(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery this afternoon of visiting youth leaders from Kakamega County. I request each member of the delegation to stand when called out so that they may be acknowledged in the Senate tradition. (1) Mr. Reuben Makokha (2) Mr. Geoffrey Sheti (3) Mr. Rodgers Wakhisi (4) Mr. Alex Olale (5) Mr. Defra Ambako (6) Mr. Shaaban Akida (7) Mr. Musa Alajoni (8) Mr. Allan Ngeresa (9) Ms. Caroline Njunge. On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, I welcome all of you to the Senate and wish you well for the remainder of your stay. I thank you.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Kakamega County happens to be my neighbouring county. My birth certificate reads that I was born in Kakamega before Vihiga was hived off from Kakamega. Therefore, the youth in the Speaker’s Gallery are from home. On my own behalf and on behalf of the Senator for Kakamega County, who is not in, I join you in welcoming the youth from Kakamega County and wish them a fruitful stay in Nairobi and the Senate Chamber. We are glad that they take interest in 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 join you in recognising the presence of the nine youths from Kakamega County who have come to learn and see what we do here on their behalf. Their Senator, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, who also calls himself a bullfighter is one of the most brilliant Senators around - although they buy those cows from West Pokot. I encourage them to become more vigilant now that we are devolved. Kakamega County is the only county that has a distinction of refusing to appear before the Senate to answer to their audit queries on how they have spent public funds. Since they come from a county of people who do not take accountability seriously, I challenge them to offer themselves to redeem that county through various positions particularly the Office of the Governor. Kakamega County is just like any other county in Kenya. Therefore, responsibility and accountability is the top most agenda. I therefore encourage the youths to take this message to heart. Kenyans are concerned, including some of us from West Pokot County.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I join my colleagues in welcoming the youth leaders from Kakamega County. They are chairmen who hold different positions in their respective constituencies, more so political positions. Majority of them are from the biggest party in East and Central Sub-Saharan Africa, ODM. This is a good experience for them because they are learning. I can also see other people seated in the gallery. They have a lot to learn and prepare for the future. The young people of this country are the leaders of today. This can only be achieved if we allow them an opportunity to benchmark in the right place, Senate being one of them. I see the Senate Minority Leader making noise because---

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Order, Sen. Kanainza! Senators do not make noise. They consult loudly.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for the correction. I am proud of the youth leaders from Kakamega County. As a Senator representing the youth in this Republic, it is my role to mentor you. I will mentor you into various positions. As we go into elections this year, it is my hope that we shall have more young people going for elective seats as Members of the County Assembly (MCA), Members of Parliament (MP), Senators, governors, and president. They will win, in Jesus name.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I join you as well as the colleagues who have spoken before me to welcome the youth from Kakamega County, the second largest county in the country after Nairobi. It is a county with so much promise yet it has achieved so little in the last four years of devolution. I encourage the young people to be keen and involved in the day to day activities in our counties, particularly their county of Kakamega, which is the capital of the Mulembe nation. We are very proud of that county and so when they are here, they are not just 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. (Dr.) Machage): I wish to recognise the presence of visiting students and lecturers from University of Kabianga from Kericho County. They are seated in 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. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I join you in welcoming the Kenyan intellectuals who have come to benchmark at the right place. I wish them well and ask them to lead well together with the youth leaders who are here. The sky is actually the bottom and not the limit. They can do so much for this country and we need everybody on board.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to acknowledge the presence of the University students from the University of Kabianga. We have some young Senators who have served as leaders in various universities. Their coming here could be that they are scouting on how to also win the elections and come here. If that should happen, I congratulate and welcome them to the Senate and wish them the best of luck. I am the Chairperson of the Committee on Education.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the leadership of the House, I want to note that since we started, this is the second visit by students from any university apart from the nuns who visited us from Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). I welcome the students and lecturers from Kabianga University. They should feel welcome to the Senate. I believe they are here to see and learn. As they do so, I remind them that universities have gone through very difficult times because of the corrupt and uncaring Jubilee Government. When we go to elections, they should exercise their power to vote them out and bring in a pro-people and pro-development government; one that will make sure the intelligentsia of this country which comprise of the teachers, doctors, lecturers and all other public servants are not ensnared in cycles of strikes upon strikes and the Government does not simply care. So, they should exercise their civic rights and change this country through their vote. 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 join you and my colleagues who have spoken before me to recognise students from Kabianga University. This morning I had the privilege of seeing them at the gate and I was told they are pursuing a degree in Public Administration. We used to work with some of their lecturers in Moi University and some students come from my county. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, when Kabianga University was started in 2006, little did we know that it was going to be a big university. Before then, it used to be a campus of Moi University right in the middle of tea bushes in Kericho County. Prof. Kipng’eno who is their Vice Chancellor taught me Statistics in 1988. He and other staff have done tremendous work to build the University to what it is today. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I request the students to take their studies seriously. People say that they are the leaders of the tomorrow but I want to tell them that there is no tomorrow. They have to start their leadership now and they should do things better than everybody. We commend the students because recently when lecturers went on strike for almost two months, we did not see what used to happen many years before. Whenever lecturers went on strike, students would always jump on the streets. This time round they were very cooperative and obedient. That is a sign of maturity. I urge them to continue that way by putting Kenya at number one. They should also work hard in the field they are because we want to see first class honours from Kabianga like any other university. That should not just be the domain of the University of Nairobi. They should not stop at that degree because one degree is just like Class Eight certificate. They can go higher than wherever they have reached. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I thank you.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, when I was at the Lounge, I saw youth leaders from Kakamega being welcomed. Students from Kabianga University are welcome and they should pick the best from this House. As we move to the august elections, they need to interrogate both the failing Jubilee Regime and the Opposition which in many cases has also failed in many years. There is a new order and new dispensation. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I speak as a leader and I will be going to their domains to tell them that I am the best thing for Kenya. I thank you.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, thank you for giving me this opportunity to welcome students and teachers from Kabianga University in Kericho County which neighbours Bomet. More so, Kabianga University has a campus in Sotik which is in Bomet County. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate these students for visiting the Senate. I would like to mention that the role of the Senate is not well understood in the villages and small towns within our counties. It is upon the elites in universities who are leaders to take up the role of educating the public on the functions of each of the leaders whom they have elected. I congratulate the university which is managed by Prof. Kipng’eno who was a classmate of mine. We went to school together and we have also done a lot. Having been a lecturer in the university and a Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, I worked very closely 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. (Dr.) Machage): As the Speaker today, I do not like the use of the term “rubbish.” Maybe a better word could have been used. Could you withdraw “rubbish” and use a better parliamentary word?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the word I used was applicable to spoken language and it was not directed to my colleague Senators. I rubbished the statement made and that is good English.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Very well, you have escaped.

On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. Could Sen. (Prof.) Lesan tell us what the Jubilee Government has done in Kakamega County?

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): I will not entertain that as a point of order unless it is properly executed. Could you attempt to execute your point of order properly?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I would wish my colleague Senator to substantiate---

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): No. Start by saying “Is it in order---”

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, is it in order for Sen. (Prof.) Lesan to mislead this House and the country at large that the Jubilee Government that we will send packing on 8th August has constructed roads in Kakamega County or anywhere in western Kenya?

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Very well executed. Sen. (Prof.) Lesan, you have been challenged.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Senators represent various counties in this country and we exactly know which roads have been done. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I represent Bomet County. Currently, we have 78 kilometres of tarmacked roads which were not there three months ago. I hope that---

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Order Sen. (Prof.) Lesan! I believe I have a very good hearing capacity as your Speaker and I heard you refer to Kakamega County. If you have no facts about new roads in Kakamega County, it is just safe to withdraw.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I withdraw if I mentioned Kakamega. I said we represent various counties. There is one county I know very well and I used it as an example and that is Bomet County.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Very well. Thank God for being privileged.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): What is it Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.? 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 just wanted to read Standing Order No.94 to Sen. (Prof.) Lesan but he has withdrawn his statement regarding Kakamega and Machakos because he cannot substantiate. Therefore, we are happy that he has used his privilege well.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Next Order!

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Sen. Madzayo, what are you trying to communicate? Can you read that properly because it is being recorded?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I will read as guided because I wanted to use “dismissed” instead of “sacked.” The second one is the report on the petition made to the Senate by the sacked employees of the Kenya Railways. I thank you.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Very well. Next Order! REPORT ON PETITION: ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION AND BREACH OF PFM REGULATIONS BY BUNGOMA COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following petition reports on the Table of the Senate today, Wednesday, 5th April, 2017. This is the report of the petition concerning various matters including and not limited to allegations of corruption and the breach of law affecting the County Government of Bungoma. I thank you.

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. Temporary Speaker, Sir. It is not the tradition of the House to make any comments on petition outcomes when they are tabled but I would like to implore you that the Committee on Implementation of this House must be obligated to follow up the outcomes of petitions whose results are brought to this House, tabled and kept away even where the petitions have established massive looting of public resources like in the case of the one that has just been tabled. I urge you to direct the Committee on Implementation to do an appropriate follow up with appropriate governance and institutions in the country to bring the looters to book.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Whereas I appreciate the concerns of the Minority Leader, I would like to refer you to an opportunity that there is now, in reviewing our Standing Orders, particularly the Standing Order governing the management of petitions. The Standing Orders says that the report is simply tabled and a copy of the report given to the Petitioner. Use your office and individual capability to make sure that Standing Order on implementation is added. So, there is nothing I can do. That is what the rule of the House is as at now. What is it, Sen. Billow?

On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I do not want to challenge your ruling but I think there is a Committee on Implementation in this House which carries out the resolutions of the House. We seek your indulgence because there are many petitions that have been concluded and we do not know how far the implementation of the recommendations has gone. Could I, therefore, ask you to ask the Chairperson or whoever is in charge of that Committee, to share with the House the status or the follow up regarding the petitions? Dozens of them have been tabled in this House.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Very well. What is it, Sen. Wetangula?

On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. It can never have been the intention of the drafters of the Standing Orders and the law, including the Constitution, where the foundation on petitions is grounded, that petitions are brought to the Houses, worked upon, tabled and that is the end of the matter. The omission in the Standing Orders is cured by Standing Order No.1, where, as the Chair you have a responsibility and duty to direct that he Committee on Implementation picks up all the outcomes of petitions and does a follow up. Some of these petition outcomes have recommended prosecutions, criminal investigations, surcharges, restitutions, suspensions and dismissal. The petitioners could not have been expected by the Constitution and the law to implement the outcomes of the resolutions of this House, either through plenary or committees. so, it is only fair and just, not to the House alone but to the petitioners that a follow up mechanism, if unavailable, you use the powers bestowed upon you under Standing Order No.1 and look at precedence and usages in other comparable jurisdictions on how they handled outcome of petitions so that we are not engaged in a futile exercise of spending time and public money, and at the end of the day, you send the outcome to a villager who petitioner this House; an outcome they cannot use to do anything in furtherance of the course of justice that they were looking for. 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. (Dr.) Machage): What is it, Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo?

On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I note that the request by Sen. Wetangula would have been appropriately handled by the leadership of this House. I do not remember when I last saw some of the leaders of this House seated here, to the extent that we are talking about work that should have been conducted by the leadership. Where is the Senate Majority Leader? They should be looked for. These are the people who should see to it that this work is done.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): The Senate Minority Leader has referred me to Standing Order No.1 on the issue of petitions. Unfortunately, I may not apply it. Standing Order No.1 (1) states:- “In all cases where matters are not expressly provided for by these Standing Orders or by other Orders of the Senate, any procedural question shall be decided by the Speaker.” This is a matter that has been provided for by Standing Order No.227 (2). It states:- “Whenever a Petition is committed to a Standing Committee, the Committee shall, in not more than sixty calendar days from the time of reading the prayer, respond to the petitioner by way of a report addressed to the petitioner or petitioners and laid on the Table of the Senate and no debate on or in relation to the report shall be allowed, but the Speaker may, in exceptional circumstances, allow comments or observations in relation to the Petition for not more than twenty Minutes.” I refer you to Standing Order No.213. See whether you can get a solution. I will not labour to read through Standing Order No.213 because it is a long one. That is the solution to your prayer. Anything that is omitted there can therefore, be submitted for amendments of the Standing Orders that is going on now. It is so ordered. What is it, Sen. Billow?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, your ruling is in order regarding committal of petitions under Standing Order No.227. There is also Standing Order No.228 and 229. Standing Order No.229 is on the register of petitions. We are not aware that the Clerk of the Senate actually keeps a register, open to the public for all petitions and the reports on the decisions of the Senate. However, the main issue on which we need your guidance is not on committal or on this, it is on the report.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Order, Sen. Billow!

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, recommendations have been made under Standing Order No.228.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Order! The office of the Clerk is under my office. Do you doubt my work?

No, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir but look at Standing Order No.228. It states:- “The Clerk shall forward copies of responses received under Standing Order 227 ( Committal of Petitions ) to the petitioner or petitioners.” Now, in these copies ---

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Do you have any reason to doubt that the copies are forwarded to the Clerk 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

No, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): So, have a seat.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, our concern is that there are recommendations made by this august House that need to be implemented by various institutions and there is need for the Committee on Implementation to implement and give the House a report on the progress. That is all we are seeking. Under Standing Order No.213 we need to know what the status is. In the last report I just tabled, we had a situation where cash was being taken out of a county government account into a personal account with all the evidence yet there is no response at all from the county government. Counties are bleeding. We need a report from the Committee on Implementation. We cannot just let things be the way they are.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the Senate has been accused. Even this morning, while seated in the Mediation Committee, the Senators were accused of watching helplessly as governors pilfer public funds. My Chair has pointed out that there is a lady who withdrew over Kshs300 million and evidence is contained in these documents. That lady should be sanctioned. This is the same county where carcinogenic wheelbarrows were procured and another Kshs1.5 million was spent to investigate the purchase.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): I thought they were anti- carcinogenic.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, whatever they were, the point is that there must be a way that our decisions can be discussed. First, this is one petition that we have spent more than 60 days. Secondly, the petition has got outright pilferage of public funds. We should have provided a way to debate this. We can make Bungoma an example of what governors should not do. We can even go round our Standing Orders, because they are only standing orders for purposes of standing, but we must make sure that the Constitution is implemented. Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. You cited Standing Order 227 and were absolutely right. In committing the petition to a Committee, the Standing Order is very clear. You may allow some comments, which you normally do, or commit the petition right away. That is provided for. Standing Order 228 must be read very carefully. It says: “The Clerk shall forward copies of responses received under Standing Order 227 (Committal of Petitions) to the petitioner or petitioners.” That Standing Order does not exclude comments, debates or passing on that petition to the Committee on Implementation or agencies of governance like the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and others. Where then do you get the answer? You go back to Standing Order No.1 (2) which says:- “The decisions made in paragraph (1) shall be based on the Constitution of Kenya, statute law and the usages, forms, precedents, customs, procedures, traditions of Parliament of Kenya and other jurisdictions to the extent that these are applicable to Kenya.” 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. (Dr.) Machage): The Chair presiding today is also a Member of the Committee on Finance, Commerce and Budget that has been so praised. So, I also take credit. However, I want to communicate the following. There is a register in the Clerk’s office for all petitions and reports on petitions. There is also a register on all the responses that are sent to the petitioners. Also, the reports are sent to the relevant Government agencies for further investigations. The reports are also sent to the Committee on Implementation. However, this House also has the opportunity for any Member to move a Motion on any issue on a petition as an individual Motion for discussion, deliberation and proper conclusion, in a manner that the House may decide. This House also has an opportunity to seek for statements. Look at the last page of today’s Order Paper. May I refer to Statement (a) that was sought by Sen. Stephen Sang. It reads: “The Chairperson, Sessional Committee on Implementation to issue a Statement on the plight and welfare of former councilors under Kenya’s defunct local authorities.” You will remember that this was a petition that was brought to this House. In my own analysis and conclusion of your concerns, first, there is a complaint that the Committee on Implementation is not doing its work. Secondly, there is a complaint that the Constitution did not give enough space to the Senate on the management of important and serious complaints by Kenyans through petitions to this House. Thirdly, there is a complaint that our own Standing Orders need to be revised, to be a little bit stronger on 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

Notice of Motion.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): There is none. Let us move on. There is one from Sen. (Prof.) Lesan.

Thank you Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. Pursuant to Standing Order No. 18, I move a Motion on the election of a Senator to preside over---

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Order. We are on Notices of Motions. Have you given the notice?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I am giving the notice.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Just hold on. Maybe, this is not the right opportunity. Is there any other Notice of Motion? Let us move to the next Order. Do we have requests for Statements? Sen. Mbura.

Thank you Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 45(2)(b) to seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding the violation of rights of the EPZ workers in Mazeras, Rabai Constituency. In the Statement, the Chairperson should: (1) State whether the Government is aware that the rights of workers at the EPZ in Mazeras, Rabai Constituency are violated contrary to Article 41(1)(2) of the Constitution. (2) State the minimum wage for a Kenyan worker and the measures that the Government has put in place to enforce the minimum wage for all workers. (3) Investigate and table a report on claims of: (a) Poorly monthly pay of Kshs5,600 from which further deduction for social security and hospital insurance are made. (b) Sexual harassment of female workers by their supervisors and bosses. (c) Poor working conditions such as poorly ventilated buildings, long working hours of between 7a.m. to 10p.m. without pay for extra time and being forced to either sit or stand for long hours of up to 15 hours daily with very short breaks in between. (d) Being subjected to summary dismissal without pay, contrary to the Employment Act. (4) Explain why the workers have been denied their constitutional right to form or join trade unions. (5) Explain the measures that the Government will take against the companies that have violated the rights of these workers. 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. (Dr.) Machage): Could we hear from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare?

Thank you Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I request for two weeks to be able to come up with substantive reply to this.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): It is so ordered.

On a point of order Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): What is your point of order Sen. (Prof) Lesan?

Thank you Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I beg to move: THAT, pursuant to Standing OrderNo.18, the Senate elects a Senator to preside over the proceedings of theHouse for the rest of the sitting today, Wednesday 5th April, 2017. NOTING that there is no Member of the Speaker’s Panel in the House this afternoon and that the Temporary Speaker, who is on the Chair, is going to see a doctor - the Temporary Speaker has made that appeal - I move: That this House elects a Speaker to preside over the proceedings of theHouse this afternoon. THEREFORE, I rise Pursuant to Article 107(1)(c) of the Constitution and Standing Order No. 18, that the House elects Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo to preside over the sitting of the Senate for the remainder of the sitting today. I want to ask my colleague Sen. Billow to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second the Motion that Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo is capable of managing the House as suggested. I second.

On a point of order Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): What is your point of order Sen. Khaniri?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever, that the good Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo can preside over the affairs of this House. However, electing somebody who presides over the affairs of the House is a bipartisan issue. If Sen. (Prof.) Lesan moved the Motion, courtesy demands that the Motion is seconded from this other side of the House. That shows concurrence. Subsequently, the other Members can support. Is he in order to make it a Jubilee affair? 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. (Dr.) Machage): Whereas I see no Standing Order that gives that kind of practice but the practice and tradition of this House and previous Houses before demands that the courtesy is granted. With all the due respect, I will overrule Sen. Billow and appoint the Bench on my left to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this is the problem with people giving themselves responsibilities that are not theirs. This is a matter that is bipartisan, as you have rightly ruled. It is not about Sen. (Prof.) Lesan stretching his head across the aisle to whisper to somebody to second a Motion. We can have a Presiding Officer who can do things that---

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Sen. Wetangula, if you may stop there. you have been in Parliament for 25 years.

Yes.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Do not push that weight to Senators who have hardly finished five years. It is unfair.

Thank you Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I have absolute confidence and trust in the abilities of Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo. He is level headed, lacks obvious bias and has the ability to preside over the proceedings of this House. In fact, he is a stranger in the palace where he sits. I want to second that he can sit on the Chair and execute his responsibilities in addition to those of being the king of the Pokot people of this country.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Very well. I will strike off the last phrase from the records of this House.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Tradition demands that I give you that latitude of comment. However, since I see no interest of comments, I now put the question.

We were on Statements. The order had already been read. We are now on Statement (a). Where is the Chairperson Sessional Committee on Implementation? Remember you were accused. Do you have the Statement?

Mr. TemporarySpeaker, Sir, I do.

Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Unfortunately, the questioner is not here. Is there any delegation?

On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. The questioner requested me to sit and prosecute it on his behalf.

Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Is there a copy of the communication to my office with those instructions? Anyway, we will give the benefit of 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

It is so ordered, Mr. TemporarySpeaker, Sir.

Sen. (Dr.) Machage): I do not know who you are ordering.

Just read the Statement.

Mr. TemporarySpeaker, Sir, I thought we were to wait for the owner of the Statement, Sen. Sang. However, I will go ahead and read it. THE PLIGHT AND WELFARE OF FORMER COUNCILLORS UNDER THE DEFUNCT LOCAL AUTHORITIES I will not read the whole of it because it has some introductions and the background information. I will go straight to the specific matter that was sought with regard to payment of one-off honorarium of Kshs1.5million to all former councillors having served a minimum of one term since Independence. (1)This was based on the fact that they did not receive fixed emoluments and experienced disparities in their accessibility in terms and conditions of pension schemes over the years which will make it difficult to fairly and equitably determine each councillor’s rightful benefits. (2) A monthly pension of at least Ksh30, 000. This was based on the fact that they did not receive fixed emoluments. Further, the standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare is considering the County Pension Scheme Bill 2016 for the establishment of a legal framework for the county pension. We are all aware that there is a Bill that will handle that issue. (3) State-sponsored health insurance cannot be provided for former councillors as public service schemes do not typically, include universal cover which requires separate contribution at different rates. (4) With regard to access to premises and facilities of county assemblies, including canteens and the Speaker’s Gallery: The former councillors requested to access premises and facilities of the county assemblies, including canteens and Speakers Gallery which will be taken up with respective county governments pursuant to the Second Schedule of the County Governments Act 2012. (5) Exemption from paying parking fees and other rates within the areas they served. The former councillors’ request for exemptions from paying parking fees including other rates and fees within the areas they served was directed to the county governments pursuant to the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and Section 120 of the County Governments Act 2012. 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 thank the Vice Chairperson and the Committee Chairperson for giving the response to this statement, however brief it is. Sen. Sang, just as many of us here, listened to the plight of the former councillors and their requests. This House, in its wisdom, unanimously supported it and the petition which I tabled here then. The Committee has interrogated it and they have told us what happened. However, we wanted to hear more about the County Pension Scheme Bill; the stage in which it is and whether the former councillors have been considered in it. We want to hear this pronounced clearly so that the governors, the Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) and the employees of the counties know that this Bill will benefit them. That is my query which has to be answered now. Secondly, last week, the National Treasury tabled the Budget Statement before the National Assembly. Did it provide some money to cater for the welfare of the former councillors? Who does not know that these are people who made Kenya the way it is? Without them, our country could not be stable the way it is. What a pity that there is no clear road map on how they will be compensated during this financial year. Can she tell us whether this was captured in the Budget and the state of the County Pension Scheme Bill?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the statement read by the Vice Chairperson of the Committee says a lot, but what is important has not been mentioned. We are told that the National Treasury wrote a report or a letter to the Committee and declined to implement the Committee’s recommendations. I thought that the essence of the request of a statement by Sen. Sang was what the National Government has done in terms of implementation of the recommendations of the Committee of Labour and Social Welfare. Could you direct that we get the specific reasons the National Treasury feels that the recommendations made by Senate could not be implemented? As I speak now, I know many former councillors, for example, one man called Aketch who superintended over a region almost the size of Migori and Homa Bay counties sitting at home today with a tube in his body attached to a polythene bag because he cannot afford quality healthcare, yet he served the nation for more than 29 years. We know of former councillors who served for 30 years yet in all those years what they accumulated and the levels of comfort they have, is nothing compared to MCAs who have been in office for barely four years. There are lot of expectations by the former councillors from this House. Therefore, it is important that this House pronounces itself on this matter, whether we will sort them out or not. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I thank the Chair of the Committee on Labour and Social Services who issued the Statement. We are taking the former councillors for granted because this matter was discussed here at length and this House has made a decision. However, it looks like we do not care about our heroes because these former councilors are our heroes. I hope the meeting which has been scheduled for Monday with the CS, National Treasury is going to take place. I am requesting if the representatives of these councilors can attend that meeting on Monday. Secondly, I remember the last time we discussed this matter, Sen.M. Kajwang said that some of the counties have set money aside for this particular purpose. What is going to happen to that budget? What will happen to the counties that have not set aside money for this purpose?

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage: Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this matter has raised serious concern particularly on leaders who have served in various capacities. We are aware that several leaders are being paid their pension but my query is, just like the previous query we have been raising, that it appears the decisions arising out of debates from the Senate do not find their way or are not implemented or there is no follow-up. While we seek for further clarification, it would be in the best interest of this House at some point, whether now or later, to find a method to amend our Standing Orders to ensure that the Motions we pass and decisions we make on behalf of Kenyans can be implemented. It does not feel nice to be ignored while we make decisions here and while we use our privileged positions to deliberate on issues that concern this country. Thank you.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, it is very frustrating to imagine that as a Senate once we pass Bills here, deliberate and come up with recommendations, that an institution can block what we discussed here. We need to be assured that this House will not be taken for granted. We should be seen like we are a serious House; serious to the letterr so that when we say that this should be done by a certain department it should be done, otherwise what are we doing here? It is like we are wasting time and public money because this issue should have been sorted out. Councillors are suffering and this may be a reflection of what might happen even to us when we leave this House. The moment we leave this House, since we are about to, some of us will continue to suffer and we have not come up with what is likely to benefit these people. If this can happen to the councilors, worse is ahead for us. Why do we not solve this issue so that at least we can say we have done something for our former councillors who did a lot for this country, both at independence and post-independence. Also, we need to think about the plight of former Members of Parliament (MPs) even if it is not included. Some of them who served a long time ago are languishing in poverty and nobody seems to care about them. There should be a way of looking at their plight the same way we have welfare programmes in Europe and United States of America (USA). A senior citizen is accorded some respect and it is spelt out--- 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. (Dr.) Machage): Order, Sen. Karaba.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I sympathise with this House for having not done anything.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): The seriousness with which this House does business and the Constitutional mandate so provided for this Senate is not in doubt, not at all. You can even order and reprimand whoever you want in this country, maybe except the President, to come and give information on whatever subject you want. May I refer you to your own Constitution; Article 125 (4) and (5). I do not have to read it. You are just powerful. You are as powerful as a court. So, do not doubt your powers. You have powers of the High Court on trying to transact some of these issues. I will get only one because they are two. However, what I have realised is that there are few requests for you to answer, Madam Chair. What I am receiving are complaints. You may react to the complaints if you so wish or stick to the facts that the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury will be in the House on Monday at 10 O’clock and Members should avail themselves to ask all those important questions. However, let me hear more from Sen. Lesuuda.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I want to join in the complaints. As you have said it is more about complaining. Given the long time that this answer has taken and then it comes in the negative; that is actually wanting. We discussed this issue at length a long time ago. We are being pressurized by the people whom we represent; the former councilors. They have been asking us as Senators who take care of them in the counties what we are doing to address this matter. From your directive that the meeting be on Monday, I am requesting whether we could do it on Tuesday. We know most of our colleagues have other commitments over the weekend and probably they will be back on Tuesday. If we are going on recess, I am not so sure whether everybody will get the information. This is something that we would all like to interrogate and be assured that our former councilors will be taken care of.

On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. There is a small request that has been made; if the officials of the former councillors could attend the meeting. I hope the Chair will respond to that.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage: Would it be in order that the Chair responds to the request that a representative of the councillors is present also?

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I agree with the complaints that have been raised by my colleagues. In today’s Order Paper, just so that the Members are aware of it, is that the County Pension Scheme Bill (Senate Bill No.20) is on our Order Paper. Therefore, this House can handle the issues of the former councillors and not only for the Members of County Assembly (MCAs). To respond on the specific issues that have been raised, it is true the Labour and Social Services Committee brought forth the recommendations which were directed to us as a Committee for implementation. We did as it was supposed to be done and the direct response we got from the National Treasury was negative; that they had no budget for the former councillors. I am aware Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo was advised to take the political route to solve these issues. As much as we are here, a lot of political goodwill is 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. (Dr.) Machage): What is it, Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo?

On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. Did I hear the Member of the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare indicating that I should follow the political route? Could he elaborate what she meant by “political route”?

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo; that was not a direct quotation. I think she was referring to a response that was given and a request or an order to you. It was an indirect quotation. So, I do not think you are in order to seek substantiation from the Member of the Committee on an indirect quotation, unless you otherwise express yourself.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Kenyans, particularly those affected - the councilors - could easily think that the solution to this problem lies and has been suppressed by Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo. Why? The Chairperson has said I was advised to do it and I have not come back to give a response. That is why I wanted that clarified. What does it mean?

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo, I share your concern and frustrations on hearing those words. As the Speaker, I do not think that was the implication. It was an added advantage to you that you are concerned. So, it was a compliment that you are even more concerned than other Members of this House. She went further to quote a Bill that is on the Floor of this House that will not only address pension schemes for the previous councillors but also previous Members of Parliament (MPs). Unless the Chairperson has anything to add, I will close the chapter there.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as much as we are meeting the Cabinet Secretary, it should also be clear to the Members that the National Treasury advised that this matter should be referred to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for further guidance.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): You should have commented on Sen. Lesuuda’s request on the change of day. As the Speaker, it is not possible. We are mandated to give at least, seven days’ notice to anybody we invite for particular sessions with the Members. So, it will be totally impossible to make that kind of communication and expect to be actualized on Tuesday. So, Monday sticks.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I am concerned about the rider that the Chairperson has just given, that we should be aware and channel some of the concerns to the SRC. Is it in order for the Cabinet Secretary to preempt the meeting about what we will discuss? It is important that the Chairperson communicates to the Cabinet Secretary to come here with an open mind and listen to the concerns of the Senators. 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. (Dr.) Machage): I saw every Senator scratching the head silently, in their minds over that. It is as if an answer had already been given. I believe that was not the intention of the Chairperson. Chairperson, what do you have to say?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, these are not my words. This is the response we got from the Principal Secretary in charge of the National Treasury. For these reasons, because we are not in agreement with what he gave us, we have decided to call the Cabinet Secretary so that we can deliberate on this matter once and for all, for us to give a response to this House.

(Sen. (Dr.) Machage): Very well. Proceed, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare. Are you ready to issue this statement? I am aware I had ordered that this statement be brought tomorrow in yesterday’s ruling. However, there are chances that you could be ready. I saw Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale around. If you are ready, it would be to the advantage of the House if you can execute it. If you are not ready, you are permitted to state your position.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, with your kind indulgence I suggest that ---

I congratulate you on your assumption of the interim speakership of this House. Congratulations, Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo, the distinguished Senator for West Pokot. I request an adjournment of this matter to tomorrow so that I would be in a position to respond to all these questions. My colleague, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale was here. We have discussed. There are other pertinent issues he wanted me to cover, which I will do so. I will be in a better positon to substantively answer these questions tomorrow.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): It is in order. You will do it tomorrow afternoon.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I stand guided.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Let us move to statement (c). COUNTY LEGISLATION ON RETIREMENT PACKAGE FOR CECS AND MCAS

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): I am advised that statement (c) will be handled and dealt with in the Bill which you have prepared as a Committee.

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.) Lonyangapuo): Where is the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Land and Natural Resources? Again, the Chairman, Sen. Kivuti, consulted me when I was a Member on the Floor that they would do it tomorrow.

`Let us move to statement (e). Where is the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on National Security and Foreign Relations? KILLING OF LIVESTOCK IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY BY SECURITY PERSONNEL

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this Statement is not ready. I was in the Office of the President this morning and they have started working on it. Hopefully, you will have it tomorrow, as I requested yesterday.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Sen. Dullo, you were told yesterday by the Speaker that this Statement on the killing of livestock in Laikipia County by the security personnel is urgent. The statement was requested by Sen. Lesuuda who is here.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, my only concern, which I raised when I was requesting for this Statement, is that we should get it by tomorrow since we will be going on recess. I am convinced that the Office of the President is not aware that we will be going on recess tomorrow. We need to have an assurance that the Statement will be ready.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the ruling was given by the Speaker, but I remember promising that I will try to get the Statement. I went there personally and told them that the Statement is required on Thursday and the House will be going on recess. That is the position we agreed on with them. I hope that we will have the Statement by tomorrow.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Because of the urgency of the matter, I will give you further leeway this afternoon, if you so wish, to go and camp in the Office of the President until the Statement is produced. As you know, the House will possibly go on recess. I order that the Statement be issued tomorrow afternoon.

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 have the Statement which was requested, but I understand that the Senator who requested for it does not have a copy. I seek your guidance as to whether I should read the Statement as we prepare a copy for the Senator or we defer the Statement until the Senator gets a copy.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Since both of you are here, and we have deferred some Statements, you can present the Statement this afternoon. Sen. Karaba.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I have now received a copy. He can proceed to issue the Statement. In the meantime, I wish to congratulate you for being in the Chair.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Thank you. Proceed, Chairperson.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I congratulate you for sitting on that lofty Chair. I wish to give a Statement on the Kenya Medical Training Colleges in the country. The information sought was: (1) List of the KMTC campuses in the country and the respective counties where they are located. (2) Explanation as to why there is no KMTC campus in Kirinyaga County and an indication as to when the Government intends to establish one. I wish to respond as follows: (1) The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) is a national institution in the Ministry of Health, enacted under CAP 261 of 1990 of the Laws of Kenya. The college has 65 campuses spread across 42 of the 47 counties in Kenya. The counties without a campus are Marsabit, Narok, Mandera, Kirinyaga and Samburu. A list of KMTC campuses in the country is attached and the respective counties where they are located. (2) Among the counties without a KMTC campus is Kirinyaga County. According to the KMTC Strategic Plan 2012/2017, the college intends to establish campuses in all the counties. This is intended to be achieved before the end of the strategic plan period. To achieve the goal, the board of management has scheduled to visit the County Government of Kirinyaga on 11th and 12th April, 2017, to hold a discussion with the Governor’s office on the modalities of achieving the same and subsequently organize to visit all other counties without a KMTC campus. Looking through the list of counties and the names of the campuses, there are some counties that have up to three KMTC campuses. As has been pointed out, Kirinyaga County does not have one. Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, while I thank the Chairperson for the Statement, it is imperative that there was bias from the beginning. Even the meeting on 11th and 12th April, 2017 is doubtful. We have a total of 65 KMTC campuses, which surpasses even the number of counties. That means that some counties have more than one campus, when others do not have even one. What criteria was used to omit Kirinyaga 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, the number of KMTC campuses that have been established stands at 65. As we are aware, through public participation, there has been a push by citizens in some of the counties to have some of these institutions. This has driven counties to be in communication with the national Government to establish these institutions. I am sure that this is a priority in Kirinyaga County and it will be established as per the KMTC Strategic Plan. I would request the Senator to participate in the process, particularly when the Committee will be visiting the county, so that he can add some impetus on the drive towards establishing KMTC campuses not only in Kirinyaga, but in the other four counties that do not have.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Sen. Karaba, we wish you well as you wait. You also need to note that it is about the pro-activeness of the county leadership, especially your governor. Tell him that there is collaboration between counties and the directorate of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).

. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, is it the business of the governor or the Senator to indicate the need of KMTC or there is a policy to be considered before a campus is established? Based on the geography that I know, I doubt if there are campuses in some of those areas in those counties he has mentioned. They are not necessarily where the county headquarters are. I would like to know what went wrong if we have 65 campuses in 47 counties and there is none in Kerugoya or Kutus. Kerugoya is the headquarters of Kirinyaga County where we have our county hospital. Something was done to deny us the campus. I think it was corruption.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Order. You have been advised. The leadership of Kirinyaga County should go and sit down with the KMTC board. That is what some of us did in our counties. You are lucky that you have been given a date next week. Let us wait and see what will happen. You can brief us after that. Let us move on to the Statement (g). Could we hear from the Chairperson or a Member of the Committee on Roads and Transport? The Chairperson is there. Are you ready? CHANGE OF LAPSSET CORRIDOR ROUTE AND RELOCATION OF THE PROPOSED ISIOLO RESORT CITY

Mr. “Acting” Speaker, Sir, it is not ready. We will inform the House tomorrow.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): What did you say?

I said, Mr. “Acting” Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): You are one of the oldest Members in the House.

Yes, that is what I am saying.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Is it Acting or Temporary Speaker? 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

It is Temporary Speaker, which is good for you.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Proceed.

Thank you. I said that we will bring a comprehensive Statement tomorrow.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Where is, Sen. Dullo? Has she walked out? I rule that you bring it tomorrow afternoon. Let us proceed to Statement (h). Where is the Chairperson of the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare? I direct that we defer this statement until tomorrow afternoon when I will I have an opportunity to interrogate it. We cannot transact it when I am seated here because I am the one who asked for it. PLIGHT OF SUPERMARKET WORKERS IN KENYA

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I may not be in a position to answer this question tomorrow in view of the fact that we wrote to the Ministry of Labour and they have not replied up to date. It is in that regard that I am making the application, with your approval, that this matter be brought forth after two weeks. That is when I will be able to substantively answer the question.

Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Order, Mr. Chairperson! Unfortunately for you, I am the one who sought this Statement and I am seated on the Chair. This is a serious matter for it concerns the plight of supermarket workers in the whole Republic. You have several hours between now and tomorrow 2.30 p.m. to prepare and bring the Statement to the House.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I am not in any way challenging your ruling that the matter be brought forth tomorrow afternoon. However, I am speaking from a point of knowledge. I know that the questioner of this Statement incidentally happens to be the Temporary Speaker of the moment thus a lot of interest. However, I would ask for the indulgence of the House. This is because I will give the same reply that I am giving today. Instead of wasting time of the House---

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Order, Chairperson! You cannot preempt what you are going to respond tomorrow. The Speaker has ruled. Do not anticipate debate. It is so ordered that you respond to it tomorrow afternoon.

Orders No. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 either require Division or Committee of the Whole. We will bring them when we have the requisite numbers.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): The next is Order No. 19. Sen. (Prof.) Anyang’-Nyong’o is not in today and he was to give a reply. I am his Vice- Chairperson and I am currently on the Chair. I could have done so, but because we all cannot do so, I defer Order No.19.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Is the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare ready to move this Bill?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I am not ready to move the Bill right now. In view of the fact that we are on the final phase of compiling the Public Participation Report, I will move it tomorrow.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): That is approved. You had earlier contacted the Temporary Speaker. I order that you handle it tomorrow afternoon.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Proceed, Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I rise to move the County Boundaries Bill (Senate Bill No. 16 of 2016). I will begin with the problem as it addresses the reason we require this Bill. The Constitution under Article 6 divides the territory of Kenya in to counties specified in the First Schedule which are 47 counties. It is now apparent from our research that we do not have any single legislation that defines the boundaries of counties. Article 188 of the Constitution--- 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.) Lonyangapuo): Order, Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.! Please, move the Bill properly.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move :- THAT, the County Boundaries Bill (Senate Bill No. 16 of 2016) be now read a Second Time.

Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Very well. Proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary, Speaker, Sir. It has been a while since I moved a Bill. Under the Constitution, Article 6(1) divides this country into 47 counties. After the promulgation of the Constitution we do not have any piece of legislation that defines what those counties and their boundaries are. In the event that a person or persons seeks to amend or alter a boundary; they shall follow the procedure stated under Article 188. I successfully moved a Motion for the Committee of Legal Affairs to draft legislation that would anchor the 47 counties into law. This is because for any person to then get the right to alter the boundaries as proposed under Article 188, there must be a process of how those boundaries will be altered. Where then do you find legislation? In my research, I bothered to check the history as to how we arrived at 47 counties. From my research, the 47 counties were put together from what is now called The District and Provinces Act of 1992. That was the compromise. That is what I was told by the people who negotiated for our current Constitution. Therefore, the existing legislation as it is today, talks about districts and provinces. It does not refer to counties. We have no process. It is a pity that our counties are not anchored into law. They exist only in a name. This piece of legislation will provide us with that process of anchoring them into the law. The 1992 Act commonly referred to as The District and Provinces Act has 47 schedules which are now the 47 counties. Any person who wants to know where the boundaries are, will have to refer to the Schedules in that Act. The purpose of this legislation that I have proposed through the Legal Affairs Committee is to, first of all, anchor those boundaries as stated in that law into this legislation. First, if there are any issues on those boundaries, then the process will then be found in this very elaborate legislation. This matter has raised concern in 19 counties, so far, and we are still counting. We have similar concern between Meru-Isiolo, Makueni- Machakos, Makueni-Taita counties, among others counties. There are two petitions, one by Sen. Karaba on boundaries in Kirinyaga, another one from Emali between Makueni and Kajiado. There is a common notion in Emali in Makueni County that the boundary is the railway line. At the time I was drafting this Bill, many people in those two counties knew their boundary was the railway line. However, with the coming of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), I asked them whether their boundaries had shifted because the SGR line moved further to the left. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we are living in dangerous times dangerously. This is because while we continue discussing this issue in these fora, Sen. Murungi moved a Motion which sought to request the Office of the President to appoint a taskforce to determine the dispute between Meru and Isiolo. What was the result? First of all, we advised him not to do so, because it was unconstitutional. However, power is power. 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 second this Bill. I would also like to congratulate you, Chair, for sitting on that Chair---

On a point of order, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I am sorry to interrupt Sen. M. Kajwang. In parliamentary practice, whenever a Bill is being moved, the Leader of Business in Government, these days, the Senate Majority Leader, his deputy or any other senior leader on the Government side would be in the House. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, you will notice that the entire leadership of the Government side is not in the House today. What is even worse is that there is no single Senator of Jubilee in the House. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Senators of Jubilee are overpaid. They earn Kshs1 million every four weeks. Kenyans who work very hard are underpaid yet colleagues of ours are not here to represent them. What sanctions do you think should be considered against the Government that shortchanges the taxpayers and receives remuneration for work not done?

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Order Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale! I order that Sen. M. Kajwang continues from where he left.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to continue. I was congratulating you for assuming that Chair. It is obvious that you are a 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.) Lonyangapuo): Give him two minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. We need to tidy up those pieces of legislation because constituencies are part of a county. When you delimit the boundaries of constituencies, there is some linkage with the boundaries of counties. Sometimes you want a constituency to start from one point to the other, which then might end up interfering with the boundaries of a county. We are clear that Article 188 talks about boundaries of counties but in the same light, we cannot, if we want to involve Parliament in the process of delimitation of boundaries of constituencies, then, let it be Parliament. Let it not be the National Assembly. This Bill is very clear on the role and concurrence of both Houses when it comes to delimitation of county boundaries. We either go back and respect the Constitution and get Parliament away from delimitation of constituencies or we then say that let that process be guided by Parliament which we know is bicameral. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, with those remarks, I beg to support.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I rise to support that the County Boundaries Bill (Senate Bill No.16 of 2016) be now read a Second Time. Before I go into the details, allow me to congratulate Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. for this very innovative industry that he has demonstrated. Every time I listen to the Senator for Makueni, I quickly realise he is a very good student. It is true that young legislators like Sen. Moses Kajwang, Sen. Omar Hassan and Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. have been admiring the older politicians. Therefore, I am not surprised that he has quickly followed up on a similar Bill but which is not related to the one that I moved in this House and which is now law. It was in respect of the headquarters of our counties. Just like that Bill which abated a lot of disputes, I look forward to the wisdom of this Bill once it becomes an Act to solve quite a number of sticking issues. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, it is now over six years into devolution. We can now speak authoritatively with the benefit of hindsight. One of them is that the issue of boundaries as clearly expounded by Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. is imperative and needs to be streamlined as captured in this Bill. What is more is the issue of the number of counties. Today, we have 47 counties which were arbitrarily settled upon without any reference to reasons that would inform the formation of those 47 counties other than as clearly elucidated in this presentation by Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. – the fact that they were trying to adopt the districts that existed in 1992. Since we want devolution to work and have economic returns, it is important that we look beyond the current 47 counties and ask ourselves, do we need these 47 counties? The answer is no. We need to amalgamate some of these counties so that we form counties that can make economic sense. 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.) Lonyangapuo): Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, which county is called “West P?”

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I meant West Pokot County.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Proceed.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, during that exercise we need to also overhaul our constituencies, so that we reduce the number. It is a fact that if you go to the National Assembly, on any day of debate, or go through the HANSARD, you will find that most of the oversight work in the committees has not been done by more than 50 to 70 Members of Parliament. The others simply wait to take instructions from State House on how to exercise tyranny of numbers. I will not go to the cases that are bound, where dispute resolution is required, because Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. and Sen. M. Kajwang have mentioned them. Before I go to specific clauses in the Bill, I want to ask Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. a question. You will be in the next Senate; I will not be there. The other question we would want to answer through this House is: Do we still need the units that were created under the former provincial administration? If you go to Kakamega, for example, you can forgive all the children in Class Eight because they are confused. When they fill out documents they do not know whether they should say that they come from Kakamega County, Kakamega South Sub-County, Kakamega South District or Ikolomani Sub- County. They all refer to the same place. We need to align the nomenclature of administrative units of this country along the devolved structure, so that the standard will be that we move from the state to the county, sub-county, ward and village. Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., I would like you to take a look at Clause 7, which is on the establishment of a county boundaries mediation committee. I want to propose that the request for this establishment should include, over and above the two that you have provided, also a request by the Senator of a county. If the governor can request, I do not see why the Senator should not request. You should also include that if the Members of 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.) Lonyangapuo): You have three minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker,Sir. I was actually concluding. This is important for our history. 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.) Lonyangapuo): Since there is no more interest on the Bill, I now call upon the Mover of the Bill to reply.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I would like to thank Sen. M. Kajwang and Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale for elucidating their proposals in such a manner. I have no other option other than to agree. On Clause 7, I will propose and will make in the third reading---

On a point of order Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): What is it, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this is such an important Bill and you can see that from its size. The amount of thought that has gone through this Bill is such that if through you, you could stand it down and allow debate to continue. This will allow other Senators, who did not know that it will move so fast, to get the chance to speak. I can confirm for a fact that the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Wetangula, who is a President in waiting, would have loved to make a contribution to this important Bill. I beg you.

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(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Continue, Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move: THAT, the debate on this Bill be adjourned under Standing Order No. 99(1). I have listened to Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale on the First Schedule on Kakamega County alone and realized that it will be of great benefit to this Senate to listen to the other Senators on such details about the First Schedule and the importance. We would know what to do as we move to the Third Reading. Therefore, I agree and beg that you agree to the proposal to defer debate for the other Senators to have an opportunity.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): With the request from the Mover under Standing Order No. 99(1) that we adjourn debate and noting the interest and gravity of the matter that it touches on our country, my county and the neighboring counties such as Turkana and others, we will grant that request. I note what Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale said earlier that we need to take our work in the House seriously for us to be able to justify why we are here, particularly those Senators who sit to the right hand of the Speaker.

Next Order.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): The Mover is not around; that is, the Committee on National Security and Foreign Relations, the order is deferred.

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(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): It is touching on the same Committee on National Security and Foreign Relations. The Motion is deferred.

(Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo): Hon. Senators, there being no other business, the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, 6th April, 2017 at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 5.35 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