Mr. Deputy Speaker Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion:- THAT, aware that several days of heavy rains recently have caused severe flooding in many parts of the country, resulting in multiple deaths and devastating damage to property and infrastructure; NOTING with concern that, whenever Kenya experiences periods of severe drought, torrential rains usually follow; CONCERNED that year in year out, the challenge of floods continues to recur, leading to loss of human and animal life, displacement of people and wanton destruction of property; COGNIZANT that the number of Kenyans needing emergency food aid as a result of displacement caused by the current floods continues to rise by the day, and that the floods have also washed away many bridges and destroyed roads in many parts of Kenya; ALSO CONCERNED that no effective measures, such as improved storm water harvesting, proper drainage infrastructure and preventing the destruction of riparian reserves and natural water courses, to mitigate and/or provide a lasting solution to the menace of flooding, have been taken; NOW THEREFORE, the Senate calls upon the National Government to develop a lasting framework to permanently address the challenge of effects of floods by, among other things- The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Next order.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Hon. Senators, by now, you know the script. We do not have more than one hour for the Statements. We start with the requests for a Statement. The first Statement request is by Sen. Kasanga. AWARDING OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS TO FOREIGN COMPANIES

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Kasanga is not in the House. Is there a Senator who is going to request for the Statement on her behalf? If there is no one, the Statement is dropped.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Loitiptip is away with permission from the Chair. Therefore, the Statement to be requested by Sen. Loitiptip is deferred.

Let us move to the Statements to be issued DELAYS IN PROCESSING OF BIRTH CERTIFICATES

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Is the Chairperson or the Vice Chairperson of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations ready to issue a Statement?

Mr. Deputy Speaker Sir, the Statement is ready. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): I cannot see Sen. Cherargei in the House.

Mr. Deputy Speaker Sir, this is the second time he is absent.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Today, I direct that you proceed.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I will just give a summary because the Senator has this response. The request for Statement was on the registration of births and deaths in Kenya. The Member wanted to know the process of acquiring birth certificates in Kenya and why the Nandi Hills and Kapsabet Registries are inefficient and corrupt, what the Government is doing to simplify the process to comply with the timelines especially because of the new policy by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to have all children in schools get the unique personal identification or identifier and the reforms that the Government will undertake to make the process faster and simpler. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Nandi Hills and Kapsabet Registries serve the six sub counties of Nandi County. The registries have been coping with customer volumes adequately before the introduction of the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS). The implementation of NEMIS has created an unprecedented high traffic of applicants not only in Nandi County but the whole country. The Department of Civil Registration Services is addressing the challenge of high number of applicants. There are no reports of corruption noted in the Nandi Hills and Kapsabet Registries. That is to answer the first question. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, on the second question, the Government is taking the following measures to make the process of acquiring birth certificates simple and efficient to enable parents comply with the new policy by the Ministry: (1) The Ministry is engaging more staff on a temporary basis. This will be achieved through engaging casuals and secondment of staff from National Registration Bureau and the use of interns. (2) Increase in the supply of birth certificates booklets and other registration materials to all registries so that there is no supply problem . (3) Encouraging applications through Huduma Centres so as to decongest registries. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Government is taking the following measures to make the process of acquiring birth certificates faster and simple; (1) Fully automating the birth registration process. (2) Storing all registration information in a central data base electronically. (3) Having staff wear identification badges compulsorily to eradicate corruption because there are people who masquerade as members of staff at the registration bureaus. (4) Sensitizing the public on the need and importance of registering births immediately they occur. (5) Increasing human resource capacity of the Civil Registration Services Department and, finally; (6) Establishing civil registries in all the sub-counties in the country so as to take services closer to the people. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Thank you, Sen. Sakaja. Let us move to the next Statement. ONGOING RECRUITMENT EXERCISE BY KDF

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Is the Chairperson or the Vice Chairperson of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations ready to issue a Statement?

Mr. Deputy Speaker Sir, the Statement is ready.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Kindly proceed.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Statement was on the recruitment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). The question was whether the CS is aware that there is discrimination in the on-going KDF recruitment. The KDF recruitment is open to all eligible candidates interested in joining. The policy on recruitment indicating the number of recruits targeted per ward is not conducted at the ward level. The requirement under the KDF Act is for the Defence Council to advertise the designated recruitment centres for all counties, at least 30 days before recruitment which was complied with. Mr. Deputy Speaker Sir, the question whether one is disqualified solely by seeking to be recruited into the KDF from a ward other than the one evidenced by the national identity card; the response is that, the KDF conducts its recruitment in a fair, transparent, equitable and professional manner in compliance with the KDF Act. By designating various centres in the 47 counties, candidates from the respective sub-counties are afforded an opportunity to be recruited hence attaining regional balance and equal representation in the force. Finally, is on why the youths from various wards were turned away because their national identity cards indicated that they had hailed from different wards; different from where the recruitment process was happening. The question is answered by the response above. On whether the KDF is considering reforming the recruitment process, the KDF asserts that the process as presently organised and structured meets the KDF needs. However, the KDF strives to continually improve its operational effectiveness, efficiency and as well as strategic alignments. Mr. Deputy Speaker Sir, that is the response. Additionally, the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations is having a sitting with the military and the Ministry and these are some of the issues that we will raise. This answer suffices for now but we will go deeper into these issues especially on the issue where somebody’s identity card indicates another place other than the place they are seeking to be registered. Thank you.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Let us move to Statement no.(e). We will come back to Statement no. (c) later. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): I do not see the Chairperson of the Committee on Energy in the House. Please proceed, Sen. Wambua.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The Chairperson is not in the Chamber. I seek the indulgence of the Chair to defer this statement because I have just received its response and I can see there is an attempt to deal with some of issues here. I request that it be deferred until a time when the Chairperson will be in the House to address them.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): The statement is deferred to Thursday, next week.

Let us move to Statement (c). Is the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relation here? HARASSMENT OF OPPOSITION LEADERS

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the statement was answered, but there was additional information required which will be available next Thursday.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is so ordered!

We move to Statement (d). Where is the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology? Where is the Vice-Chairperson, or any Member of the Committee present? SHUT DOWN OF THREE PRIVATELY OWNED TELEVISION STATIONS

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The Statement is not ready.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): When will it be ready?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, next week on Wednesday.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Wetangula is also not here. It is so ordered.

We move to Statement (f). I can see the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Health. 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. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Statement is ready, but more information is needed. I have discussed with Sen. (Rev.) Waqo and we will bring it on Wednesday, next week.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, that is okay. I can wait for another one week.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is so ordered!

We move to Statement (g). CONTINGENCY PLANS TO MITIGATE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF HEAVY DOWNPOUR ON INFRASTRUCTURE Where is the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Roads and Transport? We can hear from the Vice-Chairperson.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Is that the Chairperson?

No, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I am the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Please, proceed.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have not received the answer from the Government department.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): When will we be ready to have it?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, on Thursday, next week.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Yes, Sen. Sakaja.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, that will be okay.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): So ordered!

We move to Statement (h). DUMPING OF ASBESTOS AT NGULU KIKUMBULYU WARD IN MAKUENI COUNTY Where is Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources? Where is the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or a Member of the Committee? Proceed, Sen. Boy.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The statement is not ready. Give us time until Thursday, next week. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is so ordered!

We move to Statement (i) which is to be issued by the same Committee. Proceed, Sen. Boy. DELAYED COMPENSATION FOR PERSONS DISPLACED BY MANOONI DAM PROJECT IN MAKUENI

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The statement will be ready next week on Thursday.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is so ordered!

We move to Statement (j). Yes, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources. Proceed, Sen. Boy. COMPENSATION FOR PERSONS AFFECTED BY OIL SPILLAGE AT THANGE RIVER

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The statement is not ready. We will try our best to get it ready by next week on Thursday.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Hon. Senator, I am afraid those statements are too many to be handled on the same day and date. Let us have that statement on Tuesday.

Okay, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is so ordered!

The next statement is Statement (k). STATE OF TOURISM IN MALINDI, KILIFI COUNTY Proceed, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industrialisation. I cannot see Sen. Kibiru. Where is the Vice-Chairperson or any other Member of the Committee present here? Yes, the Senate Majority Leader.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I wish to take up this statement and ensure that we have it by next week. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Dullo, on which day next week?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, on Wednesday, next week.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Lets us have it on Tuesday. It is so ordered!

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, much obliged.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Very well.

We move to Statement (l). USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE/POLICE BRUTALITY DURING RAID AT UON The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relation, is the Statement ready?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the statement is ready. I will just seek indulgence to give it after two minutes. It is somewhere at the table.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Is it in the Pipeline?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is actually in the House.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): So, in the meantime, let us go to Statement (m). STATUS OF NHC PROJECT IN WOTE, MAKUENI COUNTY Proceed, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Roads and Transport. Sen. (Eng.) Hargura, is the statement ready?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this statement was given two weeks ago. So, they have not got any further information and I am not expecting any additional information to be given.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Senator! What do you mean by saying that you are not expecting any further information?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we replied to the statement. The statement was---

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Were there matters arising from the Statement?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I cannot remember because I was here and I do not think---

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): You will have to check the HANSARD. You will be advised accordingly.

Okay, Mr. Deputy 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.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): The next statement is Statement (n) which is to be issued by the Chairperson of National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration. Proceed, the Vice-Chairperson, Sen. (Rev.) Waqo. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TWO-THIRDS GENDER RULE IN COUNTIES

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I am in receipt of a letter from the Ministry which I have shared with Sen. (Dr.) Milgo. They are requesting-- -

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Senators! Proceed, Sen. (Rev.) Waqo.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The Committee is in receipt of a letter from the Ministry and they are requesting that we give them up to 5th April, 2018, so that they can give us more information. Right now, they are compiling that information. So, I have already shared with Sen. (Dr.) Milgo and our request is to be given more time.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Proceed, Sen. (Dr.) Milgo.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. That is okay. You will realise that this is a statement that was deferred for more information to be availed.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is so ordered!

We move to Statement (o) which is to be issued by the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources. Proceed, Sen. Boy. COMPENSATION TO PERSONS DISPLACED BY THE SGR PROJECT

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The statement is not ready. We kindly request for two more weeks.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Why two weeks?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson are out of the country.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Senator! Resume your seat. The business of the Senate cannot run aground because the Chairperson of a Committee has travelled out of the country. So, you are completely out of order. The less I say about that, the better for you. Can we have the Statement on Tuesday?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I request for another one week. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): On Thursday, next week?

Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is so ordered!

The next Statement (p) is also to be issued by the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources. These are so many statements. I hope you will not talk about Thursday, next week. I have indulged you more than five times for Thursday. PROVISION OF WATER SERVICES TO KITENGELA TOWNSHIP AND ITS ENVIRONS

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The Statement is not ready. Hopefully, we will provide it by next week.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Which Statement is ready, for heaven’s sake? These are now almost ten statements attributable to your Committee and all of them are not ready. Coincidentally, according to you, they will all be ready on Thursday, next week.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. We will try our best to ensure they are ready by next week. I will ensure they will be ready in the House by next week on Thursday.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): What is it Sen. (Eng.) Hargura?

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I am also a Member of this Committee. I remember that the answer to this Statement sought by Sen. Mary Yiane was brought to the Committee. It should be with the Committee.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is the business of the Chairperson of the Committee or anybody else delegated by the Chairperson to follow up. So, if that is the case, I then direct that it be issued on Tuesday, next week. It is so ordered.

Next is Statement (q) to be issued by the Chairperson, Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. I cannot see Sen. Ndwiga. Is the Vice Chairperson or any Member of the Committee present? Proceed, Sen. (Rev.) Waqo. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS EFFECTS ON PASTORALISTS AND LIVESTOCK

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we promise to respond in the next one week.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Senator, is the Statement ready? 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. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Why is it not ready? We have made it a custom for the Chairpersons to say ‘the Statement is not ready and decide when they want it to be ready, for example, it will be ready in 2030.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as a Committee, we promise to table the Statement by Tuesday, next week. It is in the hands of the Chairperson and he is yet to share it with the Committee.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Who had requested for that Statement?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it was requested by Sen. Seneta.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I can give them up to Tuesday. They can deliver it then.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Not they ‘can’. They have to, now that it is in the hands of the Chairperson. It is so ordered.

We proceed to Statement (r) to be issued by the Chairperson Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources. Apart from Sen. Hargura and Sen. Boy, is there any other Member? USE AND MANAGEMENT OF RIPARIAN AREAS IN KENYA

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we do not have the reply to this Statement and so it is not ready. I will urge that you give us up to Wednesday, next week.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am raising some concern with regards to that Statement.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): What is the concern?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, every week, they promise to table the Statement in a week’s time and this is almost the fourth week. I request that you make a direction on that Statement.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): I direct the Chairperson of the Committee to issue the Statement on Tuesday, next week without fail.

Last but not least is Statement (s) on alleged discovery of gas in Kipeto village, Kajiado West Constituency, to be issued by the Chairperson of the Committee on Energy. 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. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I need your guidance on some of these things. This Statement came and it was answered. I remember that Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri contributed and everybody was satisfied. I am surprised to see it on the Order Paper.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Would there have been requests for further information? Most likely, that could be the case.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am not aware and anybody in this House can bear me witness; nobody asked any further questions. We were certain---

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Senator! Since the one who had requested the Statement is not here, I direct that it be deferred subject to confirmation of what exactly the Chairperson of the Committee on Energy was supposed to do.

Sen. Sakaja, is Statement (l) in your hands now?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is en-route. I can issue it after the Senate Majority Leader makes his Statement.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): The Senate waits for no man.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Senator who asked for it is also not in the House.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): That is neither here nor there.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to dispense of with it.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Very Well. Senator, you have done very well today. Order Senators!

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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): What is it, Senator for Nyeri?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we are trying to be efficient and organized. We have just talked about the Statement on the alleged gas and I have just seen a Statement with regard to coal exploration in Mui Basin yet this matter came up yesterday and you said it be tabled on Tuesday.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): What is out of order?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, there is a “dislocation” in the secretariat that prints these things.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Those sentiments are noted. The secretariat should ensure that items that are not supposed to appear on the Order Paper do not appear. Very well! Proceed, Senate Majority Leader. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Pursuant to Standing Order No. 42(2) (c), I hereby present to the Senate, the business of the Senate for the week commencing Tuesday, 27th March, 2018. The Senate Business Committee (SBC) will meet on Tuesday, 27th March, 2018 to schedule business of the Senate. Subject to the direction of the Committee, the Senate will continue with the consideration of business that will not be concluded in today’s Order Paper. On Wednesday, 28th March, 2018 and Thursday, 29th March, 2018, the Senate will proceed to consider business that will not be concluded on Tuesday and any other business scheduled by the SBC. Hon. Senators, as you aware, the Senate concluded the debate on the Second Reading on The Assumption of Office of the County Government Bill (Senate Bills No.1 of 2018), The County Government (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.11 of 2017) and The National Flag, Emblems and Names (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills. No. 8 of 2017). The Bills will be scheduled for Division on Wednesday, 28th March, 2018. I request all Senators to take note of this so that we get the requisite numbers to pass these very important Bills so that they do not delay in this House. As indicated in today’s Order Paper, the following Bills are scheduled for Second Reading: The County Boundaries Bill (Senate Bills No. 6 of 2017), The County Governments (Amendment) (No.2) Bill (Senate Bills No.7 of 2017) and The Food Security Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2017) Should the debate be concluded, the Bills should be scheduled for Division at Second Reading on Wednesday. The Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bills No.7 of 2018), which is scheduled for First Reading today, will also be scheduled for Second Reading this coming week. Several Motions will also be scheduled for consideration during the coming week. Hon. Senators, in view of the foregoing, I urge all of us to be available for voting and consideration of the Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bills No.7 of 2018) and other pending Business. I also take this opportunity to request standing committees which are yet to table their reports on Bills referred to them, to do so to enable the House proceed to the Committee of the Whole on Bills that are due for the Committee. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I, hereby, lay the Statement on the table of the House.

The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. (Eng.) Maina, the Chairperson of the Committee on Energy, the Statements Tracker of the House indicates that there was a request for further information on the Statement from Sen. Mpaayei. So, you need to liaise with the Clerk’s Office to find out what exactly the additional information requested was about.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am relying on my memory, which served me well in my school---

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Senator! We are relying on the Senate Statements Tracker and the HANSARD, and you are relying on your memory. You know where your memory fits in this arrangement.

Order, Senators! Since we have made a lot of progress this afternoon – we have actually taken under 30 minutes on statements – I will allow two Senators to request for Statements, using my discretion under Standing Order No.39. The first one is Sen. Dullo. Did you want to request for a statement or have you abandoned the request?

No, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am ready. CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES IN VARIOUS AREAS OF ISIOLO COUNTY Thank you,Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity, although I know that we are past this Business. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.45(2)(b), to seek a statement from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation on the status of construction of bridges in the areas of Eremiet-Kiwanja, Esimit-Alamach, Alamach- Lotiki-Shambani, Kambi-Garaba-Shambani, Gama-Lotiki-LMD, Kambi Juu-Akadeli- Kambi Sheikh, Maili Saba-Elsa andChumvi-Chumvi Yere in Isiolo County.

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I would hate to interrupt my leader as she seeks a Statement. However, is she in order to request a Statement pursuant to Standing Order No.45(2)(b)?

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Yes, Sen. Sakaja; what is out of order?

Actually,Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, there are two things that are now out of order. The first one is about Senators taking your attention while it is being sought by---

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is called ‘approaching the Chair.’

They are approaching at the wrong time. Secondly, is my leader in order to seek for a Statement pursuant to Standing Order No.45(2)(b), which does not exist in our Standing Orders? The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Dullo, are you in order?

Thank you, Sen. Sakaja, for this correction. I think this is an anomaly and I would request time to check the Standing Orders and then make my request on Tuesday, next week.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Sakaja, is it Standing Order No.46?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the appropriate one is Standing Order No.46(2)(b). I think she can go ahead, because that is not an error of fact.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Thank you, Sen. Sakaja. I can understand where Sen. Dullo is coming from. It used to be No.45(2)(b) in the last Parliament before we amended the Standing Orders. So, proceed on 46(2)(b).

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I think I used the old Standing Orders. I am sorry about that. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.46(2)(b), to seek a statement from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation on the status of construction of bridges in the areas of Eremiet-Kiwanja, Esimit-Alamach, Alamach-Lotiki-Shambani, Kambi-Garaba-Shambani, Gama-Lotiki-LMD, Kambi Juu- Akadeli-Kambi Sheikh, Maili Saba-Elsa and Chumvi-Chumvi Yere in Isiolo County. In the Statement, the Chairperson should explain:- (1) The status of the construction of bridges in Isiolo County in those areas. (2) The reason for the lack of construction of bridges in those areas. (3) What action the Government has taken to construct bridges in the areas indicated; and, finally, (4) When it will be completed. PROVISION OF ELECTRICITY TO SELECTED AREAS IN ISIOLO COUNTY Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.46(2)(b), to seek a Statement from the Chairperson Energy on the status of provision of electricity to residents of Chumvi, Chumvi Yere, Ngaremare-Daaba and Daaba in Isiolo County. In the Statement, he should explain:- (1) The status on the connectivity of electricity in Isiolo County in those affected areas. (2) The reason for lack of access to electricity for residents of those areas. (3) What action the Government has taken to address the lack of connection in those affected areas; and, finally, The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Senator! Order! PROVISION OF WATER SERVICES TO ISIOLO COUNTY

Finally, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.46(2)(b), to seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources on the provision of water services in Isiolo County, namely the areas of Chumvi, Chumvi Yere, Ngaremare-Daaba and Daaba. In the Statement, the Chairperson should explain:- (1) The status of the provision of water services in Isiolo County (2) The reason for the lack of access to water for residents of those affected areas (3) What action the Government has taken to address this situation and when it will be done. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Very well. The first Statement is directed to the Chairperson of which Committee?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is to the Chairperson of the Committee on Roads and Transportation.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Chairperson of the Committee on Roads and Transportation, when can we have the Statement ready?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Statement is asking for structures, which look mainly to be within the domain of the County Government. That will take time; so, I am askingfor two weeks.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): How much time?

Two weeks.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Dullo, what do you say?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the current situation is very bad. Can the Senator fast-track the process and give us feedback at least in a week’s time?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, one week will not be possible because we have to get the information from the county government. That week will just be for processing the information within the Senate here. Practically, it will not be possible.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Do one week and report progress on Thursday.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Proceed, Sen. Dullo.

Mr. Deputy Speaker Sir, I am okay with that. My second statement was directed to the Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Proceed, the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson or a Member of the Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources. Proceed, Sen. Boy.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I kindly request that you give us one more week because we have so many statements to be issued by next week.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Dullo, is two weeks okay?

It is okay, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is so ordered. Sen. Dullo’s last Statement was directed to the Chairperson of the Committee on Energy. Is the Vice Chairperson or any Member of the Committee here?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, given that Statement requires a lot in terms of connectivity and the programmes undertaken, we request that we be given two weeks.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Is that okay, Sen. Dullo?

I am okay with that Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is so ordered. Next is Sen. (Rev.) Waqo with a request for a statement. STATE OF ETHIOPIAN REFUGEES IN KENYA

Mr. Deputy 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 regarding the state of Ethiopian refugees in Kenya. In the Statement, the Chairperson should:- (a) state the number of Ethiopian refugees who have recently crossed the border from Ethiopia to Kenya and have settled in Moyale Constituency in Marsabit County; (b) outline the security measures being undertaken by the national Government to ensure the security and safety of the refugees and the Kenyan citizens in Moyale, especially, those that live along the Kenya-Ethiopia border; (c) highlight the steps being taken by the national Government to ensure that the refugees have access to basic needs such as food, water, shelter and clothing; and, (d) explain any other measures that the Government is taking to deal with the situation, which is getting protracted.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Proceed, Chairperson of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, to avoid a back and forth on this issue, I need Sen. (Rev.) Waqo to confirm what she means by “recently.” There have been Ethiopian refugees in Kenya for decades. “Recently” could be five years, two years or one year ago. She should kindly tell me the period that she wants the answer to be based on.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Proceed, Sen. (Rev.) Waqo.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the last one month has been bad. Currently, we have over 10,000 Ethiopians in Kenya, which is causing a lot of problems on the ground. Three weeks ago I was there. Two weeks ago some other Members were The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Sakaja, she means the happenings within the last one month.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we can have a response by Thursday next week.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Is that okay, Sen. (Rev.) Waqo?

It is okay, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Thank you.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): It is so ordered. That is the end of Statements. Before we go to the next Order, I will indulge Sen. (Dr.) Ali to give a Notice of Motion.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am grateful for being given the opportunity. I wish to give notice of the following Motion:- THAT, aware that Article 43 (f) of the Constitution of Kenya stipulates that every person has a right to education and Article 53 (1) (b) provides that every child has the right to free and compulsory basic education; ALSO AWARE that education is a basic need and a tool for intellectual empowerment and sociopolitical development; FURTHER AWARE that education is a shared function between the national and county levels of government with the national Government being responsible for primary, secondary and higher education while the county governments are responsible for pre-primary education, village polytechnics and home-craft centres; COGNIZANT that both levels of government complement each other in promoting sustainable education; CONCERNED that the intake, uptake and quality of education in northern Kenya have adversely been affected owing to discrepancies in public resources allocation, insecurity, skewed staffing and teacher training in the region; FURTHER CONCERNED that both the school completion rate and the national examination outcomes in the region are poor and the number of students from northern Kenya who qualify for core courses in universities, colleges, technical schools, and village polytechnics is minimal compared to other parts of the country; The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Sen. (Dr.) Ali! You have not completed reading out the Motion. You have left out the reporting part.

Okay, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. THAT the Committee submits a report to the Senate within the three months of adoption of this Motion by the Senate. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Senators! I have a Communication to make. Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the Public Gallery this afternoon of visiting students and teachers from Miathene Boys High School in Meru County. 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. Deputy Speaker, Sir. On behalf of the Senator for Meru County, who is my neighbor, and the kids from Meru County are also my neighbors, I welcome them to the Senate. I hope that most of the counties, especially, those that come from very far will emulate them and come to the Senate and learn, because they are the leaders of tomorrow. I am sure there is a lot for them to learn from the Senate and Parliament. I hope that the short session they will have with us will assist them, especially in terms of essay writing or general knowledge that they may need in their exams and various other subjects covered. They are most welcome. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Thank you, Sen. Dullo. Proceed, Sen. Olekina.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I too would like to extend a warm welcome to the teachers and students from Meru County. I have a challenge for them that when I was growing up, I really wanted to be in this House. Back then, it was just the National Assembly. I want you to take cue from that, join the debate club and take us as mentors. I also urge you to really use us because our role here in the Senate is to oversight. You can also take advantage and write to us in case you come across anything of concern that affects the youth that we may not know because nowadays, things are a little bit different. Use us, enlighten us, share with us whatever is there and look at us as mentors so that tomorrow you might hold this country to account and lead it to greater heights. Welcome again on behalf of the people of Narok County.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Very well. Finally, let us have Sen. Ndwiga.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I wish to join my colleagues in welcoming the teachers and students from Meru County who are my neighbours. I encourage other schools to also send students to this House. We would like to demystify this Parliament; the National Assembly and Senate so that as our children grow up, they know that it is a place they have been to and witnessed how debates are conducted and aspire to come here. When we were your age, we were told that we were leaders of tomorrow. I stand here today and tell you that you are leaders of today. Start preparing yourself to walk in here today. That tomorrow does not start tomorrow, but today. From today, you need to The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Next Order.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Let us have Sen. Murkomen.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to move that the Food Security Bill (Senate Bills No. 12 of 2017) be read a second time. This is a very important Bill. It is part of the residue in terms of Bills that we had in our last Senate. It had been moved by Sen. Elachi and went through very extensive processes as the HANSARD will bear me witness. It is an important Bill and very critical for the well-being of the people of Kenya. This Bill primarily is operationalizing Article 43 of Constitution which is the right to food. For many of us, and probably those of us in this House, getting food is automatic. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Senate Majority Leader, you are safe so long as you are within the Standing Orders.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, since the advent of the South Africa constitutional process, I think the branch of human rights referred to as socio-economic has received a lot of support and recognition in constitutions of Africa. People say that the constitutions of Kenya and South Africa are the most progressive. Part of the reason our Constitution is considered so is because of Article 43. Very few countries, not even the United States of America, Britain, France and all other superpowers such as China have a provision in their constitutions that recognizes socio- economic rights. Such rights include the rights to food and housing. It makes Government to be positively obligated to ensure that the right is achieved. The Bill gives meaning and breathes life to Article 43. It operationalizes it by giving it direction as to how that can be achieved in a manner that can be audited. Governments can be held accountable through institutions created by this Bill and through provisions that explain the concepts that assist us to achieve what the right to food is all about. If you read Clause 5 of the Bill, you realize that the right to food includes the right to be free from hunger and to have adequate food of an acceptable quality. It is not just enough to have food. We have had situations in places such Turkana and Tiaty in Baringo County where people are boiling very dangerous herbs. They are boiled for 24 hours trying to make it possible to get something small that people can eat and survive with. It is very sad because for those of us who are from those places and pastoralist areas, there is a major contradiction in this country. In the pastoralist areas, one will find a large herd of livestock such as cows, goats and sheep. However, it is only for a particular period. When drought comes, all the livestock is wiped out and people suffer in hunger. When rain comes, it floods and the same animals are swept away. The people are, therefore, perpetually in danger because of the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. If you come to urban areas, you will find that many people go without a meal even for two days. Some people who live in slums such as Kibera, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Mukuru Kayaba, Mathare, Huruma in Eldoret, Kaptembwa in Nakuru, Kondele in Kisumu -I hope there is no slum in Kisii - have challenges accessing food. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the challenge of accessing food in urban areas is enormous. People staying in slum areas have no means of earning a living. They are 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. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order! Senator. Who told you, again? 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 was the Senator of Tharaka Nithi then. He told me that the questions the locals asked were: one, “When you go and pour fishlings into a flowing river that flows to Garissa County, are the fish for Tharaka Nithi County, Garissa County or Tana River County where there is enough fish?” The second question was: “How do you audit such a project?” The things that must be done are those that change lives and must be accounted for. Clause 5(2)(g)(i) of the Bill says:- “formulate and implement the family support programme and other appropriate programmes targeting— (i) food for poor persons, households and communities for the greater enhancement of their ability to produce or purchase essential food items and commodities in adequate quantities and quality; and---” We already have social programmes that are being implemented by the national Government at the moment, but at the local level, the county governments must identify the families that are threatened and the issues that they are going through; persons who are at risk and persons who suffer from certain kind of diseases, who must be supported to get the necessary food to protect themselves. Clause 5(2)(h) states:- “put in place measures to ensure the availability and accessibility of food for individuals, groups and communities caught up in food emergencies and humanitarian disasters;” Clause 5(2)(j) states:- “take all reasonable measures to ensure that food resources and sources of food production are protected from destruction and are sustained for future use;” Clause 5(2)(k) states:- “monitor and evaluate strategies and programmes for the realization of the right to be free from hunger and the right to adequate food.” There is a guarantee of transparency and accountability in the design and implementation of the programmes and the interventions. It is sad that we have vultures, “tenderpreneurs” and evil people. As a right thinking Kenyan, when it is raining and there are floods and you are thinking of how you can save people, other people are calculating how much destruction the floods are doing for them to get a tender to intervene. We must get rid of that kind of mentality in the Government circles, both at the county and the national level. People wait and allow situations of emergencies to occur because they know such situations do not give room for procurement processes. So, to get a shortcut to deal with the procurement process, people will let emergencies to occur so that within a day, they will procure materials for building of a bridge or to rush and give food to people of a particular area.

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. It is normally very easy to second a Bill moved by the Senate Majority Leader, because he is very thorough. He goes through the entire Bill properly and leaves nothing in doubt. Indeed, he has covered most of the points that the Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has been looking at. Therefore, I am happy to second this Bill. This Bill establishes the Food Security Authority whose mandate is to monitor trends of food scarcity and abundance in the country. This country has a unique 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. Cherargei.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. From the onset, I support this Bill that has been ably moved. Most of these issues have been highlighted by Sen. Murkomen who happens to have been my lecturer way back in Moi University School of Law. He taught me some of these issues to do with the basic human rights. Sen. Murkomen, the Senate Majority Leader, has dissected and done a very commendable job by going through the Bill. I am impressed because he was my teacher and he will always remain my teacher. I will always take cue from him. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, socio-economic rights might be new to many Kenyans because this is the first time we are having a progressive Constitution that gives prominence, under Article 43(c), to the issue of freedom from hunger. As a country, it is very important that we ensure all our citizenry across the nation are food secure. This Bill is also very important because, apparently, one of the “Big Four” Agenda Programmes of His Excellency, President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Jubilee administration has been food security. Therefore, it is timely and it is very important that, as we move forward, we ensure all our people are catered for. Even if you look at Article 28 of the Constitution on human dignity, it provides that we should ensure inherent dignity of the citizenry even from poor backgrounds. The vulnerable will always be taken care of and it will redeem their dignity. It will give them a sense of belonging. The country is not sympathizing with the poor by making this law. It is our responsibility as a nation to ensure every citizen can access food. It is a basic human right enshrined in the progressive Bill of Rights which is celebrated across the continent. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this Bill provides for the vulnerable people in our country, for example, pregnant women, lactating mothers and children. As Sen. Ndwiga said, when some of us were in the primary school we were privileged to take nyayo milk which was very nutritious. I went to St Francis, Chepterit Primary School, Mosoriot. Every Tuesday we were excited because we knew we would have a packet of nyayo milk. Therefore, the feeding programme will ensure that our children access the right to food which is one of the basic rights of any human being entrenched in Article 53 of the Constitution. This will also help the lactating mothers and reduce the high mortality rates across our counties. Going forward, it is important for our mothers to give birth to healthy children. When we have healthy people, we will have a healthy nation. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Sen. Murkomen, Sen. Cheruiyot, yourself and I, are agriculturists. We have always engaged in farming activities. Clause 5(d) says:- “Put in place mechanisms that will ensure the availability of farm inputs and implements and other mechanisms of food production in order to facilitate food production.” 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, for giving me this chance to also contribute and share my thoughts on the Food Security Bill (Senate Bills No. 12 of 2017). I must say from the onset, that this is an extremely important Bill. It puts into great thought things that millions of Kenyans grapple with on a daily basis. However, sometimes we, as legislators, and Kenyans of privilege, tend to forget that there are millions of Kenyans who rise every morning with only a singular duty; to put food on their table and return to their beds. Yet, because we do not have such struggles, we may easily forget the importance of the matters that this Bill raises. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the Constitution of Kenya 2010 is an extremely aspirational document. It speaks of many values and things that we aspire to as a country. We have achieved some eight years since the promulgation of the Constitution, but there are others that we still continue to struggle with, with the hope that one day, we shall give our people that which the drafters of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 dreamt of and make our country great. I am talking about a country that we can all proudly belong to and live in, knowing that we care for each other and we make laws, rules and regulations – as Legislators – that remind even the down trodden that we care about them. This Bill, upon its enactment, puts very good thoughts. I have had many occasions to listen to my colleagues contribute and you will realise that these are things that we grapple with even as leaders. We continue to question and wonder how we can find solutions to these extremely pressing problems, which we know very well that we have the ability to solve. However, because we have not taken time to put our minds to task, we have not addressed ourselves to them. The right to food is a basic right as properly enshrined in Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. The mere fact that it has been listed and put there among other rights, it means that the drafters of our Constitution felt that every Kenyan should 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, Sen. Cheruiyot. Proceed, Sen. (Dr.) Ali.

Thank you Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. From the outset, I support some of the issues raised by Sen. Cheruiyot, especially, on the nominees from the county governors and he has explained very well. I wish that provision could be changed. However, I do not see the Mover and the Chairperson of the Committee. That should be put into consideration. Food is defined as everything that originates from biological sources and water, whether processed or not, which is designed as an eatable or beverages for human consumption, including food additive materials, food raw material and other materials used in preparation, processing and or the making of an eatable beverage. That would be very nice, but when you look at the objectives and purposes of these, there are also issues. Clause 3(c) states:- “To provide a framework that promotes food production, self- sustenance and food security in relation to all persons in Kenya.” However, when I look at this Bill, I feel that it just takes care of farming communities. When you talk of food security, you do not deal only with farming communities. The pastoralist communities in this country also have food. Their livestock is food. It is not shown here how we will use those foods to help other Kenyans. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Clause 3(h) says: “To guarantee the integration of the needs of vulnerable persons in food and nutrition strategies.” Clause 3(j) says:- “To ensure that emergency situations that threaten mass access to food are anticipated, mitigated and addressed with equality and speed.” The unfortunate thing with most of our Bills is that we write a lot of good things, but nobody implements them. Why do we want to create an Authority? We have the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC), which is dying. There are a lot of organisations and authorities which are supposed to be dealing with food security that are not functional. Why do we want to create another one? It is better we delegate these issues to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and get some department as he said it earlier. When we talk of emergencies, especially in Northern Kenya and the arid areas, there is the so called relief food that is being provided. This food is stored in Europe and America for over 30 years. When they are tired of storing it, they give it to the World Food Program (WFP), which then brings it to Kenya and supplies it to the so called poor people. It is killing us. They use a lot of preservatives to preserve this food and this causes aflatoxins. I am sure Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri here will bear me witness. These aflotoxins cause liver diseases and cancers of the oesophagus. If you go to Wajir and any sub-county hospital, 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 stand in support of this Bill and wish to commend the novelty behind its drafting. I congratulate the Senate Majority Leader, first, for tabling the Bill that will help in a big way in ensuring that we satisfy the needs of our citizens. 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 rise to support the Food Security Bill (Senate Bills No. 12 of 2017). For avoidance of doubt, I also want to inform my colleagues who joined us in the Twelfth Parliament that we passed a similar Bill in last Parliament. The Bill was sponsored by Sen. Beatrice Elachi who is now the Speaker of Nairobi County Assembly. However, the situation has not changed. It is still the same and business as usual. First, I will make a few general remarks before I get in to the details of the Bill. The fundamental question that I always ask is: Is Kenya truly food insecure? It is not, why? If you travel to Meru County and get to Nkubu Town, you will find a plethora of bananas every market day. If you travel to Kisii, you will find bananas. If you travel to Eldoret, you will get maize. It is just that the country has been generally disorganized about the situation of our food. 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, for giving me the opportunity to contribute to my favourite subject; nutrition and food. I was delighted when I saw The Food Security Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2017). Sometimes you wonder why it is titled ‘Food Security.’ Secure from what? Food can drive a nation to a war; just as water can drive a nation to war. Therefore, food is an essential commodity because with food, you can sustain life. Without food, there will be wars in the counties. We have seen it recently in Laikipia County where people were fighting, because of livestock. They want to reach the feeding grounds for their livestock. Food is also an energy giver; it secures the workforce of this nation to productivity. If you do not have adequate food, then your population would be weak and the productivity would be very low. If you do not have food for the young children who are growing up, they will be retarded in their growth. Therefore, their performance in class and performance at the university level would obviously be affected. Food is an adjutant, it prevents many diseases. When you are talking about public health and preventable diseases, I can assure you more than 50 percent of the preventable diseases can be prevented by adequate nutritious and palatable food or well-balanced food. When I say balanced food, I mean every sense of it that you are catering both for carbohydrates, energy, proteins and fats for growth, hence a well-balanced diet that sustains life. From the level where I stand in my profession, I know I had one time the occasion to deal with the scourge of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). One of the problems that I came across is that these people who unfortunately acquired HIV/AIDS, their nutritional status were at the lowest. What does that entail? The immunological functions or the ability to fight disease or the ability to fend off disease is highly compromised. At the micro level, any nutrition which is biochemically adequate, can fight 50 percent of the disease process in our bodies. It gives the body the power and ability to sustain and fight off infections. Therefore, food is a security item because it has multiplicity of functions that can perform in order to sustain mankind. No wonder even 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 also stand to add my voice to this great Bill. First of all, I thank the Senate Majority Leader for bringing a great Bill to this House. Issues of food security and the quality of food cannot be over- emphasized. This Bill will actually operationalise Article 43(1) (c) of the Constitution to ensure that the Government complies with its mandate of ensuring that its citizens are provided with sufficient food. This Bill speaks to the framework and mechanisms through which the Government can accomplish this wonderful objective. The legislative framework will by no means go a long way in ensuring that the national Government, as well as the county Governments, are guided so that our country realises food security. One of the four pillars set by the Government is food security. The other one is sustainable healthcare. If the issue of food security can be addressed, many of the diseases caused by malnutrition can be reduced. In any case, we shall reduce the amount of funding that goes to health. However, we do realise that despite the fact that we are talking about food security, it looks like many of the processes that we have tried to put in place are ad hoc or rather impulse activities that are abandoned after a short while. I believe that this great Bill will ensure that people are food secure. Clause 5 (1) states that:- “Under Article 43 (1) (c) of the Constitution, every person has the right to be free from hunger and to have adequate food of an acceptable quality.” I hope that this will go a long way in implementing actions to ensure that we solve this issue once and for all. It is unfortunate that this Bill came up in the last Parliament but it was not passed. We are not sure what happened but this is a very good Bill. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Part II, Clause 5(2) (c) states that:- “For the enjoyment of the right to adequate food and freedom from hunger, the national and county governments shall- promote the production of diverse crops and foods and put in place measures, including irrigation schemes, water harvesting schemes and other programmes that ensure the availability of adequate food for all.” 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, for giving me a chance to also contribute to this very timely Bill. This Bill seeks to provide a framework that will promote food production in the country. I support this Bill but I wish it could have concentrated on food production. Many of my colleagues have talked about a framework of funding systems that can enable this country to produce food. I am also of the opinion that we concentrate on a system that can enable people in this country to produce food. As a country, we also need to concentrate on facilitating farmers and funding mechanisms that can enable them to produce food by allocating money for irrigation where we do not have water and exploring ways of getting water by either digging dams, drilling boreholes or harvesting rain water. Whatever means we use, it will ensure farmers have water for irrigation. It is not only water but we can also look at how to help farmers prepare themselves to plant their crops using the short rains. We have received a lot of rains after a long dry season but I can assure you in many counties, not even 10 per cent of farmers have planted any crop because they had not prepared themselves. We need to look at the component of preparedness of our farmers. We need to strengthen the Meteorological Department for them to give citizens information to enable them prepare themselves. It is not only information of when it will rain like the way we told two weeks ago. We were just told: “It will rain”, and not many citizens got the information. We need to strengthen the Meteorological Department to relay the information to wananchi in every vernacular station and prepare them on how much rain is expected and at what time. This way, they will understand the information and prepare themselves adequately. 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. (Eng.) Mahamud for Mandera County.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this important Bill. This Bill seeks to operationalize Articles 43 and 53 of the Constitution in terms of food security. The intentions of the Bill are very good; in fact, the objects and purposes as listed in the Bill are very noble. One object is to provide a framework that promotes the realization of the freedom from hunger and access to food of acceptable quality as a fundamental human right. That is not disputable. The Bill also provides for the establishment of institutions that advance corporate governance in the various institutions of government so that we can have food security in this country. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, it is now over five decades since our independence and we are still talking about food security. This country’s mainstay is agriculture, yet up to date we are not able to feed our people. We have become a nation dependent on famine relief. Kenyans yearn for famine relief today and expect the government to feed them. We must put in place policies that can motivate our farmers and give them good prices for their produce so that food is available to Kenyans.

Order! Sen. (Eng.) Mahamud, you have a balance of 18 minutes to contribute to this Bill.