Thursday, 7th August 2025

Hon. King'ara, before the House starts, I have told you prayer is very solemn. We cannot be praying, and you are on the phone. It is not right. Respect God. Our Constitution says the God of all creation guides us, including you. Please do not do that again. You can step out and make your call if it is so pressing. We cannot be praying and supplicating ourselves to God while you are on the phone in the Chamber.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, you have to help me on this. It is unacceptable. We are all God- fearing. Let us respect it.

Serjeants-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell. Where are the whips? Hon. Millie, have you left your whip at home today?

Hon. Members, we now have a quorum to transact business. Clerks-at-the-Table.

Chair of the Departmental Committee on Labour, Hon. Chonga.

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

Thank you. Skip Order No.7. Let us dispose of Orders No. 8, 9 and 10.

Order. Members on your feet, take your seats.

Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture on its

Order. Members on their feet, take your seats.

Next Order.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. St. Michael Kawalase Primary School rarely visits Parliament. This is probably their first visit in a decade or even in a century. I want to thank the students and their teachers for coming. This is where we speak about the River Kawalase Flood Control Project, which has never been actualised. Rest assured that the Government is working hard to ensure the success of that project. I know you are hardworking and disciplined pupils from one of the best-performing schools in the constituency and the county at large. Keep it up. We hope you will one day be leaders just as we are.

Thank you, Hon. Emathe. Call out Order No.11.

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

THAT, notwithstanding the Resolution of the House of 13th February 2025 and 27th May 2025, and pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 28

(4)

, this House resolves to further alter its Calendar so as to–

Hon. Millie.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise to second that Motion, and to thank Hon. Osoro for ceding his position and allowing me to be the Chief Whip of the Majority Party. I do not mind.

This is a fairly straightforward matter. Many of us know that we were scheduled to go for the long recess, but Parliament has a lot of pending business before it. Since we are very committed to devolution, many of us will be participating in the Devolution Conference, 2025. Therefore, we want to dispense with certain important issues when Members are still around. We also appreciate the opportunity to spend time with our children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, for those who have them, during recess.

I beg to second.

Say, you beg to second.

Yes, I do second.

Order. Members on their feet, take your seats. Hon. Makilap, take the nearest seat. Hon. Haika, take your seat. Hon. Wamboka, take your seat.

Should I put the question?

Yes!

We now go back to Order No. 7.

Leader of the Majority Party, make your Thursday Statement.

Hon. Speaker, Hon. Osoro is holding a kamukunji that is blocking me.

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, 5th August 2025, to prioritise business for consideration during the week. As Members may have noticed in the Order Paper, I intended to move a Motion for alteration of the Calendar of the House, which I have already done, in order to hold sittings on Tuesday, 19th August 2025 and commence the long recess on Wednesday, 20th August 2025. I wish to inform Members, both present and absent, that we will proceed on the long recess on 20th August 2025. We have approved today to have sittings on Tuesday, 19th August 2025, to deliberate on and finish pending business. I urge Members to be present in the House on that day to prosecute various business concerning them.

With regard to business scheduled for Tuesday next week, the House is expected to consider the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025 and the Election Offences

(Amendment) (No.2) Bill (Senate Bill No. 28 of 2024) in Committee of the whole House. You may recall that we debated this very important Bill that emanated from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO). It is important for us to finalise it as we gear up for elections in 2027.

Additionally, debate will be undertaken on the following Motions, some of which are listed in the Order Paper today:

On a point of order, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Yes, Hon. Millie Odhiambo. What is your point of order?

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Out of courtesy, I wish to notify the House that on that day, we will be in Homa Bay for the devolution conference. I will designate a Member to take the question on my behalf because we have really waited for that event. One of my constituents died in police custody at the Kipasi Police Post cell. In terms of the way it is framed, it is general, but my question was very specific, especially in relation to my constituent who had died in police custody. Thank you.

Okay. Next Statement. Hon. Millie, you will get a response shortly, but let us move on to the next.

I was confirming if it was Hon. Mwenje or Hon. Protus. Hon. Protus had requested a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security.

Yes, there was a statement requested by Hon. Protus of Loima Constituency from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, pursuant to provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the delay in the appointment of chiefs and assistant chiefs in Loima Constituency.

Over the past three years, several interviews have been conducted for the appointment of chiefs and assistant chiefs in Loima constituency. The respective interviewing panels submitted reports outlining the qualified and successful candidates to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration for appointment. However, to date, the chiefs and assistant chiefs have not yet been appointed, particularly in Kalemunyang, Lorengippi, and Naipa sub- locations, which are at the border of Kenya and Uganda.

This delay has significantly hampered the delivery of essential government services at the grassroots level. Chiefs and assistant chiefs are not only critical to the coordination of public administration at the local level, but also play a key role in maintaining law and order, implementing government programs, and resolving local disputes. Additionally, they play a significant role in the civil registration process, including registration of births and deaths, which are essential in planning and equitable resource allocation.

It is against this background that I request a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the following:

Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security or a Member? Yes, Hon. Tongoyo.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. We will provide a response to the statement within two weeks. Let me bring to your attention that the Member is a high-ranking Member in my Committee. We had several meetings with the Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry regarding the same. Nevertheless, I will bring a response in two weeks.

Thank you. You will have a response in two weeks. Let us move to the next statement by Hon. Mark Mwenje, Member for Embakasi West, to the Departmental Committee on Education.

Hon. Mark Mwenje is not here…

Hon. Deputy Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I wish to request for a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the Contributions Policy Framework currently being implemented by the Social Health Authority (SHA) , particularly with respect to the requirement for upfront annual contributions from participants in the informal sector.

The Social Health Authority, established under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, is mandated to administer and structure the national health insurance scheme through the Primary Health Care Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund. These reforms are envisioned to enhance equity, sustainability, and universal access to health care in line with Article 43 of the Constitution. However, considerable public concern has risen regarding the directive requiring informal sector contributors to remit annual premiums in a lump sum as a condition for enrollment or continued

access to health care services. This approach has been widely criticised as financially exclusionary, particularly for low-income and seasonally employed Kenyans who are unable to make such bulk payments.

The shift from the previous monthly contribution model under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the annualised unfixable payment structure threatens to erode public confidence in SHA. It risks disenfranchising millions of Kenyans who fall outside the formal employment bracket. It is imperative that this House receives clarity on the policy rationale, legal foundation, and sustainability for this contribution framework.

It is against this background that I seek a statement from the Chairman of the

The Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Health, Hon. Nyikal.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. This is a very important question. We will make an effort to get an answer within two weeks, if possible. It is fairly comprehensive, but we shall make every effort because it is of great importance to the whole country.

Thank you. Two weeks is okay. There is also a Request for a Statement by Hon. Clive Gisairo, Member for Kitutu Masaba. Yes, Hon. Gisairo.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the detainment of a 10-month-old baby, Chloe Agnes Nyanchoka Nyanga'u, in India, due to the delayed payment of the medical bill by the Social Health Authority (SHA) . Baby Chloe, a declared dependent of Mr Boniface Nyang'au Momanyi, member number CR6943664995724-9 under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) , was referred to MIOT International Hospital in Chennai, India, for open-heart surgery by a consultant paediatric cardiologist at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) . The referral was authorised by the Office of the Director-General for Health vide a letter dated 8th April 2025, for the period of cover ending 30th June 2025.

On 15th May 2025, Ms Gladys Nyabonyi Asuku of national Identity Number (ID) 22816057 and passport number BK968376, the mother of the minor, duly signed the SHIF Beneficiary Commitment Form for overseas treatment. The total cost of treatment was stated at Ksh1,625,000, with a clear acknowledgement that the SHA gazette tariff for overseas

treatment would cover Ksh500,000. Subsequently, baby Chloe, accompanied by her mother, travelled to Chennai, India, on 16th July 2025, where baby Chloe underwent open-heart surgery on 21st July 2025. Although she was scheduled to return to Nairobi on 5th August 2025, MIOT International Hospital has withheld her release due to the delayed payment of the outstanding Ksh500,000 by SHA, subjecting the family to emotional distress and unforeseen financial hardship.

It is against this backdrop that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the

Serjeant-at-Arms, could I have the list of guests who are here? Because I can see the guests are arriving and leaving before I receive the list.

Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health, Hon. Nyikal.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. This matter of a child being held is obviously very critical. We will make every effort to have a report ready by next week, if possible. At least regarding the release of the child, even if other policy matters are still to be looked into.

Thank you.

Next, we have a Request for a Statement by Hon. Tim Wanyonyi, Member for Westlands Constituency.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I request a Statement...

Hon. Faith Gitau, stop distracting the Member for Westlands.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

For protecting you.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Labour regarding the rights of reasonable accommodation in the workplace for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) .

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of PWDs and Section 21 (2) (d) of the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 4 of 2025 require every employer to carry out appropriate modifications in their workplace premises to accommodate the employment of persons with disabilities. Despite the right to reasonable accommodation, Ms Phyllis Anyango Ouko, who serves as a Director of Administration in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration

and is a wheelchair user, was recently relocated from the first floor to the eighth floor of Harambee House. The decision for the relocation was reportedly made without consideration for her accessibility needs, jeopardising her well-being. Consequently, Ms Anyango has reportedly been sleeping in her current office space for three consecutive nights to prevent its demolition and secure her accessibility rights. It is deeply concerning that a public officer living with disability is being subjected to such challenges in a clear violation of her right to reasonable accommodation. The Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association (KEDIPA) calls for urgent intervention by the relevant ministry and other state agencies.

It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Labour on the following grounds:

Thank you. Chairperson for the Departmental Committee on Labour. Is there a Member from that Committee here? Yes, Hon. Donya.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, in the next two weeks. Thank you.

Someone just murmured that two weeks is too long.

On a point of order, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

What is your point of order, Hon. Pukose?

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I am standing in for the Leader of the Majority Party. Two weeks is a long period, considering the issue the Hon. Member has raised, particularly given that she has been sleeping in the office for the past three nights. We cannot have her continue sleeping in that office for the next two weeks. I suggest that you direct the Committee to give a response within one week so that the matter is resolved urgently.

Hon. Donya, can your Committee handle it within one week, especially considering we are going on a recess?

Well guided, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I shall give the communication.

Thank you. Before we proceed to the next request for a statement, which will be made by Hon. Walter Owino, Member for Awendo, allow me to recognise the presence of Mother Kevin School from Kanduyi Constituency, Bungoma County, seated in the Speaker's Gallery. Also sitting in the Speaker's Gallery are staff members from Bomachoge Borabu Constituency, Kisii County. On behalf of the Members of Parliament and the substantive Speaker, I now invite the Member of Parliament to welcome them on our behalf. Proceed.

Thank you very much, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I feel twice fortunate because you have allowed me to welcome the Bomachoge Borabu Constituency staff. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to welcome Kenyenya Junior Academy to Parliament.

I welcome the staff of Bomachoge Borabu to this Chamber. I remind them that they are in their positions due to the goodwill granted to us by the people. I encourage them to continue supporting me so that we can deliver the best services to our constituents. I also urge them to

enjoy the Parliamentary premises as much as possible, because there is a common saying that experience cannot be created, it must be lived. By being in the Chamber today, they witness firsthand what it means to legislate, oversee, and represent the people of Bomachoge Borabu.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Thank you. On behalf of myself and the Hon. Speaker, I welcome you to the House of Parliament. Also seated in the Public Gallery, I wish to recognise the following schools: Father Walstra Academy from Kanduyi Constituency, Bungoma County; Riena Primary School from Kasarani Constituency, Nairobi County; Mutamaiyu Primary School from Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua County; St. Clair Primary School from Chesumei Constituency, Nandi County; Marigat Academy from Baringo South Constituency, Baringo County; Mfariji Primary School from Igembe North Constituency, Meru County; and Olomonira Primary School from Narok West Constituency, Narok County.

On behalf of the substantive Speaker, myself, and Members of the National Assembly, I now invite Hon. Taitumu to welcome all our guests on our behalf.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for this opportunity. Allow me to welcome all the schools present in the Chamber, both in the Public and Speaker's Gallery. This is the institution that oversights, legislates, and represents the interests of Kenyans. I urge the students visiting today to let this noble opportunity serve as an inspiration to work hard for a better future, so that one day, some of them may represent Kenyans in this very noble institution known as Parliament.

Welcome, and thank you very much, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Taitumu. I now call upon a request for a statement by Hon. Walter Owino, Member for Awendo, addressed to the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. This is a request for a statement regarding the non-payment of retirees' deposits by non-compliant SACCO societies.

Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives regarding the non-payment of deposit shares to retirees by various Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) .

There is a growing concern over the number of retirees, many documented by the Retirees Welfare Association of Kenya (RISEREWA) , who are unable to access their funds due to non-compliance by several SACCOs. Despite numerous letters and appeals to the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and the Chief Executive Officer of the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) , no meaningful progress has been made. This has occasioned great suffering and financial distress among retired members, many of whom are not pensionable and rely solely on their SACCO savings for post-retirement livelihood.

The Association has cited cases from SACCOs across the country, including the AFNA Sacco, Transcom Sacco, Migori Teachers Sacco, Bungoma Teachers Sacco, Nairobi Jitegemee, and Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation Workers, among others. These SACCOs collectively owe deposits to thousands of members, some with as many as 1,034 retirees yet to be paid. Regrettably, there is no ring-fenced legal framework setting timelines for refunding retirees, nor are there binding disciplinary consequences for non-compliant SACCOs. Furthermore, online fraud and internal collusion have been reported, further endangering retirees' funds.

It is against this background that I seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives on the following:

Who is representing the Chairperson for the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives? Yes, proceed, Hon. Ondo.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, in the absence of the Chair and the Vice-Chair, I will undertake to transmit the request for the statement. We request that the Member allow us two weeks after the resumption of the sittings of the House, sometime towards the end of or early September, to provide adequate responses to the request.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Is that sufficient, Hon. Owino, Member for Awendo?

That is okay, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Thank you. All right, now let us proceed with a request for a statement by the Hon. Member for Nairobi County, Hon. Passaris.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 43, I wish to make a statement regarding the 27th Anniversary of the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Nairobi.

I rise today with a heavy heart, yet with hope, to mark the 27th anniversary of the 7th August 1998 bombing of the U.S. Embassy here in Nairobi. That devastating attack claimed the lives of 218 innocent individuals, injured over 5,000, and left thousands of families shattered. While the world moved on, the survivors are still living with the consequences— many in silence, many in suffering. During this year's commemoration at the 7th August Memorial Park, I listened to survivors like Douglas, who lost his sight in the blast, Beatrice,

who lost her husband, and Macharia, who lost both his parents. Their stories are not just heartbreaking—they are a call to conscience.

This is a personal statement. There will be no comments on it.

Hon. Members, allow me to recognise the following schools in the Public Gallery:

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the murder of Mr Michael Odhiambo Omamba of ID No. 32269118.

On the morning of 23rd July 2025, Mr Michael Odhiambo Omamba, a resident of Uriri Sub-county in Migori County, was found dead under unclear circumstances, barely 50 metres from his residence in Migori Town. A preliminary view of his body showed that he had suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest. It is reported that some items found at the scene, including a wallet and a mobile phone believed to be his, were untouched, suggesting that the murder may have been premeditated rather than a result of violent robbery.

It is claimed that on the night prior to his killing, Mr Odhiambo was seen at a local social joint in the company of several people, including a mutual acquaintance. The incident was reported at Migori Police Station under OB No. 10/07/2025, but investigations are yet to

yield any tangible outcome. The killing of Mr Michael Odhiambo Omamba has not only devastated his family but has also caused anxiety among residents of Migori County, who are concerned about the state of public safety and the effectiveness of security apparatus in protecting the lives of citizens.

It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the

Hon. Tongoyo, Chairman of the Committee, when will you bring the response?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, since the House may go on recess next week, I request to bring the response in the first week after resumption. If I receive the response earlier, I will forward it to the Member.

Hon. Fatuma.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, we will wait for the response.

It is so directed.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

What is out of order, Hon. Donya?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. As the rest await responses to their statements, I also wish to mention that I have a pending response from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock.

Hon. Donya, we will prosecute the responses as they are. If you have a pending one, kindly hold your horses. I will give you the opportunity thereafter.

Let us have the Vice-Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, Hon. Major (Rtd) Bashir.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Before I proceed with the response, I wish to raise a very disturbing and crucial matter that has come to our attention. We have learnt of press statements by the former Deputy President concerning the President’s recent visit to Mandera County. He imputed improper motive on the great people of Mandera by alleging that the President met at night with members of Al Shabaab alongside the leadership of that county.

Hon. Bashir, which statement are you responding to? Are you making another statement?

No, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am seeking to draw the attention of the House to a very weighty matter that touches on national defence. It concerns a statement made by the former Deputy President alleging that...

I was just confirming, Hon. Bashir. You know I serve in your Committee, and this is a House of records. I had called you to respond to a statement first. Kindly proceed with the response first.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am well guided. The Member for Turkana North Constituency, Hon. Ekwom Nabuin, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , requested a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Defence regarding the security situation in Todonyang, particularly the massacre of civilians allegedly by the Dassanach Militia from Ethiopia on 22nd February 2025. The Member specifically sought to be informed on the following:

Very well. Is the Member in the House? Yes, Hon. Ekwom.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The response is not satisfactory. This is because, from my understanding of the existence of KDF, under Article 341 (3) (a) of the Constitution, the responsibility of KDF is the defence and protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya. It seems that the Cabinet Secretary does not know the location of Todonyang. Todonyang is located at the border of Kenya and Ethiopia, and the attackers were Ethiopian militia. Therefore, it was an external aggression and incursion. I thought this called for the intervention and response by the KDF. The Cabinet Secretary discusses the deployment of the KDF internally. She has mentioned areas within the country, yet we are talking about an external aggression. So, I request that you direct that the Cabinet Secretary appears before the Committee, together with myself, so that she gives the Committee more information. The people of Turkana are looking forward to a response that has not been forthcoming for the last six months. People in Todanyang…

You have made your point, Member for Turkana North. Let us hear the Vice-Chairman first.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. We have noted the concerns of the Member. The appropriate thing to do is to get back to the Ministry on these concerns. We are aware of the issues around internal and external deployment. Certainly, the concerns by Hon. Nabuin are valid. We will get back to the Ministry to further elaborate on this matter so that the Member can be adequately satisfied.

How soon?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am aware that we will be proceeding for recess, but it will probably be ready within two weeks, even if it means giving him the response directly. We will get that response from the Ministry within two weeks.

Hon. Ekwom, is that agreeable?

Yes, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you. Hon. Bashir, I will now indulge you on the other matter, which is not on my desk.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I just wanted to bring to the attention of this House and Kenyans at large that the former Deputy President held a press conference while in the United States of America, imputing improper motives on the great people of Mandera and the Kenyan Somali community at large. He claimed that during the President’s visit to Mandera, the President personally met with members of Al-Shabaab, together with the leadership of that county. These are very outrageous and reckless statements, especially coming from someone who was once a deputy president. It is unfortunate that such statements further highlight the gap between those in high office and those currently serving.

He also indicated that the abolition of the vetting process, especially for members of the Somali community and people living within the border areas, is ill-advised, and IDs will be given to terrorists. That means the Somali community in Kenya, according to the former Deputy President, are all terrorists and that they do not warrant being given ID cards. It is unfortunate that this is not the first time the former Deputy President has profiled the Kenyan Somali community. He has done this not once, not twice, not thrice, but many times. It is unfortunate that this comes from him.

He also goes ahead to say that while in the United States of America, he will give information and names to the Government of the United States of America on matters that have transpired between the President and what he alleges to be a meeting with Al-Shabaab and other elements. First and foremost, Kenya is not a colony of any country, including the United States of America. The United States of America and Kenya are countries with mutual respect. We gain from them and they gain from us.

Hon. Bashir, keep it short.

Okay, Hon. Temporary Speaker. My point is that in the Somali culture, when somebody goes berserk or is mentally disturbed, they are chained to their family tree. I want to ask the family to, please, chain the former Deputy President, Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, because what he is and what he is speaking is tantamount to somebody mad and mentally disturbed.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Njeri, what is out of order?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, we know that if someone is mentally incapacitated, a doctor has to give a medical report in that regard. Is Hon. Bashir a doctor? Has he evaluated His Excellency, the former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua? Can he substantiate those claims? This is a serious House, and we do not want drama here. We have serious national matters to discuss.

The way he behaves and acts shows that he is mentally disturbed and deranged. The words he spoke in America cannot be spoken by somebody who is mentally okay.

Hon. Bashir, I want to put this to a close. I have not personally listened to those sentiments. Therefore, I have no comment on the same. However, I want us to be parliamentary and wind up this debate in 30 seconds.

Please, wind up.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I agree with you. My point is that Rigathi Gachagua was once a deputy president, and the statements that he makes should befit the office that he once held. He is somebody of importance to us. While out there, he is speaking ill of this country. In fact, I would also say that he is a security threat to this country. Let him stay in America. Let him not set foot in this country again.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Bashir, you know that there are many avenues of bringing such matters to this House. You are free to be on record if you want to bring a Motion, but I want to put the matter to rest at that point.

He has issued a threat.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Clive, what is out of order? Hon. Clive Gisairo

: Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is wrong for the Hon. Member to say that the former Deputy President should not step into this country. He needs to withdraw those remarks. He does not have such powers, and his remarks are inciting in nature. He will not be different from the person he is trying to accuse if he takes that path. He needs to withdraw.

Hon. Oundo.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am always baffled when we waste valuable parliamentary time discussing someone who does not sit in this House. We were told that within two weeks after impeachment, he would be a non-entity, and that he would be inconsequential as he would even be unable to move. I wonder what this obsession is all about. What is the panic? What is the bile for? Just ignore him and move on. If you think you have vanquished him politically, I can understand it. We have more pressing issues in this country.

You have made your point, Hon. Oundo. I want us to make progress. I have guided Hon. Bashir. In case he wants this matter to be discussed as a Motion, he knows that there are avenues he can use to do so. However, I agree with Hon. Clive that he cannot issue threats to any citizen not to step on this soil. Hon. Bashir, you have done very well, but you will withdraw the last statement.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, many other personalities have been asked not to step into this country, and they are out there. In fact, that was done illegally. This man is a threat to national security, given the way he speaks. He talked about the President meeting with Al-Shabaab.

Do not debate, Hon. Bashir. I did not ask for substantiation. I asked you to withdraw the last statement. You may say all the other things, but not the last statement.

He has talked ill of the Somali community more than once, and I think that man ... We will even prosecute him in Court through a civil case. I am not withdrawing.

Hon. Bashir, Standing Order 107A says that a member commits an act of gross disorderly conduct if such member defies a ruling or direction of the speaker or chairperson of a committee. I have requested you to withdraw that statement and you have defied that ruling. Therefore, I am asking you to withdraw from the Chamber.

Hon. Members, let us make progress. That matter has been dispensed with. Let us hear the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Energy. Hon. Geoffrey Mulanya, are you the Chairperson of that Committee?

No, I am a Member of the Committee. I am delivering the response on behalf of the Chairperson.

Do you have the Statement?

Yes.

Kindly make your statement as requested by Hon. Naisula, who is in the House.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to deliver the response by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum on a Question raised by the Member for Samburu West regarding persistent power outages in Samburu West Constituency.

The first part of the Statement Request was on the immediate and underlying causes of the persistent power outage currently being experienced in Maralal Town and other parts of Samburu West constituency. I beg to respond as follows:

Samburu West constituency, including Maralal Town, is served by a 33 KV line originating from Lanet, Nakuru, through Nyahururu Town. Maralal Town is at the terminal end of this line spanning over 200 kilometres from Lanet, 132/33 KV substation. Along the way, it serves parts of Nakuru, Nyandarua, Baringo and Laikipia Counties. Being at the terminal end, with no alternative supply, means that any fault on the line or routine maintenance on any section affects Maralal Town. Essentially, this 33 KV distribution line is among the longest in the country and serves a transmission function.

The line is maintained by respective county teams, with each county handling well- defined areas. The Samburu team maintains the line from the boundary with Laikipia County up to the Maralal 33/11 KV substation. During the April rains, a pole fell near Rimuruti Town, an area where the section of the line was inaccessible due to mud. As a result, there was a prolonged power outage in the area. However, the issue has been resolved, and the continued supply of power to the larger Samburu County has been restored.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the second part sought reasons for the lack of formal communication or advance notification to residents and businesses of scheduled interruption of power supply as required by law under the Energy Act. I beg to respond as follows:

The Kenya Power Company has maintained an open communication structure with all its customers in every part of the country. In Samburu County, in case of a breakdown on the main line, or there is a planned maintenance programme, the Kenya Power Company county leadership relays information to the local community through the vernacular Serian FM radio, which broadcasts to the local community. This is over and above the normal newspaper notices for planned maintenance programmes.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the third part was on measures that the Ministry has put in place to urgently resolve these outages and ensure a consistent and reliable power supply to Samburu West Constituency. I beg to respond as follows:

To improve supply reliability to Samburu West Constituency, the following urgent measures have been put in place by the ministry:

Hon. Members, before I give the opportunity to Hon. Naisula, allow me to recognise students of Nyali School, Nyali Constituency, Mombasa County, who are seated in the Public Gallery. Join me in welcoming them to Parliament.

It is good to recognise them. Hon. Temporary Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to contribute.

Firstly, I disagree with the Statement read on behalf of the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Energy. I will raise substantive issues to explain myself.

There is also the practice of Cabinet Secretaries or Principal Secretaries responding to this House without facts from the ground. This will not be accepted in this House. Why do I say this? The response states that the matter has been resolved. However, I tell the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Energy that there is no electricity in Samburu West Constituency right now. Last Tuesday, we had no power for the entire day and night. The same happened last Sunday. This flowery language telling us about what is happening where we come from does not reflect the reality on the ground. Members represent these constituencies.

We know what is happening. I will not accept beautiful statements saying that the matter has been resolved. I am happy because this response was not given earlier. The Statement Request is being responded to at a time when there is no electricity in Samburu West Constituency.

Secondly, you have heard that the line is long. What happens to the Northern Region, the North-Eastern Region and the periphery? We are always the last. The Statement said that the supply comes from Lanet in Nakuru County, but Samburu County is the last one. That is why we face the same problem. Does Nakuru County have electricity right now? We share the same line. I have done my survey. Nyandarua and Nakuru Counties have electricity, but Samburu West Constituency does not.

Thirdly, on the long-term plans, the Rumuruti substation has been built. It is there. I do not know why it has not been commissioned for the last 15 years. There are parts of this country which are not taken seriously. They are not valued. Why should we have a substation in Rumuruti, Laikipia County? We need a substation in Samburu County. My colleague from Samburu East Constituency told me that they face the same power challenge we face in Samburu West Constituency.

In conclusion, we have children in incubators. We have business people running businesses in Maralal. We have students who study using electricity. If someone thinks that the Samburu people use manyatta and small tin lamps, he is wrong. We want electricity just like any other Kenyan.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Saney.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, Kenya Power Company is a public company. I cannot understand what exonerates them from negligence liability when there are power outages. From the Statement read by the Committee’s Chairperson, it seems that Kenya Power Company is not responsible for anything occasioned by outages due to their negligence. Why should that happen? The people of Samburu County deserve compensation if there is any negligence by the Kenya Power Company. Why should such a Statement come from a public company?

Thank you. Hon. (Dr) Oundo.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, sometimes we say “The rich also cry.” The Member representing the Chairman of the Committee and I come from the same county. Whenever it drizzles— not even rains— in Busia County, power goes off in almost the entire Busia County. Having read a false and misleading Statement, I hope he will also raise the issue of Busia County when they rectify it.

Hon. (Dr) Oundo, you can raise the issue of Busia County.

I am sending him because he is a senior Member of that Committee.

Do not cast aspersions on your colleague.

When the Cabinet Secretary or Principal Secretary comes to the House to answer questions, I hope I will be informed, so that we can also raise the issue of intermittent power failures, especially in Funyula Constituency and Busia County.

You have made your point.

I know that the issue extends to other parts of Kenya as well.

Hon. Owen.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am now speaking as the Member for Kilifi North Constituency. It is time we allow competition in the energy sector. The reason we lack power is the monopoly enjoyed by the Kenya Power Company. They behave the way they do and issue such replies to this House because they are a monopoly.

As Parliament, we have a responsibility to make laws. One Sessional Paper we need to bring here should be on the split of the Kenya Power Company, so that we can have diversity in the market. Anybody who has money to invest in the energy sector should be allowed to do so. Other countries are doing well in the energy sector because they do not have monopolies.

The Departmental Committee on Energy, including my friend who read that, exonerates you. You are doing your duty as a Member of Parliament for your area, but also as a legislator in the National Assembly from that area, not for that area. So, Hon. (Dr) Oundo, that was unfair to your friend and colleague. The Departmental Committee on Energy needs to push a Motion in this Parliament to give other players an opportunity to buy and distribute power from the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) . That should not be done by the Kenya Power Company (KPC) only. When you tell Kenya Power Company to connect power to your house, they give you a bill for a transformer, wires, and poles, totalling almost Ksh10 million. Making it impossible to put the grid in the poorest areas in this country, and because they do that, those areas continue to be poor.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I would like to challenge the Committee and the House to introduce a Sessional Paper that would enable other stakeholders with resources and financial means to participate in distributing power, rather than relying solely on the KPLC. I support you, Hon. Lesuuda, because your people suffer the same fate that my people suffer, whether I am in Government or not. Whenever I say, connect electricity in this village…

The reason I have given many ‘joyriders’ is because you also speak for Gilgil, which has the same problem.

Yes. I want to speak for Gilgil, Hon. Temporary Speaker, we must de-monopolise KPLC.

Hon. Owen has concluded it. The Departmental Committee on Energy, this Statement is not up to standard. Can you commit to doing better than you have done, specifically on Maralal, before you bring up the global issue?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I will go back to my Committee and discuss this matter further. Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to add that I am one Member who comes from there. On the issue of power and the way Hon. (Dr) Oundo has pointed out, I also come from Busia County, and we are equally affected. Hon. Lesuuda raised the issue of the substation that the ministry says they are constructing, and Hon. Lesuuda says the construction is endless. I urge this House to allocate more resources to the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum so that we can have more substations. This is an issue we had with the Cabinet Secretary, and the only response they had was that they did not have the resources to build enough substations in the country.

On the issue of liberalisation of the KPLC, I support the statement presented by the Hon. Deputy Leader of the Majority Party. That is a debate we are having in the Committee, and very soon we will bring something to the Floor of the House so that we can open up the energy sector. Regarding the issue raised by Hon. Sitienei, I would like to clarify the compensation for the constant outages. We are not referring to people affected by property destruction or costs resulting from the outage. We are discussing power blackouts. If a businessperson is supposed to conduct business and there is no power within 24 hours or 12 hours, it becomes very difficult for Kenya Power to compensate the entire business community in the entire country. For all the sentiments raised, we will go back as a Committee, look at them and come back with a better response. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

How much time? Specifically, for Maralal?

Give us until after recess.

Hon. Naisula.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I was going to propose something different, and it will be at your discretion. Considering the interest Members have in this matter from their areas, we should not leave it to the Committee. We should engage the Cabinet Secretary on this particular matter, so that they can answer us. Instead of blaming the Chairman, Hon. Mulanya, we should have them come here and answer the questions, because you can see the interest is a lot from different parts of the country. Thank you for your direction.

Thank you. We will give the Committee a chance to bring that up next week. However, the Chairman can still make interventions even without coming to the Floor to sort out the immediate problem in Maralal. Hon. Mulanya, good? Hon. Members, before we get out of this Order, I will indulge Hon. Mwenje. You were not here when we had the request for statements, so have your take on your statement.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Apologies, I was not there on time. The statement was being finalised at the time I was called out.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, this is a request for a statement regarding resource deployment strategies in new administrative units in Nairobi County. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) C, I rise to request a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education regarding resource deployment strategies in newly formed administrative units in Nairobi County.

In November 2024, the Government established new administrative units within Nairobi County, including some in Embakasi West Sub-County. These demarcations fundamentally altered the administrative landscape for service delivery, including the provision of critical education services. The effective and equitable provision of education, encompassing teacher allocation, infrastructure development and distribution of learning materials, is intrinsically linked to these administrative boundaries and the demographic realities within them. Failure to create an effective deployment strategy may lead to uneven distribution of educational resources, potential strain on existing facilities in some areas and inadequate service provision in others, ultimately impacting the quality of education for our children in Nairobi.

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

That will go to the Departmental

Committee on Education. Hon. Gisairo.

We should respond immediately upon resuming from recess in the first week.

That would be a good time, Hon. Mwenje, unless you are disputing.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I had hoped that the Member for Embakasi South, standing next to you, who is affected by this issue, would support me. If we can get assurance from Hon. Gisario that they will not recruit new teachers or take any new actions until we receive a response. Otherwise, we are the ones who stand to suffer, because we have new sub-counties and we are still being treated as though we are just one sub-county. These are Embakasi West, Embakasi East, Embakasi North, and Embakasi Central. We have all been grouped into one, which means we are unfairly treated because nobody recognises that things have changed.

You are debating the Statement? Hon. Mawathe, unless you are adding something useful to Hon. Mwenje.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. It is important that this Departmental Committee on Education delves into that because there is a need. There is no way we can have four sub-counties, three of which are the third, fourth, and fifth largest in population in the country, lumped together. When the issue of teacher recruitment arises, you find that you are given, as one sub-county, recruitment for eight teachers. So, it is important that the Departmental Committee on Education handles that.

Thank you. We should get the response immediately after we resume from recess. I know some Members are waiting for answers to pending statements. Hon. Donya.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, not pending statements but answers to my statements. I have three statements that have not received a response for two months from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, the National Treasury, and the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry. I needed guidance on when I would receive my answers.

Dr Kanyuithia, Departmental Committee on Agriculture.

I stood on the Floor of this House and provided an answer that the Hon. Member said was unsatisfactory. We had agreed to hold a Committee meeting and invite them as friends of the Committee, in addition to the Cabinet Secretary. We attempted to invite the Cabinet Secretary to our retreat in Mombasa over the last two weeks, but he was unavailable. As of now, he has not been available to meet the Committee.

We shall continue to pursue this cause and get the Cabinet Secretary immediately we are back. He will have to come with other entities since this issue of tea pricing is not only in the west of the Rift, but also in the east of the Rift. They need to clearly and precisely explain the issues and why the price discrepancy is so large.

Hon. Chair, all you are telling Hon. Donya is that you have been unable to meet the Cabinet Secretary. Have you exhausted all constitutional routes, Article 125, and the Standing Orders?

We are not unable to meet the Cabinet Secretary completely. Procedurally and as per the Standing Orders, we invited them and set a date. He gave us the reason for his unavailability on the day he was to come. Therefore, he said that we could shift that to another day, and we postponed. We are now taking a date in consultation with his office.

Kindly fast-track it. Hon. Donya has raised this matter on this Floor not once. It is becoming an everyday thing. Hon. Saney, are you in the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives?

I know you have a pending Response. Hold on. There is a pending request for a statement from Hon. Donya to the Committee. Let us have Hon. Owen on the Request for Statement that has been pending for quite some time. That is, if it is not there.

I will advise the Chairman, Hon. Shinali, so that we have the Statement the first week after recess. We also have next week.

You have the whole of next week and Tuesday.

I request that the matter be put for Tuesday next week so that she gets a Statement for the people of Kisii to be happy. Very well, thank you.

Hon. Saney.

I made a request to the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the disappearance of one Hussein Abdirahman Mohamed on 8th July 2025. He is a former Assistant County Commissioner and currently the Huduma Centre manager of Wajir County. He has been missing for 30 days. The Committee promised to give a response to the request for a statement today, Thursday. It did not appear on the Order Paper.

Missing people and their families are entitled to safety and protection. Their families have a right to be responded to and to be informed about the fate of their missing loved ones. Even in cases of forced disappearances where Kenya has ratified an international convention, just in case it is there, there is an obligation on the Government.

We are speaking for the sovereign. They are the citizens and owners of the country. When a sovereign is missing for 30 days, especially a civil servant, we should recognise that we only hold delegated power. The national Executive enjoys that delegated power on behalf of the people.

Thank you. Let us hear from the Committee first why the Response has not come. Do we have any Member of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security? If there is no Member, the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon. Tongoyo is the Chairman. He is a very diligent Member. There must be a good reason he is not here. I plead with you to allow us up to Tuesday next week to bring the Statement. I will talk to Hon. Tongoyo myself to get this Response done.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Saney.

With humility, I respect the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party's response. However, these matters touch the sanctity of the lives of Kenyans. He is a civil servant, a former Assistant County Commissioner, and a father. We

cannot postpone such issues and handle them casually like that. We have an obligation as a government.

Kenyans cannot just go missing or disappear. If we cannot account for a civil servant who is the manager of a Huduma Centre, what of a common pastoralist in the wilderness all over Northern Kenya?

Hon. Saney, any missing person is one too many, regardless of their stature or where they come from. We all have a right to life and a right to live wherever we want.

The Cabinet Secretary of the Interior and National Administration is coming next week. Hon. Owen Baya, my suggestion would be to ask whether this could be an addendum to his Response. I direct that it should be an addendum so that we can fast-track it.

I am much obliged, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I will also direct that it be put in next week.

You are directed. Kindly execute.

I am so directed. We will execute. My staff, please, you are hearing this direction wherever you are. Please make sure it is part of what we should execute.

You cannot use this Floor to direct your staff, Hon. Owen.

Hon. Member for Tetu, are you on this one? I have seen you raising your hand. I do not know why you are raising your hand.

I do not know which other way to get your attention. I have been trying to do that on the last two raised issues. Let me say something now that I have your attention.

My attention is on the intervention button. Member of Tetu, I do not have you on intervention. A point of order is an intervention, thank you. Continue, though

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I also have two Requests for Statements that have been pending in this House for a long time. One is from the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security. The other is to the Departmental Committee on Labour. It has been pending for a long time. I do not know the procedure of getting a Response after the Speaker directs it to be done after two weeks, yet you come here and do not get one.

One was about Nyayo Tea Zones’ workers who have not been paid for a very long time. The other one was the resettlement of people evicted from Tusha Forest in Tetu. They were supposed to be resettled together with the other IDPs. There is a list of 500 people who were not resettled. I have been following those matters.

These matters are very old in this House. My predecessors raised some, but they have never been resolved. I do not know whether I will face the same fate or if you will intervene.

Hon. Owen, you have quite a task. Hon. Tongoyo has a lot of pending Responses to requests for statements. The other one is to

the Departmental Committee on Labour. I do not see Hon. Chonga. You still have some duty to take up.

I will discharge my duties by calling Hon. Ken Chonga and talking to him so that he brings a Statement next week. I will also remind Hon. Tongoyo.

We should not be discussing issues of IDPs in this time and age. The IDP phenomenon came in 2007. Why should Kenyans be suffering until today? We need to put our foot down on this. It is not just as the Member of Tetu, but also as Parliament. It should be our duty to settle all IDPs. Funds to settle IDPs in this country were put in subsequent Budgets. I do not know what happened to those funds.

Hon. Tongoyo will give us a Response next week.

Next week?

Yes. The people of Tetu will have a Response.

Thank you. Finally, Hon. Njeri.

Thank you for your indulgence. I will be very restrained because I intend to seek a formal Statement regarding this.

This matter has come up. It is unfolding as we speak. I am informed that Clement Kiyoi—a 24-year-old who collapsed while playing football with fellow young people at Kutus—was rushed to Kutus dispensary. However, he was denied treatment on the allegation that he had not registered for SHA. Unfortunately, he succumbed on the way to the facility when fellow youths tried to rush him to a private medical facility.

Yesterday, we were discussing the County Allocation of Revenue Bill here. County governments demand further allocations. We know that healthcare is now devolved. Counties should not be failing the people of Kirinyaga County. As I send my condolences to the family, I urge the residents of Kutus and Kirinyaga County at large to exercise restraint and remain calm. Thorough investigations should be conducted, and those responsible for denying Clement access to urgent medical attention must be held culpable.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

I have indulged you, but you should know that that Statement has not been filed with the Office of the Clerk. You should follow the right procedure.

Before we go to the next Order, allow me to recognise students from Kabutiei Secondary School from Tinderet Constituency in Nandi County, and Nyakiambi Girls Secondary School from Molo Constituency in Nakuru County, who are seated in the Public Gallery. Join me in welcoming them to the House to observe our proceedings.

The Chairperson of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG- CDF) Committee is supposed to move the next Motion. However, I received a communication that that responsibility has been delegated to Hon. Clive Gisairo.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Committee laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 6th August 2025 and pursuant to the provision of Section 43 (4) of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Act, Cap 414A, and paragraphs 5 (2) and (10) of the National Government Constituencies

Development Fund Regulations, 2016, approves the list of nominees for appointment to the following five Constituencies Committees of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund—

Hon. Timothy. Hon. Timothy Kipchumba

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise to second.

Thank you.

Hon. Owen.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The CDFCs should be in place to ensure the implementation of the approved projects and the disbursement of funds. I also note with pleasure that, for the first time, we have received all the money that is owed to the CDFCs, including the balance from the previous year. We need to commend the chief at the National Treasury, Hon. John Mbadi, and his team for the good job.

I want to underscore the importance of the NG-CDF in our constituencies. I was perturbed that when we approved the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, some people went to Court to block the entrenchment of the NG-CDF into the Constitution. If there is a fund that works in this country, it is the NG-CDF. Even my good friend, Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu, agrees with me. When he becomes the Governor of Kitui County, he will not fight the NG- CDF or go to Court because the NG-CDF has transformed this country.

The education sector in this country has been transformed through the NG-CDF. Without the NG-CDF, my constituents would not have schools or even a chief’s office. As we approve these names and push for the entrenchment of the NG-CDF in the Constitution, we want to thank the Members of the 7th Parliament who birthed the idea of the NG-CDF.

I support Hon. Clive and the Report he has presented. I request that these names be gazetted as fast as possible, so that they can start implementing the proposed projects.

I support the Motion.

Very well. Proceed, Hon. Makali Mulu.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I also support the approval of the NG-CDF nominees. Kenyans should know that these are the people who are in charge of the NG-CDF and not Members of Parliament, who are just patrons. The board members go through proposals, conduct public participation to identify what should be funded, and release funds to the Project Management Committees for implementation. These are the people who also follow up and make sure that whatever has been planned is implemented. They are the same people who hand over completed projects to the community. So, it is important that all constituencies have the committee in place. I am so happy that five additional committees are being approved by the House so that they can be gazetted.

As the Leader of the Majority Party said, and as we have said many times, NG-CDF is important. If there is a development model which works in this country, it is the NG-CDF. The approach to development through NG-CDF has been assessed not only by us but also by external evaluators, and it is the best model to implement. How I wish, instead of saying we do away with the NG-CDF, we would be saying this model should be adopted by county governments and, if possible, by the national Government for implementation of development projects. It will help the country. There are a lot of undercurrents on NG-CDF. Some people think that the money is pocket money for Members of Parliament. That is far from the truth. The truth is, this is one of the programmes that has touched the lives of Kenyans, more so in the education and security sectors. Of late, a lot of resources have been pumped into the environmental sector to mitigate climate change.

I support the Motion. I urge everyone in this country to ensure that, even if Members of Parliament are not going to be part of the NG-CDF, the Fund remains in place, because it is of huge benefit to Kenyans.

Hon. Mwangi from Tetu, are you on this? You seem not. Okay. Hon. Bowen Kangogo, please proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for this opportunity to support the Motion.

It is important that the five Constituencies have their committees in place. The NG- CDF Committees are very important, especially in rolling out programmes in constituencies. We are beginning a new financial year, and as the Leader of the Majority Party has said, we have a lot of faith in Hon. John Mbadi that he is going to disburse the money very soon. It is important that these officers are in place. It is through the committees that bursaries to students in colleges, secondary schools and universities are processed. Members of the committees are the ones who sit down and vet students who qualify for a bursary.

With the introduction of the Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GPS), it is necessary for these individuals to assume office immediately. In many constituencies, the committees are being trained on e-GPS. As soon as we approve the names, they will be onboarded on e-procurement training to enable them to execute their work.

I do not want to repeat what my colleagues have said about what NG-CDF has done in our constituencies. Even as we push to have the Fund entrenched in the Constitution, it is the only money which is devolved directly to the ground. For every five structures you see in a county, four or three are NG-CDF projects. As a House, we need to protect the Fund by all means. It does not benefit Members of Parliament or the national Government. It benefits the local wananchi. Many young people who may not have managed to go to school have been supported by the NG-CDF. Some have been supported throughout their secondary school and university education, and they are now professionals in one way or another.

With those many remarks, I support the approval of these names so that they can start work immediately.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Nyenze, are you on this?

Yes, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity. I support this Motion. These are very important committees; they are the ones in charge of the Fund. The Fund Accounts Manager is the accounting officer. Together with the Committee, they come up with the project proposals. They are in charge of training the Project Management Committees (PMCs) . They are in charge of the Fund as a whole. Constituencies without these committees are at a disadvantage. Some of the names are just replacements. Therefore, I support the approval of the lists.

NG-CDF has done wonders in our country. It has brought a lot of changes and development, especially in infrastructure. Education bursaries have assisted many. Families who could not take their children to secondary school are now able to educate their children through the NG-CDF bursaries. Many students have gone through university because of this Fund. The Fund has brought a lot of transformation to our country. Members of Parliament conducted public participation, and Kenyans said that NG-CDF should continue. It is uncalled for to take the Fund to Court after the public participation. I am sure Kenyans are not with such people.

With those few remarks, I support the nominees. Thank you.

Very well. Hon. Zamzam.

Asante sana, Mhe. Spika wa Muda. NG-CDF imesaidia sana. Wakenya waliweza kutoa amri na kusema iendelee. Nakumbuka nyakati zetu, bursary ilikuwa mahali moja. Hatukuwa na mtu wa kuifikia huko juu ndio tuipate. Tulisoma kwa shida. Wazazi wetu waliuza mahamri na kuchomeka kwa moto ili sisi tukae darasani. Wakati mwingine, tulitumwa tuendee karo za shule nyumbani. Wakati mmoja, baba hakuwa na pesa, na alikuwa mgonjwa. Mama naye hakuwa na chochote. Mwalimu alikuwa amenifukuza shuleni. Niliona nikienda nyumbani na baba anione, pressure yake ingezidi kupanda. Nilikaa kwenye dawati na nikaendelea kusoma. Shule yetu ilikuwa ya Kikatoliki, na mwalimu mkuu alikuwa mzungu aliyeitwa Sister Hellen Kien. Wakati mmoja alipokuwa akizunguka kuangalia wenye hawajavaa soksi, nilikuwa nimejificha chini ya dawati. Sikuwa nimelipa karo, na lazima ningekaa darasani. Wazazi wengi Kenya hii walipitia shida nyingi sana kabla hizi bursaries zije. Mbunge anawakilisha mpaka aliye chini kabisa pale mashinani. Yeye ndiye anayeelewa matatizo ya wananchi.

Naiunga mkono na niseme waache kututatiza. Hata kwa NGAAF, wengine wetu wanapigwa madongo kila mahali. Kazi ambayo mama Kaunti anafanya kwa sasa watu wanajiuliza, hizo siku zote, tumekuwa wapi. Hii ni kwa maana tumefika hadi mashinani. Tunapeana empowerment. Wamama siku hizi wanang’ara na biashara. Vijana wanang’ara na

empowerment. Mambo yanaenda vizuri. Wengine tunajenga Gender Based Violence (GBV) centres ambazo kwa muda mrefu, hazijawai kujulikana mahali ziko.

Hizi fedha za NGAAF na NG-CDF, watu waache kututatiza maana tunataka huduma ifike chini. Tunawasihi magavana na maseneta wafanye kazi yao. Kule Seneti, imekuwa wao ndio wanasulubu Wakenya. Wakenya wakizungumza hivi, ikienda kule, wanazungusha upande huu. Hatuna vita na Maseneta. Kila mmoja aangalie kazi yake, na aweke yale matakwa ya wananchi katika moyo wake. Hao magavana tukiwapa pia, tunajua wanafanya kazi gani. Waangalie hospitali, barabara na Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centres. Kuna mambo mengi sana ya kuangalia kwenye makaunti. Waangalie mambo ya afya ambayo yanadorora. Mambo mengine ya kuingilia Wabunge waachane nayo. Kenya muda huu wote tumekuwa kwa amani. Tumekaa vizuri, ijapokuwa mambo yanayotokea, sijui nani anayasukuma, lakini shetani atashindwa na Wakenya watashinda.

Hao watoto ambao wametembelea Bunge Kuu la Kenya, bila kupewa mwelekeo wa elimu, wasingekuwa hapa. Hii kazi yote inafanywa na hao Wabunge. Kina mama wengine wanauza mboga au simsim. Wote unapata wameleta cheki zao. Ndio maana, unaona hata ishajulikana kuwa hiki ndicho kitu kinashika wananchi. Unaona kila mahali kuna empowerment. Utapata wamama wamekuja wengi, wanafuatilia vile wataweza kusaidika kule mashinani. Kwa hivyo, kila mmoja aangalie sehemu yake, na Wabunge waachiwe NG-CDF wafanye kazi yao. Kina Mama wa Kaunti tuachiwe NGAAF yetu. Isitoshe, ni kidogo sana. Hata inafaa tuongezewe maana hii imeshika kila mahali. Kina Mama Kaunti arobaini na saba ni bilioni nne pekee yake. Unapata kuna mtu mahali anasikia kiwaru tu. Inamuuma, inamsokonyoa tu. Anajiuliza, mbona tunapewa? Kwa nini wanafanya hivi? Tuachwe na funds zetu.

Asante sana.

Mhe. Zamzam, sijajua kiwaru kama ni lugha ya Bunge.

Mhe. Spika wa Muda, wanasokonyoka, wanakulika ndani ya moyo. Yaani, inawauma wakituona tunafanya kazi. Hiyo ndiyo kiwaru.

Asante sana.

Ukipeleka iwe viazi, haikuwi sawa. Maana yake inapotea.

Alright, Hon. Members, before I give the Mover to reply, allow me to recognise in the Public Gallery, Blessed Joseph Allamano School from Likoni Constituency, Mombasa County. In the Speaker's Gallery, we have Golden Elites School from Kisumu Central, in Kisumu County. I join all Members in welcoming these children and learners to observe the Proceedings of the House.

Mhe. Zamzam, bado hujamalizana? Umeshaguza watoto wako. Haya, ninakupa dakika moja.

Asante sana, Mhe. Spika wa Muda. Nachukua fursa hii kuwakaribisha watoto wangu ambao wanasomea shule ya Likoni. Mimi ni Mama Kaunti wenu. Elimu ndio msingi wa maisha. Asikusumbue wala kukudanganya mtu yeyote. Kama tunavyosema nyumbani: ‘Usiguse hapa kwangu; wapi hapo? Hapa kwangu’’ and we show hizo sehemu zote. Ukikubali kushikwa hapo, utaacha masomo. Utapotea njia. Hautakuwa hapa Bungeni kama Mama Kaunti. Nawaomba msome kwa bidii. Kama kuna matatizo mko nayo, afisi ya mama yenu ipo wazi. Walimu na wanafunzi ambao mmekuja hapa, ninawapa heko sana. Nawapongeza waalimu kwa kazi nzuri ambayo mnafanya.

Kama sio nyinyi, leo pia sisi Wabunge tusingekuwa hapa Bungeni. Kwa elimu ambayo mmetupatia, leo sisi Wabunge tuko hapa tunapigania matakwa yenu ya kule mashinani. Kwa hivyo wanafunzi, kesho ama kesho kutwa, nataka kuona Mama Kaunti ama Mbunge ametoka katika timu hii ambayo imekuja hapa leo kuangalia vile tunavyoendeleza Bunge.

Asanteni sana, na Mungu awaregeshe nyumbani salama.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have taken into consideration the great contributions by all the Members in this House, and the importance and significance of the NG-CDF. However, I would like to take a shot at our Deputy Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Owen Baya. I heard him say that 100 per cent of the funds have been disbursed. Hon. Baya, we are in a different financial year.

We cannot be talking about the last financial year. We need to be proactive. We need to start knowing why the National Treasury is late in disbursing the first quarter funds for this financial year.

As per the Act, the money is supposed to be sent in the first month of the financial year, which is July. The committees do not pay for the work afterwards. The money has to be there for the committees to start working. For this financial year, we are currently lagging behind schedule. We would like to request that, as we do our part as Parliament, the National Treasury do its part on time to move this country forward together.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to reply, but pursuant to Standing Order 53 (3) , I beg that we defer putting of the Question.

Very well. We shall defer the putting of the Question to the next available time.

Next Order.

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

THAT, the Senate amendment to the Land (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 40 of 2022) be now considered. We have been following this Bill here in the National Assembly. It went to the Senate and has now come back to us with an amendment. I agree with the amendment because it enforces the gazettment of what is in Clause 3 of the Bill. The Senate proposes that the registration be gazetted.

It is worth noting that we are dealing with public land, as the matter touches on it. It is important that when you deal with public land, the general public should be notified. One way to notify the public is through gazetting, where the timing can also be used as leverage during registration.

People might disagree with the registration, but when the matter has been pushed to the stage of gazetting, it shows that due process has been followed through amendments in both the National Assembly and the Senate. There is now agreement between the two Houses, respecting that we are in a bicameral Parliament, where both Houses must agree upon any matter. Both Houses have agreed to this matter. As the Mover of the amendment, I agree to it and request that this process be completed.

I ask the Member for Kirinyaga Central, Hon. Gitari, to second.

Hon. Member, did you move the amendment?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move the amendment.

Very well. Hon. Gitari.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I support the amendment by Mheshimiwa King’ara. When we subdivide pieces of land and prepare the master plans, there are public utilities. Hon. King’ara is trying to say that when processing other titles, titles for public utilities should be produced at the same time. The import of this solves the problem facing any public utility, for instance a nursery school. If it is a school, when the title is processed, it is taken to the Principal Secretary of the National Treasury. This is very timely, and I, therefore, support and congratulate Hon. King’ara.

You were to second.

I second.

Very well.

Before I indulge Hon. Members, allow me to recognise, in the Public Gallery, Arimi and Tumaini Schools from Molo Constituency, Nakuru County. I take this opportunity to welcome them to the House to observe the Proceedings.

If you intend to speak on this, use the intervention button. Hon. Owen.

I want to join and congratulate Hon. King’ara for his work around this issue of public land. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I want to inform you that Hon. King’ara and I served together in the Departmental Committee on Lands in the 12th Parliament. In that Committee, I saw his diligence, ability and passion for protecting public land. This piece of legislation that he has brought forth is about protecting public land. As you are aware, we have lost a lot of public land to unscrupulous land grabbers who eye public land. The only way to do that is to ensure those public land titles are issued at the same time other titles are issued. The problem is that everyone else receives their title, but public lands titles are not issued at that time. It becomes vulnerable for people to grab it. You would go to a big settlement scheme where everybody has a title. The school in that scheme was given the land at the same time as the other people, but the title deed for that public school or hospital has not been issued. We have run into a danger where, every time titles deeds for public institutions are not issued, people take advantage and grab the land. As we speak, many schools in this country do not have title deeds, yet their neighbours have. You then ask yourself, what happened? Somebody issued title deeds to neighbours but refused to issue the school with the title deed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, when we pass this Bill and it is assented to, all public land henceforth must be issued with titles at the same time as others. Hon. King’ara and I agree to the Senate Amendment, that public land, like police stations and hospitals, should be immediately gazetted to ensure that nobody comes to overturn that decision after. I, therefore, support this Senate Amendment. It has contributed to good legislation. As I said, this is the

spirit. If we pass laws here that touch on Senate matters, and they go to the Senate, we do not always have to go into mediation or have cantankerous laws that we seem to be fighting over. This is the House of Parliament, and when we pass a law that the Senate approves, looks at, and improves its content and form, we have no issue. We agree. I think that is the spirit of the Bicameral Parliament. I, therefore, thank you, Hon. King’ara, and I tell the people of Ruiru that they have a good legislator in you. They have no reason not to give you a third term to continue the good work that you are doing.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Jayne Kihara, are you on this one?

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

I also rise to support the Senate Amendment. Hon. King’ara and I served together in the Departmental Committee on Lands, and I know he has been at this for the longest time. Currently, a piece of land belonging to Mai Mahiu Girls Secondary School is known to everyone in the neighbourhood, but someone has obtained a title deed from the Registrar of Lands. Currently, the school is fighting for that land. Suppose that title was given when the subdivision was done, the school would have that title deed. This is very important. When land buying companies eventually leave public facilities, we have seen the same directors, who, because they are aware of where these pieces of land are, go back to subdivide and grab them. This is a good law and I support it.

Very well, thank you. Hon. Makali.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I also appreciate Hon. King’ara for this important legislation, but I wonder whether it has not come too late in the day. If we were to document public land which has been grabbed, starting from schools, road reserves, hospitals, and public beaches, the list would be endless. Legal minds know it is not possible to apply a law retroactively; that is, going backwards. But I think we need to come up with a mechanism to ensure that anybody who has grabbed public land... We have surveyors here. If we go to the original maps, you will discover the original use of a piece of land. You will realise that playgrounds in most of our estates have already been grabbed. Land set aside for police posts and health centres has already been grabbed. You then have a whole estate that lacks space to put up a public facility like a health centre. Even as I support, as a House, we should take up the challenge and ask ourselves whether it is possible to go back and look at when the rain started beating us, so that we can recover this land. As long as land was grabbed, even if it was done 40 years ago, it still remains public land. If we were to go that direction, we would have so much land for our public utilities, and there would be no need to start buying more.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I sometimes get annoyed and feel bad as a Kenyan. You see the Government buying land that was originally public land. It does not make sense at all. If you follow the history of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) , you'll notice that, at one point, the NSSF was purchasing government-owned land. For example, it is awarded to the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Baya - and let Kenyans not mistake this example - and within one year or two, Hon. Baya comes with a title indicating that the land is private and he sells to the same Government. That is craziness. This law will support it, but even after it is assented to as an Act of Parliament, we may need to set up a special committee to look at these matters. I know it will be a hot potato, but that is the way to go. If anybody grabbed public land at any point in the history of Kenya, that land must go back to the public. Kenya can sell such land to individuals and make money that can be used to pay our public debt. That will help the country. I am sure we can pay all our public debt if we recover all our public land and sell it to private companies.

With those many remarks, I support.

Very well. Before I give the Floor to Hon. King’ara, I will indulge the Member for Molo. Many students from your Constituency have visited Parliament today. I will give you one minute.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for your indulgence. I take this opportunity to welcome to the National Assembly future engineers, lawyers, Members of Parliament, doctors and presidents who are the great students of Arimi Primary School, Nyakiambi Secondary School and Tumaini Primary School to observe the Proceedings of this House. I have made it a habit of inviting schools whenever I visit them, especially upper classes, to come and observe the Proceedings of Parliament and see life outside Molo. One of the things that we must do to grow as a people is to encourage integration. We should encourage people to work and live in different parts of this country and to realise that there are a lot of opportunities out there. Thank you for your indulgence, and once again, I welcome the students to observe the Proceedings of the House.

Thank you.

Very well. Hon. King’ara.

On a point of intervention, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hold on! Hon. Njeri, is your intervention on this Motion or on the former one that you had done? Proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to commend Hon. King’ara for this amendment. I believe it is timely. When developers are coming up with future plans, they should think about the utilities and amenities that the public will need. Further to that, we need to have a serious national conversation with the Ministry of Lands with regard to titles of public land. As we speak, we know that we have various parcels of public land whose title deeds are in contention. There is also encroachment of public land by private developers. For example, in Kirinyaga County, the land of Giriambo Primary School has been encroached upon by private individuals, despite the school being a government institution that has been in existence for many years. So, we need to resolve these matters so that our future is safeguarded.

Thank you.

Very well. Hon. King’ara.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 53 (3) , I request the deferment of the putting of the Question on this Motion.

That request is assented to.

Hon. Members, Order 14 was subject to the decision of Order 13. We will therefore go to order 15 and defer Order 14 for another day.

Bill

(National Assembly Bill No. 40 of 2022)

by Hon. Simon King’ara deferred)

Hon. Fatuma, the Chairperson Special Funds Accounts Committee.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Special Funds Accounts

The Member for Busia.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg to second the Motion and ardently support our conclusion as a Committee. I was questioning why we have a lot of money lying in accounts of Internally Displaced Persons, and yet they are displaced because they do not have a place they can call home. They lack social amenities, and yet we have all this money in their account. If people are displaced in our country, why can we not use that money to purchase land and settle them? We have a lot of idle land that is being sold everywhere in this country. We questioned this arrangement, and unfortunately, to date, the issue is still rife. I am praying that one day we will have no Kenyan who is displaced.

Thank you.

Hon. Makali.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I would like to thank the Committee on Special Funds for this Report on the National Humanitarian Fund.

I have listened to the Chairperson moving this Bill, and I find myself confronted with many questions. This is a humanitarian fund that should encompass several human rights issues; however, money has been held in this fund for several years without being utilised. The current recommendation is for the Cabinet Secretary to establish a steering committee to determine how these funds can be utilised. This Report pertains to the Financial Year 2021/2022. We are now in 2025. Does this imply that the funds for the years between 2023 and the present are still sitting in the account? Or does it mean that the six months you are proposing are calculated from the date of your report, or do they refer to the earlier years? I would appreciate some clarification on this matter. Perhaps, you could enlighten Kenyans on this when you are giving the reply.

It is critical to address the fact that we have both a Cabinet Secretary and a Principal Secretary within that Ministry who are aware that the time for this steering committee has lapsed. We all know that without the establishment of the steering committee, nothing can progress regarding this humanitarian fund. The question is, why did it require the Auditor- General to highlight this information, and why did we need a parliamentary recommendation to establish this steering committee? In my opinion, if we want this country to develop and progress, we must insist on accountability from the officials in charge of these institutions. Unless we hold these officers accountable, our country will stagnate, and we will frequently lament the lack of money and resources.

Consider that we are borrowing money through the domestic market. The Government is acquiring funds via the Central Bank's sale of treasury bills and bonds; all the while, this money remains unutilised. Even if we did not wish to allocate these funds to displaced persons, the Government could have redirected them towards other necessary initiatives and repaid the fund at an appropriate time. Instead, we are incurring debt at substantial interest rates, yet this is the outcome we witness.

I have repeatedly emphasised the importance of establishing a single treasury account. The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning assured us that this account would be operational from July of this year. I hope that the account is now operational. If we had this account, all the funds currently scattered across various accounts belonging to different organisations, ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) would be centralised, allowing the treasury to deploy the funds as needed. These are some of the significant challenges our country is currently facing.

It is deeply disheartening, disappointing, and discouraging to receive such reports from our chairpersons. One cannot help but reflect as a Kenyan: Is this truly how we wish to conduct our affairs? If we continue down this path, we will not achieve progress. Thus, we need a significant shift in our operational procedures. This change can only materialise if the recommendations I have heard are implemented to the letter. We need the Committee on Implementation and the majority leadership to identify these as low-hanging fruits that we can seize as a nation in order to advance our economy to the next level.

With those remarks, I support. We must track and monitor the recommendations presented, ensuring that within six months, all the proposals made by the Chair are implemented. These recommendations are good for this country.

Thank you so much, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Fatuma.

Thank you, Hon. Member, for your concern. I wish to clarify that the accounting officer, who is the Principal Secretary, does not have the mandate to constitute a committee. It is the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary to establish such a committee. Therefore, it would be wrong for the Principal Secretary to commence payments or disburse funds to any victim without a steering committee in place. This committee is essential to evaluate whether an individual qualifies for payment.

Moreover, there exists an ongoing Court case concerning some internally displaced persons (IDPs) , which brings into question the legitimacy of those being compensated. As such, even if the committee were present, how could the Principal Secretary disburse payments when there is a Court case arguing about the rightful claimants? This situation makes the work for the Principal Secretary very difficult. I am not defending him; instead, as chair of the Committee, I am outlining the context that the Auditor-General brought to our attention and that we examined thoroughly.

For the record, we summoned the Principal Secretary to appear before us twice. The first time he appeared, the answers he gave were not satisfactory. We recalled him again, and he answered the queries; that is the position. At the moment, the money is still lying in the accounts, because he cannot pay without a committee when the matter is still in Court.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Okay, Hon. Members, I do not see more interest in this Motion. I will, therefore, ask the Mover to reply.

Member for Busia, you seconded this Motion.

Yes. But I wish to contribute because we were all concerned about the absence of a steering committee.

Member for Busia, you should have expressed that when you seconded. You cannot support the same Motion again after seconding it. Therefore, let the Chair take this opportunity to clarify any points as you respond.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have done my part, but pursuant to the provision of Standing Order 53

In accordance with Standing Order 53 (3) , we shall defer the putting of the Question on this Motion.