Thursday, 24th July 2025

Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell.

Members, we now have quorum to transact business. Clerk-at-the- Table, proceed.

Take your seats. Hon. Mawathe, take your seat. Hon. Mukurino, take your seat. Hon. Karemba, are you a Mukurino? You told me you are very proud of it. You are the first and only one in the House.

Take the nearest seat, Hon. Kipchumba.

Therefore, in keeping with this practice, I hereby refer the Message from His Excellency the President, together with the curriculum vitae and other testimonials of the nominee, to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, and direct—

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

Yes, Hon. Bowen. What is your point of order?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to make a comment in relation to your Communication. As a House, we need to relook into our laws. We have seen cases where some boards of management of certain organisations do not require vetting by Parliament, while others do.

I chair the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation. Firstly, our laws require us to vet the nominee chairperson and nominee board members of the Kenya Fish Marketing Authority (KFMA) , and bring a report before this House before their appointment. Yet, in other state corporations within the State Department of Fisheries, our laws do not require Parliament to vet certain board nominees or chairpersons. Secondly, consider the appointment of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) . Some have five-year tenures, while others have three-year tenures, or more.

Therefore, we as a Parliament, need to align our laws and regulations to create standardised legislation on appointment of CEOs, chairs of state corporations and their boards.

That is my observation, Hon. Speaker.

I get your point. The correct avenue to take up what you are saying is the Kenya Law Reform Commission (KLRC) . Your Committee can map out parastatals under you that require parliamentary approval and those that do not, and harmonise the law accordingly. The Leader of the Majority Party who is seated here also has a duty to reach out to all parastatals.

I agree with you that there is absolutely no reason for one parastatal to have its board members approved by Parliament, and others appointed without such a process. Although it depends on what you are really looking for. Members of the Board of the CBK are definitely not equal to members of the Board of the Kenya National Water Towers.

Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table:

Thank you, Leader of the Majority Party. Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table:

Reports of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining on its consideration of:

Thank you. Chairperson of the Committee on Delegated Legislation.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table:

Next Order by the Chairperson of the Committee on Delegated Legislation..

Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion:

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Delegated Legislation on its consideration of the Public Finance Management

Regulations, 2024, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 24th July 2025, and pursuant to the provisions of section 24

(4)

of the Public Finance Management Act, Cap 412A, this House approves the Public

Finance Management (Public Officers Medical Fund) Regulations published as Legal Notice No. 195 of 2024. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Members, before we go to Order No.7, let us first dispose of Orders No. 8, 9 and 10, which are just for questions to be put. Clerk-at-the-Table, go ahead.

Order, Hon. Members. All the students in the Gallery, freeze where you are.

Hon. Kandie, take your seat.

Members on their feet, take your seats.

Hon. Members, consequent upon your votes on Order No.10, Order No.11 collapses. Therefore, when we reach Order No.11, we will skip it and go to Order No.12. Let us go back to Order No. 7.

Sorry. Please call out Order No.12. It is also for putting the question.

Let us go back to Order No.7. Hon. Shakeel Shabbir, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 44 (2) (e) , I wish to make a Personal Statement with regard to the remarks I made at Kindu Secondary School. On Friday, 11th July 2025, during a prayer meeting event at Kindu Secondary School in Kisumu East Constituency, I made certain remarks that have since drawn public attention and concern, particularly from members of the teaching fraternity across the country.

I acknowledge that the tone and general nature of my statement may have caused distress to many dedicated and hardworking teachers in our country. For this, I offer my sincere and unreserved apology. My words were never intended to attack or demean the teachers concerned, nor the profession as a whole. My frustrations were born out of the continual decline in academic performance at Kindu Secondary School, where over 95 per cent of the students have persistently scored Grade E.

Order, Hon. Members. Let us listen to Hon. Shakeel Shabbir. Go on.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. As a Member of Parliament, I am a firm believer in the transformative power of education, and that situation deeply troubles me. It is sad to note that whereas the Government is committed to supporting schools, there are teachers who work at cross purposes. For instance, during the function and classroom time, more than 10 Teachers Service Commission (TSC) teachers were absent without cause. This is despite the fact that the Government has

invested heavily in school infrastructure, and the teachers are reliably paid their monthly salaries on time.

My intention in making the remarks was to call out the small number of individuals whose continued negligence is sabotaging our children's future and tarnishing the good name of the teaching profession.

In conclusion, while regretting the trajectory that the remarks took, I call upon the TSC and the Ministry of Education to rein in the teachers who are not committed to serve the community and the nation at large, and to be more proactive in addressing similar situations that arise in good time.

Thank you.

Thank you. Since it is a Personal Statement, nobody is allowed to comment.

Leader of the Majority Party, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (a) , I rise to give the following Statement on behalf of the House Business Committee, which met on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025, to prioritise business for consideration during the week.

Allow me to first officially welcome Members back from the short recess. I hope we are all invigorated and ready to perform our roles in what promises to be a very busy part of the Fourth Session.

I further urge committees with priority business pending before them to expedite their consideration and submission of reports to the House so as to enable their conclusion within the set timelines.

I also encourage Committee Chairpersons and Members to be present in the House to prosecute various items of business concerning their respective Committees.

With regard to business scheduled for Tuesday next week, the House is expected to consider the County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill, (Senate Bill No. 39 of 2023) in the Committee of the whole House. Additionally, debates will be undertaken on the following Motions should they not be concluded in the course of business this afternoon:

Thank you, Leader of the Majority Party.

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

Yes, Hon. Oundo, what is your point of order?

I wanted to direct it to the Leader of the Majority Party. Many questions and statements are directed to the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, some dating back to February this year. I would like to know when he intends to prioritise or invite the Cabinet Secretary to respond to those and other emerging issues.

Leader of the Majority Party.

The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning and his Education counterpart are scheduled to appear next, after the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.

Okay. Has your concern been addressed?

Hon. Adan Keynan?

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education on the recruitment process for the position of Deputy Principal, Academic and Student Affairs at Turkana University College.

On 28th February 2023, the Public Service Commission advertised the position of Deputy Principal, Academic and Student Affairs at Turkana University College. Subsequently, on 14th February 2025, the Commission published a report listing 19 shortlisted applicants, including Prof Michael Okuruka Nappo. The report stated that interviews would be conducted on 21st February 2025.

However, on the day of the scheduled interviews, Prof. Nappo received a notification that the interviews had been postponed and would be conducted at a later date. Despite this communication, the Commission proceeded to conduct the interviews without informing Prof. Nappo or affording him an opportunity to participate.

The Commission, thereafter, submitted a report to the Turkana University College Council, pursuant to Section 35 (1) (a) (v) of the Universities Act (Cap. 210) , forwarding the names for consideration for appointment. This process raises serious concerns about equity and fairness in the recruitment of the Deputy Principal at Turkana University College.

It is against this background that I request a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education on the following:

Thank you, Hon. Akujah. Is the Chairman, Departmental Committee on Education in the House? Hon. Taitumu, are you standing in for your Chairman?

Bring a response in two weeks. Give him the microphone to go on record.

In two weeks' time, we will bring the report.

Thank you. Hon. Akujah, what is it?

Thank you, Hon. Chair…

Which Chair?

Hon. Speaker. Sorry. The Departmental Committee on Education has a question that was asked last year and has still not been

responded to. Although two weeks were promised, I am not sure whether this will be honoured. There is laxity in this Committee. I am not sure whether that response will be brought.

Hon. Taitumu, in two weeks, you will bring both the response to this request and the pending one.

Hon. Speaker, questions from two years ago may have lapsed, but we can still provide an answer.

Hon. Akujah, when did you request your earlier Statement?

He is saying one year ago.

Is that so, Hon. Akujah?

Hon. Speaker, I requested for a statement in December last year.

Hiyo ilikufa.

It is because they take a lot of time to respond to this and say two weeks and yet it takes forever.

You are not barred from pursuing it. You can go to the Table Office and resurrect your statement.

Okay, thank you.

Hon. Owen Baya?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker…

Are you purporting to present the Statement?

On behalf of Hon. Musa Sirma.

Where is the written authority?

He is stuck in traffic and gave instructions by phone.

You cannot be instructed on phone. The Member who has requested for a statement must write to the Speaker, and the Speaker must approve that you are a legitimate proxy. Now you are an impostor.

But, Hon. Speaker, due to the urgency…

I will not allow it. There is no exception to the rule.

Thank you.

If Hon. Musa Sirima arrives before the statement’s time ends, he will be allowed. Hon. Machua Waithaka?

Yes, go ahead.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I wish to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding the impact of the recent rise in global oil prices on road construction projects across the country.

Every financial year, the National Assembly appropriates funds towards the development, maintenance and expansion of road infrastructure to enhance access to essential services across the country and support economic development. A key component that is used in road construction is bitumen, a petroleum-based product that is derived from crude oil. Notably, as of 23rd June 2025, global crude oil prices had steadily risen, largely attributed to the escalating tensions in the Middle East. This has raised serious concerns about disruptions in global oil supply chains, which in turn has contributed to the rising cost of oil. There is a growing concern that those developments may adversely affect the timely implementation of ongoing and planned road construction projects in the country. This could lead to the lack of achievement of national development goals, hinder mobility and limit access to critical services such as healthcare and education.

It is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on the following:

Thank you, Hon. Machua. The Chair of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I will respond in two weeks.

Thank you. Hon. Zamzam Mohammed, Member for Mombasa County.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding the safety of ferries that are operated by the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) .

Ferry services are a key lifeline for coastal residents as their significance goes beyond mere transportation. They serve as an essential component of the region’s infrastructure, facilitating economic development, and promoting social integration. Thousands of Kenyans rely on ferry services daily to cross the Likoni and Mtongwe channels. However, in recent years, the state of those ferry services, particularly at the Likoni and Mtongwe channels, has declined significantly. That deterioration has led to increasing safety concerns, with members of the public consistently raising alarm over the poor condition of vessels, inadequate safety equipment and frequent service disruptions.

Following the Mtongwe Ferry Tragedy of 1994, an incident that claimed the lives of 270 people, the Government pledged to address the systemic issues that led to the disaster. Unfortunately, those commitments remain largely unfulfilled. The deterioration of ferry

operations at the Likoni and Mtongwe channels continues to pose a serious risk to the lives of Kenyans.

It is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on the following:

Thank you, Mama Zamzam. The Chair of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. GK.

Hon. Speaker, I will avail a response in two weeks.

You will bring a response in two weeks. That is alright. Hon. Keynan, I had dropped your request for a statement. However, now that you are here, I can exercise the discretion to resuscitate it. Go ahead.

Thank you very much, Hon Speaker. The Order Paper was a bit misleading. It talked of Tuesday. Hon Speaker, I wish to request for a statement …

An apology is desirable. When I called you out, you were not here.

Thank you, Hon Speaker. I would like to request for a statement regarding …

An apology is desirable.

Thank you, Hon Speaker. I apologise for coming late.

Good.

Hon Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock regarding the protection, rehabilitation and development of herding grounds and migratory routes in the pastoralist regions of northern Kenya.

Pastoralism is not merely a cultural heritage, but a critical economic mainstay that sustains millions of livelihoods, particularly the northern Kenya communities. Despite being their economic mainstream, pastoralist communities face significant challenges, including unregulated encroachment on private or community land, inadequate infrastructure, limited land for agricultural expansion and resource-based conflicts. Those issues are fragmenting grazing systems and blocking migratory paths, thereby undermining food security, disrupting livelihoods and exacerbating inter-community tensions in the region.

The survival and productivity of pastoralism in the northern Kenya region depends heavily on secure access to grazing lands and well-established livestock migratory routes.

Those routes allow for seasonal movement of herds in search of pasture and water and play a crucial role in promoting sustainable rangeland management by enabling rational grazing, preventing overgrazing and reducing degradation of pasture lands. The routes also facilitate structured access to pasture during dry seasons, thereby reducing livestock mortality.

It is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on the following:

Thank you. Let us have the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture. Any Member of the Committee? Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi.

Hon. Speaker, I promise that we will respond to this in the next two weeks.

Two weeks is okay. Is Hon. Owen Baya in the House? No. Is Hon. Musa Sirma in? No. Then let us go to the Requests for Statements. The first on this is Hon. Richard Yegon. Why do you look surprised? Are you not ready? Oh! It is a Response and not a Request for a Statement. In that case, let us have the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security. I am aware that Hon. Tongoyo is hosting His Excellency the President in Narok. He sent me a message that Hon. Kapondi will respond on his behalf. Hon. Kapondi, are you a member of the Committee?

Yes, I am, Hon. Speaker.

Go ahead.

Hon. Speaker, I have a Statement regarding the murder of Mr Wesley Kipkemoi Bett in Mau Forest.

The Member of Parliament for Bomet East Constituency, Hon. Richard Yegon, requested for a statement regarding the death of Mr Wesley Kipkemoi Bett in Mau Forest along the Bomet-Nakuru Road on 30th March 2025.

The Member requested to be informed of the following:

On the progress of the investigations into the circumstances surrounding Mr Wesley Kipkemoi’s disappearance and abandonment of his vehicle in Mau Forest, and whether forensic analysis was conducted on the scenes; following the incident, the crime scene was processed and documented by the Crime Scene Investigation Team. Investigations immediately commenced via an Inquiry File No.10/2025. Statements were recorded from several key witnesses and individuals connected to the case. The case remains pending under active investigations with no breakthrough made so far. The Directorate of Homicide is handling it.

On the report on the whereabouts of Ms Jackline Chepkirui, a person of interest identified by the family of Mr Wesley as a key suspect in the matter and the findings of the police on the connection, if any, to the disappearance and subsequent death of Wesley Kipkemoi, it is important to clarify that the initial complainant in this case is Ms Joyln Maritim and not Ms Jackline Chepkirui as indicated in the referenced Parliamentary Question. Given the circumstances surrounding the events of that day, Ms Joyln Maritim is considered a person of interest in the ongoing investigations. However, she has been fully co-operative with the investigators and remains available whenever required. Statements have been recorded from all key individuals, including Ms Joyln Maritim, the first respondent at the scene, family members of the deceased and the police officers involved.

The post-mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation. The body was discovered under a tree with a rope fashioned from a tree bark hanging above, suggesting a possible suicide by hanging.

On whether Mau Forest remains a safe route for travellers and what security measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of the road users, in light of the reported incident and assorted security concerns, concerted efforts have been made to enhance the safety of Mau Forest as a travel corridor, recognised as a vital link between Bomet and Narok counties. The route now enjoys increased police patrols aimed at deterring criminal activities and improving surveillance. Through coordinated efforts between the police and local communities, significant progress has been made in bolstering the security of road users. The following security measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of road users:

Hon. Yegon, are you satisfied with the response?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Thank you for the response from the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs.

I fail to understand the Committee’s findings because they have not even mentioned the names of the two boda boda guys who were alleged to have rescued the lady. It was also alleged that Ksh4,700 was stolen from the lady who was allegedly accompanying the deceased. Upon searching the deceased once he was found, Ksh2,850 was found in his pocket. That gentleman never went anywhere. He was found a few metres away from where the vehicle was found. The police are mentioning a different name, one Ms Joyline Maritim. I tried to get more information because my constituents went to search for the gentleman who was found dead. I understand they got an Identity Card (ID) that belonged to a lady called Ms Jackline Chepkirui. I do not know where the other lady, Ms Joyline Maritim, came from and, therefore, I need further clarification because the family is going through a lot of problems and they want to know the real details surrounding the death of their kin.

Hon. Kapondi, do you have any response to that?

Hon. Speaker, it is very clear to our colleague that the case is still active. Any information that he may have can still be channelled to the Office of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at Kiptagich Police Station because the file is still open. The case has not been concluded. The honourable colleague should just be patient. We will have a conclusive answer later.

Thank you. Hon. Members, before we go to the next response, I would like to acknowledge students from Muhoroni Furaha Academy Primary School from Kisumu County, and Olpusimoru Secondary School from Narok North Constituency in Narok County, who are seated in the Speaker's Gallery.

In the Public Gallery, we have students from AIC Academy from Baringo North Constituency in Baringo County, Ilengi Mixed Secondary School from Kitui South Constituency in Kitui County, Xaverian Junior Secondary School from Kisumu Central Constituency in Kisumu County and Kakululo Primary and Junior Secondary School from Mwingi West Constituency in Mwingi.

On my behalf and that of the House, we welcome the students, their teachers and those who are accompanying them to the House of Parliament.

Next is a response to a request for a statement by Hon. Julius Taitumu. Is Hon. Julius in the House? I am told Hon. Eve Obara is responding.

It is Hon. Orero from the Departmental Committee on Education. Hon. Orero, do you have authority from your Chairman? Both of you are saying yes. Is it Hon. Eve who will respond? Go ahead, Hon. Orero.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. This is a response to a request for a statement by Hon. Julius Taitumu on the promotion of teachers, a report by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) detailing the number of teachers per county, their names, the TSC numbers of teachers promoted per county, the promotional cadres for each teacher and the school where each teacher is stationed.

The Commission competitively promoted 25,252 teachers during the 2024/2025 Financial Year. The promotion exercise was guided by the principles of public service in Kenya under Article 232 of the Constitution and in consideration of, among others, equity, inclusivity and the available vacancies per grade. The data for the 25,252 promoted teachers per county is shown under Appendices 3A and B, which are at the back of this paper. Appendix 4 highlights the names and TSC numbers of teachers who were promoted in each county, the positions or cadres to which the teachers were promoted and the school where each teacher is stationed.

There is a n explanation of the criteria used in the promotion, including the basis for distribution across schools per constituency and per county, and any affirmative action considerations.

In a bid to ensure that promotions are based on merit, the Commission has established a standardised scoring system that is used to objectively assess candidates during promotion interviews. The scoring criteria includes:

leadership, experience, age and contribution to academic excellence. This vigorous evaluation process is designed to prioritise meritocracy, ensuring fairness and consistency, while minimising potential for favouritism and biasness.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, the fourth one is publication of vacancies and results. Vacancy announcements are publicly advertised through the print media and the TSC website, ensuring transparency and enabling wider dissemination of information. The advertisement specifies specific advert requirement, ensuring that teachers fully understand the qualifications and the timelines required. Additionally, the Commission publishes the list of all successful applicants on its website to enhance transparency in the recruitment and promotion process.

Common cadre promotion. The Commission has established a predictable promotion policy that provides for the automatic progression of teachers serving in common cadre grades without the need for competitive interviews. This policy applies to the following categories.

Yes, Hon. Sunkuli. What do you want to say? It is okay? Hon. Sunkuli can proceed because he got my attention first. We will come to you.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, my attention is really on those promotions from Grade C2 to C3 to C4, and I am wondering because this is affecting us especially in Trans-Mara. When you look at it, there are no head teachers who can come from Trans-Mara because the promotions are not happening. So, we are importing teachers from outside to come and head our schools because of those promotions that are lacking. Can the Committee consider taking Affirmative Action so that those other people can also benefit and be promoted from Grade C4 to Grade D2 because the most qualified teachers now are in Grade C4. It will take them 12 years to reach Grade D3 to be promoted to be head teachers. This is an issue that we need to address seriously.

Member for Igembe North. He has enriched your question.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. What the Member has given us is just a scholarly and theoretical argument because if you look at the folder behind, there are no names of the teachers who have been promoted in various cadres.

However, I want to believe you since in the third response, you have said that in the future, you will adhere to the principles that are set during the interviews. I may indulge you. But the answers are superficial; they do not contain what the request for statement sought.

Do you want to say something, Mwalimu?

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. One thing which is clear is that the person who asked for this response is also from the Departmental Committee on Education, and he knows how far this matter has gone. The TSC appeared before our Committee to give the details of the teachers such as the names, places and grades. Their response addressed the request and the Committee was satisfied with the answers from the Ministry of Education. However, I promise that, as we go back, we will ask the Ministry to give the names my colleague is asking for. I hope we will move with him together and remind the Ministry to bring the information.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, on a point of order.

Hon. Milemba, what is your point of order?

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I am so disappointed with my colleague Mwalimu Orero, and the seeker of the request for statement. Promotion was a very thorough issue. Even the trade unions asked for the list of those who were promoted. When the Member requested for a statement, I was in this House and I was very happy and proud that, finally, the lists would be available. This is because Parliament is the place where, through the Departmental Committee on Education, we can get the lists. Teachers did not believe what they saw.

In your response, you seem to indicate that the list is attached, only for the Member to indicate that there is no list attached. After your response, you seem to say that you had agreed outside the precincts of Parliament that the list was not necessary. We equally rely on you.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I kindly ask you to order the Committee, which has been doing very well on education matters, including promotion issues, to bring the list not for the sake of their Committee, but for all Kenyans and teachers in Kenya.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

I will give you one last chance to respond.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I think my colleague Hon. Omboko Milemba, who is also a long-serving educationist and still the Chair of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in this country, knows very well that he has taken me out of context. I never said that we start separately. Not really. I said that, as the Departmental Committee on Education, we sent TSC to bring the list of promoted teachers. We will table the list here in Parliament.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

To conclude this matter, you should bring the list. We can move to the next request for statement. The request was made by Hon. Machua Waithaka of Kiambu. The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture told me that there is someone from the Committee to present the response on his behalf. You may proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I want to respond on behalf of the Chairman, Hon. Dan Wanyama.

Hon. Mule, allow me to recognise four schools. When you finish your response, you can welcome the schools before they leave. You may realise that today there is a big group and some are leaving before we recognise them. I recognise the following schools, seated in the Public Gallery: Itibo Boys Primary School from Kitutu Chache in Kisii County, Sagero Baraton School from Chesumei Constituency in Nandi County and St. Martin’s Matuu School from Matungulu Constituency in Machakos County.

Seated in the Speaker’s Gallery are Malezi Bora Academy School from Kajiado North Constituency in Kajiado County, and Don Bosco Boys School from Bomachoge Chache Constituency in Kisii County. You may proceed, Hon. Mule, and then welcome the schools on our behalf.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. First and foremost, I welcome the young generation to this august House. I encourage the young people to take their education seriously. I know in the Public Gallery is one of the schools which we support, St. Martin’s Matuu Secondary School from Matungulu Constituency. On behalf of all the Members of the august House, we welcome you to this House to follow the proceedings.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

I want to give the response as received from the Ministry of Sports regarding the letter which was done to the Committee by one Mr Michael Karanga, a top amateur golfer, dated 11th June 2025. Mr Michael Karanga is a 30-year-old Kenyan amateur golfer. He has distinguished himself on the international stage through consistent performance and dedication. He is ranked 64th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, third in Africa and second nationally. Michael exemplifies Kenyan talent and resilience in the sport of golf, with an impressive handicap of +2.5, which underscores his skill as a top amateur golfer globally. He developed a passion for golf at an early age. I encourage young people to follow in his footsteps. His relentless pursuit of excellence has seen him participate in numerous national and international tournaments, steadily climbing the ranks and gaining recognition both locally and abroad.

Mr Michael has won 13 out of 28 events on the national calendar, making him the best- ranked amateur in Kenya in 2024. His dominance in the national amateur scene highlights his consistency, skill and dedication. He was honoured with the Sportsperson of the Year Award (SOYA) in 2024, recognising his outstanding contribution to Kenyan sports and his exceptional performances in the tournaments. He participated in the British Amateur Open 2023 and 2024, Ghana Open, Egyptian Open, Rwanda Open, International Pairs in Portugal, Africa Region IV Tournament, Victoria Cup and the All Africa Golf Team Championship. His participation in the tournaments was supported by the Kenya Golf Federation (KGF).

Michael has benefited significantly from the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series that is organised by the Kenya Golf Federation (KGF), earning over Ksh1.4 million in 2024. In 2025, he has accumulated close to Ksh0.5 million. Those earning reflects his growth, success and the Federation’s commitment to recognise and reward talents in the line of Talanta Hela Initiative, which aims to provide a platform for talent recognition and development.

First, on the plans in place by the Ministry of Youth and Creative Economy and Sports to sponsor Michael noting that he has consistently performed well and has potential to represent the country on global scale, the response from the Ministry is that, the Sports Act, 2013 and Sports Registrar Regulations, 2016 require that professional sports personnel register with the Sports Registrar.

In addition, the Public Finance Management Regulations, 2018 (Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund) require registration of professional sportsmen or persons seeking support from the sports funds, which is Sports Arts and Social Development Fund. The Ministry, in partnership with other corporates through the Kenya Golf Open and Magical Kenya Ladies Open, annually support national teams that are selected by the federation to represent the country in major series and tournaments. This includes all the African Golf Championship, African Zone 5 Championship, among others.

Michael has benefited as a member of the national golf team that is supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports. In view of this, the Ministry confirms that through the State Department for Sports and Kenya Golf Federation, the Government has been a cornerstone of Michael's development; offering him comprehensive support that encompasses training, international exposure and financial backing. That support has contributed to his impressive handicap of 2.5, making him one of the top amateur golf players globally.

Secondly, a report by the Ministry on the sportsperson currently being sponsored by the Government, including the specific sport they played in and the criteria used by the Government to sponsor sportsmen...

The Ministry works closely with 138 national federations that are responsible for the development of their respective sports. Those federations address the sporting requirement of sportsmen at the individual, club, team, technical personnel and county association level.

The Ministry has a criterion for funding that guides federations in their application for support. The sports federations are aware of those guidelines and are required to fully comply

to the consideration. In the Financial Year 2023-2025, the Ministry sponsored 43 national teams to represent Kenya in international events.

Additionally, 11 events were hosted in the country. Those sportsmen, who include male and female, and people living with disabilities, are drawn from a diverse section of the sporting disciplines within the country. The criteria used for consideration of funding requested include, compliance with the Sports Act, 2013 and the Sports Registrar Regulation, 2016, the Public Finance Management Regulation, 2018 (Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund), provision of calendar of activities six months before the start of the financial year, proof of a strategic plan, declaration of other sources of income, confirmation of invitation to international events and the contribution of the events to Kenya ranking sporting activities.

The second query was on the measures the Ministry has put in place to sponsor sportsmen in the country who have shown promise in the various categories. The Ministry

responds as follows:

The State Department’s mandate and programmes aim at promoting talent through identifying, nurturing and development to ensure that athletes earn from their talent. Talent camps organised during school holidays by the Kenya Academy of Sports in partnership with the sports federations is one of the key programmes that contributed to the promotion of those talents, which includes the one we are talking about. It is important to note that the support to the sportsperson is done through the requirement of the sportsperson at the individual level, clubs, teams, technical personnel or county sports association. The Government wishes to support the upcoming talent but due to resource constraints, it is not possible. The Ministry encourages the leadership of sports federations to encourage corporates and other partners to support promising talents like Michael.

In conclusion, the Ministry, in partnership with the Kenya Golf Federation, is not only committed to supporting the hosting of the tournament and the national golf team, nurture and develop the tournament talent, but also accord golfers opportunities to earn from their talent. Thank you.

This response is signed by Hon. Sam Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports.

Hon. Member for Kiambu.

Thank you Hon. Deputy Speaker. I have heard the response from the Hon. Member representing the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture.

According to Michael Karanga, all the sponsorship or benefits that he has got have been from well-wishers and that the Government has not helped him in any way. If the Government claims to be sponsoring him in any way, can we get some vouchers or receipts to show the same? He believes that he has been overlooked as a great talent in this country.

Secondly, Michael Karanga says that whenever he or other members of the golf fraternity go out of the country, they are hosted by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports and given the national flag. But when they return, there is nobody to welcome them back and receive the flag.

Two weeks ago, I recall we saw arguably one of the greatest 1,500 and 5,000 metres ran by Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet, respectively. When they came back, they were honoured by the Government and given Ksh5 million each. Michael Karanga thinks that he is a champion in this country and that he should also be accorded benefits because he has greatly honoured this country.

I am, therefore, not satisfied with the response that I have got from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture. I would want a further review. I submit.

There seems to be a disconnect between the response given by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports and what the

Member of Parliament who is representing the athlete has said. It is better this goes back to the Committee so that the sportsman can have an audience with the Committee in the presence of somebody from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports so that this can be solved.

This issue was in the Order Paper a few days ago, and the debate was on whether we should have a policy. The House is deliberating on it to ensure there is a methodology or criterion for the various amounts to be given to athletes depending on their performance when they represent the country. This can be a larger issue to be discussed for all the categories of sportspersons, so that there is no sport that is favoured over another. I know that there are also challenges of some being paid more than others. However, if we deal with this on the basis of a certain sportsperson, we will not solve the global problem. Rather, we will deal with it on a case-by-case basis. We can conclude there.

Hon. Irene Mayaka and I support the Women Rugby Team.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I am not pre-empting debate on the Motion that you have talked about, and which is due for debate here on supporting of talents. The issue that the Hon. Member has brought up and other issues involving our amateur sportspersons need to be considered. We have the Talanta Academy, but we need to know if their policy considers amateur talents that we have and the specifics, in terms of the kind of support that they get. This is to avoid sporadic situations where there is a difference in how our sportspersons are supported. We ought to have a proper structure of how we manage our amateur sportspersons.

Thank you.

The representative of the Chairperson, Hon. Mule, make sure that he actions that so that you convene a committee meeting to look at it globally. Do you have anything else to comment on or something to assure us?

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. As a Committee, we are glad we are guided. I invite the Hon. Member representing the sportsman to our next meeting. I assure you that we, as a Committee, are aware of those disparities. We are working with the Ministry, the different State Departments and federations to ensure that this country has a clear and harmonised way of remunerating all our sportspersons, not only in golf, athletics and football, but also all the other fields. I give the Hon. Member the commitment that once we engage with him, we will definitely get a way forward. We will also call the Cabinet Secretary and his team to come and give proper guidance to Mr Michael.

With all due respect, I believe this is one of the sportsmen we need to nurture and support so that he can reach the levels of Tiger Woods and the rest globally.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Members. We can now go to the statement as requested by Hon. Amina Mnyazi, Member for Malindi. Is she here? It was supposed to be responded to by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. However, if the owner of the statement is not here, then we shall pass. With the permission of Hon. Speaker, Hon. Sirma’s Statement will be responded to.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I wish to apologise for coming late. I was not here when I was called.

You had requested for a statement.

I am requesting for a statement.

Okay.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Co-operatives regarding the participation of Kenyan exhibitors in Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

The Osaka Expo 2025 is a collaborated event between the Japanese National Government, various countries including Kenya and businesses from both the domestic and international private sectors. Noting that the Expo provides a unique platform for Kenya to showcase its export products, the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) selected 19 Kenyan companies to participate in promotional activities during the Expo. It began on 13th April 2025 and will run up to 13th October 2025. It undertook to provide exhibition space. Notably, only representatives from five out of the 20 companies travelled to Japan to showcase their products.

Shockingly, upon arrival, KEPROBA withdrew their undertaking to provide exhibition space to the companies as it had earlier been agreed on. This decision has negatively affected the Kenyan companies which had travelled with their products. This affected the export business due to the cost incurred as a result.

Is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Co-operatives in the House? In his absence then, Leader of the Majority Party will inform him.

I will do that, Hon. Temporary Speaker. He will respond in about 10 days’ time.

Thank you. Before the next Order, let me acknowledge the following schools in the Speaker's Gallery and the Public Gallery: Muthetheni Girls’ High School from Mwala Constituency, Machakos County; Emarangishu Primary from Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County; Kathiani Girls’ School from Kathiani Constituency, Machakos County and Nyahururu Highway School from Ndaragwa Constituency, Nyandarua County.

Next Order.

The Member who is in charge of this particular Motion has recused himself. He is bereaved. Therefore, we can have it in the Order Paper in future. Let us move to the next Order.

Is the Chairperson of the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee in the House? Leader of the Majority Party.

He is here. Proceed, Hon. Karemba.

Hon. Temporary Speaker and esteemed Members of Parliament, pursuant to Standing Order 199, I rise to table the second Report of the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee on the status of the implementation of the Constitution by the three critical institutions; namely, the Office of the Controller of Budget (OCOB) , the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) , and the Office of the Auditor- General (OAG) .

The Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee is established under…

Order, Hon. Member. You need to begin afresh by moving the Motion. You can easily read what has been provided on the paper that you have.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion:

THAT, this House adopts the Second Report of the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 24th June 2025, on the Status of Implementation of the Constitution by-

Hon. Mulanya.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to second the Motion.

As Members of the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, we listened to submissions by the three commissions. One of the matters that came out very clearly is the existence of serious legislative limitations that hinder the performance of those particular commissions. The Committee has recommended that amendments be made to the respective

laws to give those commissions real authority that will enable them to effectively perform their functions.

For instance, we noted a serious concern that was raised by the Office of the Controller of Budget. They indicated that they face challenges in overseeing county governments expenditure. This is an issue we have consistently raised, particularly regarding pending bills. The county governments often request the withdrawal of public funds, but the money is not applied to the purposes indicated in their applications. The Commission currently lacks the legal power to follow up and ensure that the counties utilise the funds as originally requested.

The Commission requested that this House amend the law to ensure that funds are channelled appropriately, thereby addressing the issue of pending bills. We also noted alarming trends in expenditure at the county level, where funds are prioritised for renovations and purchase of luxury vehicles, while critical sectors such as health suffer due to lack of medical supplies. This points to a serious misuse of available resources even as the public is told that the Government lacks funds. Those offices, particularly the Office of Controller of Budget, were established after the drafters of the Constitution deemed it necessary to separate their functions from those of the Office of the Auditor-General. The intention was to enhance oversight over public funds.

Therefore, so as to empower those commissions to perform their duties effectively, I propose that we fully adopt this Report. We must also ensure that appropriate legislation is enacted and that those commissions are adequately funded to meet their budgetary needs.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

You second. Give him the microphone to second properly.

I second, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Who takes the first bite? Hon. James Nyikal.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I rise to support this Report.

I just want to make a general comment. I have observed this on many occasions. Extremely important reports are brought to this House and many times, we debate them while we are so few that one wonders whether we are doing them any justice. That is also the case today. I recall another occasion when we debated a report detailing employment opportunities under various parastatals. That, too, was a very important report but, once again, the House was nearly empty.

This Report is extremely important. It addresses three key institutions of financial management in the country. It is looking at the Office of the Auditor-General, the Commission on Revenue Allocation and the Office of the Controller of Budget. Those institutions form the backbone of Government financial oversight. They do not just cover oversight, but also the allocation of public funds.

Now, if, as the Committee has found, those institutions are hampered by structural limitations that prevent them from fulfilling their constitutional mandates, how can we expect that public funds will be spent as intended for the benefit of our people? The main issues highlighted across the three institutions are, first, under-funding; and, second, lack of enforcement mechanisms. Even with those two issues alone, what can the Auditor-General do upon discovering a problem? There is nothing he or she can do. Additionally, they lack the capacity to carry out their mandate due to budget constraints. The same applies to the Commission on Revenue Allocation and the Controller of Budget.

Examples have been cited, particularly regarding county governments, illustrating the impact of lacking enforcement mechanisms. The biggest culprits have been found to be the county governments. They engage in wasteful expenditures, as has been indicated in the Report. The Auditor-General may identify and report such waste, but that is as far as it goes. It is expected that Parliament will act on the Report. However, there are delays in the parliamentary process for handling audited reports. This delay significantly affects county funding. By law, we are required to allocate, at least, 15 per cent of the last audited accounts to counties. If the audited accounts are five years behind, then we are allocating funds based on outdated figures, which do not reflect the actual revenue of the current year. That is a disservice to the counties.

Additionally, there have been instances of misallocated funds. For example, there are purchases of luxury vehicles and expenditure on renovations, while essential services such as medical supplies are neglected. We read those findings, and that is where it ends. When we discuss such critical matters when we are so few in the House, no real action follows. In effect, we are shooting ourselves in the foot.

I see that my time is up. However, I want to state clearly that this Report is very important. I call upon the Implementation Oversight Committee of this House to take up this Report, examine the recommendations and ensure that concrete actions are taken.

I support.

Hon. Members, let me acknowledge the presence of some visitors before we get to the next speaker.

In the Speaker's Gallery, we have students of Sekenani Primary School from Narok West Constituency, Narok County. We also have students of Nturiri Primary School from Mara Constituency, Tharaka-Nithi County. We equally have students of Olkiriane Secondary School from Narok South Constituency, Narok County.

Hon. Jematiah Sergon, are you speaking on this Motion? As Hon. Nyikal has put it, this morning I was dealing with schools that do not exist in any part of the country and yet, they got money. The Auditor-General raised the matter. They were many schools, getting up to Ksh50 million. Now it ends there. Are you speaking on this Motion?

Very well. Hon. Members, there being no further interest, I call upon the Mover to reply.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker and the Hon. Members who have added your voices to this debate.

The spirit of the 2010 Constitution is to ensure good governance and prudent utilisation of public resources in this country. Going by this Report, the House needs to get down and help this country to ensure proper utilisation of the resources Kenyans pay in form of taxes. That is by supporting our institutions, like the Office of the Auditor-General, which ensures accountability. It includes allocating enough resources to help them undertake their responsibilities because those are constitutional responsibilities.

The idea of giving the institutions more power to ensure compliance also came out very clearly. The Office of the Controller of Budget and the Office of the Auditor-General require more power to ensure compliance and accountability in expenditure and utilisation of public resources.

I beg to reply.

Very well. The putting of the question shall be deferred to the next sitting.

Next Order.

Chairperson of Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee. I saw him in the House. Very well.

Hon. Members, I am properly and reliably informed that the Report on the same is not ready and it is not with the Chair. Therefore, the same shall be deferred to the next sitting.

Hon. Members, there being no further business, the House stands adjourned until Tuesday, 29th July 2025, at 2.30 p.m.

The House rose at 4.49 p.m.

Published by Clerk of the National Assembly Parliament Buildings Nairobi