Clerk, do we have a quorum?

Proceed to call the First Order.

Proceed, Sen. Cheptumo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to give notice of the following Motion- THAT AWARE THAT, cattle rustling/banditry is a major menace and security threat in the South and North Rift regions and some other regions of the country; CONCERNED THAT, the menace has since left irreparable and negative socio-economic impact which include but are not limited to increased number of widows, widowers, orphaned children, poverty, displacement of people leading to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS), disruption of educational health programmes and other economic activities owing to the destruction and/or closure of educational, health and other institutions; The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

FURTHER CONCERNED THAT, the people living in the affected regions have been denied the enjoyment of their social, economic and political rights as guaranteed to them under the Bill of Rights as enshrined in Chapter Four of the Constitution; NOW THEREFORE, the Senate resolves that the National Government through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and in collaboration with the Council of Governors: (1) declares cattle rustling a national disaster; (2) establish a National Task force on cattle rustling/banditry to: (i) investigate the causes of the rampant cattle rustling and banditry in the said region and the Country at large; (ii) establishes the extent of suffering, loss and damage the cattle rustling/banditry has occasioned to the communities in all the affected Counties; (3) Create a Special Fund for mitigating the losses suffered by and in compensating all victims of cattle rustling and banditry and settle all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) occasioned by the menace. I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Next Order.

Hon. Senators, we had five Questions due for response today. Unfortunately, we do not have the Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) present today for purposes of responding to these Questions. The absence was well explained during the Senate Business Committee (SBC). Therefore, it was agreed that these Questions will come up for response next week. Therefore, we will not have the Question time today.

Hon. Senators, we are now in the Committee of the Whole to consider the County Licensing (Uniform Procedure) Bill (Senate Bill No.9 of 2022) and we will proceed to Division. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

Canvassing on the clauses was already concluded and so we are proceeding to Division. I would like to request the Serjeants-at-Arms to ring the Division Bell for 5 minutes.

Serjeant-at-Arms, you can stop ringing the Bell and Clerks, please confirm that we have a quorum. Hon. Members, we are now proceeding to Division, I kindly request that you all log out. Serjeant-at-Arms, withdraw all the unattended cards. Serjeant-at-Arms, please, draw the Bar and close the doors as well.

Hon. Senators, it is the County Licensing (Uniform Procedure) Bill (Senate Bills No.9 of 2022), and we are proceeding to Division.

Sen. Oketch Gicheru, Sen. Wakili Sigei, Sen. Wamatinga and Sen. Kisang kindly approach the Dispatch Box.

Sen. Madzayo? Sen. Munyi Mundigi.

Hon. Senators, the results for the first Division are as follows-

Sen. Oketch Gicheru, Sen. Ogolla, Sen. Kavindu Muthama, Sen. Onyonka and Sen. Kisang, kindly approach the Dispatch Box.

Sen. Kisang is absent.

Sen. Olekina, kindly, come and vote.

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The results for the Second Division are as follows –-

Hon. Senators, the results for this Division are as follows -

Order, hon. Senators. We are now moving to the next Bill; the Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill (Senate Bills No.30 of 2023).

Hon. Senators, the results for this Division are as follows-

Hon. Senators, these are the results of the second division on this Bill -

The results of the Division are as follows-

Hon. Senators, there is a small hitch on the Agriculture and Livestock Extension Service Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2022). As they correct it, let us move on to the next one.

Hon. Members, the results for that division are as follows-

We now move to Clauses with amendments.

Hon. Members, the results for this Division are as follows-

Sen. Oketch Gicheru, please approach the Chair.

The Results for this Division are as follows-

Sen. Ogola, Sen. Sifuna and Sen. Oketch Gicheru, please approach the Chair.

Hon. Senators, the results for that Division are as follows-

Next Division is on all Clauses. Sen. Dullo, Sen. Ogola and Sen. Oketch Gicheru, please approach the Chair.

Hon. Senators, the results for that Division are as follows-

We now move back to the Agriculture and Livestock Extension Services Bill (Senate Bills No. 12 of 2022)

Sen. Ogola, Sen. Sifuna and Sen. Oketch Gicheru approach the Chair.

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Hon. Senators, the results for that Division are as follows-

Sen. Abass, Sen. Sifuna, Sen. Oketch Gicheru and Sen. Kavindu Muthama please go and vote.

Hon. Senators, the results for that Division are as follows-

Hon. Senators, the results for this Division are as follows -

Hon. Members, we are now moving to the Kenyan Sign Language Bill, (Senate Bills No.9 of 2023).

Hon. Senators, the results for that Division are as follows-

Hon. Senators, the results for that Division are as follows -

Has everybody voted?

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Hon. Senators, the results of the Division are as follows-

Hon. Senators, we are now moving to The Persons with Disabilities Bill (Senate Bills No.7 of 23). The Hon. Sen. Asige is the Mover of this Bill. She tabled a notice of an amendment to Clause 55, which is not listed on the Order Paper. It is a New Clause. The Standing Orders allow her to move an amendment without notice. I would like to invite her to move.

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Thank you, Madam Temporary Chairperson. I beg to move - THAT the Bill be amended by inserting the following new clause immediately after Clause 56 — 56A. (1) The Cabinet Secretary for matters related to finance may, on application, grant an income tax exemption to a parent or guardian of a person suffering from severe disability if such person is in the care and custody of the parent or guardian. (2) A parent or guardian who is indigent and assumes custody and takes care of a person suffering from severe disability may apply to the Cabinet Secretary for social assistance in accordance with the Social Assistance Act. (3) The Cabinet Secretary shall make regulations for the proper implementation of the provisions relating to this section The justification for the addition of this new clause is simple. There is a population of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) who are referred to or categorized as Persons with Severe Disabilities (PwSD). This means that their disability renders them unable to seek employment no matter if they are of age. This includes disabilities, for example, those who are deaf-blind. That means people who are both deaf and blind and have no sensory ability therein. It also includes folks who have cerebral palsy mixed with autism, paraplegic or triple paraplegic. Severe disabilities are people’s disabilities, whose disability is so bad and severe and have no chance of improvement within their lifetime; that they have no other recourse, but to be given home-based care for the rest of their lives. The reason for this amendment is so that the caregivers and the legal guardians of these PwDs are given some relief in their income tax.

This is because these parents and legal guardians have a very huge task in front of them. They have a lifetime task of not only securing employment for themselves as the parent of this child with severe disability, but of course, taking care of the said child with severe disability for the rest of their life. That means for up to 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 years old if that child proceeds to have a long life, will need 24/7 care from a parent or a legal guardian. Madam Temporary Chairperson, if that parent or legal guardian has no tax relief that is afforded to them through this Bill, then, they will incur huge costs. At times, they are forced to remove themselves from full-time employment because they cannot bear to have full-time employment and at the same time be at home taking care of this child with severe disability. Therefore, I propose this amendment that a New Clause 56A(1)(2)(3) be added that gives income tax relief of up to Kshs150,000, similar to what the PwDs receive right now, but afforded to the parent or a legal caregiver, so that anything that they earn, which is up to Kshs150,000 is rendered tax free and thereafter, it is subjected to the normal tax bracket. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

This will not just give relief, but release a huge burden that is placed upon these parents and caregivers who have no other choice, but of course, to take care of the child. What else would they do? Give them away? No! Let them stay in the hospital? No! Let them be isolated in their homes? Of course, not. These parents need this support and I beg the rest of the House to support this new amendment in Clause 56(A). I thank you.

Thank you, Senator. We are now moving into the Division on the new clauses.

Hon Senators, the results of the Division are as follows-

We now move to Clauses with amendments. Sen. Korir, please vote.

Hon. Senators the results of the Division are as follows-

Hon. Senators, you may now proceed to vote. You are also requested not to leave the Chambers because we shall be reporting progress of the Bills. There is also the Third Reading thereafter. Kindly do not leave.

The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

Hon. Senators, the results of the Division are as follows.

Hon. Senators, we are now done with the Committee of the Whole. I now call upon the Movers to reply. Can we have the Mover of the Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill (Senate Bills No.30 of 2023).

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Thank you, Madam Temporary Chairperson. I beg to Move that the Committee do report to the Senate its consideration of the Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill (Senate Bill No.30 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

The County Licensing (Uniform Procedure) Bill (Senate Bills No.9 of 2022). Mover?

Thank you Madam Temporary Chairperson. I beg to Move that the Committee do report to the Senate its consideration of the County Licensing (Uniform Procedure) Bill (Senate Bills No.9 of 2022) and its approval thereof with amendments.

The Agriculture Livestock Extension Services Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2022). Mover? Can we move to the next one?

Hon. Senators, we shall move to the next one. The Mung Beans Bill (Senate Bill No.13 of 2022). Mover? The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Chairperson. I beg to Move that the Committee do report to the Senate its consideration of the Mung Beans Bill (Senate Bill No.13 of 2022) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Hon. Senators, next we move to the Start-up Bill (Senate Bills No.14 of 2022). Mover, you may proceed.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the Committee report to the Senate its consideration of the Start-up Bill (Senate Bills No.14 of 2022) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Hon. Senators, next we move to the Persons with Disabilities Bill (Senate Bills No.7 of 2023). Mover, you may proceed.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move, that the Committee report to the Senate its consideration of the Persons with Disabilities Bill (Senate Bills No.7 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Hon. Senators, next we move to the Kenyan Sign Language Bill (Senate Bills No.9 of 2023). Mover, you may proceed. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move, that the Committee report to the Senate its consideration of the Kenyan Sign Language Bill (Senate Bills No.9 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Hon. Senators, next we move to the Agricultural and Livestock Extension Services Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2022). Mover, you may proceed.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Chairperson. Pursuant to Standing Order No.153 I beg to move that the Committee of the Whole do report progress on its consideration of the Agricultural and Livestock ---

Hon. Senator, hold on. The Clerk-at-the-Table will guide you. Mover, proceed.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Chairperson. I beg to Move that the Committee do report to the Senate its consideration of the Agricultural and Livestock Extension Services Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2022) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Hon. Members, we are now done with the Committee of the Whole.

Hon. Members, kindly take your seats. Serjeant-at-Arms, draw the Bar and open the door.

Hon. Members, we still have one more division that we will deal with and report. Kindly, do not leave the Chamber. It will be one single vote. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

Hon. Members, I now call upon the Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole to report. I call upon Sen. Mumma. We will be reporting on one Bill at a time.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill (Senate Bills No.30 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

I now call upon the Mover. The Chairperson Committee on Finance and Budget.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said report.

Somebody to second? Propose a seconder, Senator.

I request Sen. Tabitha Mutinda to second.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I second.

I now call upon the Mover to proceed.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill (Senate Bills No. 30 of 2023) be now read a Third time. I request Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I strongly second.

Division will be at the end.

The Next Bill, Hon. Members, I Call upon the Chairperson to Report on The County Licensing (Uniform Procedure) Bill (Senate Bills No.9 of 2022). The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered The County Licensing (Uniform Procedure) Bill (Senate Bills No.9 of 2022) and its approval thereof with amendments.

The Mover.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said report. I propose Sen. Seki to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

Mover, proceed.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that The County Licensing (Uniform Procedure) Bill (Senate Bills No. 9 of 2022) be now read a Third Time. I propose Sen. Okenyuri to second.

I second.

Division will be at the end.

The next Bill to be reported by the Chairperson is on the Agricultural and Livestock Extension Services Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2022).

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Agricultural and Livestock Extension Services Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2022) and its approval thereof with amendments.

The Mover.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said report. I request Sen. Seki to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

The Mover, proceed for Third Reading.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the Agricultural and Livestock Extension Services Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2022), now be read a Third Time. I request my Senator for Nairobi City, Sen. Sifuna, to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

Division will be at the end.

I call upon the Chairperson to report on the Mung Beans Bill (Senate Bills No.13 of 2022).

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Mung Beans Bill (Senate Bills No.13 of 2022) and its approval thereof with amendments.

The Mover to move to agree on the report.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said report. I do request the Senator for Kericho County, Sen. Cheruiyot, to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

I call upon the Mover to move for the Third Reading. Proceed, Sen. Wambua.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that Mung Beans Bill (Senate Bills No.13 of 2022) be now read a Third Time. I ask the Senator for Bungoma, Sen. Wafula, to second.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I fully second.

Division will be at the end.

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I call upon the Chairperson to report on the Start-up Bill (Senate Bills No.14 of 2022).

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Start-up Bill (Senate Bills No.14 of 2022), and its approval thereof with amendments.

The Mover to move to agree on the report.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said report. I call upon Sen. Omtatah to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, I second.

I call the Mover to move the Third Reading.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the Start-up Bill (Senate Bills No.14 of 2022) be now read a Third Time.

Propose somebody to second.

Thank you. I call upon Sen. Sifuna to second.

I second, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

Division will be at the end.

I call upon the Temporary Chairperson to report on the Persons with Disabilities Bill (Senate Bills No.7 of 2023).

Hon. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Persons with Disabilities Bill (Senate Bills No.7 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Sen. Crystal Asige, proceed to move agreement to the report.

I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said report. I call upon Sen. Onyonka to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

Sen. Crystal Asige, proceed to move the Third Reading.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I beg to move that the Persons with Disabilities Bill (Senate Bills No.7 of 2023) be now be read as Third Time. I call upon Sen. Cheruiyot to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

Division will be at the end.

Hon. Members, I call upon the Temporary Chairperson to report on the Kenyan Sign Language Bill (Senate Bills No.9 of 2023).

Hon. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Kenyan Sign Language Bill (Senate Bills No.9 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Sen. Crystal Asige, proceed to move agreement to the report.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said report. I call upon Sen. Mwaruma to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

Sen. Crystal Asige, proceed to move the Third Reading.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I beg to move that the Kenyan Sign Language Bill (Senate Bills No.9 of 2023) be now read a Third Time. I call upon Sen. Sifuna to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

Division will be at the end. Hon. Members, we are proceeding for Division. Serjeant-at-Arms, confirmed whether have the requisite numbers.

I will ask that the Bell be rung for five minutes.

In the meantime, we need to have the tellers. Tellers proceed to the Dispatch Box.

Serjeant-at-Arms, we have the requisite numbers. Stop the Bell, proceed to draw the bar and close the door. We are ready to proceed. Hon. Members, we will be voting for all the Bills on one call.

Sen. Miraj.

Sen. Betty Montet.

Hon. Members, we now have results for the voting. With regards to the Equalisation Fund Appropriation Bill (Senate Bills No.30 of 2023), the results are as follows:

Sen. Miraj.

Sen. Betty Montet.

The results on the County Licensing (Uniform Procedure) Bill (Senate Bills No.9 of 2022) are as follows:

Sen. Miraj. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

Sen. Betty Montet.

The results on The Agricultural and Livestock Extension Services Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2022) are as follows:

Sen. Miraj.

Sen. Betty Montet.

The results on the Mung Beans Bill (Senate Bills No.13 of 2022) are as follows: The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

Sen. Miraj.

Sen. Betty Montet.

The results for the Start-up Bill (Senate Bills No.14 of 2022) are as follows:

Sen. Miraj.

Sen. Betty Montet

The results for the Persons with Disabilities Bill (Senate Bills No.7 of 2023) are as follows:

Sen. Miraj.

Sen. Betty Montet.

Hon. Senators, the results for that Division are as follows-

Hon. Members, we are now done with the Division. Serjeant-at-Arms, you can now draw the Bars and open the Doors.

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Hon. Members, thank you for holding fort and we will proceed to the next order of Business, No.15. Clerk, call upon the order.

The Senate Majority Leader, proceed to move the Motion.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir for this chance. I rise to move the following Motion- THAT, AWARE THAT the 2024 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) was tabled in the Senate on 15th February, 2024 for consideration pursuant to the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act; THAT, AWARE THAT, the 2024 BPS was tabled in the Senate on 15th February, 2024 for consideration pursuant to the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act; NOTING THAT, the 14 days timeline for consideration of the BPS lapses on Thursday, 29th February, 2024; CONCERNED THAT, the magnitude of the work involved in the consideration of the BPS is immense as it involves consideration by all Standing Committees, stakeholder engagement, reporting by the Standing Committees to the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget and consideration and approval of the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget by the Senate; NOW THEREFORE

I second, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

Hon. Members, I call upon any Member who would like to contribute to this Motion to do so.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I would like to support very briefly the extension of time. Contrary to what our Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Cheruiyot has said, it is not the problem of the Committee on Finance and Budget. The Standing Committee on Energy received the BPS yesterday. When we looked at and analysed it, there were many issues. We were told that by Thursday, we should have finished and given our report to the Committee on Finance and Budget. We had many questions for the Cabinet Secretary. For example, how are they intending to make Kenya Power Company more profitable? It has huge debts and yet, they are talking about allocating it more funds. There are many issues within the petroleum sector as well. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we are still being told to give our report by Thursday. There was no opportunity to bring in the Cabinet Secretary to clarify why his Ministry is asking for the kind of money they are asking for, their justifications and what is needed to do. We need more time so that we can engage them. It is not possible for us to receive that report on a Tuesday morning and then on a Thursday, we are supposed to give it to the Committee on Finance and Budget. When do you get the Cabinet Secretary or his officers to come and explain what is in the BPS paper? For example, they have said that affordable housing is a critical anchor for our administration yet there is no clear plan in this BPS paper. There are no specifics or explanations on how they are going to fit in those new units, but these new units will require electricity. Right now, we have a shortage of electricity meters and we need the Cabinet Secretary to come and explain all these things before we give the Committee on Finance and Budget our report. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I truly support the extension of time, so that Committees can have the opportunity to engage with State Departments and get clarification on this BPS. This will enable us give a good report which we will debate when it is tabled by the Committee on Finance and Budget.

Sen. Wambua.

I thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I support the Motion by the Senate Majority Leader on extension of time for the consideration of the BPS. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, even as we move towards that extension, a way must be found for the input of the Senate on the BPSs to be considered. Many a time, we have engaged in what I will call largely a wild goose chase. This is whereby the committees of The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

the Senate sit and consider the statement; they have their input. It is forwarded to the relevant authorities, but never considered. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I painfully remember that in the last bipartisan years, there was concern across the aisle on an attempt to raid the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) and make it part of the equitable share to counties. There was mere consensus that you cannot through a policy statement, raid a fund established by an Act of Parliament and consider it as part of the equitable share to counties. I think that battle was lost. In the Roads Committee, whose Chairperson is here, we are supposed to be considering the BPS tomorrow, Thursday. The Roads Department is one of the departments of Government that has the highest budgetary allocation. It has many functions of road construction, maintenance et cetera . There will be need to have sufficient time to scrutinise the statement and get our input into it. Then I would challenge the Senate Majority Leader this time round to ensure that if he gets this extension and we have the input of Senators in all the committees, then we push to ensure that the input of in the final budget-making process is felt and implemented. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I support.

Proceed, Sen. Mandago.

Thank you very much, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I also rise to support the extension of time to allow committees to strictly analyse and support the work of the overall Finance Committee. The Committee on Health that I chair has several issues that we feel the need to have a discussion on first with the Cabinet Secretary for Health, so as to finalise. We shall have synchronised particularly programmes that are involved and are still being run by the Ministry. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, you realise that the Ministry has been recruiting health workers that are deployed to go and work in counties. As a committee, we thought we would meet the Cabinet Secretary and agree that those are part of the funds that can go to counties under the conditional allocation, so that it becomes seamless in the manner in which we are managing human resources for health. Mr. Speaker, Sir, for us to be able to roll out the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), it is critical that we have enough human resources in our health facilities. We are looking at the resources in the Ministry that we, as a Committee, feel could be deployed to support that function so that the rollout of UHC can be effective and efficient. The citizens of this country can get services as planned under the Kenya Kwanza Administration. Mr. Speaker, Sir, there are other issues that we want the Ministry to speak to us about. We have a kidney training and treatment centre that has been built for almost four years. The facility is not complete. The funds that were allocated to that facility are already expended and the project is not complete. We would wish to find out because kidney treatment is critical. Kidney diseases is one of the diseases that have become a burden to our economy and the citizens of this country. We wanted time to discuss with the Cabinet Secretary on some of those The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

programmes so that these resources can then be deployed effectively in a manner that will be supportive. Finally, there is a significant increase on the amount allocated to the health budget. We would want to make sure that those funds are going to programmes that will help in the rollout of UHC. Finally, we have a serious concern about the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) as it is being transitioned to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). You realize that there are many institutions that owe NHIF in terms of remittances. We would also like to discuss with the Cabinet Secretary before finally submitting our report to the Committee on Finance and Budget, so that those funds in the transition process cannot be lost and make sure that it feeds into the overall programme of the Government in rolling out of the UHC. So, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we plead that you give us more time so that we can do a serious job. I thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

Thank you, Sen. Mandago. Sen. Okiya Omtatah? You may contribute in under one minute for purposes of---

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Motion by the Senate Majority Leader. Today we were in the Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights (JLAC). Issues came up which required us to consult the Registrar of the Judiciary. We were told that we have to report tomorrow. How do you do that unless it is a mere formality that we are bringing these things here? However, if it is really that we need input from the Senate, we must be given ample time to consult the various stakeholders so that we come up with a report that is informed. We should not just to be given a report that is read and then they say that the Senate participated in it. I support. Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

Sen. Wamatinga in under one minute.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I also rise to support. We know that the Kenya Kwanza (KK) Government is moving towards the construction in the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP). In the energy sector, looking at the figures that are proposed, one is left with the question of how we intend to power and electrify those units. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I think that more time is required to interrogate how we are going to ensure that the power we are supplying will be enough for the enhanced demand that will come with the new houses. I support.

I call upon the Senate Majority Leader who is the Mover to reply.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I appreciate the contributions of our colleagues who have appreciated what this is about and the need for us as a Parliament to have its voice in the BPS. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.

Slowly by slowly the Senate is affirming its position on matters of budget. Over the years, we have felt as if our participation and contribution have only been limited to the contributions of revenue and what we send to the counties. Over the years, it increasingly becoming clear that on the sticky subject of the national debt, our voice is need, our approval is important and our scrutiny is needed more than ever before. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I hope Senators will take the extra seven days that we have granted to provide value to the good people of the Republic of Kenya. I thank all of them for contributing. I beg to reply.

Hon. Senators, pursuant to Standing Order No.84(1), I make a determination that this Motion does not affect counties and proceed to put the question.

Hon. Senators, it is now 1.00 p.m., time to adjourn the Senate. The Senate, therefore, stands adjourned until today Wednesday 21st of February, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.

The Senate rose at 1:00 p.m. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate.