Tuesday, 21st April, 2026

Clerk, do we have a quorum?

Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.

Hon. Senators, we now have quorum. Clerk, kindly read the first Order.

Hon. Senators, I take this opportunity to welcome you back from recess. I hope that you had time to meet with your constituents, friends and families over the Easter holiday. I also hope that you took some time to rest and rejuvenate your spirits before resumption of regular sittings. Part II of the Fifth Session commences today and will run until the rise of the Senate on Thursday, 14th May,

I request each Member of the delegation to stand when called out, so that you may be acknowledged in the Senate tradition–

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I want to join you in welcoming hon. Members from the Limpopo Legislature in South Africa. As you correctly said, the South African Government has a host agreement with the African Union (AU) to host the PAP. Therefore, many times we go to Midrand in Johannesburg in the Republic of South Africa to have our sessions. We are grateful for the hospitality extended to us, as Kenya, and also the rest of the members of the PAP.

We have served with distinguished Members in the PAP like Hon. Majodina, who is now the Minister for Roads and Public Works. I remember Hon. Malema used to serve in the PAP.

We thank you for your hospitality. We take note of the fact that the court in South Africa has passed a certain sentence against comrade Malema that we are not happy with even here in Kenya. It cannot be that Pistorius was acquitted because of a small firearm, but the sentence that comrade Malema was given is totally different!

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we are grateful and honoured to have the delegation from South Africa. We are brothers and sisters. We do not even ask for visas between our countries even before the rest of Africa did that.

Welcome. Feel at home and enjoy your stay while you are here.

Sen. Asige, do you have a point of intervention?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I appreciate the opportunity to also say hello and welcome the delegation. It will please the House to know that they came to benchmark with us in the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare and we had a fruitful engagement this morning. The topic that we canvassed and will continue to do so with them is on the issue of GBV.

You will be happy to know that in South Africa, the President declared GBV and femicide a national pandemic. I hope that with this benchmarking trip that they have made all the way to Nairobi to be with us, we will take some lessons. I am looking at the majority side led by our able Senator for Kericho County.

We, as women in this country, have been pleading and debating on why and when GBV and femicide will be declared a national disaster in the country because there are too many women dying needlessly and carelessly. I am happy that we have a delegation from the Limpopo Legislature which has come with the same mindset like some of us who are working tirelessly to try and reduce, and hoping that one day, we will end GBV and femicide in the country.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank them for visiting. We look forward to many more exchanges between our two committees.

I thank you.

Clerk, let us go to the next Order. What is it, Sen. Boni Khalwale?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise for guidance from the Chair on a matter of the Constitution. Article 94 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya states as follows-

"The legislative authority of the Republic is derived from the people and, at the national level, is vested in and exercised by Parliament." Article 94 (4) states as follows- "Parliament shall protect this Constitution and promote the democratic governance of the Republic." Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this is what I would like you to guide us on. At the moment, Members of this House are hiding to leave or when using means back to the Capital City because the security organs have allowed public transport companies to release manifest to interested parties who mark us when going in and out of our homes.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, you recall what happened to Sen. Sifuna, Sen. Osotsi and Governor Orengo when their manifest was released to some people and they were waylaid in Kisumu. As if that was not enough, the Senator of Vihiga was attacked in public and left at the mercy of goons. We would like the Chair to assure us that we are safe, and to communicate with the Executive, for the Executive to do what it must do not to leave Parliament under threat.

We will continue, when it is right, congratulating the Government, but when it is wrong, we will oversight and criticise them using the language and manner that we choose to use. If we do not take this matter seriously, we will take action when it is too late. Government officers have been mentioned, some of them, in the possibility of involvement. This calls for national rethink of what public officers can be allowed and not allowed to do. If you could guide.

Yes, Minority Whip.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have listened to the former Majority Whip, and I think the issues that he is raising are not in the Order Paper. The matters are very serious. I would suggest if he could seek for an Adjournment Motion to discuss those issues, because right now, we have the Order Paper and we need to transact business, because all of us are confused what was out of order in terms of your Communication.

Hon. Senators, you know that on the issue that Sen. Khalwale has raised, the Chair also has no information about it. We have heard you. I request the secretariat to work on it, to get the facts, so that I can guide the House appropriately.

Next Order.

I wish to report to the Senate that pursuant to Standing Order No.46 (3) , I received the following Message from the Speaker of the National Assembly regarding the passage by the National Assembly of the mediated version of The Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill (National Assembly Bills No.21 of 2023) . The message dated 14th April, 2026 was received in the Office of the Clerk of the Senate on Wednesday, 16th April, 2026, while the Senate was on recess. Pursuant to Standing Order No.46 (5) , I now report the Message.

PURSUANT to the provisions of Standing Order Nos.41 (1) and 150 (4) (b) of the National Assembly Standing Orders, I hereby convey the following message from the National Assembly.

WHEREAS the Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill (National Assembly Bill No.21 of 2023) was published vide Kenya Gazette Supplement No.75 of 24th May, 2023, was considered and passed by the National Assembly on 23rd August,

2023, and thereafter, referred to the Senate for consideration in accordance with the provisions of Article 110(4) of the Constitution;

AND WHEREAS the Senate considered and passed the Bill with amendments, which upon consideration by the National Assembly, were rejected on Tuesday, 8th October, 2024, following which the Bill was committed to a Mediation Committee appointed pursuant to Article 113(1) of the Constitution;

FURTHER, WHEREAS in accordance with the provisions of Article 113(2) of the Constitution, and Standing Order No.150, the National Assembly considered and approved the mediated version of The Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill (National Assembly Bill No.21 of 2023) on Tuesday, 7th April, 2026, in the form agreed to by the Mediation Committee on the Bill;

NOW THEREFORE, in accordance with the provisions of Article 113 of the Constitution, and Standing Order No.154(b) of the National Assembly Standing Orders, I hereby convene the said decision of the National Assembly to the Senate.

Thank you. Next Order.

Senate Majority Leader, please, proceed.

I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, Tuesday, 21st April, 2026-

The Chairperson, Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing.

Vice-Chairperson or a Member of the Committee?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, Tuesday, 21st April 2026-

Report of the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing on its Consideration of the National Construction Authority (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.15 of 2025) .

I beg to lay.

Next is the Chairperson, Standing Committee on Health.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, Tuesday, 21st April, 2026-

Report of the Standing Committee on Health on the County Oversight and Network Engagement in Bungoma and Kakamega counties.

Senators, before we go to the next business of the day, I have another Communication on visiting members of the Mumbi-Nyakinya- Nathingira Committee.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The Mumbi Nyakinyua group consists of two mature women, mainly from the Kikuyu. They are role models, mobilizers and highly respected in the community as well.

I take this opportunity to extend an invitation to you all as you closely follow our proceedings. I will also be reading a personal statement pertaining my coronation recently, as one of them, the Nyakinyua.

Let us move on to the next Order. There is a report of the Standing Committee on Health on the County Oversight and Networking Engagements in Bungoma and Kakamega Counties.

Chairperson, Standing Committee on Health, proceed.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion-

THAT the Senate adopts the report of the Standing Committee on Health on the County Oversight and Networking Engagements in Bungoma and Kakamega counties laid on the table of the Senate on Tuesday, 21st April, 2026.

Next Order.

reaches its intended purpose which includes - hospitals, bursaries, clean water, roads and livelihoods. This duty cannot be discharged if those entrusted with the funds parade arrogance before Parliament and refuse to answer questions about their expenditures.

Colleagues, the Division of Revenue Bill (DORB) and the County Allocation of Revenue Act (CARA), are the lifeline of devolution, yet they must also serve as levers of accountability. We cannot, in good conscience, channel billions of shillings to counties when those entrusted with the funds treat the Senate with disdain. Until governors demonstrate respect for the oversight authority of this House, approval of those instruments must be withheld. This is not opposition to devolution. It is the strongest defence of this House.

True devolution cannot thrive without accountability. Article 96 of the Constitution charges this Senate with protecting the interests of county governments. Protection does not mean shielding improprieties. It means ensuring that citizens are not victims of their mismanagement or theft. This House exists by constitutional design to keep leadership and leaders honest. A refusal to appear before the Senate is not a mark of strength, but an admission of weakness, fear of scrutiny, fear of transparency and fear of the truth.

Hon. Senators, ours is not a call for confrontation, but for accountability through constitutional fidelity. Oversight must not be mistaken for hostility. Allowing defiance to go unpunished sets a dangerous precedent.

Devolution was designed to bring the government closer to the people, not to create 47 fiefdoms, immune to security and scrutiny. The Senate must therefore use all legal means available, including withholding allocations to compel respect for the Constitution. To fund counties without accountability is to betray the very people we swore to protect.

In conclusion, this House must send the unmistakable message that accountability is non-negotiable. The Senate’s powers of the purse must be exercised in the service of integrity, transparency and justice. Until governors appear before this House to account for the billions of shillings entrusted to them, we must refuse to pass the Division of Revenue Act (DORA) and the County Allocation of Revenue Act (CARA).

What we seek is not confrontation, but correction; not defence nor defiance, but discipline; not politics, but principle. The Council of Governors (CoG) must return to constitutionalism, humility and service. The Senate must reclaim its rightful place as a guardian of public trust. Together, colleagues, we must remind all who hold public office that the people of Kenya are the ultimate sovereign and they demand accountability.

I thank you. This statement was requested on 1st April, 2025.

Thank you. There are no comments on statements pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) . Let us move on to statements pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) .

Sen. Samson Cherarkey, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on a matter of national concern regarding the conduct, financing, outcomes and overall impact of the Jukwaa la Usalama Forum and the engagements conducted across the country under the initiative.

The Jukwaa la Usalama Initiative was launched in April, 2025 to foster dialogue between citizens, security agencies and the Government on public safety, community policing and national security. While the initiative was well-intentioned, questions remain about accountability in the use of public funds, the implementation of citizen recommendations and the actual impact on reducing insecurity across the country.

Despite the significant taxpayer investment, insecurity persists across the country marked by the rising gang activity, especially goonism and banditry, inter-community conflicts such as cattle rustling and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) , casting doubt on whether citizen views were implemented, objectives met and whether the value for money was achieved.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in the statement, the Committee should address the following-

Mr. Speaker, Sir,

Sen. Cherarkey, you are a seasoned Senator in the House. Can you read exactly what has been approved? I have observed that you are adding flavour to your statement.

I am well guided, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I apologise.

Next is the Senator for Busia County, Sen. Andrew Omtatah Okoit.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, thank you for the opportunity. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a matter of national concern regarding the restructuring and implementation of the Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) programme at the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) .

The Authority undertook staff restructuring in 2018 through the Voluntary Early Retirement Scheme. The programme was subjected to legal proceedings culminating in a consent order that altered the initial retirement terms. However, numerous former employees have raised grievances regarding underpayment, delayed payment and non- payment of their dues despite binding agreements and court determinations.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following-

Yes, please, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. My second request for statement is on environmental governance failure and the destruction of critical ecosystems in Kenya.

I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources on a matter of national concern regarding the alarming deterioration of environmental governance in the country and the widespread destruction of critical ecosystems that continue to expose citizens and counties to severe environmental disasters.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in recent years, Kenya has faced escalating environmental crises, including flooding, prolonged droughts, biodiversity loss and river system degradation, primarily driven by destruction of wetlands, illegal riparian developments, unregulated sand harvesting and encroachment into protected ecosystems.

Urban centres, such as Nairobi, have suffered recurring floods due to blocked drainage corridors, loss of wetlands and rapid depletion of tree cover. Despite the presence of regulatory agencies such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) , the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Water Resources Authority (WRA) , environmental degradation persists, raising concerns over weak enforcement, regulatory failure and possible corruption in approvals and licencing. The continued

destruction of vital water towers, notably the Mau Forest Complex, poses grave risks to national water security, food production, disaster preparedness and the safety of communities across the country.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following-

Next is Sen. Mwenda Gataya, Mo Fire. You have two Statements. You can read them consecutively.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Education on a matter of countywide concern regarding the operational status of Tharaka Technical and Vocational College in Tharaka-Nithi County.

Tharaka Technical and Vocational College is currently facing operational challenges due to delayed disbursement of capitation grants and other exchequer support funding. The institution is grappling with a shortage of qualified trainers and inadequate equipment workshops. These constraints have contributed to a negative perception of the institution. Financial difficulties faced by learners due to delayed disbursement of scholarship and loan financed by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) , have led to low enrolment levels and high dropout rates.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following-

What has Sen. Gataya done specially than other Members who read their statements?

Next is Sen. Crystal Asige.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I also rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a matter of international concern regarding Kenya's preparedness to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, (AFCON) Games, next year.

Recent reports have raised concerns about the status, accessibility and compliance of Kenya's proposed venues with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, which are critical for the successful staging of this continental tournament in Kenya.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following issues-

Next is Sen. Mohamed Chute.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Labor and Social Welfare on a matter of countywide concern regarding the construction of the amphitheatre in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County by Bomas of Kenya.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the amphitheatre is a key cultural and recreational facility intended to promote arts, culture and tourism in Loiyangalani and the surrounding region. However, the project has stalled, raising concerns about delays, financial management and accountability. Residents and stakeholders are particularly concerned about the contractor's engagement. The total contract sum should be known, the project timelines and the reasons for stalling of the construction.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following three issues-

The next statement by Sen. Hamida Kibwana is deferred.

I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights on a matter of national concern regarding the status of the ongoing mass voter registration drive.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following-

I am tempted to give Sen. Karen Nyamu an opportunity to make a personal statement under Standing Order No.58, then we will go to comments.

Proceed, Senator.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.58 to make a statement regarding my coronation as the patron of the Mumbi Nyakinyua na Thingira, Nairobi Chapter.

Thirdly, promoting justice and good values. I will speak out against corruption, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and anything that harms our society. I will support laws that protect families, the elderly and children.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this coronation is not just an honour. It is a responsibility that calls me to protect, guide and serve. I promise this House, the people of Kenya and Nairobi, I will carry this role with courage, wisdom and dedication.

I thank you.

Now, the next 15 minutes will be for comments on the statements and every Senator should use strictly two minutes.

Let us start with Sen. Maanzo.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I would like to comment on Sen. Cherarkey’s statement on the Jukwaa la Usalama Forum across the country.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I monitored what was happening with the Jukwaa la Usalama. You will remember that, when we used to make the budget in the National Assembly, we used to have a committee of supply that ensured that every single item the Government was going to spend on, was already in the budget.

What I noticed with Jukwaa La Usalama, especially for Makueni County, where I attended just to make sure that I know what was happening, is that it never really addressed the security issues in Makueni County. There was no inner meeting between the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration and the leadership of Makueni County, so as to know the security issues there.

Makueni County that is on Mombasa Road goes for 300 kilometres. It is used by many people and therefore, has criminal activities. On the other side where we border Kitui County, there are challenges that happen when animals cross over or during the dry season that results to potential conflict with our neighbours. Also, there being the railway line and the highway which has its own security challenges, Kenyans should be alert on possible terrorism. I, therefore, found that to be a political meeting that did not conclude on anything.

One of the most serious security issues happening in Makueni County is murder. The investigative arm such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the police are dining with the criminals. Instead of having a proper investigation, those who are highly connected or have money make sure that even though a member of your family has been murdered by another member, maybe because of land issues, many times, families and myself---

Sen. Okenyuri, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I wish to support the statement by Sen. Gataya Mo Fire on mental health in schools. Before I comment, I acknowledge that Sen. Mo Fire has been very consistent in bringing to the House matters that touch on education, which is something very dear to me and so, any time this comes up, I have to comment on it.

Mental health is often overlooked. We are bringing up children in schools who are majorly focused on their normal learning. Little do we give attention to what goes on with their lives away from the learning that they are being taken through by their teachers. I feel that this is a very weighty statement that the Ministry of Education needs

to look at; have mental health support for learners who experience these challenges, so that they are able to focus on their academic work and also thrive as young people who are going to be leaders in this country.

Additionally, I speak on Sen. Wambua’s statement, on the status of mass voter registration. So far, I think the young people are doing very well in coming out to participate in this exercise. For the young people out there - women and men who are actually looking to elect their leaders - it first begins with being a registered voter. Personally, I led by example. The other time I was in my constituency, I led a group of people to go and register as voters.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we are having many people who want to participate in this civic process. It is one way of making the proposals or changes you want to bring about. Finally, I think we need to incorporate the aspect of civic education, so that the masses understand---

Sen. Edwin Sifuna, proceed.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, my comment is on the statement from the Senator for Nandi County. However, this House should know that we have actually submitted a Motion of Adjournment to discuss what happened to Sen. Osotsi, which is quite heartbreaking. Since this is the first day we have resumed after that incident, we were hoping to get that opportunity to have that conversation. I am told that the Speaker has not approved the Motion.

As somebody pointed out, up to today, the leadership of this House has not communicated on something that happened to one of our colleagues. It is quite disappointing and sad.

Let me just address the question of voter registration that Sen. Wambua brought up. As a leader of a political party myself, we have run multiple registration drives in previous elections and we know just how difficult it is. Which is why, I take this opportunity to commend the young people of this country who have decided that they are going to run this registration drive themselves.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, there is a young man on social media called Allans Ademba. If there was ever a person in this country who deserves a state commendation, it is that young man who has mobilised the Tuko Kadi movement. You will remember, a few years ago, this country actually awarded a Head of State Commendation (HSC) to somebody for simply standing in a line to vote, holding a bag of githeri.

Allans Ademba has been able to achieve a lot in terms of registration of over a million young people in a very short space. I think even these titles that some of us have should be given to people like Allans Ademba because of the civic education that he is doing at a fraction of the budgets that we see from the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) .

I wish that in that statement, the Committee addresses some of the concerns that we have seen as well. First of all, this Commission headed by Erastus Edung Ethekon is very poor in communication. There was a lot of confusion when they told us about people who registered prior to 2012. We need them to communicate with clarity and address some of the concerns that we have heard from the ground, including, allegations of registration of foreigners, especially in the border---

Very well. Sen. Mohamed Chute, proceed.

Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Allow me to support the statement by Sen. Cherarkey.

If possible, instead of this Jukwaa la Usalama Forum, it should be called Jukwaa la Balaa. The reason being, just yesterday, a young man by the name Ailia Irbaye Konze, a livestock trader, who went to Merile from Nairobi to buy livestock was killed. As you are aware, we have issues between Isiolo, Samburu, Meru, Marsabit and Laikipia counties. There are problems every day. If this Jukwaa la Usalama was really bringing usalama to us, why do we still have this problem? The Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations should move very fast to ask the Cabinet Secretary to come before them.

Honourable Deputy Speaker, if you look at the issue of abductions, in Marsabit County, for example, many people were abducted, the young and energetic. Just recently, they killed a young man. They abducted him from Oda, which is about 15 kilometres from Moyale Town. He was found dead about another 100 kilometres away. Is this really Jukwaa la Usalama?

As you are aware, today, we have another problem. Wajir County has invaded Marsabit County. They have started a project in Marsabit County---

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise to support the statement by the distinguished Senator from Busia County. The issue of the environment is something that all of us must take very seriously. I am happy that the good Senator has raised pertinent issues on how ignorant we have become. It appears that we only care about what fits us, but we do not care about the future of this nation.

On the issue of the environment, there is a very serious crisis, which has been raised severally. I am sure that most of you, if you travel, if you go to the Industrial Area, like I do every day, you will see a dumpsite at Likoni Road. This dumpsite is a menace to this city. Recently, that dumpsite caused heavy damages to over 15 industries, which are around that place called Ectoville Estate.

There are over 10,000 people who are employed by those industries. If we do not take this issue of the environment seriously, we will not only lose our youth from getting jobs from those industries, but we will also be consuming heavy metals. It is about time that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry take action, and particularly, the Nairobi River Commission. This issue of the Ngong River flooding; it flooded just the other day.

If we just come here and talk and no action is taken, we will suffer. I request the Committee to take this matter of the dumpsites, which are in the Industrial Area, very seriously. There are very important companies, for example, Kartasi Industries, English Press, Nabico Enterprises and Tech Park that are supporting our economy.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The statement on AFCON by Sen. Crystal Asige is very important. However, I notice that she is keener on infrastructure. To succeed at AFCON, the infrastructure will help us in hosting and for the entire tournament. It should also concern the Committee that we are told about the investment into the national team; Harambee Stars.

We would like to know how much money has been invested into the team and how the team is going to be accommodated. If there are any incentives, let the Committee be told, so that we do not leave it at the whims of politicians to start saying, “the top scorer, every time you win, I will give you these many millions.” We do not want that kind of arrangement. We want a proper budget. If there is an incentive, it should be clear to players that if I score, I will get this much. If we win as a team, we will get this as an incentive.

Finally, on the statement by Sen. Wambua, I congratulate Kakamega for coming at position three as of now, led by Nairobi, Kiambu, then Kakamega and Nakuru. To large counties like Kakamega and Kiambu, we would like the government to make it possible - because the distances from voters' homes to polling stations is vast - so that we have mobile registration running to the nearest---

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise to make a comment on the Statement brought by the Senator from Busia, Sen. Omtatah, on the matter of the dumpsite in the City of Nairobi. Unlike Sen. Olekina who says he goes to Industrial Area every day, I may not be going there every day, but one thing is for sure. At the level at which we are degrading our environment, especially in Nairobi City County, it is actually a national crisis. What we are looking at is a situation where very soon, if measures are not put in place, certain very important companies will have to either reduce the number of staff or close shop. This is because of the level of degradation that has taken place around those areas.

In particular, when you talk about Kartasi Industries, that is a factory that has been in existence for the longest time. It is being chocked by a dump site. The last time I checked, I saw that the national government was trying to help the City County of Nairobi to manage their solid waste. If it does not begin with the dumpsites, then I do not know where that help is beginning.

I ask the Committee to move with speed to ensure that this matter is addressed as a matter of urgency to ensure that our companies remain afloat. I have checked, most of the people who are employed in those companies around that dumpsite are actually people from Ukambani. So, as a leader from that region---

Hon. Senators, I have realised that two minutes is too short a time. So, next time I will revisit that matter.

Thank you, Honourable Deputy Speaker. I would like to comment on the Statement by the Senator for Kitui on voter registration. As you know very well, we stayed for close to almost one-and-a-half years without commissioners of the IEBC in place. So, there is a serious backlog of voter registration. I hope after these 30 days of mass further registration, the IEBC should seek for additional resources, so that they can do another mass voter registration between September, October, or July, August and September, so that our youth and those who have not registered as voters may get an opportunity to register and exercise their democratic rights next year.

I urge all our youth, all our Gen Zs, both those in the universities and those at home, to register as voters because it is an opportunity for them, so that come next year, they have an opportunity to make a decision on whom they will choose as the leader. I urge and thank especially those from my county because so far, they have done well, but they still need to do more.

Generally, Kenyans like the last minute. We have the last seven days now before 28th. I hope they will use this opportunity to go to the registration centres to register as voters. I urge them, across the country and even those in the universities and colleges, do not have to go to the polling stations. The IEBC has already configured the registration kits. You can register from anywhere and choose the polling station that you want to vote in next year. So, they should not fear. They do not have to travel all the way to polling stations---

Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Unfortunately, I will complain again about these multi-congress units, which even though we spent, as a Senate, several millions of shillings to revamp them in the Chamber, they continue to be inaccessible, especially to those of us with sensory disabilities.

Give Sen. Crystal Asige 30 seconds to finish her contribution on the coastal region. Her 30 seconds start now.

Thank you Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I was saying that the coast data shows that Kilifi is leading with 14,000 uncollected IDs. It is followed by

Mombasa with 10,025 uncollected IDs. Kwale has 3,683, Taita Taveta has 1,436, Tana River has 1,278 and Lamu has 1,049 uncollected IDs. In the western region - Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia - have a total 7,965, 2,388, 7,145 and 4,008 uncollected IDs respectively. The list continues in other regions.

So, as we discuss voter registration and whether we want to do it in mass, we have to also understand and address the issue of uncollected national---

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to make my comments on the reports by Sen. Gataya Mo Fire about mental health.

Mental health, as mentioned by one of my colleagues, continues to be ignored and misunderstood. That happens because we refuse to make awareness of it, even if we know. This needs to be sensitised in schools and in communities. For it to be effective, we need to have budgetary provision. The system should also be mechanised for it to be workable.

I also want to make a few comments on the report given by Sen. Okiya Omtatah of Busia County on the destruction of the environment. It is sad that some of the erosion and destruction of environment is done by people who are doing it purposely. Those people encroach on rivers, forests, public places and so on, which then becomes a destruction to the ecosystem.

Hon. Senators, I think we have done 25 minutes. I will give the Senate Minority Leader two minutes, then we conclude on the comments on statements.

The Senate Minority Leader (Sen. Madzayo) : Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, you said that you will increase the time.

You are actually wasting the minutes we are trying to save. Why not go straight to your comment?

The Senate Minority Leader (Sen. Madzayo) :

Ahsante, Bw. Naibu Spika.

Utaongezewa dakika moja ili umalizie. The Senate Minority Leader (Sen. Madzayo) :

Hon. Senators, we will defer Order No.8.

Utaongezewa dakika moja ili umalizie. The Senate Minority Leader (

Hon. Senators, we will defer Order No.8.

Clerk, ascertain whether we have a quorum to put the Question.

I also want to make the determination that this matter does not affect counties, therefore, I will put the question.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to reply on the report of the proceedings of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference on the role of Parliament in shaping the future of responsible AI held from 28th to 30th November, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues who took their time, applied themselves and their intelligence to make comments on this report. It is my wish and desire that a lot more Senators would have the opportunity to apply themselves to this but because time will not allow that to happen, I want to say that those who had an opportunity to comment did it for the rest of us. I hope that going forward, the Kenyan Parliament, and the Senate in particular, will take very keen interest on matters AI because that is where the future is going; that is where the world is going.

As I reply, I just want to caution all of us, including myself, that even as AI develops with time, it is breaking new ground in terms of personal relationships. In fact, it has now moved from interpersonal relations among people who are living. Now, it has gone to a level where people are able to converse with the dead.

As a Parliament, we must begin to apply ourselves on how to regulate the use of responsible AI in the chambers, in our public lives and private lives.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, I beg to reply.

Clerk, ascertain whether we have a quorum to put the Question.

I also want to make the determination that this matter does not affect counties, therefore, I will put the question.

After that business, hon. Senators. I will reorganise the business to defer Order Nos.10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. I will reorganise the sequence from 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and we go all the way to Order No.24; Motion by Sen. Veronica Maina.

promote gender mainstreaming, key achievements, emerging challenges, and proposed interventions; and v) resolves that the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare continuously monitor the implementation of these resolutions and tables biannual report on the status of implementation.

JLAC, I left a legacy report that the Two-Thirds Gender Rule must be implemented by JLAHR.

I know Sen. Sigei as a good man. He is a great champion of women's rights. I know he will ensure it is pushed through and complied with. So, women, wherever you are, we are proud of you. There is an ongoing registration of voters. I want to encourage women, wherever they are, to go and register as voters. We challenge all the women, wherever they are, to register as voters and to vote, so that they are part of decision- making. I want to discourage women from the culture of tokenism in leadership.

The only way women can stop that is by getting registered, voting and run for these offices. That is when they will be part and parcel of what is happening, like in the case of Rwanda. Women there are doing very well.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we hear some funny and scary stories. Some political party honchos take advantage of our women and girls before giving them nominations. We want to challenge, and I know it is not all parties but a few who are errant, that are taking advantage of our women. The only way we can stop that is for women to go and register as voters in Meru, Nandi and across the country. Run for those political offices, get elected and participate in decision-making. That is why I am happy.

The Niko Kadi campaign, although it has been hijacked by some political tribalists who are trying to use it, is very good. I have seen that men and equally women, are the ones pushing it. I wish it would have remained neutral, without being hijacked by political parties, who are trying to look for political gain. They are doing what you call political ambulance chasing.

Let me give the House the 2022 General Election. In the National Assembly, 80 women out of 345 Members were elected, including the 47 women representatives. That translates to 23 per cent. The National Assembly is, therefore, unconstitutionally constituted because it does not meet the threshold of Article 27(3), (4) and (8), which states that women and men have the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres.

For those of us who are Christians, it has to be noted that the greatest supporters of Jesus Christ were women. Even the people who first visited the tomb were women. Where were the men? They were still sleeping, or they were doing morning glory. The point I am trying to make is that the greatest supporters of the gospel of Jesus Christ, even if you read the Bible, were women. They played a crucial role as Jesus of Nazareth was spreading the gospel. Therefore, 80 women were elected in 2022, reflecting 23 per cent. For Members to understand, 49.12 per cent of the registered voters in Kenya, in 2022, out of 22.1 million were women, while the population of women in this country is

Sixteen minutes. Deputy Speaker (

Yes.

For purposes of housekeeping, we have system challenges in terms of timekeeping. Your time remaining is three minutes and 45 seconds, for purposes of that contribution. The Speaker felt it was important to alert you to that.

You may now proceed.

JLAC, I left a legacy report that the Two-Thirds Gender Rule must be implemented by JLAHR.

I know Sen. Sigei as a good man. He is a great champion of women's rights. I know he will ensure it is pushed through and complied with. So, women, wherever you are, we are proud of you. There is an ongoing registration of voters. I want to encourage women, wherever they are, to go and register as voters. We challenge all the women, wherever they are, to register as voters and to vote, so that they are part of decision- making. I want to discourage women from the culture of tokenism in leadership.

The only way women can stop that is by getting registered, voting and run for these offices. That is when they will be part and parcel of what is happening, like in the case of Rwanda. Women there are doing very well.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we hear some funny and scary stories. Some political party honchos take advantage of our women and girls before giving them nominations. We want to challenge, and I know it is not all parties but a few who are errant, that are taking advantage of our women. The only way we can stop that is for women to go and register as voters in Meru, Nandi and across the country. Run for those political offices, get elected and participate in decision-making. That is why I am happy.

The Niko Kadi campaign, although it has been hijacked by some political tribalists who are trying to use it, is very good. I have seen that men and equally women, are the ones pushing it. I wish it would have remained neutral, without being hijacked by political parties, who are trying to look for political gain. They are doing what you call political ambulance chasing.

Let me give the House the 2022 General Election. In the National Assembly, 80 women out of 345 Members were elected, including the 47 women representatives. That translates to 23 per cent. The National Assembly is, therefore, unconstitutionally constituted because it does not meet the threshold of Article 27(3), (4) and (8), which states that women and men have the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres.

For those of us who are Christians, it has to be noted that the greatest supporters of Jesus Christ were women. Even the people who first visited the tomb were women. Where were the men? They were still sleeping, or they were doing morning glory. The point I am trying to make is that the greatest supporters of the gospel of Jesus Christ, even if you read the Bible, were women. They played a crucial role as Jesus of Nazareth was spreading the gospel. Therefore, 80 women were elected in 2022, reflecting 23 per cent. For Members to understand, 49.12 per cent of the registered voters in Kenya, in 2022, out of 22.1 million were women, while the population of women in this country is

Sen. Cherarkey.

Yes.

For purposes of housekeeping, we have system challenges in terms of timekeeping. Your time remaining is three minutes and 45 seconds, for purposes of that contribution. The Speaker felt it was important to alert you to that.

You may now proceed.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, but I had 16 minutes? Why is it that when I start acknowledging my female colleagues, the time is suddenly switched off? I wanted to celebrate Sen. Miraj Abdillahi. She is running for Member of Parliament in Mombasa County. We are proud of her.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I want to inform Sen. Cherarkey that Madam Dorcus Oduor is a fairly senior member of the Law Society of Kenya. She joined the Bar many years ahead of me. When you mention her name, you should also tell Kenyans that she served as a distinguished prosecutor on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions for many years before being elevated to the position of Attorney- General, making her one of the pacesetters in the legal profession. However, she was not my classmate because she was far much senior than me.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, for that information. I hope I will listen to the contribution by Sen. Omogeni on this issue of gender and the role of women.

Finally, because I fairly have a few minutes, we need an audit. I want to challenge the Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee, which you are lucky to be the Chair, to do an audit. Let us know how many women are running for these elective positions.

I do not want to say zoning. You know the moment I say that, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) people will start feeling uncomfortable. I propose that we do an audit. Let us encourage political parties to give space for women to run for these positions. Let us protect women from political violence and being categorised; intimidated and blackmailed. Let us give opportunity to women to serve in senior governmental positions. Let us allow women to run the show, because a woman's mind is always about sharing. I challenge women to run for these positions.;

Sen. Cherarkey, Sen. Omogeni would like to inform you.

Freeze my time. I have one minute and 24 seconds.

Senior Counsel, proceed to inform him.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I want to inform Sen. Cherarkey that Madam Dorcus Oduor is a fairly senior member of the Law Society of Kenya. She joined the Bar many years ahead of me. When you mention her name, you should also tell Kenyans that she served as a distinguished prosecutor on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions for many years before being elevated to the position of Attorney- General, making her one of the pacesetters in the legal profession. However, she was not my classmate because she was far much senior than me.

and a culture that has been built to the extent that people believe that women, when given a leadership chance, tend to forget their responsibilities.

I stand today to speak about the number of years that I have served together with women here. I believe that what men can do, women can do better. I must specifically thank the Government, led by His Excellency the President, for the efforts to incorporate women in a number of ministries and sectors. I can say without fear of contradiction that a number of women are performing exceedingly well.

Look at the Ministry of Defence led by Hon. Soipan Tuya. This is a docket that none of us believed could be led by women. As we speak, we have seen a number of policies, changes and progress in that Ministry. Furthermore, when you visit schools across this country, you cannot mention five without one being led by a woman. What does this mean? It means women are performing. We are not underrating men; we are only saying that we are also up to the task. Let women be given the chance. Could we stop violence? Some of us cannot fight even young boys, but we can walk the talk.

His Excellency the President has seen the importance of having women in various sectors. Even within this institution, Bunge, I remember when we were addressing counties in the Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration on the issue of gender, we found out that a number of counties are still failing.

Regarding the issue of People living with Disabilities (PWDs), the requisite percentage is 5 per cent, but many institutions remain below 1 per cent.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, it was a wake-up call by the Generation Z of this country, who raised an alarm concerning employment. That allowed Parliament to critically check the mistakes previously made by various Ministries. I remember many counties always talked about defunct councils, yet in new employments, gender issues are still not being addressed.

This applies not only to employment, but also to procurement. I believe that as we educate women as leaders of this House and raise these concerns, we will eventually see change. I encourage all of us to embrace gender mainstreaming as a nation. That includes women, youth, PWDs and men. Could we work together and compete equally? Could we all be given a platform to compete?

A culture exists that suggests nothing belongs to women. Consequently, in the political arena, women often cannot stand; they have the policies, knowledge and ideas, but they own nothing because of this culture. It is high time we embraced one another. It is high time we enlightened our youth, women, PWDs and men, so that we can build our nation together.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, I do not wish to labour much. I support this Motion by Hon. Veronica Maina. I request that the relevant committee ensures the positive ideas raised on this Floor are implemented to the letter.

Recently, we attempted to form an ad hoc committee to oversee issues that our governors are failing. I want to tell Hon. Veronica Maina that these issues should form part of those discussions. We must ensure we do not discuss this year-in, year-out. Could we deal with it and ensure it is implemented to the letter?

Thank you. I beg to support.

they are not limited. Eliud Kipchoge said that no human is limited. I challenge women that let us do accountability reporting.

After the passage of this Motion, I challenge that the JLAHRC gives us opportunity. The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) should give us a continuous monitoring.

With those very many remarks, I will listen to my colleagues. We are proud of our women, wherever they are. What a man can do, a woman can do better. We want to see more women in leadership, so that this country can be.

I know today I will be the most popular male Senator in the Republic of Kenya after supporting women.

I beg to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I thank you. Like those who have spoken before me, I wish to congratulate Sen. Veronica Maina for her industriousness. During a Motion like this, it pays to listen to those who have the experience of living with a wife or wives and raising children. More importantly, those who have had the opportunity to raise children of both sexes.

I say this because seeing and feeling is believing. I must confess that as a young man before I had my own family, I was naive regarding gender equality. However, after having my own boys and girls, I realise the beauty of a girl and boy child. They are so beautiful and that has forced me to answer the question; why gender mainstreaming? I am now forever persuaded that it is through gender mainstreaming that you can provide equal benefits to girls, boys, men and women. It is also through gender mainstreaming that you can prevent inequality.

This begs the next question: how? I have learned that the strategic "how" is to ensure that decision-makers, whether in government, parliament, organisations or cultural settings, always endeavor to make a deliberate, strategic integration of the principle of gender equality.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, you cannot do this unless you answer the third question: where? Where do you apply this strategic intervention to achieve gender mainstreaming? I have concluded that, fortunately, you do not have to strain to remember where to do it. The answer is simple: do it in all stages of life. That is all. The moment you do it in all stages of life, then you do not even have to think or remember it. It means you gender mainstream all government and non-government policies and programmes. You do it when you are rolling out projects. More importantly, you do it in cultural beliefs and interpretation. I say this because there are some people who think that there is an African culture that is anti-girl child. All African cultures love their girl child. What we lack is a proper understanding.

Let me speak to the issue of inheritance which is very sensitive among some communities, especially mine, the Luhya. Our culture is very clear on how a girl child, without struggling, will inherit land. They do not have to go to court at all. So, that I am not misunderstood by colleagues who are not Luhyas, the Luhya culture says that the sons will get land. However, when the elders sit, they know how the daughter will benefit from the father's land. If, for example, the father of these children has only daughters, then all his land belongs to the daughters without a question. If he has sons and daughters, the land belongs to the sons, provided that the girl has a choice.

What I mean is, if the girl, for example, is not married or she is married and is having issues where she is married, she is perfectly entitled to her father's land. Once she reports her challenges, land is given to her. I say this knowing that there are people who want to hide in superficial understanding of culture to give the impression that, for example, the Luo community would not allow a girl to get a piece of land. Far from it.

Since I know my time is running, let me not forget to celebrate my daughter, Shangwe Anota Khalwale. Despite the many sisters and brothers that she has, with equally very good education because I take my children to school very well, she has stood out before the boys could. This month, we not only celebrated Easter, we

Honourable Senators, having proposed the question, the Motion is now available for your contribution. For purposes of housekeeping, I have seen Sen. Khalwale, Sen. Mundigi, Sen. Mungatana, and Sen. Madzayo have queued on the intervention button and not on the request to contribute. The natural assumption is that you probably want them to intervene than contributing to this Motion. Sen. Joyce Korir, I will allow you to go first as I work on the requisitions by Members.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for giving me this chance to also speak to this Motion by one Sen. Veronica Maina; one of our powerful ladies, who also happens to be in the Speaker's Panel. I thank Sen. Veronica Maina for bringing this issue of gender mainstreaming, that has been touched by Sen. Cherarkey, who seconded this Motion. The gender issue has become a challenge. I remember when I was in the National Assembly, a ruling was made and it is true that the legislatures; ranging from the National Assembly, Senate to the County Assemblies. are not constitutionally constituted. As a House, we need to address the issue because matters gender do not only affect the women, but cuts across. A number of countries have tried in terms of making sure that they observe and implement the issue of gender. I want to mention that the Parliament of Rwanda has tried in terms of making sure it gives room to gender mainstreaming, to an extent that women are in good position together with the men. Gone are the days when our women were taken for granted. They are no longer homemakers. We used to think that the work of women is just to stay at home, look after their children and husband. That is our responsibility as women. However, we have been in leadership for some time and still remain parents and have families. There is a notion

Yes, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I am very careful with my English.

That is actually the confirmation.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I thank you. Like those who have spoken before me, I wish to congratulate Sen. Veronica Maina for her industriousness. During a Motion like this, it pays to listen to those who have the experience of living with a wife or wives and raising children. More importantly, those who have had the opportunity to raise children of both sexes.

I say this because seeing and feeling is believing. I must confess that as a young man before I had my own family, I was naive regarding gender equality. However, after having my own boys and girls, I realise the beauty of a girl and boy child. They are so beautiful and that has forced me to answer the question; why gender mainstreaming? I am now forever persuaded that it is through gender mainstreaming that you can provide equal benefits to girls, boys, men and women. It is also through gender mainstreaming that you can prevent inequality.

This begs the next question: how? I have learned that the strategic "how" is to ensure that decision-makers, whether in government, parliament, organisations or cultural settings, always endeavor to make a deliberate, strategic integration of the principle of gender equality.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, you cannot do this unless you answer the third question: where? Where do you apply this strategic intervention to achieve gender mainstreaming? I have concluded that, fortunately, you do not have to strain to remember where to do it. The answer is simple: do it in all stages of life. That is all. The moment you do it in all stages of life, then you do not even have to think or remember it. It means you gender mainstream all government and non-government policies and programmes. You do it when you are rolling out projects. More importantly, you do it in cultural beliefs and interpretation. I say this because there are some people who think that there is an African culture that is anti-girl child. All African cultures love their girl child. What we lack is a proper understanding.

Let me speak to the issue of inheritance which is very sensitive among some communities, especially mine, the Luhya. Our culture is very clear on how a girl child, without struggling, will inherit land. They do not have to go to court at all. So, that I am not misunderstood by colleagues who are not Luhyas, the Luhya culture says that the sons will get land. However, when the elders sit, they know how the daughter will benefit from the father's land. If, for example, the father of these children has only daughters, then all his land belongs to the daughters without a question. If he has sons and daughters, the land belongs to the sons, provided that the girl has a choice.

What I mean is, if the girl, for example, is not married or she is married and is having issues where she is married, she is perfectly entitled to her father's land. Once she reports her challenges, land is given to her. I say this knowing that there are people who want to hide in superficial understanding of culture to give the impression that, for example, the Luo community would not allow a girl to get a piece of land. Far from it.

Since I know my time is running, let me not forget to celebrate my daughter, Shangwe Anota Khalwale. Despite the many sisters and brothers that she has, with equally very good education because I take my children to school very well, she has stood out before the boys could. This month, we not only celebrated Easter, we

celebrated her in the family for being the first to write and publish a book that we launched during Easter in Mombasa.

Actually, the interest of the Chair is the use of plural, not wives.

Oh, it was ‘wives’. Why is it worrying you? You should be asking me how many, then I will tell you I am still counting.

Very well, Senator. Proceed, Sen. Mundigi

Asante, Bw. Spika wa Muda, kwa kunipa nafasi niweze kuchangia mjadala wa Sen. Veronica Maina kuhusu mambo ya gender balance.

Ninashukuru sana kwa sababu wakati Rais wa Kenya alichaguliwa mwaka wa 2022, alijaribu kuwe na usawa wa jinsia.

Bwana Spika wa Muda, masuala kuhusu gender balance hayajaanza sasa, ila yalianza zamani. Hata katika Bibilia ambayo tunafuata kama Wakristo, akina mama wametajwa. Kwa mfano, tukikumbuka kuzaliwa, kufa na kufuka kwa Yesu Kristo, mama wa kwanza kujua Yesu Kristo amefufuka alikuwa ni Mary Magdalene. Haya ni maajabu kwa sababu wanaume walikuwa wamekaa pale, na hawakutaka kusema yaliyotokea. Walakini, Mary Magdalene aliamka saa kumi na mbili akawaacha wanaume wangali wamelala. Alienda pale kuangalia vile usiku ulipokuwa lakini akaambiwa Yesu Kristo amefufuka. Huenda ikawa wangekuwa ni wananume wangesema amepotea au ameibiwa. Kwa hivyo, naunga kazi ya kina mama mkono.

Vile vile, katika dunia ya sasa, ArchBishop mkuu wa Anglican Church ni mama na anasimamia kanisa hilo dunia nzima. Katika Bibilia, kuna mama mmoja aliyekuwa akishonea akina mama na wazee nguo na akatambulishwa. Tunakumbushwa, Yesu alipoenda jangwani, alikutana na kina mama. Vile vile, Yakobo alikutana na kina mama. Hakuna wakati tunaona kina mama wakiwekwa kando.

Katika nchi yetu ya Kenya, Attorney General (AG) au Mkuu wa Sheria ni mama. Katika county zetu 47, Gavana wa kaunti ya Embu ni Cecily Mutitu Mbarire. Vile vile, Gavana wa Kirinyaga County ni Waiguru. Katika Kaunti ya Nakuru, vile vile gavana ni mama. Hata katika Seneti, tunao Maseneta wanawake. Kina mama wanaendelea kufanya kazi katika kaunti nyingi tofauti.

Katika makanisa mengi ambayo yanahubiri umuhimu wa umoja, kuenda mbinguni na kukaa hapa duniani, wanaoshikilia hiyo laini ni kina mama. Kwa hivyo, hakuna tofauti ya kazi ya mwanamke na mwanaume.

Tukiangazia familia zetu, zamani tulikuwa tunasema watoto wetu wa kike hawafanyi kazi kwa njia inayofaa na hawakai vizuri, na mali yote tunapatia vijana wetu wa kiume. Siku hizi, tumeona wale ambao wamepatia mali akina dada wakikaa vizuri. Baadaye vijana wa kiume ambao wamepatiwa mali wanaharibu mali na kuwarudia dada zao. Kwa hivyo, tumeona boma nyingi zikisimamishwa na akina dada.

Vile vile, kwa boma zetu, wazee wanapokosa pesa, huwa wanatoroka na kuenda kunywa pombe na kutumia madawa ya kulevya, na kushiriki kwa maandamano na kuacha akina dada na watoto. Kutokana na hayo, mama anaamka asubuhi anaenda

Very well.

Sen.Miraj, please proceed.

Asante, Mheshimiwa Spika wa Muda, kwa kunipa fursa hii ili niweze kuchangia Hoja hii muhimu ya kuwawezesha na kuwapa fursa viongozi wa kike na hata kina mama pale mashinani nyadhifa mbalimbali katika nchi yetu ya Kenya.

Kabla sijasonga mbele, ningependa kumpongeza Seneta Veronica Maina kwa fikra hii nzuri. Ningependa kuwajibu wale ambao wako katika ofisi mbalimbali, katika hii nchi ya Kenya, kutii na kutekeleza yale ambayo Katiba yetu tukufu imepeana mwelekeo.

Mhe. Spika wa Muda, kabla niendelee zaidi, ningependa kuwapa pongezi kina mama katika maeneo yote ya ulimwengu huu, hususan hapa kwetu Kenya. Kuna akina mama ambao wanaamka asubuhi mapema, kuenda kuchota maji na kutayarisha watoto wao ili waweze kuenda shuleni mapema. Kuna mama ambao jioni, wanawakaribisha mabwana zao, wanawatayarishia maji ya kuoga ili waweze kupumzika baada ya kazi nyingi.

Oh, it was ‘wives’. Why is it worrying you? You should be asking me how many, then I will tell you I am still counting.

Very well, Senator. Proceed, Sen. Mundigi

Asante, Bw. Spika wa Muda, kwa kunipa nafasi niweze kuchangia mjadala wa Sen. Veronica Maina kuhusu mambo ya gender balance.

Ninashukuru sana kwa sababu wakati Rais wa Kenya alichaguliwa mwaka wa 2022, alijaribu kuwe na usawa wa jinsia.

Bwana Spika wa Muda, masuala kuhusu gender balance hayajaanza sasa, ila yalianza zamani. Hata katika Bibilia ambayo tunafuata kama Wakristo, akina mama wametajwa. Kwa mfano, tukikumbuka kuzaliwa, kufa na kufuka kwa Yesu Kristo, mama wa kwanza kujua Yesu Kristo amefufuka alikuwa ni Mary Magdalene. Haya ni maajabu kwa sababu wanaume walikuwa wamekaa pale, na hawakutaka kusema yaliyotokea. Walakini, Mary Magdalene aliamka saa kumi na mbili akawaacha wanaume wangali wamelala. Alienda pale kuangalia vile usiku ulipokuwa lakini akaambiwa Yesu Kristo amefufuka. Huenda ikawa wangekuwa ni wananume wangesema amepotea au ameibiwa. Kwa hivyo, naunga kazi ya kina mama mkono.

Vile vile, katika dunia ya sasa, ArchBishop mkuu wa Anglican Church ni mama na anasimamia kanisa hilo dunia nzima. Katika Bibilia, kuna mama mmoja aliyekuwa akishonea akina mama na wazee nguo na akatambulishwa. Tunakumbushwa, Yesu alipoenda jangwani, alikutana na kina mama. Vile vile, Yakobo alikutana na kina mama. Hakuna wakati tunaona kina mama wakiwekwa kando.

Katika nchi yetu ya Kenya, Attorney General (AG) au Mkuu wa Sheria ni mama. Katika county zetu 47, Gavana wa kaunti ya Embu ni Cecily Mutitu Mbarire. Vile vile, Gavana wa Kirinyaga County ni Waiguru. Katika Kaunti ya Nakuru, vile vile gavana ni mama. Hata katika Seneti, tunao Maseneta wanawake. Kina mama wanaendelea kufanya kazi katika kaunti nyingi tofauti.

Katika makanisa mengi ambayo yanahubiri umuhimu wa umoja, kuenda mbinguni na kukaa hapa duniani, wanaoshikilia hiyo laini ni kina mama. Kwa hivyo, hakuna tofauti ya kazi ya mwanamke na mwanaume.

Tukiangazia familia zetu, zamani tulikuwa tunasema watoto wetu wa kike hawafanyi kazi kwa njia inayofaa na hawakai vizuri, na mali yote tunapatia vijana wetu wa kiume. Siku hizi, tumeona wale ambao wamepatia mali akina dada wakikaa vizuri. Baadaye vijana wa kiume ambao wamepatiwa mali wanaharibu mali na kuwarudia dada zao. Kwa hivyo, tumeona boma nyingi zikisimamishwa na akina dada.

Vile vile, kwa boma zetu, wazee wanapokosa pesa, huwa wanatoroka na kuenda kunywa pombe na kutumia madawa ya kulevya, na kushiriki kwa maandamano na kuacha akina dada na watoto. Kutokana na hayo, mama anaamka asubuhi anaenda

kutafuta pesa, anapeleka mtoto shule na zile pesa amebakisha ananunua sabuni na kila kitu ambacho kinahitajika. Baadaye ikifika jioni, huyo mama ndio anaangalia watoto na mzee kwa upande wa chakula.

Kwa hivyo, naunga mkono Mjadala wa Seneta ambaye ameuleta ili tuweze kuangalia jinsi tutakavyokuwa na usawa wa masuala yote ambayo yanahusikana na akina mama na wanaume.

Ningeomba hata sisi turudi nyumbani ambako tumepitisha masuala mengi. Pengine tunapogawa mali, watoto wetu wakike hawahusishwi ila tu ni watoto wetu wa kiume wanaopatiwa vitu kwa njia inayofaa. Hii ndio sababu wakati huu si wakati wa kusema kama zamani eti kuna masuala ya wanawake na mengine ya wanaume, ati, kazi ya kina mama ni kukaa nyumbani.

Bwana Spika wa Muda, Mjadala huu ni muhimu sana. Tunajua kuwa katika kaunti zingine, kina mama hawapatiwa kiti chochote ama hawawezi kuchaguliwa au kufanya kazi yoyote. Ikiwa mjadala kama huu utaungwa mkono, itakuwa ni njia nzuri ya kuonyesha mwanamke au mwanaume, watoto wa kiume au wa kike ni kitu kimoja. Kwa hivyo, naunga mkono huu Hoja.

Ningeomba maseneta wote 67 wachangie huu mjadala ili tuone vile tutatembea vizuri na kulainisha kila jambo. Naomba watakaozungumzia huu mjadala wasiupinge ili uweze kupita ndiposa kuwe na usawa.

Mheshimiwa Spika wa Muda, kwa upande wa mishahara, kwa mfano, katika Judicial Service Commission (JSC), mishahara ni sawa. Vile vile, kama ni walimu, mishahara ni sawa. Kama ni Seneta, mshahara ni mmoja. Mshahara ni sawa kwa kila sekta. Vile vile, kwa upande wa utendaji wa kazi, hakuna anayesema huyu ni mwanamke au yule ni mwanamme. Kwa hivyo, kwa masuala ya gender balance, ningeomba akina mama wapatiwe nguvu. Hata wakati wa siasa tukiingia kwa uwanja, kwa mfano kwa kiti cha Seneta, upate hakuna mtu anang’ang’ania aidha mwanume au mwanamke. Vile vile, ikiwa ni kiti cha mbunge au Rais, hiyo sheria iletwe pamoja ili nchi yetu ya Kenya isonge mbele kama nchi zingine. Tumeona nchi za ng’ambo kama vile United Kingdom (UK), ambapo malkia hufanya kazi. Kama hangekuwa, kungekuwa na mfalme. Naunga mkono.

Asante, Bwana Spika wa Muda.

Sen.Miraj, please proceed.

thought it is in Embu, but I think it is because we passed through Embu. We were in a function with the Governor of Kirinyaga, Ann Waiguru. So, I said, let me give her a call, so that they could do what they could.

Look at that women leadership. Mheshimiwa came out of the function, spoke to me and gave me the Chief of Staff who was with her. She said, go and sort out Mheshimiwa. I am saying this here on the Floor of the House that women leaders are very capable and they will sort you out when you have issues. I am not saying this with any whatever by comparison, but I called my colleague here, Mheshimiwa Mundigi, and I wish he was here. He could not pick the phone or whatever, maybe he was busy.

However, those are two governors came out and made sure that my family and I were taken care of and even escorted all the way to Nairobi. That tells you about women leadership. Even when we are looking at these reports in the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, you will see - I have said this many times - one of my good friends who is a governor told me, ‘oh, but I am not that bad.’ I said, but most of the thugs are our male colleagues. Most of the criminals who have “eaten” a lot of public money are our male colleagues. Some of them are so heartless and merciless that they take money from the poor without a heart, for instance, the people in Tana River. How dare you ‘eat’ money for poor people like that?

So, I have been telling even the women back home that they should contest for these positions. There is no limitation because we have seen what other women governors have done. We have also seen what those who have been elected as Members of Parliament have done. I went all out to campaign in the recent by-elections for the UDA candidate, who was a female, in Chewani Ward in Tana River County. We won that election because I told them that the time has come for the women. It is possible. Most of the voters in this country, truth be told, are women. If you do not have support of the women in your ward, constituency, county or in the country, you cannot access these positions that are for elections because it is the women who actually do the heavy lifting.

Outside this nation, in the continent, we have had great presidents. Everybody still speaks about Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the leadership she gave to Liberia. Honourable members with whom we share the platform in the Pan-African Parliament, still speak about her. We still speak about Joyce Banda and the time she led Malawi.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, other non-executive heads of state, for example, the Head of State for Ethiopia and the Head of State for Algeria, we have seen extremely good leadership from women. So, I assure our colleagues that we will not be making a mistake when we say we want to enforce the one-third gender rule. We will not be making a mistake. I request all honourable members – we sit - maybe it is in the formulation of how we shall deal with these matters that the nitty-gritty that brings complications, but on appointed positions, it should be very easy. We should never have an issue on appointed positions. One-third gender rule must be there.

On elected positions, we need to tinker with the Constitution and our election laws, so that political parties are forced to nominate candidates. If it is a male, the second one must be a female. This is something we need to think about, so that then when we talk and say we believe in our mothers, we believe in our sisters, our wives, we believe in our daughters, we believe in our daughters-in-laws, then we must be able to do it in law.

This is because what we have seen in Africa across the entire continent is that it is only in places where it has been put down to law, only in those places that gender parity has become effective.

Where it has been left out like that in all the 55 countries in Africa, then you will still see the domination of the male gender over the female gender when it comes to political power. Maybe it is time that we think on how we will tinker with the laws. Kenya is rated very highly, obviously, not as highly as Rwanda. Rwanda is, I think, the highest in the continent in terms of the gender parity, but Kenya is rated highly because of the many women who are in positions and also in the legislature. However, we need to do more so that we can say our words and actually make it happen.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, with all those many remarks, I beg to support this Motion and ask all colleagues to come all out to pass this Motion.

I thank you.

Asante sana, Seneta Miraj.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to also contribute to this Motion.

First of all, I take this opportunity to thank Sen. Veronica Maina for the good work and industry she has put in to get this Motion to where it is.

I have a big bias for women leadership because I learnt from the best, my own mother who is departed. I remember her leading the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) in Tana River County. She would take us with her when we visited because we would visit during school holidays while she was on duty. She would take us into various villages where she was instrumental in starting very many programmes for support of the women. I used to watch her play games and that is how I picked up my seriousness in physical fitness. Even at her age, she introduced that to other women. I saw leadership in my own mother.

When I first went to seek for a parliamentary seat, all those women who used to work with my mother told me not to campaign for them; that if I am the son of Martha and they could see my face, I did not need to campaign with them. It was not normal those days for a first time person to get a seat. In Garsen Constituency, you have to keep failing before you got the seat, but I got it and retained it. Therefore, I am a believer in women leadership.

In this country, one of the top women that we have worked with is Hon. Martha Karua. When I served in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, we saw leadership in the Hon. Karua and to date, I really respect the work she did as a Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

We must never forget people such as the Hon. Charity Ngilu, who broke the ceiling for women when she vied for Presidency of the Republic of Kenya. She came number five, but we will never forget that clarion call “Masaa ni ya Ngilu, masaa ni ya mama.” That gave the women of this country something to be proud about; something that created many women leaders who came up after.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, going back to my mother, she was one of those people who attended the Beijing Conference. When they went to that conference, she came back a different woman. She told us that our sister is not going to be the only person who is going to be cooking, us, boys, must also learn to cook and clean after yourselves; make tea, ugali, nyama and everything else. There was not going to be a woman’s job and a man’s job in our family. From a very young age, I learnt to take care of myself because of the leadership of my mother.

Recently, we were in Beijing for a United Democratic Party Alliance (UDA) mission. When there, one of the things that I learnt is that in that country, women who sit in the house to take care of the family are paid an allowance, which is a normal thing. As you are working, you have to take care of your wife because what she does is something that keeps that family together. That is something that we need to consider in this country. I do not know whether Hon. Boni Khalwale would support me because he would have to split whatever he gets amongst very many spouses.

It is important for us to realise the contributions that our women make in this Republic, in our families and work places. There is no doubt on the capacity and capabilities of women.

Recently, I was driving from Meru coming down to Nairobi with my family. Somewhere in Mwea, I got some trouble with the vehicle I was having. I picked up the phone and called the honourable Governor of Embu. Mheshimiwa Cecily Mbarire picked up and told me, oh, you know, Mwea is not quite in my area. I do not know why I

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this debate on gender mainstreaming.

Let me begin by congratulating Sen. Veronica Maina for bringing this Motion, which comes at the right time. This is definitely an exciting debate for Members at this particular time. We need to reflect on how far we have come as a nation in terms of gender mainstreaming. When you critically analyse our social aspects as a nation, our

cultural situation in various diverse Kenyan communities and our economic situation, then you will see the placement of both genders.

I am talking about both genders because I always appreciate the fact that gender includes all sexes. People have specifically narrowed down to women whenever the issues of gender comes in, because there is a specific gender that has continuously been excluded, been ignored and been marginalised in various ways in the national discourse. I even keep wondering whether it is really a gap in legislation because if we can begin from the spirit of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, you will realise that Kenyans aimed, wanted and desired gender parity.

The Kenyan Constitution in Article 27(8), Article 81(b) and many other Articles, talks of inclusion and equality, respect of human rights, gender balance and all that. I still wonder whether we are paying lip service to the aspect of gender parity and inclusiveness, because, if this House, and when I say ‘this House,’ I mean both Houses of Parliament, have not addressed the issue of the two-thirds gender rule. I will personally say it is a breach of the Constitution. So, if we can begin from there, there is a breach of the Constitution.

Kenyans were very clear that they wanted a two-thirds gender representation in the country, in the Legislative Houses, in county assemblies, in the Senate, in the National Assembly, but even after various court interventions and rulings, we have been unable to address that.

Women contribute to the various aspects of life in this nation, starting from the family. You cannot imagine today a home without the role of a woman, a mother. There are many women-headed households in this country and even where the women are not heading those households, they prepare everybody for the day-to-day issues of life, starting from the morning, preparing everybody and working for the good of everybody so that they can go to school or go to work. They prepare their husbands, sons and daughters. When that contribution has not been measured, you cannot even begin to imagine whether we are talking about equality or talking about addressing these issues. So, I would want to say that we have a long way to go as Kenyans. However, I would also say, particularly when it comes to leadership, women must come out, take a lead role and must be proactive in presenting themselves to the electorates of this country so that we give Kenyans a fair chance to either elect or not to elect women.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, I have said on the Floor of this House and I can proudly repeat the same, that I am very proud of the Maasai community, where I come from. Whereas the rest of Kenyans perceive the Maasai community as very conservative, the Maasai community has proved itself very respectful of both genders. The Maasai community--- and this is on record--- has continuously increased the number of elected women in competitive elective seats. I have always mentioned that the Samburu people in Samburu West have elected Naisula Lesuuda as their constituency Member of Parliament. Laikipia North has elected Sarah Korere as their constituency Member of Parliament and in Narok, the people of Narok North MP seat, the seat that was held by the Maasai kingpin, Mzee Ole Ntimama is today occupied by a lady, Agnes Pareyio. I think this should be documented.

I thank you.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, I am also privileged to have been elected in a competitive elective seat, constituency Member of Parliament, twice for 10 years. They did not fail to elect me. I am the one who got a bigger vision and wanted to represent them at a more senior capacity and I went to contest for the seat of governor. I got elected as a Member of Parliament for Kajiado East for 10 years. I know the people of Kajiado are now ready to elect me as a woman governor. The Kenyan community has shown that they continuously elect women governors. At least, in the 2022 general elections, seven women were elected as governors.

Even if one was hounded out of the office for flimsy reasons, I would still say the people of Kenya elected seven women governors and the Kenyan women continue to hold very crucial roles. The Chief Justice, the Attorney General and the Deputy Chief Justice are women and so, the Kenyan society is ready for women's leadership.

Let me also talk about budgeting. If we are serious, we must then pass budgets that are gender responsive. We must also involve technical expertise on gender issues, so that our progress is well guided with the technical know-how.

Let me say, because I can see time is moving, that Kenyans are ready to elect women in all elective seats. Let me also say that the Kenyan society has no problems with women. The only thing we need is that policymakers and those who are executing and implementing must be true to the spirit of the Kenyan Constitution and to the spirit of the Kenyan people. I do support this Motion---

I do not know why I am being pushed, because I still see I have two to three minutes remaining. Kindly allow me to execute my position.

When I talk about gender-responsive budgeting, you also realise that women are the small traders, and they hardly receive credit advanced to them because they do not have collateral such as title deeds, yet women are very good payers. They are faithful in repaying their loans. Therefore, they need to be considered in accessing subsidies and credit. We need every institution, every ministry, and every department in both national and county governments to provide regular updates and reports on the implementation of mainstreaming gender policies.

Let me say I support. For obvious reasons, I request that the question be deferred to a later date. The debate should be deferred to a later date. Thank you.

Sen. Peris, I believe that you are seeking to defer further debate of this Motion to a later date.

Sometimes, the Members of Parliament compare themselves with us and say that we do more than them, but the challenge is with the culture and the perception of the elders. We, the women leaders, are trying to perform so as to change the mindset of our elders. I urge the political parties such as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and United Democratic Movement (UDM), as Sen. Mungatana alluded to, to first, give the tickets to women then the men.

Gender mainstreaming comes with the budget issue at both national and the county government. The Department of Gender is one of the most poorly funded department. That is why gender-based violence cannot be solved. The department of gender in the counties will always tell you that they do not have budgets to take care of this and so forth. We have to address the issue of budgeting of those departments.

The other issue is the gap in health. Maternal mortality rate is very high right now. We have very many women dying in labour rooms and in a way, we can link it to budgeting. Why do I say so? Our system has no database that shows the number of women who died in Mandera or Turkana. No database can indicate the maternal issues. Maternal mortality is as a result of low budget by the counties because they consider it as a minor department of health. They do not see the need of taking care of the women. They probably see us as inferior people. I urge the national Government and county governments to take action to reduce maternal mortality.

I was in Mandera this week and while there, I realized that women are so kind. Most women are in WhatsApp groups with the intention of helping one another. They even help men who are sick and cannot take care of their families. Women are always at the forefront when it comes to fundraising for their neighbours and the youth. They are kind-hearted. Unfortunately, people misuse their kind-hearted nature. That is why some of them end up being victims of gender-based violence.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, it is often said that justice delayed is justice denied. Most victims of gender-based violence do not have their cases sorted out quickly. I did my investigation and most people who are concerned raised the issue of budget. This year, let us take this issue seriously when budgeting so as to solve the women issues. If we do that, communities that have women leadership will prosper because those women can go to the grassroots and identify those people who are needy and those who can take care of them. The women leaders can take care for everyone.

Counties being led by women have few issues according to the report of the Auditor General. That shows that women are very keen and are able to lead. I, therefore, urge the Members, who are in this House, to take this Motion seriously. Let us support this Motion for it to go through. If we do so, we will help sort out the issue of gender mainstreaming.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this debate on gender mainstreaming.

Let me begin by congratulating Sen. Veronica Maina for bringing this Motion, which comes at the right time. This is definitely an exciting debate for Members at this particular time. We need to reflect on how far we have come as a nation in terms of gender mainstreaming. When you critically analyse our social aspects as a nation, our

To adjourn further debate of this Motion.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, I am also privileged to have been elected in a competitive elective seat, constituency Member of Parliament, twice for 10 years. They did not fail to elect me. I am the one who got a bigger vision and wanted to represent them at a more senior capacity and I went to contest for the seat of governor. I got elected as a Member of Parliament for Kajiado East for 10 years. I know the people of Kajiado are now ready to elect me as a woman governor. The Kenyan community has shown that they continuously elect women governors. At least, in the 2022 general elections, seven women were elected as governors.

Even if one was hounded out of the office for flimsy reasons, I would still say the people of Kenya elected seven women governors and the Kenyan women continue to hold very crucial roles. The Chief Justice, the Attorney General and the Deputy Chief Justice are women and so, the Kenyan society is ready for women's leadership.

Let me also talk about budgeting. If we are serious, we must then pass budgets that are gender responsive. We must also involve technical expertise on gender issues, so that our progress is well guided with the technical know-how.

Let me say, because I can see time is moving, that Kenyans are ready to elect women in all elective seats. Let me also say that the Kenyan society has no problems with women. The only thing we need is that policymakers and those who are executing and implementing must be true to the spirit of the Kenyan Constitution and to the spirit of the Kenyan people. I do support this Motion---

I do not know why I am being pushed, because I still see I have two to three minutes remaining. Kindly allow me to execute my position.

When I talk about gender-responsive budgeting, you also realise that women are the small traders, and they hardly receive credit advanced to them because they do not have collateral such as title deeds, yet women are very good payers. They are faithful in repaying their loans. Therefore, they need to be considered in accessing subsidies and credit. We need every institution, every ministry, and every department in both national and county governments to provide regular updates and reports on the implementation of mainstreaming gender policies.

Let me say I support. For obvious reasons, I request that the question be deferred to a later date. The debate should be deferred to a later date. Thank you.

Sen. Peris, I believe that you are seeking to defer further debate of this Motion to a later date.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, thank you for the opportunity. I also thank my sister, Sen. Peris Tobiko, for her contribution. I second the Motion she has moved for further debate to be postponed to a future date, possibly tomorrow. In view of the fact that this is a very important Motion, and that there are many Senators, including members of the Kenya Women Senators, who would wish to contribute to this debate, and in view of the fact that Parliament has struggled with compliance on gender matters, I urge that the debate of this Motion be postponed to a later date.

Thank you and I hereby second the Motion for deferment of debate.

Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 110 (3) , I find that this Motion to postpone further debate is not an abuse of the proceedings of this House. I will therefore proceed to put the question.

Yes, under Standing Order 110.

I call upon the Chairperson, Standing Committee on Health to move the Motion.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move- THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Health on a Petition to the Senate by the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) regarding alleged discrimination, interference and violation of Clinical Officers’ practice rights by the Ministry of Health (MoH) , the CoG and the Social Health Authority (SHA) laid on the Table of the Senate on Wednesday, 1st April, 2026.

Sen. Veronica Maina, proceed.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, thank you for the opportunity. I also thank my sister, Sen. Peris Tobiko, for her contribution. I second the Motion she has moved for further debate to be postponed to a future date, possibly tomorrow. In view of the fact that this is a very important Motion, and that there are many Senators, including members of the Kenya Women Senators, who would wish to contribute to this debate, and in view of the fact that Parliament has struggled with compliance on gender matters, I urge that the debate of this Motion be postponed to a later date.

Thank you and I hereby second the Motion for deferment of debate.

The issue of internship posting was equally serious. The Committee received evidence that an internship is not optional; it is a legal and professional prerequisite for licensing and independent practice. Delays in posting qualified interns inevitably delay their entry into service and weaken staffing across health facilities.

The Committee specifically noted that a large cohort of qualified clinical officers remains pending posting for internship. KUCO informed the committee that 5,433 practitioners were awaiting internship placements. In a country striving to strengthen primary healthcare and UHC, such a delay presents both a labor injustice and a service delivery gap.

Regarding the question of UHC staff, the committee found a long-standing implementation problem that has not been resolved with the urgency it deserves. The report records that 9,724 health workers were recruited under the UHC programme in April, 2020 on contractual terms. Their transition to permanent and pensionable employment has since been slowed by fiscal constraints, verification exercises, bureaucratic bottlenecks and disputes between the national and county governments. This one was solved last year by the Budget Policy Statement (BPS).

The committee also noted that the National Coordinating Summit had approved a three-year extension and directed the development of a transition framework, while the Council of Governors (CoG) had resolved to transition salaries to SRC-prescribed rates effective 1st September, 2025. Even so, the promised regularization of employment status remained incomplete, thereby prolonging insecurity among staff who are already serving within the health facility.

The committee’s observations are, therefore, measured, evidence-based and practical. First, the committee correctly refrained from pronouncing itself on the SHA empanelment issue because that question is before the court.

Second, it found demonstrable delays and inconsistencies in the approval and registration of the Return-to-Work Formula, the March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding, the January 2026 Return-to-Work Agreement and the comprehensive CBA.

Third, it found that the delayed posting of qualified interns was undermining timely entry into practice and weakening optimal staffing of health facilities.

Fourth, it found that the absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff into permanent and pensionable terms continues to be frustrated by bureaucratic and intergovernmental impediments.

Finally, the committee noted that in the approved BPS for 2026, it is proposed that Kshs8.94 billion be included in the equitable share for Financial Year 2026/2027 to support the transition of UHC healthcare workers into permanent and pensionable terms and to pay gratuity, with distribution based on the number of workers in each county.

The recommendations flowing from those observations deserve the support of this House. They are not punitive; they are corrective, implementable and time-bound.

The first recommendation requires the Cabinet Secretary for Health, the Chairperson of the CoGs and County Public Service Boards (CPSB) to develop and file with the Senate, within 30 days of adoption of the report, a consolidated implementation matrix for the Return-to-Work Agreement and the CBA. That matrix is to identify

I call upon the Chairperson, Standing Committee on Health to move the Motion.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move- THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Health on a Petition to the Senate by the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) regarding alleged discrimination, interference and violation of Clinical Officers’ practice rights by the Ministry of Health (MoH) , the CoG and the Social Health Authority (SHA) laid on the Table of the Senate on Wednesday, 1st April, 2026.

recommendations acquire the authority of a resolution of the House and so that the relevant institutions are placed under a clear obligation to account for implementation.

Madam Temporary Speaker, the Committee appreciates the participation of the petitioners and all stakeholders who made submissions during the inquiry. Their engagement enabled the committee to distinguish between matters properly before the courts and matters that require urgent parliamentary intervention.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to move and request Sen. Cherarkey to second. Thank you.

The issue of internship posting was equally serious. The Committee received evidence that an internship is not optional; it is a legal and professional prerequisite for licensing and independent practice. Delays in posting qualified interns inevitably delay their entry into service and weaken staffing across health facilities.

The Committee specifically noted that a large cohort of qualified clinical officers remains pending posting for internship. KUCO informed the committee that 5,433 practitioners were awaiting internship placements. In a country striving to strengthen primary healthcare and UHC, such a delay presents both a labor injustice and a service delivery gap.

Regarding the question of UHC staff, the committee found a long-standing implementation problem that has not been resolved with the urgency it deserves. The report records that 9,724 health workers were recruited under the UHC programme in April, 2020 on contractual terms. Their transition to permanent and pensionable employment has since been slowed by fiscal constraints, verification exercises, bureaucratic bottlenecks and disputes between the national and county governments. This one was solved last year by the Budget Policy Statement (BPS).

The committee also noted that the National Coordinating Summit had approved a three-year extension and directed the development of a transition framework, while the Council of Governors (CoG) had resolved to transition salaries to SRC-prescribed rates effective 1st September, 2025. Even so, the promised regularization of employment status remained incomplete, thereby prolonging insecurity among staff who are already serving within the health facility.

The committee’s observations are, therefore, measured, evidence-based and practical. First, the committee correctly refrained from pronouncing itself on the SHA empanelment issue because that question is before the court.

Second, it found demonstrable delays and inconsistencies in the approval and registration of the Return-to-Work Formula, the March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding, the January 2026 Return-to-Work Agreement and the comprehensive CBA.

Third, it found that the delayed posting of qualified interns was undermining timely entry into practice and weakening optimal staffing of health facilities.

Fourth, it found that the absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff into permanent and pensionable terms continues to be frustrated by bureaucratic and intergovernmental impediments.

Finally, the committee noted that in the approved BPS for 2026, it is proposed that Kshs8.94 billion be included in the equitable share for Financial Year 2026/2027 to support the transition of UHC healthcare workers into permanent and pensionable terms and to pay gratuity, with distribution based on the number of workers in each county.

The recommendations flowing from those observations deserve the support of this House. They are not punitive; they are corrective, implementable and time-bound.

The first recommendation requires the Cabinet Secretary for Health, the Chairperson of the CoGs and County Public Service Boards (CPSB) to develop and file with the Senate, within 30 days of adoption of the report, a consolidated implementation matrix for the Return-to-Work Agreement and the CBA. That matrix is to identify

actions, responsible officers and milestones for salary structures, arrears and allowances and it is to be followed by quarterly progress reports to the Senate.

That recommendation is particularly important because one of the recurring weaknesses in public sector labour relations is the absence of an agreed implementation dashboard. By requiring a time-bound matrix and regular reporting, the committee has given the Senate a practical oversight instrument rather than a mere declaratory resolution.

The second recommendation directs the Ministry of Health and the COGs, in consultation with Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), to develop and circulate within 60 days a standardized Human Resources for Health deployment guideline covering internship, permanent and pensionable absorption and transfers. That recommendation addresses a structural gap in workforce planning and should reduce uneven practices across counties.

The third recommendation calls upon the Ministry of Health and county governments to fast-track the establishment, recruitment and appointment processes required to integrate all duly verified Universal Health Care (UHC) and Global Fund staff into approved county staff structures in full constitutional and statutory compliance. It also requires the Council of Governors to urgently conclude a binding intergovernmental agreement with the national Government to secure full and timely financing of the resulting wage bill, including pending arrears.

The fourth recommendation is equally consequential. It urges the National Treasury to ring-fence the proposed Kshs8.94 billion for UHC conversion in Financial Year 2026/2027, ensure timely disbursement to counties and put in place safeguards against diversion or reallocation, while requiring settlement of outstanding gratuity arrears within the first quarter of that financial year.

“Mr. Speaker, Sir”, these recommendations speak to a wider governance problem that this Senate must remain alert to---

Sen. Mariam, I did not wish to interject while you are proceeding, but please note that the ‘Sir’ left the seat and now it is ‘Madam Speaker.’

Therefore, I appreciate the findings of the committee on the issue of - there were over 1,000 facilities denied empanelment and contracting. You have to appreciate, and Kenyans should know this, that 1,000 facilities had empanelment of clinical officers under the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). It is not something new. Kenyans should understand. I am bringing up to speed anybody who is watching these proceedings. The 1,000 facilities are the ones who provided this empanelment. Therefore, it is very critical that the clinical officers must and should be empaneled as per the SHA. Otherwise, it will be discriminatory.

I noticed something about SHA also. There are rejected claims and I hope the Cabinet Secretary will address this tomorrow. I went to Kericho. When they were processing billing and release of patients, I noticed that there are so many rejections from SHA. Some of the reasons - by the way, I think the SHA also needs to be very careful when they are rejecting claims because when I asked a clinical officer when they were processing, they had sent all the details, including birth certificates but the SHA did reject without following the proper procedure.

recommendations acquire the authority of a resolution of the House and so that the relevant institutions are placed under a clear obligation to account for implementation.

Madam Temporary Speaker, the Committee appreciates the participation of the petitioners and all stakeholders who made submissions during the inquiry. Their engagement enabled the committee to distinguish between matters properly before the courts and matters that require urgent parliamentary intervention.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to move and request Sen. Cherarkey to second. Thank you.

Hon. Senators, it is now 6.30

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I would like to applaud the distinguished Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Sen. Mariam Omar, for ably moving the Motion, especially on the reporting of the Petition by Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) . Coincidentally, I am the one who presented the Petition, therefore, it is an honor and privilege that I second this Report.

Madam Temporary Speaker, my opening remarks are that as the players of devolution, the only yardstick for the success or failure of devolution will be the success or failure of the health function in our counties. Madam Temporary Speaker, I know after 2027, you want to be among the people who will continue to protect devolution in this country and we wish you well.

As the protectors of devolution, I have always insisted that if you want to know whether devolution is working or not, just look at the health function because it affects the local person in the village. Despite the fact that more than Kshs4 trillion has been allocated to counties from 2013 to date, one of the most deplorable service not provided is health.

I had the privilege of hosting the Committee on Health in my county. We visited the Kericho County Referral Hospital, Meteitei Subcounty Level IV Hospital, Nandi Hills Subcounty Level IV Hospital and Kapsabet Referral Hospital. Apart from understaffing and demoralized staff, the one common denominator was untidiness and deplorable conditions within our county hospitals. The one thing that stuck out across the country is that clinical officers are the only saviors in most of our health facilities.

Madam Temporary Speaker, you have to know the history of clinical officers’ profession since it was started by the Moi’s regime in this country. It was normal and has continued to provide quality health services. Therefore, the failure of empanelment of them by the Social Health Authority (SHA) , the Ministry of Health and county governments is very unfortunate.

I am happy that the Committee agrees with the Petition from KUCO; we are in the right direction. I hope as the committee has proposed, by the lapse of 30 days of the debate and adoption of this Report, we must implement the recommendations made to the latter. I believe that just the way some of us are Christians and the Bible encourages to not change even a comma, we should not do it in this Report.

The clinical officers are the ones making our health facilities function when nurses are not there. You have to know that getting doctors in some of these facilities is hard because their training and hiring is very costly. For some of us who grew up in the

villages, we call clinical officers daktari because they are the saviors in most of our facilities. They treated us very well.

You have to appreciate that there are more than 30,000 clinical officers across the country. Most of them are specialists that include anesthetists, reproductive health specialists, pediatricians, ophthalmologists, oncologist, nephrologists, Ear Nose and Throat specialists (ENT) and orthopedics among others whom we rely on in our hospitals.

The fact that there was discrimination in empanelment is where this Petition rests. It is very important that the SHA which is working - I confirm before the House that it is working. I know the Cabinet Secretary for Health might appear in the House tomorrow during question time. I am happy that SHA is working in every referral hospital that we went to where they are giving up to Kshs3,920 per day to a patient in Level 5 hospitals.

Madam Temporary Speaker, SHA is working but the governors are the ones failing this country. This is because when you go to get treated, there are no drugs in hospitals. So, patients buy drugs outside the hospitals in pharmacies. That is when people say SHA is not working. This is because governors have failed to provide drugs. We went to Nandi; they brought drugs at midnight. Some of them were empty boxes.

In Kericho, SHA had fully paid for a patient. While we appreciate that SHA has worked, it is the failure on the part of governors. It is not only some governors, it is all of them, including, Murang’a and Wajir counties, where the chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) comes from. SHA is working but there are no drugs in hospital. It is working.

Another issue - these are clinical officers’ reports. They do prescription and treat our people. That is why for SHA to be efficient, the empanelment of empowerment of clinical officers which this petition rests on and as proposed by Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), they must be empaneled for efficiency.

Madam Temporary Speaker, you are one of the senior lawyers in this country. You are a Secretary General (SG) emeritus of a ruling party; the United Democratic Alliance. Our current SG is coming under a barrage of attacks, especially from my colleagues from ODM. I saw them trying to direct how UDA should operate but I want to advise them because you have been an SG, to keep off UDA matters. We will handle UDA matters as it should be.

As a lawyer in this country, Article 43 is very clear that health is a right. It is a basic human right. That is why Kenya and the Kenyan Constitution has a progressive bill of rights. For that to be effective and fair to the country, you must appreciate that we must empanel clinical officers. When you go to dispensaries, level two and level three hospitals, there are no doctors up to even level four hospitals. The people we rely on are clinical officers. They treat our grandmothers. They treat our mothers in the village. They are the CEOs.

So, I think this issue of empanelment under Article 27 on the issue of discrimination. This is because access to affordable, quality health care is a basic human right of every Kenyan. The drafters of the constitution and Kenyans who gave themselves this constitution made sure that access to medical care includes qualified, competent clinical officers and health practitioners.

Therefore, I appreciate the findings of the committee on the issue of - there were over 1,000 facilities denied empanelment and contracting. You have to appreciate, and Kenyans should know this, that 1,000 facilities had empanelment of clinical officers under the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). It is not something new. Kenyans should understand. I am bringing up to speed anybody who is watching these proceedings. The 1,000 facilities are the ones who provided this empanelment. Therefore, it is very critical that the clinical officers must and should be empaneled as per the SHA. Otherwise, it will be discriminatory.

I noticed something about SHA also. There are rejected claims and I hope the Cabinet Secretary will address this tomorrow. I went to Kericho. When they were processing billing and release of patients, I noticed that there are so many rejections from SHA. Some of the reasons - by the way, I think the SHA also needs to be very careful when they are rejecting claims because when I asked a clinical officer when they were processing, they had sent all the details, including birth certificates but the SHA did reject without following the proper procedure.

Sen. Cherarkey, you will have a balance of 10 minutes when we next resume and this Motion is called.

Hon. Senators, it is now 6.30