Hon Senators, I wish to acknowledge the presence, in the Speaker’s Gallery this afternoon, of a delegation of Members of the Committee on Procedure and Business from West Pokot County Assembly. The Members are on a one day visit to the Senate to benchmark on best practices in the management of affairs of the House. I request each member of the delegation to stand when called out, so that they may be acknowledged in the Senate tradition. They are:- 1. Hon. Francis Losia - Deputy Speaker 2. Hon. Thomas Ngolesa - Majority Leader 3. Hon. Solomon Ang’elei - Member 4. Hon. Nancy Chombir - Member 5. Hon. Benjamin Aruale - Member 6. Hon. Agneta Kelepto - Member 7. Hon. Josiah Yarakwang - Member 8. Mr. Leonard Ngiroh - Committee Clerk 9. Ms. Rael Kiraa - Personal Assistant to the Speaker On behalf of the Senate, and on my own behalf, I welcome the delegation to the Senate and wish them well for the remainder of their stay. 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

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you for welcoming the delegation from the great County of West Pokot. I join you and the House in welcoming them to benchmark with us. I wish them success in their endeavors here as they learn. We are doing our best to make sure that the counties are protected and shepherded to success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Senate, I would like to welcome the team from West Pokot County. These are my neighbour back home. For those of us who served in the last Parliament, we are very proud to note the trust and faith that the county governments have in this important Chamber, particularly when we perform our responsibility under the Constitution of protecting counties and their governments. Being an arm of Government we believe that West Pokot County Assembly has learnt something from you, the Senate Business Committee and the Senate itself. We were glad to have the Speaker of West Pokot County Assembly sitting with us in the Senate Business Committee on Tuesday. I believe that they are doing a good job in West Pokot. The Governor of West Pokot County was a Member of this House in the last Parliament. He was a Member of the County Public Accounts and Investments Committee (CPAIC). I hope and believe that, unless something drastic happens, he will accept to be oversighted vigorously by the county assembly. I believe that he will give them the room and support to ensure that accountability becomes the norm in West Pokot County. Mr. Speaker, Sir, let me also use this opportunity to thank the West Pokot leadership in their commitment and effort towards peace in Kerio Valley. The Speaker of West Pokot County Assembly came to my office yesterday and we had a discussion on how to take the issues of peace forward. I have discussed this with Gov. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo and the other three governors; that as much security is a function of the national Government, we rely on the county governments to focus on bringing together communities. There is need to designate a department on peace building and cohesion in their counties that can tap in the structures of national Government, to facilitate good neighbourliness among communities living in Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Turkana and Samburu counties, so that cattle rustling and banditry become a thing of the past. I thank you.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have a special attachment to the people of West Pokot for various reasons; they are pastoralists and marginalized people. I welcome and take this opportunity to advise, particularly, their county government led by Gov. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo. There is need to bring understanding, tranquility and good relationships with their neighbours, so that their children can go to school and benefit from the county government which has been given a lot of resources. I ask them to pass my regards and best wishes to their people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. 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, may I also add my voice to your voice and those who have spoken ahead of me in welcoming my neighbours from West Pokot and laud them for the relative peace and calm that we have between West Pokot and Trans Nzoia. Incidents of insecurity are now part of our history. I also have a close affinity with the Pokot, through the famed Dini ya Msambwa, which they espouse fully. As we welcome the delegation, I encourage them to be steadfast in being the first point of call on oversight; the primary oversight organ in the counties to embrace the doctrine of budget tracking, so that when budgets are laid out, you track to see how their implementation is being done. This ensures that you do not end up carrying out postmortems on frauds which would have otherwise been prevented. Lastly, I salute the people of West Pokot for electing our former colleague, Gov. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo, who was a very active and valuable Member of this House; sitting in many committees and chairing sub-committees. He was always objective, particularly, when discussing matters of security that affect our people. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the people of Makueni County and the Senate, I welcome the Members of West Pokot County Assembly. I have three things to say. First, your governor sat with us in the Committee on Finance and Budget. In that Committee we ensured all assemblies have autonomy; managing their own accounts. Previously, the accounts were signed by the executive. Your Governor, Prof. Lonyangapuo, was responsible for ensuring that you have independence. Secondly, Gov. (Prof.) Longangapuo was also responsible for ensuring that you do not overspend by participating in the legislation on the recurrent expense; the ceilings. We are, therefore, asking you to help the good professor - your governor - to ensure that the things he did while he was here are achieved. Do not overspend. Make sure that you also oversight him well because he did a lot of things to ensure that counties that had gone on a spending spree were put in check. Mr. Speaker, Sir, lastly, allow me to say that we count on the assemblies, everywhere in the country, to ensure that devolution succeeds. They have a mandate and now that they are here, I ask them to pick all the good habits that they find in the Senate to ensure that West Pokot County, which is one of the counties that we have protected in terms of marginalization, is amongst the top five counties in terms of good spending and managing money well. We welcome you again and await your views on the recurrent expenditures on West Pokot County. We are prepared to give you more funds not to go to Israel, but to make sure that you oversight the county government of West Pokot. I thank you.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you for giving me a chance. On behalf of the women Senators, I take this opportunity to welcome the delegation from West Pokot to the Senate. West Pokot County and Kajiado County, where I come from, have some similarities in terms of pastoralism and issues of girl-child education. Therefore, when they go back home, I encourage them to look into the issue of a gender-friendly budget. They should also advocate for a budget that will go a long way in solving issues of education for girls and ensure women empowerment. I also encourage them to oversight the expenditure of the monies that go to West Pokot County, so that they do 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

Sen. Samson Cherargei, you have the Floor.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir. On behalf of many colleagues and the great people of Nandi County, I take this opportunity to welcome Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from West Pokot. We and the great people of West Pokot have a special connection that dates back to history. They are well conversant with that. As my colleagues have said, MCAs are a critical component of devolution. You are the people who will assist us in actualization of devolution. My humble request is; as you go back to your county, make sure what you have learned in the Senate will assist you to make sure devolution works for all the People of West Pokot and not just for a few. Ensure that you do your oversight role religiously so that our people can realise the gains of devolution. Finally, learn as much as possible from Senate. Learning is an endless process. If there is any support that we will give to MCAs across all the county assemblies, we, as Senators, will be more than willing to do so, so that devolution works for all of us.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I also want to take this opportunity, on my behalf and on behalf of the people of Kitui County, to welcome the delegation from West Pokot. There is something that I usually say casually at the lounge; that the people of West Pokot at some point in the political history of this country, did the people of lower eastern proud. At some point, the National Chairman of Wiper democratic movement was none other than the Senator of West Pokot, hon. Sen. Samuel Poghisio. So, we thank you for that. Secondly, I have a personal relationship with the people of West Pokot. I did my teaching practice at Kapenguria High School. I used to live at Kapenguria Town.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker Sir.

What is your point of order Sen. Sakaja?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir. I have been carefully listening to the good Senator from Kitui County. Is he in order to say that the people of West Pokot did the people of Ukambani a great favour by having one of their people, Sen. Poghisio as the Chairman of Wiper Democratic party? I thought that Wiper Democratic party is a parliamentary party that is national. Is the Senator confirming the fears that we have heard that Wiper is an Ukambani party?

Meaning, the favour was done to the people of Ukambani so that we can strike it off from the list of parliamentary parties; or did the people of West Pokot do Kenyans as a whole a favour? Kindly, you are confirming the fears that we have heard for a while. 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. My good friend, the Senator for Nairobi County, Sen. Sakaja, I am sure he has heard what he wanted to hear. I want to confirm that the Wiper Democratic Movement Party is the third largest party in this country. It is a national party. What I meant is that at some point, the chairman of the party came from West Pokot. That was in regard to relationships. I do not want to belabour that point. Hon. Sakaja will be best informed that Wiper Democratic Movement is the party that in all likelihood will be forming the next Government. I welcome the MCAs form West Pokot. As my colleagues have said, I wish that you will continue to apply yourselves in defence of devolution. You know that one of the biggest responsibilities of the county assemblies is to defend devoltion.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I want to add my voice in welcoming the delegation from West Pokot to the Senate to learn some things and take them back to their Assembly in Kapenguria. Everybody has said how they have a relationship with West Pokot. They are our neighbours. To me, unlike hon. Wambua, I did not teach in Kapenguria high School, but Ortum High School. A lot of the leaders in Pokot today are my former students from Ortum High School. For example, the famous Professor Lonyangapuo was my student in the year 1982 at Ortum High School.

I want to welcome you to the Senate. The corridor between Pokot and Turkana is long, there have been conflicts between Turkana and Pokot. These conflicts have been there for a long time due to the belief that cattle belong to a certain community. There has been a lot of cattle rustling which is something that should have ended by now. There are so many people who have gone to school. Therefore, we cannot continue killing ourselves over emaciated cows. We should use our energy to do other things like development instead of running across borders with cattle that are emaciated. As a county assembly, I would like to request you to be strong on the sense of good neighbourliness and peace. We want to live with the Pokot people in peace. We all understand that there is always a fence between good neighbours. One neighbour stays on one side of the fence and the other on the other side of the fence. In a situation where one neighbour wants to encroach in to another’s compound, that becomes a problem.

Order, hon. Members! Please, let us consult in low tones.

Hon. Members, it will be nice if you listen because this is a big issue in the country now. The question of boundaries is an issue we need to address sooner than later. We need to listen to each other. This is the problem along our borders with the Pokots. As much as that is the case, I am hopeful that we will resolve this problem amicably and continue being good neighbours. In your Assembly, I would like 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. On behalf of the people of Narok, the Maasai and the Ilchamus of Baringo, I want to welcome you to the Senate. I plead with you, my dear brothers and sisters, that it is a high time that we all lived in peace. I visited the area in Mukutani and I realized that all the Ilchamus who originally lived peacefully with you are now living in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. So, I would like to urge and beseech you that in your deliberations ---

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

What is your point of order, Sen. Cheruiyot?

Mr. Speaker Sir, my apologies, I would not have wished to interrupt the elaborate remarks of my good friend, Sen. Olekina. However, there is an emerging trend I am noticing which is bothering me. I am a good student of Sen. Khaniri who is a guru in parliamentary practice. Each time we make addresses in this House, it is done through the Chair. However, I have noticed that as Senators continue to make their address, some are gesticulating to the guests seating in the gallery while facing them. Is that in order? I request that you give due guidance to the House on that matter.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I want to take this opportunity to welcome the delegation. In my tradition of the Maasai Community, you cannot be speaking to somebody if you are not looking at them. We welcome our guests here and it is good to give them the eye contact. I will address them through you.

My concern is that this country is highly divided because we all retreat into our own tribal cocoons. Since we now have a devolved government system, it is a high time we try and embrace our neighbours. Therefore, I would like to urge our brothers and sisters who are visiting to sit down and try and come up with a good peaceful resolution on how the Ilchamus can coexist with the Pokots. It is very sad when you visit an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp and when you are there, two or three babies are born. Yes, it is a blessing but we are creating poor people. It is not that the country is not able to sustain them but because we like retreating into our own tribal cocoons. So, I would like to encourage our visiting MCAs from West Pokot to reach out to their neighbours in Baringo County and Turkana County to try and find ways that they can be able to coexist. Mr. Speaker Sir, I also noted that the level of education in West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Turkana counties is actually very low. So, I would like to encourage the visiting MCAs of West Pokot County Assembly to try and ensure that they invest heavily in early childhood education so that we can uplift the standard of living of our people. I once again welcome you to the Senate. 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

Hon. Senators, I note that quite a number of you would have wished to express the same. However, in the interest of time, those who have spoken have spoken on behalf of the Senate. Next Order.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.I beg to lay on the Table of the House the Statement of the Senate Majority Leader on the business of the Senate for the week commencing on 27thFebruary, 2018 pursuant to the provision of the Standing Order No.46 (2) (c).

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Pursuant to Standing Order 46 (2) (b), I rise to seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Health regarding the cancer situation in Marsabit County. In the Statement, the Chairperson should respond to the following concerns:- (a) How many cancer patients are there in Marsabit County currently? (b) How many deaths have occurred as a result of cancer in Marsabit County in the last fives years? (c) What is the cause of the increased cancer cases in Marsabit County? (d) How many health facilities are equipped to deal with cancer patients in Marsabit County? (e) What measures has the national Government put in place to mitigate the increase in cancer cases in Marsabit County? (f) What measures have been put in place by the national Government and the county Government to support families affected by cancer? 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 rise to ride on the Statement of Sen. (Rev.) Waqo because cancer is a number one killer disease in the whole world. I want to add that Kenya is a regional cancer corridor where it has been found that throat cancer is very prevalent. A research which was conducted in Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County and in Eldoret County established that these areas are leading in cervical cancer. This research found that the soil from these regions has a substance called selenium which is found in food and certain milk that is preferred by the community called mursik . Therefore, when the Chairman responds to that particular Statement to state what tangible measures have been put in place to sensitize the people living in this particular area on the dangers of the mursik that is normally preferred? Also, what could be done about the food products that come from the soil there? Secondly, the Chairperson should also state whether there is any funding that has been put aside to assist, in this case reduce, issues of cancer in this particular regions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for the opportunity you have accorded me to add my voice on this Statement and would like to ride on it. The issue of cancer needs to be addressed because it has become a national issue. As I stand to speak as a cancer survivor, I was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. I am still alive now and believe that I will live for many more years.

I want to ride on her Statement that it is important for intervention to be done to ensure that cancer survivors live productively. So, I plead that an investigation be done not only in the said area but countrywide. What is the Government doing to ensure that cancer survivors live a productive life like I am living now? When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2013, were it not for Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where I was working, my friends and relatives, I would certainly be dead by now because it was very expensive. It made me lose my femur bone and part of my pelvis. I now have a hemipelvis prosthesis and femur prosthesis because JKUAT, my relatives and friends intervened at the right time. I sold a lot of my property to bring me to where I am right now. The issue of the common man having cancer is an issue that needs to be addressed with a lot of seriousness. This is because most people who are diagnosed with cancer think that it is a death sentence whereas it is not, and I am a testimony. I had cancer in 2013 and I am now in Parliament. There is need to intervene. There is also need to find out what is causing cancer in that area. Cancer can be as a result of lifestyle. It could also be hereditary. My own father died of prostate cancer in 2006. I could not get prostate cancer and you know why. Instead, I got the bone cancer that led to my disability. There is need to investigate because cancer is also a cause of disability.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I want to ask a question.

Sen. Dullo, you look unprepared. 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

Sorry Mr. Speaker, Sir. I do not want to ride on that particular Statement. I have a Statement that I wanted to request.

That will come later.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, Sir. I also want to thank the good Sen. (Rev.) Waqo for requesting for this Statement. I do not think that any Member can overemphasize the impact of cancer. As the Chairperson seeks for responses from the relevant authorities, he should also consider the issue of pollution of our rivers. It has been proven that there are certain carcinogenic effluents that are let out in a lot of our rivers. That is a high cause of cancer in many informal settlements. We have four main rivers. I would like them to ask what is being done on Ngong River which cuts through Kibera slums, Industrial Area, Mukuru kwa Njenga and Mukuru Kayaba. The kind of effluents that come into the river in these industrial areas are causing cancer. One of the biggest pollutants of Nairobi River, I am ashamed to say, is my own

the University of Nairobi at Chiromo Campus. A lot of effluents from the School of Medicine goes straight into the river. It then goes down to Grogan where we have the mechanics, before it proceeds to Gikomba. There are many settlements along the river. There is also Mathare River in Huruma and we know of Getathuru. We are seeing what is happening in Kirichwa River that Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. talked about. That is Kirichwa kubwa and Kirichwa ndogo . Can we also get a response from the Ministry charged with environment on what they are doing, together with the Ministry of Health, to ensure that we clean and regenerate these rivers? This is because pollution is a huge cause of cancer especially in the City of Nairobi.

For those who I will allow to talk, please go straight to the point for us to save on time.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, Sir. I also thank Sen. (Rev.) Waqo for bringing this Statement. I am also a victim of cancer in a way. My husband lost his uncle and brother because of brain cancer. Research needs to be extended to so many counties. Cancer is also rampant in northern Kenya. They should try to establish if electronic devices are responsible for the brain tumors that many of our people are experiencing. If so, how can we educate them on the use of phones?

Thank you Mr. Speaker, Sir. Allow me to also ride on this Statement. Is there a connection between pastoralism and cancer, especially now that there is research on milk? We are very interested. As they move to do the research in Marsabit, can they sample some pastoralists’ counties like West Pokot? There are many facilities that claim to be centres of cancer treatment. They are called cancer centres of all sorts. Can they be audited in terms of the capacity regarding their claim to treat cancer? If they are not capable of treating cancer, they should not try and hoodwink people to think that they will find treatment there.

I have three more requests. I will give each of you one minute. 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 will take less than one minute. My concern is with regard to cancer being all over the place. It is a new phenomenon. It never used to be there. Now you hear that it is in Mursik, our soil and even waters. What has happened? It seems like there is something new that has come in our environment that was not there before. I am calling upon those who are doing research - as we start with Marsabit - to go further and check on the other communities or counties so as to know where the cancer is coming from. Nowadays, so many people in Turkana are reported to be suffering from cancer. I have a cousin who is lying in bed in my house waiting to die from cancer. This is because there was nothing they could do to save his life. The question on research, equipping our hospitals and finding exactly where the-- -

Senator, your one minute is over. Since you were a teacher, you do appreciate.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, Sir. I want to ride on the Statement by Sen. (Rev.) Waqo. Cancer has been declared the number one killer disease in this country and that story has been told in almost every health forum. Could the Ministry indicate what percentage of the budget has been set aside for research, screening and treatment of cancer?

Thank you Mr. Speaker, Sir. The Commission of Revenue Allocation (CRA) in their requisitions to Government had requested the national Treasury to provide funds for the establishment of two regional cancer centres, but unfortunately, that request was turned down. The question to the Cabinet Secretary is; what alternative strategies are they going to put in place given that patients, especially those from not well to do families continue to suffer? Secondly, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) should tell us; given all these interventions that we have heard from people, why has cancer not been declared a national disaster so that it can get all the interventions that national disasters are given? Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Chairperson, Standing Committee on Health?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I get your point, Senators. The issue of cancer is all over the country and we know that it is a real disaster. This is because it is an issue not only concerning Marsabit County, but it is everywhere in this country. So, generally, we have to ask the CS to get facts from all the counties and also from the national data. Therefore, I ask that we be given a month to look into this issue because we need to solve the serious issues discussed here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Are you okay Sen. (Rev.) Waqo?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I want to thank the Chairperson. I was almost telling him that one month is too much, but because of the work that is involved and the many concerns that these hon. Members have raised, we can wait patiently. However, we will be happy if we get adequate answers within one month. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. 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

One month is okay. Let us hear the next statement from Sen. Olekina. USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE/POLICE BRUTALITY DURING PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION BY UON STUDENTS

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. This Statement had been requested earlier on, but because the Session ended, you directed that it be forwarded to the Standing Committee. I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No. 46(2)(b), to seek a statement once again from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relation regarding the use of excessive force and police brutality during the peaceful demonstrations and picketing in the country; and in particular, during the raid at the University of Nairobi on Thursday, 28th September, 2017. In the statement, the Chairperson should:- (a) Explain why the police raided the lecture halls and halls of residence of the University of Nairobi during the demonstrations by members of the public in the Central Business District of Nairobi on Thursday, 28th September, 2017. (b) State who authorised the police to enter the university premises on the eventful day. (c) State the number of police officers who entered the premises. (d) State the number of students who died or were injured during the said raid. (e) Confirm whether the Bill of Rights in the Constitution and in particular, the freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment was violated by the police officers who undertook the raid at the university. (f) Explain the action that will be taken, if any, against the police officers who will be found to have committed these heinous crimes. (g) Table the results of the investigation the Government undertook to carry out on similar incidences in Kisumu and Mathare in Nairobi during the protests following the general elections of 2017 where lives and properties were lost. (h) Explain the circumstances that led to the subsequent indefinite closure of the University of Nairobi on Tuesday, 3rd October, 2017. Mr. Speaker, Sir, before I sit, I just want to reiterate on the request for that Statement because when we request statements in this House, it is because we want to find solutions to problems. If we let that matter go, we will never have a solution to police brutality in this country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Chairperson, Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relation?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I do not know whether part of this request has something to do with a similar Statement that was asked a day before yesterday by Sen. Chebeni on the university. If it has, it would then be duplication. I do not know whether the raid at the university can be answered together with the rest? I just want your guidance before I give my response on the time. 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, they do not look the same. So, they will require separate answers.

Fine. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we will endeavour to get the statement answered on Thursday next week; God willing.

Sen. Olekina, is that okay? Seven days?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, seven days is okay.

That is okay. Proceed, Sen. Seneta.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I do not have a statement.

Proceed, Sen. Charargei. DELAYS IN PROCESSING OF BIRTH CERTIFICATES

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 46(2)(b) to seek a statement from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relation regarding the registration of births in Kenya. In the statement, the Chairperson should:- (a) Explain the cause of inordinate delay in the processing of birth certificates in the country leading to long queues in the offices of the registrar of births and especially in Nandi Hills and Kapsabet Registries. (b) Explain the policy on issuance of birth certificates indicating the criteria used to process the birth certificates. (c) Explain what the Government, through the Registrar of Births, is doing to make this process simple and efficient to enable parents comply within the timelines with the new policy by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to have all children in schools get the unique personal identification or identifier; something like that.

It is your statement; therefore, you cannot ask anybody else.

My apologies, Mr. Speaker, Sir. It should be the unique personal identifier. I got it correctly. So, those are the questions that I would like the Chairperson to address. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Yes, Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me to ask a supplementary question. In fact, I had sought a similar statement earlier, but I was told that my Chairman had a statement similar to mine.

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, no, no. It is because I have a supplementary question to his.

He is riding on Sen. Cherargei’s question.

Yes; I am avoiding the word “riding”. I do not want to ride on my Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in asking this question, I want to say that this matter is now a crisis. Women in Wote have slept on a cold floor for three nights looking for these birth certificates. So, it is a crisis. In the Statement, I would like to find out from the Chairperson:- (a) Whether the national Government is considering making it compulsory for birth certificates to be issued to all children in Kenya in line with the provision of the new Constitution that citizenship is acquired at birth. (b) Whether the national Government is considering issuing birth certificates for free in the same vein as national identity cards. (c) Whether the national Government is considering collaboration with county governments to ensure birth certificates are issued at Ward level. (d) Whether the national Government is considering a further extension to the issuance of birth certificates to all children in Kenya in line with the policy requests above. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Proceed, Sen. Dullo.

You do not want to make a contribution? It is okay. Yes, Sen. Kajwang’?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I wanted to ride on that statement request, although Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. has captured many of the points that I wanted to raise. As the Chairperson prepares a response, it would be important that he also liaises with the Standing Committee on Education. This is because the situation we have right now is affecting many of us who are still giving birth and those of us whose children are still in school. We have children who are coming home for half term and there are some very strict requirements on some information that they must take back to school. It must be noted that not all births happen in hospital. Women are giving birth at home in a lot of areas in Kenya and they do not get the birth certificates on time. So, my further query that the Committee should clarify or try to intervene is to make sure that in the education sector, parents and students have been given adequate time to provide these information. What measures will the Government take to ensure that there is no stampede? 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. This might be a bit weird, but when my Chairperson is here, I am just a Member and can also ask a question. I have heard Senators’ requests on registration et cetera . I envy these Senators because that might be the depth of their challenge. I want to ride on that Statement. In other counties, at least, there are babies to register; we are losing babies in my county. There is a recent case where a child was stolen in Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and so, there was no certificate to look for because the child was not there. That child was to be sold for Kshs7, 000. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we have also had cases in Pumwani Maternity Hospital. Most of us from Nairobi were born in Pumwani Maternity Hospital. In fact, sometimes when I see someone who looks like me, I think they could be my twin.

The same issues are experienced in Mama Lucy Hospital. Therefore, the issue of babies being stolen should be looked into. We might need more time to also address the security of our babies in hospitals even before they are registered.

Chairperson of the Committee on National Security Defense and Foreign Relations.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. The original Statement sought an answer to the issue affecting the whole country. I am sure that in various places of this country, the problems are different. For us to get a comprehensive answer, I request to be given two weeks.

Senator, is two weeks okay?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, two weeks is too long given the urgency of the matter. As you have heard, in Kapsabet and Nandi Hills parents are forced to walk long distances to the registries and even sleep on the queues. I would request the Chairperson of the Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations to look into this matter immediately.

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

What is your point of order, Sen. Khaniri?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I want to bring to your attention the issue that I see happening quite often. Members are going against Standing Order No. 106 (2) which states that:- “No Senators shall pass between the Chair and the Senator who is speaking or between the Chair and the Table except in so far as it is necessary for the purpose of administration of Oath and Affirmation of Office.” Mr. Speaker, Sir, while Sen. Haji was on the Floor, the Senator for Murang’a, who is still on his feet, which is still offending our Standing Orders, passed between you and the Sen. Haji who was on his feet? Is he in 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

Hon. Senator, I have no eyes or ears. However, I want to urge Members to make an effort of reading the Standing Orders. Proceed, Sen. Haji.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we do not want to come back here to give shoddy answers. Two weeks will be good time to give answers to the whole country.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I agree that two weeks might be necessary given the gravity of the issue. However, I wish that the Chairperson could give us a way forward within the next seven days with regard to the issue of extending the period of issuance of certificates, in compliance with the requirements by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, so that children do not miss the registration process.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the question of waver of fees on birth certificates is something that the national Government ought to address very urgently. This is a matter concerning children. People are suffering and sleeping on cold floors. I am sure that next week, you can come with a policy decision on what ought to be done to resolve this crisis that is happening everywhere. We do not want our mothers in Wote to sleep on a cold floor.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, first, the deadline on the issue of certificates has been extended for one month. Therefore, I do not see the urgency. Secondly, to answer Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., these people have been suffering all this time. Therefore, two weeks will not make any difference. However, whichever way you order, I will attempt to get the answer.

I order that you bring an answer in one week and provide the rest of the information in two weeks.

Much obliged, Mr. Speaker, Sir. SEVERE DROUGHT IN ISIOLO COUNTY

Mr. Speaker, Sir, pursuant to Standing Order No. 46 (2) (b), I rise to seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on the severe persistent drought in isiolo County that has led to severe malnutrition in children, children dropping out of school, loss of lives and livestock. In the Statement, the Chairperson should:- (1) State the amount of relief money available from the Emergency Fund to Isiolo County Government for famine and drought mitigation. (2) Explain why despite the early warning on the current situation of drought in the country, the Government has not taken any measures, such as supplementing school relief food programme, providing relief for the affected persons, clean and adequate drinking water and a consistent livestock off-take programme and re-introducing the Arid and Semi arid lands (ASAL) Kenya Livestock Drought Programme to enable the pastoralists to deal with the problem. 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.

What is your point of order, Sen. Sakaja?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, apart from the resultant effects on the issues that Sen. Dullo is asking about, the substantive matter of that statement lies with the Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries or the Committee on Devolved Government and Intergovernmental Relations, but not the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.

Is that a point of order or point of information?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is a point of order because it is not in order to direct that Statement to the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, because we want to deal with the substantive issues like the causes of drought, livestock up-take et cetera . It will be in order to direct that Statement to the right Committee.

Sen. Dullo.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, from the practice, we have been having similar cross cutting issues that are brought to the Committee. Part of the request that I have made is also touching on security. So, I do not see why the Vice-Chairperson is running away from answering the statement. Could he consult the relevant Department because that is one Government?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, just to quickly ride on the statement sought. This is very urgent. This drought is not just in the area where the Senator for Isiolo County comes from, but has also affected other counties around the country. Livestock in those counties have suffered because of this prolonged drought. It has affected us in West Pokot County to the extent that we have moved our livestock to Uganda and other areas. Could the Chairperson expedite the statement so that we get relief from the Government?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am torn between agreeing with my Vice- Chairperson and consenting to the request of Sen. Dullo. I congratulate Hon. Wamalwa for being retained in the Cabinet. I was with him last week in Mombasa County. He told me about the seriousness of the drought in Isiolo. He was trying to inquire about Garissa County and otherplaces. He told me he will visit those areas. In view of that, we will direct the statement to the Cabinet Secretary (CS), Hon. Wamalwa. It will be up to him either to direct it to the CS for Interior and Co-ordination of National Government or answer it. I think we should get an answer by Thursday. 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

In fact, I was going to direct that the statement be directed to the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations which cuts across to provide an answer. Where is the Chairperson of the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations?

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

What is your point of order, Sen. Lelegwe?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, let me ride on the statement requested by Sen. Dullo. As you remember last week on Thursday, you gave a ruling that within 48 hours, the Department of Interior intervenes on saving the starving communities of Suiyian in Samburu County. Up to now, nothing has been done. There is no interim report that has been tabled in this House to show us what interventions the Government has taken on these starving communities. Secondly, on the statement requested by Sen. Dullo, we have seen in the media that there are several counties that are suffering from the effects of this severe drought. However, some of them are not included in the list of Government of counties where it will intervene and solve the problem. These are Samburu, Kajiado and other counties. I want the Chairperson when issuing statement to include them in that list.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I also come from a county which is mostly hit by the drought. That is Tana River County. I suffer and feel the same with the Sen. Dullo. On behalf of the Committee on Devolved Government and Intergovernmental Relations, I would like to give the following undertaking: I will consult the relevant Ministry and give a substantive answer as soon as possible. I will do so in two weeks’ time.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I can see the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations is running away from this statement. Last Friday, herds of cattle were taken from Isiolo County and one person was killed. Secondly, we lose lives every week as a result of drought. These are matters that concern the two departments. Could the two Committees work together and come up with a proper answer?

That is why I had directed it to the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations because it cuts across. Let us incorporate the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations. We want an answer in one week. Two weeks is too long, especially when it involves deaths. Therefore, Chairperson, go out of your way to make sure that you provide us with the state of the drought in the country in one week’s time. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TWO-THIRDS GENDER RULE IN COUNTIES

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.46(2)(b), to seek a statement from the Chairperson of the Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration, regarding the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule in all 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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I want to ride on Sen. Milgo’s statement on the issue of employment. We were really excited on the creation of devolved units. That is, county governments. This is because we knew ---

Order. Continue.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, protect me.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Some of the things that Sen. Khaniri raised about people being out of order have been very prophetic. This time, I think the Speaker had ears and eyes to see two things. While the Member was on her feet, there was a Member between you and the Member and also just crossing between the table. She knows how to get to the other side of any House. So, just for you to make sure that we can follow our own rules laid down in our Standing Orders.

Noted. Hon. Senator, could you do the right thing?

.: Mr. Speaker, Sir, you did not mention who.

Sen. Were. We may need another induction.

Sen. Seneta, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I was riding on Sen. Milgo’s Statement on the issue of county governments employment; on the ratio of men to women. We were very excited when the new Constitution came in place that gave a very strong gain in terms of employment. That is equality in terms of employment. 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

Proceed, Sen. (Rev.) Waqo.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the issues that have been raised are quite touching. I understand where the honourable Members are coming from. Because of that, we will give it all the necessary attention and give the response in the next two weeks. Thank you.

Is that okay, Sen. (Dr.) Milgo?

That is okay, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

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

What is your point of order, Sen. Murkomen?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, while I respect the right of Members to ride on statements, it is becoming too much. Sometimes it distorts the initial intention of the Senator who had framed to ask a question to specifically address an issue of his constituents. When we visited the French and British parliaments, questions are specific to the interests of constituency that the representative was asking here. If you allow endless riding, the initial purpose of that question losses meaning. Going forward, I want you to develop a policy on this issue of riding. First, the Senate is going to be only dealing with statements for almost the whole afternoon. Secondly, it is going to distort the intention of the representative: Someone who sat down and thought through an issue on behalf of his constituents and the other one who just came to ride are not the same. You need to think about it.

Maybe the riding is the only opportunity for some Members to say something, but we will limit that. I have noted. Proceed, Sen. Farhiya. 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, for giving me this opportunity to seek a statement on insecurity in Wajir County. Pursuant to Standing Order 46 2 (b), I rise to seek a statement from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations regarding constant clashes and terror attacks in Wajir County that have derailed the development in the county. In the statement, the Chairperson should:- (1) State the number of clashes that have occurred in Wajir County over the last one year; (2) State the locations where they took place; (3) explain the factors that triggered the clan clashes – whether terrorists are involved in any way; (4) Table a list of persons who have died and or were injured as a result of the clan clashes and the recent terrorist attack that occurred in Qarsa Primary School in Wajir East Constituency; (5) State the sources of arms to the clan militia and explain the government policy on ownership of guns and what the government is dong to ensure that arms are not being held by unlicensed holders; (6) State the names and the number of persons who have been apprehended over the crimes and the status of their prosecution; and; (7) Explain the measures the government will put in place to end the clashes that have escalated in the last one month and terror attacks in North Eastern Kenya, specifically, Wajir County. Thank you.

Proceed, Sen. (Dr.) Ali.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish to thank Sen. Farhiya for bringing that statement. On behalf of the people of Wajir County, I wish to send my condolences to the teachers who were killed at Qarsa Primary School recently. The incidents of the clan clashes have been there on and off for some time. I think the national Government should act properly. Our problem is not mainly cattle rustling, but clan clashes which have led to loss of many lives. The entire Ministry of Internal Security and Coordination of National Government should act. Recently, we asked the Minister. He was supposed to visit Wajir but changed to the Kerio Valley where there are also problems of the same nature. I ask the ministry concerned to make sure that the safari of the Minister and the team to the region is done urgently. Thank you.

Proceed, the Chairperson of Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, since this is fresh in the mind of everybody, hopefully we will try to answer it by Thursday next week.

Is that okay, Sen. Farhiya and Sen. (Dr.) Ali? 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

That is okay, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I thank the Chairperson for that commitment.

Okay. We proceed to statements to be issued. The Chairperson of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, there was a statement requested by Sen. Khaniri. SHOOTING OF RESIDENTS IN LUANDA MARKET, VIHIGA COUNTY

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I want my brother Sen. Khaniri to bear with me. This statement is due. In fact, we have been in touch with Harambee House. They are saying the Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS) is being blamed for what has happened, it will be wrong for us to expect him to give us the true picture. Therefore, they are going to send a team of investigators to investigate the matter and report back to us. Maybe, latest by next Thursday, we shall try.

Let us have Sen. Khaniri.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, yes, the Chairperson has consulted me on this matter. I fully agree with him that they cannot get the answers we want from the Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS) who is supposed to have committed these acts. I agree with him and thank him for the initiative of sending investigators from Nairobi. However, my concern is still there that this is a matter that needs speedy intervention and a reply so that justice is not only done, but seen to be done to these victims. I agree that Thursday next week is okay.

Thank you so much, Sen. Khaniri. What is your intervention Sen. Mwaruma?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I had requested for a Statement but along the way, I cannot get it. I do not know what happened.

It is not anywhere with us so we can check with the Secretariat. In the meantime, let us hear from the Chairperson, Senate Committee on Finance and Budget. DELAY IN RELEASE OF FUNDS TO COUNTY GOVERNMENTS FOR THE FY 2017/2018

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg the indulgence of the House. We have not been able to complete this Statement. In fact, I have discussed with Sen. Khaniri that we will try to avail the comprehensive Statement on Thursday next week.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I confirm that we had a discussion with the Chairperson, Senate Committee on Finance and Budget. However, you and I know that the first and foremost responsibility of this House is to protect the interests of the counties and their governments. This is a very serious matter affecting, I think, all the counties. They have not received all their funds for the Financial Year 2017/2018. 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

I am sure the Chairperson, Senate Committee on Finance and Budget understands the urgency since he comes from a county. Please endeavour to ensure we get a response by Thursday next week. Thank you. Let us have the Senate Majority leader. BUSINESS FOR THE WEEK COMMENCING TUESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY, 2018

Mr. Speaker, Sir, pursuant to Standing Order No. 43(2) (c), I hereby issue a Statement on the business for the week commencing Tuesday 27th February, 2018. The Senate Business Committee will meet on Tuesday, 27th February, 2018 to schedule the business of the Senate for that week. Subject to the directions of the meeting, the Senate will continue with its consideration of business that will not be concluded in today’s Order Paper. On Wednesday, 28th February, 2018, the Senate will proceed to consider business that will not have been concluded in Tuesday’s Order Paper and any other business scheduled by the Senate Business Committee. Hon. Senators, the following Bills are due for Second Reading, although after what happened yesterday, I will have consideration to it: (1) The Food Security Bill (Senate Bills No. 12 of 2017). (2) The Assumption of Office of the County Governor Bill (Senate Bills No. 1 of 2018) (3) The County Government Bill (Senate Bills No. 11 of 2017) (4) The County Government (Amendment) No.2 (Senate Bills No. 7 of 2017) (5) The National Flag Emblems and Names (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No. 8 of 2017) (6) County Boundaries Bill (Senate Bills No. 6 of 2017) I take this opportunity to remind Hon. Senators of the need to be vigilant as to the business appearing on the Order Paper and urge them to be available effectively, discharge our mandate in the consideration of these Bills and other Motions. I also urge respective Committees to expedite public participation on the aforementioned Bills and present reports to the House within the stipulated time in order to facilitate seamless voting during Division. I would like to request heads of County Delegations who have not filled their proxy forms to do so and designate Members of their Delegation to vote on their behalf in their absence. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it necessitates me because this is my time to issue this Statement. Sadly, yesterday, something that has never happened in five years of my siting 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.

What is your Point of Order, Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.?

.: Mr. Speaker, Sir, you cannot allow the Majority Leader to lecture us like this. Voting is a right of every Member. If he wants us to undress one another we can do so, but it is not necessary. We have had both sides losing Bills here. It is not the first time. However, there some matters that we ought to discuss off camera. If the majority side proposes to go this way, we are only going to diminish the stature of this House. This is because people are watching what we are doing. If he decides that we are going to split this House into two, it is not to the benefit of anybody. Nobody owns a Bill and if it fails in this House, it concerns counties and not Makueni County. Mr. Speaker, Sir, could you please redirect the statements being made by the Majority Side because the last statement he has made is a threat. We will not be 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! Order, Hon. Members! Order!

Mr. Speaker, Sir, everything I spoke is a response to a point of order. Everything raised in my Statement can be backed by evidence. The Senator who has just spoken is completely out of order because---

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

Mr. Speaker, Sir, Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. cannot raise a point of order when I am responding to a point of order. He is a master of contradiction because the Hansard proves me right; that he supported the Bill. If there is a person and a group of people who are actually demeaning the Senate; who are bringing the reputation of the Senate down and dividing it, it is those who attempted to defeat this Bill yesterday. Mr. Speaker, Sir, people want us to blame the Minority Side to say, ‘you see the Bill did not go through’. But as I said earlier, there is no single Bill which failed in the Second Reading in the last five years. Even where there were murmurs in the House and a Bill almost got lost in the Second Reading, we always caucused, allowed that Bill to go through Second Reading and came back to the Committee Stage. There, we either defeated the Bill if we thought that it never accommodated the concerns of our counties or we allowed it to pass if it accommodated those concerns. So, Mr. Speaker, Sir, without going into too many stories, we are ready to pass the Bills based on the majority-minority side. From today going forward, we are prepared as we go to the next Division. I do not want to say much, I just want to lay my Statement on the Table. Let us proceed in the manner in which we started yesterday. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Point of Order! Point of Order!

Order! Order Members! The Majority Leader has made his point and you have also responded. So, in the interest of time, let us proceed. 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

Hon. Senators, since we are going to a division, I direct that the bell be rang for five minutes.

Order, Hon. Senators! Order! Order! I now direct that the doors be locked and the bars be drawn.

Hon. Senators, I will now put the Question, which is, that the Urban Areas and Cities (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No.4 of 2017) be now read a Second Time. You can now log in. Are we now ready? Can we have the screens on?

Hon. Members, we have a problem with our system. Chairman of the Standing Committee on Information Technology, you need to improve on this. You have to take this matter seriously. We shall, therefore, vote manually. I will ask that we get a teller for the “Ayes” and another one for “Noes.” Please, can we have the tellers? Clerk, please, call out the Senators’ names as they vote.

Hon. Lusaka): Hon. Senators, the result of the Division is as follows:-

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I am happy that we have unanimously voted for this Bill in the Second Reading stage. However, my experience in parliamentary affairs has taught me that when there is a sticky issue that involves both sides of the House, the best way out to cool down tempers is for the Chair to call for a Kamukunji meeting. I request this so that we all move with one voice and one accord to run a few housekeeping issues that need to be looked into. Hon. Members with serious doubts on a Bill can make an appropriate amendment in that meeting. In that way, it will help this House to move forward.

Members, I want to agree with what Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri has said. We should organize for a kamukunji because as we sit here, we all represent counties. We must put our counties and their governments first before anything else. That is your mandate under Article 96 and we must adhere to that. I am directing 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, I was on the Floor at the rise of the House. I want to continue contributing to the Warehouse Receipts System Bill.

Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I wish the Senate Majority Leader who moves Bills sits in the House to hear what Members say. That will help him bring informed amendments when it comes to the Committee stage. His extremely mobile behavior is going to create a lot of problems in this House. Whenever Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki moved any Bill, he sat here throughout the debate of the Bill. He listened to Members and was able to liaise with committees to bring amendments.

I know you want to complain about the language. It is a quote.

On a point of order, Madam Temporary Speaker.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): What is your point of order, Sen. Seneta?

Madam Temporary Speaker, this is a House of rules and order. Is it in order for the Senate Minority Leader to speak in two languages before he ends his speech?

Madam Temporary Speaker, I was responding. I thought I had the right of response---

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Sen. Wetangula, please, take your sit. You did not have to respond to the obvious. We all heard you. You spoke in two languages. You are a senior Member here. Many of these Members are supposed to be learning from you. If you mix things, you are going to mix the young ones who have 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

I did not mix languages. Language is very dynamic. When speaking in English, you can use a quote from a different language then go ahead and explain what it means. That is what I was about to do. I can speak in English then say wewe ni mjinga wamwisho . I will then go ahead and explain what mjinga wamwisho means. It is allowed in the procedures of Parliament. However, if I swung off and started my debate on a different language---

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Sen. Wetangula, please, do not insist on misleading the new comers. You are a senior Member of this House.

Madam Temporary Speaker, this Bill on warehousing is a good idea crafted badly. Warehousing is a very important component of commodity exchange, commodity trading and support for farmers and other people. However, from the way this Bill is drafted, it is not very clear how it is going to help the farmer or the small business people. What happens in comparable jurisdictions is that if you get a big commodity exchange market as big as Chwele Market in Bungoma or Karatina in Nyeri, you warehouse things for traders. They pay for the services and you also help them to market them. The Bill is generally talking about warehousing and creating a structure that is going to be a parastatal. We are moving away from this parastatal business. We are just creating new layers of public expenditure that are not helpful. Be that as it may, I hope the Mover of the Bill will bring appropriate amendments for us to deal with this. The commodities that are supposed to be warehoused after the passage of this Bill are matters devolved. They are produce such as cereal maize, rice, bananas, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes and so on. The council being set up is so heavy at the top and so lean at the devolved representation. The council consists of a Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Finance, one nominee of the Council of Governors, Director-General of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Authority at the national level, a person nominated by the Financial Sectors Regulators Forum, one person nominated by Kenya Farmers Association which is neither here nor there. There is also someone from East African Grain Council which is also neither here nor there. We also have someone from Consumer Federation of Kenya which is a Non-Governmental Organisation that works with the Government and so on. At Clause 3(4), there is not any description of educational standards for the people who will sit on this council. It just says that persons who have:- ‘relevant experience, expertise, qualification and experience in the agricultural sector and any other relevant sector’. My milkman for the last 20 years qualifies to sit on this council despite the fact that he probably does not have the appropriate skills to read, write and analyse any documentation that comes before him. To the very least, we know that some of our good farmers are not very well educated. We should give some level of education even if it is form four. We do not want to create structures where people come in as voting machines where they are hurried by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairperson to earn their 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 Madam Temporary Speaker.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): What is your point of order?

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. First, allow me to disclose my interest. The honourable Cabinet Secretary (CS) in charge of roads is from my county, that is, Murang’a County. So, to that extent, I wish to declare that. Secondly, is it in order for the Senate Minority Leader to discuss a CS who is not present with us here? We need a substantive Motion so that he is able to reply to the issues that have been raised against him. I would urge you to make a finding that the Senate Minority Leader is out of order by casting negative aspersions on a person who cannot have the opportunity to appear before us here and make his submission. Most crucial, the Senate Minority Leader ought to have come up with a document of evidence to support what he is saying.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Order, Senator! You have made your point. There is a point of order from Sen. Olekina.

On a point of order, Madam Temporary Speaker. I am a little bit concerned that when the distinguished Senator rose, he did not point---

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Sen. Olekina, if you are responding to his point of order---

Madam Temporary Speaker, I am actually pointing out the fact that he should have told us the point of order he was raising.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Are you giving information?

Yes, Madam Temporary Speaker. It is a point of information.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): If you want to give information you strictly give information, but you are not the one to rule whether he is out of order or not. I am here for that job.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I will be guided by you. Standing Order No. 87 (1) says: “Any Senator may raise a point of order at any time during the speech of another Senator stating that the Senator raises a point of order and the Senator shall be required to indicate the Standing Order upon which the point of order is based.” So, I just wanted 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Hon. Members, please take your seats. Sen. Kang’ata, take your seat. Sen. Wetangula was not discussing the CS; he made reference. You can make reference as long as there is no discussion. He is aware that if he has to make a discussion, then he needs to raise it substantively. For Sen. Olekina, I have the same Standing Orders so we are safe in the House. I would have alerted him, but he was okay to raise the point of order except he diverted from his point of order. That is why I was saying Sen. Wetangula actually made a reference; he did not discuss.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, for trying to defend the indefensible. You could see even from the body language the distinguished Senator was not even confident that he was challenging me because he knew I was speaking facts. This country must have taken the path of probity and honesty. The only reason why the distinguished Senator of Murang’a County was defending the CS is because he is from his community. I am sure he would have cared less if that CS was a Pokot, a Turkana or a Maasai. Madam Temporary Speaker, the education qualification of the people who will sit in this Council matters. I hope whoever is taking notes for the Senate Majority Leader who has taken his leave will bring amendments to that effect. We also want to see, under Clause 4 of the Bill, the functions of the Council better defined. This is because it is not enough when you just say that they will establish and maintain a Warehouse Receipt System that contributes towards structured trading of agricultural commodities. Madam Temporary Speaker, this is a very good idea. In the olden days, for those of us who are of our age like you and the distinguished Senator for West Pokot, there was the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC), the Kenya Farmers Association (KFA) and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). You could go to the AFC and get a credit note, go to the KFA and collect fertilizers, seeds and other things, go plant your maize, deliver the produce to the NCPB who will then pay AFC. Then AFC will net out what they gave you and give you your money. The farmers operated in a stress-free environment until we fell into a World Bank trap called free market economy where everybody is left to the Almighty and the middlemen that ravage us. So, if we want to do this to the farmers, this Council, which is completely lacking, for example, can ensure that if there is a bumper maize harvest in West Pokot where a lot of maize is grown, the farmers can warehouse their maize there and the records are furnished to the National Disaster Management or other similar bodies. If maize is required in Kitui, you simply move the cereal there for consumption by the population. Those attendant details are lacking in this Bill and there is no provision that rules will properly be structured to govern this. The Bill that the Council will establish a central registry for the management of warehouse receipt transactions. This is good because farmers and whoever is keeping their goods in the warehouses must be properly documented. Though what is lacking is how you determine how much is levied from farmers when they take their produce to the warehouse, like my good friend from West Pokot. It 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, Madam Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity to comment on this important Bill, which I support. I have looked at the Bill and from 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Hon. Members, please, consult in low tones.

Madam Temporary Speaker, there is no doubt that the overall agricultural sector will benefit immensely with this warehousing. However, what will help farmers of Narok County is when they can be assisted to find better markets for the produce stored in those warehouses. This will help them have confidence in their agricultural activities. When they store their produce in those warehouses and are issued with receipts, they can use the same to access credit facilities. They can talk confidently about the value of their produce in warehouses. In the event those produce are damaged by floods which we get every year in Narok County, for example, the insurance company will compensate them. That aspect is lacking in this Bill. I believe some amendments will be introduced at the Committee stage. For example, I would be proposing Clause 8 of the Bill be deleted and replaced with the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of agriculture or be given an opportunity to nominate somebody to represent him. The other issue I have with this Bill is that we, as a country, are moving away from the system of parastatals. I do not see the reason as to why we should be creating another big parastatal which will borrow money and also charge for its services. In my view, Clause 11(d) should be removed from this Bill. Our institutions should be self- sustaining. Allowing a parastatal to borrow money will create a lot of problems for it. The revenues and fees they collect from the services they render, once it is devolved into the 47 counties, can really help them have a good warehousing system. 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.) Kamar): Proceed, Sen. (Eng.) Hargura.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I would like to join my colleagues in supporting the Warehouse Receipts System Bill, 2017. Agricultural produce are perishable goods. A lot of effort and investment go into production of these goods. If there is no proper storage then the farmer will be the one to lose. The consumers will have less in terms of choice. For some time now, we have been losing agricultural produce due to poor storage and bad weather. The available storage has been mainly the one by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). If we can have this system of warehouses which according to need have been cropping up in the required areas, but there is no legislation to regularize it; which affects the produce by the farmer. There is no such legislation to make sure the produce is safe then he or she will be the one to lose. This legislation goes a long way in, first, providing proper storage. These warehouses have to be inspected and approved 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Let us have Sen. Mary Yiane.

Thank You, Madam Temporary Speaker, for giving me a chance to also add my voice to this very important Bill. I am also aware of the situation we are now in Kenya due to the long dry spell. As a country, we need to think of ways of ensuring that we are food secure. Looking at this Bill, it has created a situation for a farmer from whatever part of the country to be able to have a secure space to keep his produce. Many times, our 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.) Kamar): Hon. Senators, I do not see any other speaker wishing to speak, so may I, therefore, invite the mover to respond.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I wish to respond to the Warehouse Receipts System Bill (Senate Bills No. 10 of 2017). I thank all the Members who have made contributions towards this particular Bill. The suggestions and concerns addressed by various speakers concerning the Bill will at some point enrich the Bill. Secondly, this will be automatically addressed at the Committee Stage. The small- scale farmers have something to smile about once this particular Bill has gone through since a lot of issues that affect them have been addressed individually. They will develop the farmer, the economy of the country and improve the market. Once there are structures in place, the market will automatically improve. In the Bill, there is the provision for collateral, especially on their produce. Instead of farmers waiting too long to recoup the benefits of the produce they have made, 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.) Kamar): Hon, Senators, the request having been put forward, which I do agree with, I would like to defer the vote on this Bill to Tuesday, 27th February, 2018.

Next Order.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Hon. Senators, we have had consultations on this Motion and we have agreed to defer this Order to Tuesday 27th February, 2018.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Yes, Sen. Poghisio.

Thank you very much, Madam Temporary Speaker. I beg to move:- THAT, this House adopts the Report of the 8th Ordinary Session of the Forum of Parliaments of Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR), held on 5th – 7th December, 2017, in the Central African Republic, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 20th February, 2018. The Eighth Ordinary Session of the Plenary Assembly of the Forum of Parliaments of Member States of the FP-ICGLR took place on the 7th December, 2017. 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, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise to support this Motion because the ICGLR is a forum that champions peace in the region. That is the reason why currently we are enjoying some fair stability. Secondly, I noted that this forum also plays a role in harmonizing legal statues that in this case bind the member states to uphold peace and avoid conflicts. In addition, it is through this forum that member States seek assistance from bodies such as the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU) and others that assist in the maintenance of peace. Finally, another crucial issue is that this forum brings together the Great Lakes states and in the process there is harmony in these countries. This will ensure that there is a network where the citizens of these great nations can exchange not only business ideas, but also be able to conduct trade. By so doing, it will provide a large base of economic input in our states. Madam Temporary Speaker, based on this, I second. Thank you.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): The Floor is now open for any Member who wishes to contribute.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. This is not a contribution, but I seek direction from you. We have not been able to get copies of this report when the Member was presenting. If this could be deferred, so that we have a chance to look at the report, then we will make meaningful contribution. Additionally, if such a report was to be laid in future, it would be proper for us to get advance copies for purposes of preparing to contribute meaningful to the report. I have noticed that in most of the proceedings we have been following, we do not get copies of what is before the House. This also applies to the Bills. You have to get it from 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.) Kamar): Thank you, Sen. Pareno, but I want to confirm that the Paper was laid on 20th February, 2018. It was circulated on the same day. Is there any other Member who would want to contribute? Sen. Pareno, for the request that you had made to defer, I will ask you to move to the Desk for you to make your request in a procedural manner.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order No. 99 I beg to move that debate on this matter be adjourned.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): I see that nobody wants to debate it.

Next Order.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion:- THAT, pursuant to Standing Order No. 49, this House resolves that the Senate adopts the Report of the Senate Delegation to the Women Political Leaders Annual Global Summit, held in Reykjavik, Iceland, from 28th to 30th November, 2017, laid on the Table of the Senate on Wednesday, 14th February, 2018. Madam Temporary Speaker, from the onset, I want to really thank the Speaker and the Clerk for facilitating me and the delegation that went along with me. I was the leader of the delegation. I was accompanied by Sen. Kasanga and Sen. Gona. We thank the Speaker for according us this great opportunity to attend such a great summit. The Women Political Leaders Global Summit is a network of female politicians whose mission is actually to increase the number and influence of women in political leadership positions. The women that gathered in that particular forum included Heads 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

On a point of order Madam Temporary Speaker.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): You have a point of order?

Yes. Madam Temporary Speaker. I want to bring to your knowledge that there is no quorum in the House.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Clerks, can you ascertain that.

It is confirmed that there is no quorum. So, may I ask the Serjeant-at-Arms to ring the Quorum Bell for ten minutes.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kamar): Hon. Senators, there being no requisite quorum, and the time now being 6.18 p.m., it is now time to adjourn the House. The Senate, therefore, stands adjourned until Tuesday, 27th February, 2018 at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 6.18 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