serjeant-at-Arms, you need to notify the Chair because I cannot see the public gallery while I am seated here. What is your point of order, Senate Minority Leader?
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I echo the sentiments of my distinguished brother across the Floor, but want to bring to your attention the fact that when schools come to Parliament, I believe they come to learn and see the House in action. Therefore, it is extremely unfair to any visiting school to be brought to the gallery at 5.00 p.m., yet we sit from 2.30 p.m. If we want these children to learn what their senior citizens do in this House, they should be allowed to come in at the start of the House, if possible see the Speaker’s procession, how the Order Paper is handled, statements are sought, petitions are presented and debate is conducted. It is not even good for the image of this House to bring children here when there are only five of us in the House, when we are supposed to be 67. Members have left to various Committees and other businesses. Worse still, the Chair does not even know that he has visitors. I want to encourage the office of the Clerk and Serjeant-at-Arms, because they are the ones who manage visits to the House, to do better so that our children leave the Senate with an impression that this is a place to come and learn. I am sure some of them aspire to become Senators when some of you will have retired and some of us will have become Presidents and moving elsewhere.
Hon. Senators, regarding that matter, the Clerk-at-the-Table has just notified me that the same students were here earlier. They were acknowledged by the Speaker and there were interventions by some Senators. They could have found the House very exciting and decided to come back. What is it, Senate Majority Leader? The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I seek your guidance under Standing Order No.39 to give notice of a very important Motion, which has just been recommended and approved by the Senate Rules and Business Committee.
Senate Minority Leader, are you seeking an intervention?
No, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.
I will allow the Senate Majority Leader to give notice of Motion.
(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I know that the Senate Minority Leader has great interest in this Motion and so are many Kenyans in this country. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion:- THAT: ACKNOWLEDGING that the sovereign power of the People of Kenya may be exercised directly or indirectly through their democratically elected representatives and that the People’s sovereign power shall be exercised only in accordance with the Constitution; RECOGNIZING that through pronouncements, sections of the Kenyan society have raised issues on the credibility, impartiality, integrity and independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the electoral processes and the electoral law; APPRECIATING the need to have the August 2017 general elections conducted by a body enjoying the broad confidence of most Kenyans; NOW THEREFORE in accordance with the provisions of Article 1(1) and (2) of the Constitution of Kenya and Rule 9 of the Houses of Parliament (Joint Sittings) Rules, the Senate RESOLVES that:- 1. The two Houses of Parliament establish a joint select committee consisting of fourteen (14) members, seven (7) each from the two Coalitions in Parliament. 2. The mandate of the said joint select committee shall be to: (a) Inquire into the allegations against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioners and the Secretariat; The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Hon. Senators, I want to rearrange the Order Paper again. Earlier, we suspended the Motion by Sen. Gwendo, which is Order No.20: the Senate Notes the Report of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarian Regional Capacity Building Workshop, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 20th to 23rd January, 2016. It was an ongoing debate before the communication from the Speaker. Let me rearrange and we go to Order No.10.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 3 be amended- (a) in paragraph (a) by deleting the words “the women” appearing immediately after the words “rights for” and substituting therefor the words “every person”; (b) by deleting paragraph (b); (c) by deleting paragraph (c) and substituting therefor the following new paragraph- (c) create an enabling environment for the reduction in maternal morbidity, child morbidity and child mortality rate; (d) in paragraph (d) by deleting the words “women and children” appearing immediately after the words “services to” and substituting therefor the words “every person”. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
(Sen. Mositet
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 4 be deleted and substituted with the following Clause- 4. The National and County Governments shall ensure accessibility of family planning services including contraceptive methods, counseling, and free information and education The purpose for amending the words “available” was to replace it with “accessibility” to avoid ambiguity and also as defined under the definitions. Accessibility was defined under definitions as ability of an individual to obtain or receive appropriate safe, accountable, effective, quality health information and services. So, it is for clarity purposes.
(Sen. Mositet
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 5 be deleted and substituted with the following Clause- 5. (1) The County Governments shall ensure availability of information and education on natural family planning methods. (2) Every health care provider prescribing a contraceptive method shall provide relevant information to the person to whom the prescription is being given as to its advantages and disadvantages and ensure informed consent. (3) A health care provider who provides family planning services shall collate relevant data and forward it to the board under the cover of confidentiality The purpose is to include natural family planning as a family planning option. It seeks to cater for people whose beliefs or religion and health do not allow the use of contraceptives as a family planning option.
(Sen. Mositet
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, clause 6 be amended by- (a) deleting the heading appearing immediately before Clause 6 and substituting therefor the following new heading – ASSISTED REPRODUCTION (b) deleting the word “stable” appearing immediately after the words “means a”. The purpose for this amendment is to ensure that the same has an umbrella heading for all other types of assisted reproduction. It is all other methods and not only one as had been indicated before.
(Sen. Mositet
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- Provision of assisted Reproduction services THAT, the Bill be amended by deleting Clause 7 and substituting therefor the following clause- 7. (1) Every person has a right to assisted reproduction. (2) The national and county governments shall provide affordable, accessible, acceptable and quality assisted reproduction services. (3) Assisted reproduction services shall be offered by a person qualified and licensed by t he respective regulatory bodies. (4) For purposes of assisted reproduction services- (a) the health care provider shall before commencement of treatment, give the parties seeking treatment specific information about medical condition, the available medical treatment options, the risks, the success rate, cost of treatment and the facilities where that treatment options are available; (b) the assisted reproduction health care provider shall provide professional counselling to patients about the implications and chances of success of assisted reproduction and shall also inform the patients of the advantages, disadvantages and cost of the procedures; (c) the health care provider and the health facility shall ensure there is preservation and promotion of the health, safety, and dignity of the parties; and (d) the health care provider shall give all concerned parties relevant information to enable them make an informed choice and give informed consent before undertaking any assisted reproduction service. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
(Sen. Mositet
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 8 be amended by deleting paragraph (c) and substituting therefor the following paragraph- (c) in the prescribed form.
(Sen. Mositet
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 9 be deleted. The purpose is to safeguard the interest of the expectant mother.
(Sen. Mositet
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move: THAT Clause 10 be deleted.
Let us move to Clause 11.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move: THAT Clause 11 be amended- (a) in paragraph (c) by- (i) deleting sub-paragraph (i) and substituting therefor the following new sub-paragraph- (i) is above twenty - one years of age; (ii) deleting sub-paragraph (iv); The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Let us move to Clause 12.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT Clause 12 be amended by deleting the words “the provisions of section 10 satisfied” and substituting therefor the words
Let us move to Clause 13.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, the Bill be amended by deleting Clause 13 and substituting therefor the following clause- 13.(1) A surrogate parenthood agreement may be terminated- (a) by a termination of pregnancy that may be carried out in terms of the provisions of this Act; (b) before implant of the fertilized embryo in the surrogate mother’s womb; or (c) in case there arises a dispute between commissioning parents before the fertilized embryo is implanted in the surrogate mother. (2) If a genetic test proves that the child born out of a surrogacy arrangement does not bear the intended genes, the parties shall go through an arbitration process to determine who takes up the parental rights. (3) If a surrogacy agreement is terminated in accordance with sub-section (1), the commissioning parents shall have a right of first claim to the child born out of the surrogacy arrangement and should they not desire to exercise their right to first claim, the child shall be placed in the care of a charitable children’s institution. (4) In the event of termination of the surrogacy agreement pursuant to sub- section(1) and the commissioning parents do not wish to exercise the right under sub- The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Let us move on to Clause 14.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 14 be deleted.
Clause 15 has got an amendment. Yes, Mover.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 15 be deleted.
There is an amendment to Clause 16.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT Clause 16 be amended by deleting paragraph (d) and substituting therefor the following paragraph- (d) midwives
Clause 17 has an amendment.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Clause 18 has got no amendment.
There is an amendment to Clause 19.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, the Bill be amended by deleting Clause 19 and substituting therefor the following Clause- 19. (1) A pregnancy may be terminated by a trained health professional, where in the opinion of the trained health professional- (a) there is need for emergency treatment; (b) the pregnancy would endanger the life or health of the mother; or (c) there exists a substantial risk that the fetus would suffer from a severe physical or mental abnormality that is incompatible with life outside the womb. (2) Trained health professionals shall offer non-directive counselling, before and after the termination of a pregnancy. (3)Termination of pregnancy shall be performed by a trained health professional.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, the Bill be amended by deleting Clause 20 and inserting therefor the following Clause:- 20. Subject to the provisions of this Act, termination of pregnancy may take place- (a) with the consent of the pregnant woman; The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
There is an amendment to Clause 21.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move: THAT,
21 be deleted and substituted with the following clause- Termination of Pregnancy 21. Termination of pregnancy on demand is not permitted unless as provided for under this Act. The purpose is to ensure that responsibility to ensure minimum medical standards are met with the health care facilities and not the person offering the service.
Division to come later.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move: - THAT, Clause 22 be deleted and substituted with the following clause- 22.The health care facilities offering reproductive health care services shall meet the minimum medical standards.
Division to come later.
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Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move: - THAT, Clause 23 be deleted and substituted with the following clause- 23. There shall be at least one county referral hospital in every County, which shall be well equipped to offer quality reproductive health services. The purpose is to devolve health care services and to ensure that at least one county referral hospital is in every county.
Division to come later.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move: - THAT, Clause 24 be deleted and substituted with the following clause- 24.The County Government shall ensure that every county has- (a) a functional referral system; (b) at least five ambulances in every county referral hospital; (c) a well equipped pharmacy in every county referral hospital. This is to obligate the national government to ensure that every county has a functional referral system and well equipped pharmacy in every county referral hospital.
Division to come later.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move: - THAT, Clause 25 be deleted. This is because it has been already been catered for in the amended Clause 24.
Division to come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move: - THAT Clause 26 be deleted. The reason for this is because the previous amendment in Clause 24 has catered for the services which are required. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division to come later.
For purposes of clarification, there was no amendment on Clause 27. Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 28 be deleted and substituted with the following clause- 28. Breach of confidentiality by a health practitioner shall be dealt with by the relevant health professional regulatory body. The purpose for this amendment is to protect the interest and the rights of the patient.
The Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 29 be deleted. This is because all children matters are catered for in the Children’s Act.
The Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 30 be deleted. This is because it has already been catered for in the previous section and the Children’s Act.
The Division will be at the end. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 31 be deleted. This is because it has already been catered for in the previous section and the Children’s Act.
The Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 32 be deleted. This is because it has already been catered for.
The Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 33 be deleted. This is because it has already been catered for in the previous amendments.
The Division will be at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 34 be deleted and substituted with the following clause- 34. Adolescent friendly reproductive health services shall include age-appropriate – (a) mentorship; (b) spiritual and moral guidance; (c) counseling on- (i) relationships; (ii) abstinence; The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 35 be amended by – (a) re-numbering the existing provision as sub-clause (1); (b) in the new sub-clause (1) by deleting the words “and adolescents” appearing immediately after the words “female genital mutilation”; (c) inserting the following new sub-clause immediately after sub-clause (1)- (2) All persons who get health complications as a result of forced or voluntary genital mutilation shall access treatment from any health care provider without discrimination. The purpose of the amendment is to ensure that all persons who get complications after undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM), voluntary or forced shall access treatment from any healthcare provider without discrimination.
Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 36 be amended- (a) in subsection (2), by deleting paragraphs (b) and (c ); (b) in subsection (4)- by deleting the words “and child health care” appearing at the end of paragraph (e) and substituting therefor the words “health care rights”. (c) by inserting the following new paragraphs immediately after paragraph (f)- (fa) collate data and carry out research to monitor and evaluate progress on the implementation of laws, rules, guidelines and policies of reproductive health care rights; The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 37 be amended- (a) in subsection (1) by deleting paragraphs (a) to (n) and substituting therefor the following new paragraphs- (a) a chairperson appointed by the Board from among its members; (b) the Principal Secretary, responsible for Health or a person designated by the Principal Secretary; (c) the Principal Secretary responsible for Education or a person designated by the Principal Secretary; (d) a representative of the County Governments appointed by the Council of County Governors; (e) the Director of the National Coordinating Agency for Population and Development; (f) a representative nominated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board, who shall be either an obstetrician, gynecologist or pediatrician; (g) a pharmacist nominated by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board; (h) a representative of the Nursing Council of Kenya; (i) a representative of faith-based organizations appointed by the Inter-religious Council of Kenya; (j) two persons representing civil society organizations working in the area of reproductive health care appointed by the Law Society of Kenya; and (k) two young persons, of either gender, representing the youth with a proven record of knowledge, experience and commitment to advocacy for reproductive health care, one of whom must be a person living with disability, nominated by the Cabinet Secretary. (b) by deleting subsection (2) and inserting therefor the following new subsection:- (2) A person shall not be eligible for nomination under sub-section (1), if that person does not fulfill the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution. (c) in subsection (3), by deleting paragraph (e). This is to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are included in the board.
Division will come at the end. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 41 be deleted. This is because there is already an existing professional body that caters for all the disputes that arise in the medical fraternity. So, this is to avoid duplication of roles.
Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 42 be deleted. This is because the tribunal shall not be required to deal with only disciplinary issues.
Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 43 be deleted. This is because the tribunal shall not be required to deal with disciplinary issues.
Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 44 be deleted. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 45 be deleted. The reason is because the tribunal shall not be required.
Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 46 be deleted. The reason for deleting Clause 46 is that the tribunal shall not have the responsibility of listening to disputes.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 47 be deleted. The tribunal shall not be required to listen to disputes.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 48 be deleted. Again, the tribunal shall not be required.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 49 be deleted and substituted with the following clause- The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
The Cabinet secretary shall in consultation with the Board and other regulatory health bodies make regulations or any other statutory instrument necessary to promote the objects of this Act. Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, it is the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary and other people to ensure that objects are achieved.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 50 be deleted. The tribunal shall not be required to hear the disputes within the Act.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, Clause 51 be deleted. Since the professional body shall give all the regulations that will be required, there will be no need for the tribunal.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause- Right to reproductive health rights 18A. The County Executive Member for the time being in charge of health shall- (a) provide physical access and resolve transportation and proximity issues to clinics, hospitals and places where public health education is provided, contraceptives are sold or distributed or other places where reproductive health services are provided; (b) increase access to information and communication materials on sexual and reproductive health in braille, large print, simple language, sign language and pictures; (c) provide continuing education and inclusion of rights of persons with disabilities among health care providers; and, (d) undertake activities to raise awareness and address misconceptions among the general public on the stigma and their lack of knowledge on the sexual and reproductive health needs and rights of persons living with disabilities The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- THAT, New Clause 18A be read a Second Time. This is to make it more elaborate. Also, since health has been devolved, it gives the County Executive Member clear responsibilities.
Division to come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- Sterilization THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause- 18B. Sterilization shall not be carried out to persons with mental disability.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- THAT, New Clause 18B be read a Second Time. This is also to provide for the reproductive rights of persons living with disability.
Division to come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- Consent THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 6C- The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- THAT, New Clause 6C be read a Second Time. This is to give more clarity and protect the health care provider.
Division to come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- Conditions for Assisted reproduction THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 6D:- 6D. A trained health professional specializing in in-vitro fertilization shall before carrying out any procedure ensure that:- (a) consent to the collection and use of gametes is obtained from the gametes provider, (b) in cases where the gamete provider is deceased, the gamete provider had given their consent for the use of the gametes before their demise; (c) gametes to be used for the procedure have been stored for less than ten years after being obtained from a gamete provider; The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- THAT, New Clause 6D be read a Second Time. This is so that all the conditions of assisted reproduction are met.
Division to come at the end.
Register
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause- 6E (1) (a) A register with information on full names of the donor, physical characteristics of the donor, ethnic origin, family medical history, interests, hobbies and skills of the donor shall be kept at all assisted reproduction facility. (b) The register shall be strictly confidential. (2) A donor shall remain anonymous to both the person using the gametes and the child born out of the use of the donated gametes. (3) A donor shall not acquire any parental responsibility to the child born out of the use of the donated gametes. (4) Parties using a donated egg or sperm have a right to choose their donor should they wish to do so. (5) A donor shall not receive any form of compensation for the use of their donated gametes. (6) An assisted reproduction health specialist shall provide information to the donor to allow the donor make an informed decision.
The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- THAT, New Clause 6E be read a Second Time. This is to ensure that there is confidentiality and all the date is collected.
Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- Limitations THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause- 6F. The following limitations shall apply to assisted reproduction services:- (a) gametes shall not be used in research except with the consent of the gamete provider; (b) an assisted reproduction health specialist shall not use, supply or export a gamete except with the written consent of the donor and in a manner consistent with the donor’s consent; (c) gametes shall not be used in assisted reproduction treatment if the gamete provider is deceased unless the gamete provider had given consent to the use of gametes before death; and (d) an assisted reproduction health professional shall not use a gamete to create an embryo if the assisted reproduction health specialist has knowledge that the donor is a close family member of the recipient to avoid genetic complications.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- THAT, New Clause 6F be read a Second Time.
Division will come at the end.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- Legal Fees The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate
Mr. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move:- THAT, New Clause 12A be read a Second Time. This is to ensure that the fees of the surrogate mother are paid for.
Hon. Senators, Division on this will be done later. Since we only have five minutes remaining, and we have done substantial work on the Bills, the Committee can report to the House and seek leave to sit again tomorrow. Mover, I hope you have been guided. Proceed.
Mr. Temporary Chairperson Sir, pursuant to Standing Order No. 139, I beg to move that the Committee do report progress on its consideration of The Reproductive Health Care Bill (Senate Bill No.17 of 2014) and seeks leave to sit again tomorrow.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report progress that the Committee of the Whole has considered the The Reproductive Health Care Bill (Senate Bill No.17 of 2014) and seeks leave to sit again tomorrow .
Mr. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report.
Sen. Wangari, are you seconding?
seconded.
Hon. Senators, it is 6:30 p.m., time to interrupt the business of the Senate. The Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, 5th July, 2016, at 2.30p.m. The Senate rose at 6.30 p.m. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate