Tuesday, 30th September, 2025

Clerk, do we have quorum?

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

We now have quorum.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today, Tuesday 30th September, 2025-

Report of the Standing Committee on Health on its consideration of the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, Senate Bill No.35 of 2024).

Next Order.

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

THAT AWARE THAT, Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya guarantees the right to equality and freedom from discrimination, with Article 27 (3) providing that women and men have the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres;

FURTHER AWARE that Article 27 (8) obligates the State to take legislative and other measures to redress any disadvantage suffered by individuals or groups as a result of past discrimination, and to ensure that not more than two-thirds of members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender;

COGNIZANT THAT mainstreaming gender perspectives in all aspects of governance is essential to achieving inclusive development and safeguarding the rights and welfare of all citizens, particularly women, girls and other marginalized groups;

CONCERNED THAT the integration of gender considerations remains inconsistent across the two levels of government and that legislative processes have often resulted to policies that do not adequately address gender-specific needs and realities;

NOW THEREFORE, the Senate:

Order, Senator for Nandi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir. I beg to give notice of the following Motion whose title has been amended-

THAT AWARE THAT, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is redefining economies globally through emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) , blockchain, and financial technology (Fintech) ;

FURTHER AWARE THAT Kenya has made commendable strides in digital infrastructure and mobile innovation, positioning itself as potential leader in Africa's tech-driven future;

NOTING THAT in a landmark decision, the African Union (AU) Executive Council endorsed the Continental AI Strategy during its 45th Ordinary Session in Accra, Ghana, on 18th to 19th July, 2024 to underscore Africa's commitment to an Africa-centric,

development-focused approach to AI, promoting ethical, responsible, and equitable practices;

COGNIZANT THAT the Continental AI Strategy calls for unified national approaches among AU Member States to navigate the opportunities of AI- driven change, aiming to strengthen regional and global cooperation and position Africa as a leader in inclusive and responsible AI development;

APPRECIATING THAT the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy recently formulated and launched the Kenya National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 2025-2030;

RECOGNIZING the need to align Kenya's development with global standards in AI adoption while also safeguarding national values, inclusivity, and employment;

CONCERNED THAT, the absence of a comprehensive framework may hinder innovation among local startups and youth-led tech enterprises and slow down Kenya’s ability to harness AI for inclusive growth;

NOW THEREFORE, the Senate resolves that the Ministry of Information,

Communication and Digital Economy develops a Policy to promote Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies with particular emphasis on-

Next Order.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir and good afternoon to you. I rise to request for a Statement on the deteriorated condition of the road from Drys Junction, Timboroa to Naiberi in Uasin Gishu County.

Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing on a matter of county- wide concern regarding the deteriorated condition of the road from Drys Junction, Timboroa to Naiberi in Uasin Gishu County.

Despite the construction of this road having been completed less than three years ago, its condition has deteriorated and is now impassable, clearly indicating that the work was substandard. This is a road that I used a couple of months ago.

The construction of the road was allocated a whopping Kshs1.8 billion of the taxpayers' money, yet its current condition clearly indicates a significant misutilisation of funds with an intention of paying retention money of over Kshs480 million and handing over that has not been cleared by Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) to Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) without a clear scope of works. The primary purpose of the road was to provide easy access to the market for local farmers since the area has intensive agricultural activities.

In the Statement, the committee should address the following-

Proceed, Sen. Miraj Abdullahi.

Mr. 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 county-wide concern regarding the harmonisation of house allowance rates for teachers serving in Mombasa County.

Despite having been granted city status more than 17 years ago, the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) still classifies Mombasa as a municipality for the purpose of determining house allowance rates for teachers. As a result, teachers in Mombasa continue to receive significantly lower housing allowance compared to their counterparts in Nairobi, despite facing similar living costs. This inconsistency is further highlighted by the fact that TSC already acknowledges Mombasa's city status while determining per diem rates.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following-

Proceed, Sen. Joe Nyutu.

Thank you, Mr. 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 inter-county concern regarding the recurring incidents of torture and killing of individuals suspected of stealing pineapples from Del Monte's farm in Thika and Murang’a counties.

In the statement, the committee should address the following-

Sen. Richard Onyonka. The business is dropped.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. The Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources is established under Standing Order No.228 (4) of the Senate Standing Orders and is mandated to consider all matters relating to land and settlement, environment, forestry, wildlife, mining, water resource management and development.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, during the period under review, the Committee held a total of 21 sittings during which it considered one Bill, eight Petitions and 13 Statements.

The Committee held meetings and managed to address six Petitions with the National Land Commission (NLC) , 24 Statements and eight Petitions with the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development; eight Statements with the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs and one Petition with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Additionally, responses have been received from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, the Ministry of Water and Sanitation as well as from various county governments and have been duly dispatched to the relevant Senators.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Committee further considered the status of county projects funded through conditional allocations. These included the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action Programme (FLLoCA) , the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) and the Water and Sanitation Development Project (WSDP) . The Committee observed that progress in implementing conditional allocation projects varied across counties. To enhance oversight and accountability, it resolved to seek comprehensive details on annual allocations and expenditure since the Financial Year (FY) 2022/2023 to date, evidence of successful and operational projects with associated costs, as well as best practices, lessons learnt and challenges encountered by the various county governments during implementation.

This resolution reflects the Committee’s commitment to monitoring effective use of resources, sharing practical insights and ensuring tangible benefits to counties through conditional allocation programmes. The Committee has since received submissions from some of the counties and the most recent meeting held is with the County Government of Kakamega at the Committee's sitting held last week on Thursday, 25th September, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Committee is currently considering one Bill, The Real Estate Regulation Bill (Senate Bills No.35 of 2023) , and is in the process of considering the submissions. The Committee will be submitting a report on the Bill before the next reporting period.

On the Natural Resources (Benefit Sharing) Bill (Senate Bills No.6 of 2022) , it is still under mediation and there exist challenges in calling for the first meeting arising from the varied calendars of both Houses. The Committee is, however, seized of the matter and is making efforts to ensure that the consideration will be completed by the next reporting period.

The Committee has 13 Petitions committed to it that are pending and under consideration. The Committee has since managed to consider 11 of the Petitions during

the reporting period and conducted five county visits to Mombasa, Nyandarua, Embu, Homa Bay and Kilifi counties to conduct further investigations on the Petitions. The Committee has considered and adopted eight of the Petition Reports and will be tabling the Reports on or before Thursday, 2nd October, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, I wish to thank members of the Committee, your office and that of the Clerk of the Senate for the continuous support accorded to the Committee in undertaking its work.

The Chairperson, Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I am standing on behalf of my Chairperson, Sen. Chute, who is not around.

I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) of the Senate Standing Orders to make a statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and National Integration for the period of May to August,

Proceed, Chairperson, Standing Committee on Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) of Senate Standing Orders, I rise to issue a statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations from April to July, 2025.

During the period under review, the Committee held 20 sittings in which it considered various legislative proposal; Bills, Statements, Petitions, Motions, Inquiries and held stakeholder engagements as set out below.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Committee considered one legislative proposal to Colonial Reparation Bill, 2025 by Sen. Agnes Kavindu Muthama, MP and transmitted its comments and observations to the right Hon. Speaker of the Senate.

The Committee considered one Bill during the reporting period, namely the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Bill, 2024 (Senate Bills No.1 of 2024) , sponsored by Sen. Kathuri Murungi, MGH, MP. The Committee concluded consideration of the Bill and tabled the report.

The Committee considered 28 Statements during the reporting period, six statements having been concluded. On the remaining 22, we have invited written responses from relevant stakeholders. A list of the statements is attached as annex one.

The Committee is currently considering a Petition concerning compensation of police officers injured in the line of duty, which was redirected from the Standing Committee on Labor and Social Welfare. The Committee met with the petitioners and relevant stakeholders to deliberate on the Petition. However, the Committee was dissatisfied with the received submission. The Committee is further scheduled to meet with the stakeholders to receive supplementary responses on the Petition, after which, it will proceed to prepare and adopt its report for tabling in the Senate.

The Committee considered the resolution of the Senate arising from the adoption of the Motion on the current state of the nation and it met with its relevant stakeholders and received written submissions. The draft report on the Motion is underway. The Committee will be tabling it in the Senate during this Session.

The Committee is currently considering one Sessional Paper during the reporting period, namely, the foreign policy of the Republic of Kenya. This is still ongoing, though the Committee has invited written submissions on the policy. A report on the same will be tabled soon thereafter.

The Committee is further looking into three inquiries during the reporting period. These are, the allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds pertaining to the Kenya police Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) that affects the welfare of the police that falls under the Committee's mandate. There is also the issue of circumstances leading to the death of Mr. Albert Ojwang’ in police custody and the persistent case of organised gangs in the coastal region, Kwale, Mombasa and Kilifi counties.

The Committee has since met with the Kenya National Police SACCO Board and a meeting to receive further submissions is scheduled to be held in October, 2025. In the case of inquiry into the circumstances leading to the death of Mr. Ojwang’ in police

custody, w have received submissions from relevant stakeholders. However, they are yet to appear before the Committee to make further submissions on the third inquiry. The Committee considered a concept note on the matter and is yet to meet with the relevant stakeholders and visit for a fact-finding mission various counties that have higher organised crimes and gang violence. Thereafter, the Committee will conclude the aforementioned inquiries and table its report.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, last but not least, I wish to report that the Committee participated in a two-day sensitisation workshop on the proposed Strategic Goods Control Bill, 2025 hosted by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, State Department for Interior Security and National Administration.

As I conclude, I wish to thank your office for the support accorded to the Committee in undertaking its work. I also wish to acknowledge the secretariat support the Committee has received from the office of the Clerk of the Senate.

Lastly, I wish to commend Members of the Committee for their utmost dedication and commitment to their duty.

I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Hon. Senators, I will allow comments for not more than 15 minutes and, therefore, any Senator wishing to contribute will do so for not more than three minutes.

The Senator for Nairobi City County? Sen. Maanzo Daniel?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I will comment on the request for a statement made by the Senator for Murang’a, Hon. Joe Nyutu. This is in relation to people suspected to have stolen pineapples in the Thika farms.

This company has been assaulting people and, in some cases, death has occurred. None of these people have been compensated in any manner. It is an act of brutality and it is also against the law. The security systems around Thika do not seem to be taking the matter seriously. If someone has stolen, is found with stolen goods or is suspected to have stolen, the best thing is not to do mob justice on him, but take that person to court, prosecute them, take them through the system, and if they are found guilty, they then serve justice. However, the idea of the company killing people or brutalising people is illegal.

This House should take this matter very seriously, so that Kenyans can be protected and their lives be protected across the country.

The Senator for Nandi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise on the Statements by the Committee of Land, Environment and Natural Resources and National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.

I have a heavy heart because in the course of yesterday, some rogue, trigger- happy police officers, killed over three people in Kimwani area in Tinderet Sub-county when they went to quell an issue of land dispute that has been in that area. I also know that Sen. (Dr.) Oburu Odinga knows that area very well. I do not know whether it is fashionable nowadays for the police to shoot to kill, unless there is a silent order. Three people were killed there and five are now lying in hospital. There is a lot of tension in the area.

I would have expected the two committees to seize the matter because the issue of land conflict is becoming serious. Remember one month ago, a replica style of Angata Barikoi killings happened. I do not know whether it is the training in Kiganjo or there is a silent order by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to shoot to kill innocent Kenyans who are harmless. I thought one should shoot to disable because it is very unfortunate.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, my people are crying. They pay taxes to buy bullets and guns, but these are the same guns that are killing them. It is very tragic and sad. I remember when the Ministry of Interior and National Administration came to Nandi for Jukwaa la Usalama, these issues were raised. Nothing has been done by that Ministry. They should take those police officers to Kerio Valley where there are issues of banditry or in Bulawayo, somewhere in Mandera instead of killing my people.

We shall not allow the issue of national security to be politicised by individuals. This issue was raised, but no one took it seriously. We are sad and crying because we are going to bury our people and their only mistake is to demand their right to occupy land that belongs to their forefathers. Unfortunately, the people who have grabbed that land are those who have means and power.

I, therefore, challenge Sen. Dullo and Sen. Faki to seize the matter, but I would like to warn that should the Government do nothing about it, we shall take the law into our hands.

The Senator for Nandi, nothing can warrant a citizen to take the law into their own hands. That is unacceptable.

Proceed, Sen. (Dr.) Oburu Odinga.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I wish to comment on the statement sought by the Senator for Murang’a County, Hon. Nyutu. It reminds me of the colonial edict, where citizens of this country used to be shot at randomly under the pretext that they were trespassing the European farms.

This farm belongs to foreigners and they know what is happening. It is not those innocent people who have lynched the suspects for them, that has been encouraged by the owners of the farm; that if you find them, just do whatever you can. They know that whatever happens, even if the matter is reported, nothing will happen to them.

This is a very serious matter. The Government should investigate incidences such as this and make sure that proper and appropriate measures are taken to deal with culprits who lynch innocent Kenyans. I do not know whether they are innocent, but if they stole pineapples because they are hungry, what is the big deal that you must kill them? That is a misdemeanour, if it even goes to court.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I hope that this will be the last killing. We should not hear of such kinds of heinous crimes being committed against Kenyans on Kenyan land by foreigners. I detest that and support that Statement. Let it be thoroughly investigated by the Committee.

Sen. Essy Okenyuri.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I wish to support the statement by the Murang’a Senator on the killing of individuals suspected of stealing pineapples at the Del Monte farm in Murang’a. This is not the first time we are having this issue. We have

human rights bodies which have gone to court. Determinations have been made which, unfortunately, do not favour the innocent citizens of this country.

Killing and maiming people because of alleged stealing is not the solution and, in most instances, like in a past determination I looked at, the company defended itself that their headquarters are not in Kenya and so they cannot handle such issues. I believe that is very lame coming from their side because we cannot lose Kenyans who are supporting the company in big ways just because of small elements who, on the other hand, have not even been fully substantiated to be thieves as it is.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is sad that we have injustice everywhere occurring and nothing is being done because these are desperate Kenyans who are trying to earn a living, and in one way, they are sometimes caught up in some of these issues. However, that does not justify the killing of people for such happenings.

I, therefore, feel that our Government needs to swing into action, so that Del Monte is compelled to compensate, especially the ones where already a determination has been made that it is their security officers who killed these people, so that we do not have families waiting for years to get redress over such issues.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the statement by the Senator for Murang’a.

I sometimes support the Hammurabi laws that speak of an eye for an eye. If one had to torture and kill our people because of pineapples, there must be a way in which the same culprits must go through the same way of punishment. We need to tell foreigners in this country that enough Kenyans died when we were fighting for independence. We no longer want to hear of our people lose lives for petty things like pineapples or the killing of a young man who goes to Lake Nakuru to fish. Where I come from, the lake is a God- given natural resource. Fishing is a gift from the Lord. Our people do not need to die when they go for these natural resources.

These deaths relate so much to the death that is still being dealt with in Nakuru, where a young man lost his life. We do not even know where he is. I do not know why somebody would kill for a pineapple or fishing. The same people must also meet harsh actions for what they have done. I am a teacher and we had this notion that when you are disciplining, you deal and punish the wrong that is done. In this case, punish the act of the pineapples. Take this person to court and let them pay or whatever. You cannot kill because we cannot get that life back.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we cannot allow ourselves to be recolonised through other ways and the back door. Kenya is a free and independent country. We cannot tolerate foreigners who are mistreating our people.

I support. Hon. Speaker, I support the Report by the Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources. A number of the pending issues we have as a Committee are attributed to the non-responsive nature of the National Land Commission (NLC) . The NLC needs to come out to say where they have shortfalls. If they do not have funds or personnel, then they cannot be held responsible.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I wish to make comments on the statement brought by Sen. Miraj on the harmonisation of housing allowance for teachers serving in Mombasa County.

We all passed in the hands of teachers. Our children are also passing through the same hands. It is unfair and we should be very careful not to demoralise teachers by having somewhat an unfair practice, especially as straightforward as this one that is happening in Mombasa County.

I understand that when they take travels, they are paid per diem that is of a city status. However, when it comes to the housing allowance, they are still paid as if Mombasa is a municipality. I do not know why the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is subjecting the Committee on Education to sitting down to investigate such a straightforward matter. It is as simple as harmonising it at their level.

I want to make comments as well on the statement by the Senator for Murang’a on the killings happening in Del Monte Company, of our people who take pineapples in the farm. This is not the first time we have had this. It has been going on with a lot of impunity. Is Del Monte the only company that is able to process fruits in this country? Does it mean that we cannot take away their licence and license even three other companies in their place? Why should this continue? Are they above the law? Is their presence in this country so meaningful to us more than our people’s lives? We have to take stern action. It should not be business as usual.

They will see us talking about this today and still expect us to talk about it on another instance. That should not be the case. Our people’s lives should be respected.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to contribute to the statement by the Senator for Murang’a, Sen. Joe Nyutu. It is indeed very disappointing to see a foreigner, who purports to come from a developed nation, taking matters into their own hands within a democratic and a sovereign republic that is the Republic of Kenya.

The foreigners and investors in this country must note that Kenya is a sovereign state and no foreigner has any right or power to meddle in the affairs of our country. That was made very clear by our President during the great submission at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) .

This issue reminds me of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) issues when some Chinese investors took matters into their hands and whipped Kenyans as if we were still in the colonial era. Those Chinese need to tell the other people at Del Monte what happened to them.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is also evidence of a lot of laxity on the part of the Ministry of Interior and National Administration in Kenya. Just yesterday we could not sleep in Samburu County because we were busy coordinating ambulances to pick our people who were murdered. We have lost lives and several are injured today in Samburu County.

Our efforts to get the Ministry of Interior and National Administration involved and give backup to our people, who are fighting aggressive enemies, were met with deaf ears. There was a time we were praising the Ministry on the Floor of this House. So far, it seems there is a miss somewhere and something is not happening.

An example, is the issue of Del Monte, which is a matter of the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. There is no way a foreigner will touch Kenyans, yet we are an independent state, without them getting a taste of their own medicine.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I also rise to support a statement sought by Sen. Cherarkey regarding the deterioration of roads in this Republic. Deterioration of roads in this Republic is something that is wanting. Most of our roads in Kajiado County are in a

very bad condition. Imaroro-Mashuru-Isara Road was constructed three years ago and right now it has deteriorated to almost 70 per cent.

I do not know the kind of labour done by the contractors that were given work to construct and maintain these roads. I do not know what they are doing because the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has a budget every financial year for road maintenance. We want this Committee to go into details and see how these institutions and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) are doing to maintain our roads in the whole Republic.

Hon. Speaker, Sir, the Illasit-Rombo-Taveta Road in Kajiado is another problem. That road is a very big problem now that the rainy season is here. The President launched this road in February this year, but we do not know when the construction will start.

The 56 kilometers road in Kajiado North that has stalled for more than three years is yet to be started. When we visit the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), they usually tell us that the contractor has been paid. The question is: the contractor has been paid up to when? We request this Committee to go into details and make sure that these roads are maintained and those whose construction are yet to start, started.

I support this statement and wish to see these roads constructed. Thank you, Hon. Speaker, Sir.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to give a brief comment on the statement by my good friend from Murang’a County, though we are not aligned politically today.

The Del Monte case did not start today. Many young men and women from Kiambu and Murang’a counties have been victims of Del Monte investors. These investors have very high towers. If you pass through Thika Road, you will note that they have towers which enable them to see people who go to pick pineapples. One fails to understand how they are not able to arrest and prosecute them through the normal system in Kenya. Those young men are harmless.

We have such cases in Del Monte farm and at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) in Nanyuki. We have a live case of Agnes Wanjiru who was murdered by the same people. These are investors and people from one particular country, which I do not want to mention because of diplomatic issues. I will not mention the country when I am on the Floor of the Senate.

There is something we call ukoloni mamboleo and this is what is happening with these investors. They are from one particular corner of this globe and this should stop. They colonised us, but we got independence in 1963. We are, therefore, free to operate and live in Kenya. They are not supposed to kill our people.

Kenyans are killed when they go to foreign countries and the issue is now reversed. They are now being killed in their own country. The other day, a mama fua was killed by foreigners in Kilimani, a region represented by my good friend, Sen. Sifuna. We cannot accept this trend, as Kenyans.

The Committee that has been tasked to investigate the matter on Del Monte should tell this Senate the number of Kenyans who have lost their lives in that particular farm. We should not just investigate one case. When I was serving in the ‘lower House’

we had Petitions regarding the Del Monte. So, we should know the number of Kenyans who have lost their lives through these investors operating---

Hon. Senators, the 15 minutes have long been expended. We will, therefore, terminate that session.

Now, I have this Communication to make before I call the next Order.

I would like to acknowledge the presence, in the public gallery this afternoon, of visiting teachers and students from Ruby Kraft Comprehensive School in Homa Bay County. The delegation consists of 11 teachers and 124 students.

In our usual tradition of receiving and welcoming visitors to Parliament, I extend a warm welcome to them. On behalf of the Senate and my own behalf, I wish them a fruitful visit.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, Sir. On behalf of the Senate, I want to inform the students and the teachers from Homa Bay County that their Senator has been sent out on official duties. That is why he is not here. The auxiliary Senator for Homa Bay County, Hon. Beatrice Oyoma Ogola, was here. She has contributed, but has also left.

I wear many hats and Homa Bay is a second home. I am a friend of Homa Bay County. I take this opportunity to welcome you to the Senate and hope you will learn something.

Hon. Speaker, Sir, one of the toughest assemblies to be a Serjeant-at-Arms is Nairobi City County Assembly. I have friends there like Hon. Stazo Omung’ala, who can easily take on four Serjeant-at-Arms at once. This is because he is well built. These are the Serjeant-at-Arms who have to deal with the Hon. Stazo Omung’ala.

As they always say, ‘in Nairobi, mambo huwa inachemka.’ A few months ago, Hon. Redson Otieno Onyango from Ngei Ward gave them a test as to how fit they are. So, we are happy that they are here to learn because we have people of similar stature here, in the Senate, who have to be apprehended from time to time, like Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda. Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda is the mirror image of the Hon. Stazo Omung’ala. Of course, there are people like Sen. Cherarkey, who have to be thrown out from time to time.

I hope that they will learn from our Serjeant-at-Arms who are very cordial and good people. We wish that they pick up a few lessons from them, which will help them handle their Assembly. As their Senator, I remain proud of the Assembly and the work that they are doing for the people of Nairobi City County.

Hon. Speaker, Sir, what was the last delegation? I heard that there were three. Oh, they are from Busia County. They are going to be our hosts next week.

Of course, they are aware that the Senate is going to Busia County. Actually, we will be sitting in their Assembly the entire week. It will be a good exchange of expertise on handling of Members in the Assembly because we will be sitting there. Our Serjeant- at-Arms will go to Busia with us and of course, their own Serjeant-at-Arms will have an opportunity to interact with Senators and Senate staff.

As a leader from that region, I want to assure every Member of this Senate that Busia is a very---

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

What is your point of order, Senator for Nandi County? You seem to be restless.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I did not want to interrupt, but I rise under Standing Order No.105 on accuracy of facts. Is it in order for the good Senator to tell the entire Republic, where I am greatly respected, that I am always thrown out of the House from time to time.

In fact, if you check the HANSARD, the person who has been thrown out more times than anybody else in this House is Sen. Sifuna. He who comes into equity must come with clean hands. Can he withdraw or provide evidence? This is because my name is on the line.

Senator for Nandi County, the Chair is aware that you have had to be asked to leave the Chamber on few occasions, just like the Senator for Nairobi City County. So, let us leave it there.

Conclude, Senator for Nairobi City County.

I am sorry, Hon. Speaker, Sir, but I know we did not suspend humour in our Standing Orders. So, it was said with a light touch. Unlike in his case, the intervention of the Serjeant-at-Arms has never been needed when it comes to me because I respect the rules of this House.

With those many remarks, I welcome all the delegations to the Senate and wish them a fruitful visit.

Next Order. Now, hon. Senators, you will allow me, pursuant to Standing Order No.45 (2) to rearrange today's Order Paper, of course, for the convenience of the House. We will defer Order Nos.8, 9, 10 and 11 and proceed with Order Number 12.

We will proceed with the orders under the Committee of the Whole, just 12 and 14.

So, Clerk, kindly proceed to call out those orders.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I propose that Clause 3 be amended as proposed in the Order Paper.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Can you move that Clause 3 be amended instead of proposing? Can you just move?

I beg to move- THAT Clause 3 of the Bill be amended by deleting paragraph

(d)

.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end. Clause 4

The Temporary Chairperson

: I propose the question that Clause 4 be part of the Bill.

Chairperson Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare

I beg to move- THAT Clause 4 of the Bill be amended by inserting the following new paragraph immediately after paragraph (e) —

I beg to move- THAT, the Bill be amended by deleting Clause 5.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end. Clause 6

The Temporary Chairperson

: I propose the question that Clause 6 be part of the Bill and invite Sen. Murgor, Chairperson, Standing Committee on Labor and Social Welfare, to move the amendment.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move-

THAT, the Bill be amended by deleting Clause 6 and substituting therefor the following new clause—

Establishment of a county directorate of library services. 6. A county government shall establish a county directorate of library services within its county public service.

(Question of the amendment proposed) The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): Division will be at the end. Clause 7

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): I propose the question that Clause 7 be part of the bill and invite the Chairperson, Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to move the amendment.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT, Clause 7 of the Bill be amended by deleting—

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT, the Bill be amended by deleting Clause 8.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end.

Clause 9

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): I propose the question that Clause 9 be part of the Bill and invite the Chairperson Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to move the amendment.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT, the Bill be amended by deleting Clause 9.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end. Clause 10

Division will be at the end. Clause 11

The Temporary Chairperson

: I propose the question that Clause 11 be part of the Bill and invite the Mover, Chairperson Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, Sen. Murgor, to move the amendment.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT, Clause 11 of the Bill be amended—

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT the Bill be amended by deleting Clause 12.

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): Division will be at the end. Clause 13

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 13 of the Bill be amended-

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Bill be amended by deleting the Schedule.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end. Clause 2

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 2 of the Bill be amended by—

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT the Bill be amended by deleting the long title and substituting therefor the following new long title—

AN ACT of Parliament to provide for the establishment of county libraries and county directorate of library services in each county; the functions and powers of each county directorate of library services; and for connected purposes.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end. Clause 1

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end.

We are done with canvassing those clauses. I now call upon the Mover, Sen. Joyce Korir, to report the progress by the Committee of the Whole.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report and seek leave to sit again tomorrow.

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): Hon. Senators, I will request Sen. Joyce Korir to report with clarity the progress by the Committee of the Whole on the County Library Services Bill (Senate Bills No.40 of 2024).

Please proceed, Sen. Joyce.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, pursuant to Standing Order No.153, I beg to move that the Committee of the Whole do report to the Senate its consideration of the County Library Services Bill (Senate Bills No.40 of 2024) and seek leave to sit again tomorrow.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Let us go to the next Bill. We are still in the Committee of the Whole. I request the Clerk to call out the clauses.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move-

THAT Clause 7 of the Bill be amended by–

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 8 of the Bill be amended–

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to withdraw the Committee’s amendments to Clause 13

The Temporary Chairperson

: The amendment is already withdrawn, so we move on to the next. Clause 13

The Temporary Chairperson

: I invite Sen. Miraji, who is standing in for Sen. William Kisang as the Mover of that amendment, to take the Floor and move.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Chairperson. On behalf of Sen. Kisang, I beg to move-

THAT Clause 13 of the Bill be amended in subclause

(1)

by deleting the words “Cabinet Secretary on the recommendation of Board” appearing immediately after the words “appointed by the” and substituting thereof the words “Board through a competitive process”.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end. Clauses 14 and 15

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end. Clause 16

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 16 of the Bill be amended by inserting the following new subclause immediately after subclause (1) —

(1A)

The Cabinet Secretary, in exercising powers under subsection

(1)

shall ensure there is consultation with persons likely to be affected by the establishment of a Technopolis.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end. Clause 17

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 17 of the Bill be amended in paragraph

(a)

by inserting the words “universally accessible” immediately after the words “be equipped with”.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end. Clauses 18-29

(Question, that Clauses 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 be part of the Bill, proposed) The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): Division will be at the end. Clause 30

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 30 of the Bill be amended in subclause

(4)

by inserting the words “within thirty days” immediately after the words “the Authority may” in the introductory clause.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end. Clause 31

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 31 of the Bill be amended in subclause

(2)

by inserting the words “within fourteen days of such decision” immediately after the words “refuse the application”.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Division will be at the end. Clause 32

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 32 of the Bill be amended in subclause (4) by inserting the following new paragraphs immediately after paragraph (4) –

Hon. Senators, that brings us to the end of canvassing of the clauses under The Technopolis Bill (National Assembly Bill No.6 of 2024).

I now call the Mover, who is the Senate Majority Leader represented by Sen. Joyce Korir, to report on the progress of this Bill by the Committee of the Whole.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, pursuant to the Standing Order No.153, the Committee of the Whole do report to the Senate its consideration of the Technopolis Bill (National Assembly Bills No.6 of 2024) and seek leave to sit again tomorrow.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Thank you, Senator.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the County Library Services Bill (Senate Bills No.40 of 2024) and seeks leave to sit again tomorrow.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee of the Whole in the said report. I ask Sen. Miraj to second.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I second.

Let us move to the next Bill.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered The Technopolis Bill (National Assembly Bills No.6 of 2024) and seeks leave to sit again tomorrow.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee of the Whole in the said report.

I ask Sen. Miraj to second.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I second.

Hon. Senators, let us do some business. Clerk, you can read the next Order.

We have no numbers for Division, so we defer this Order. Next Order.

We will also defer this Order No.9 Next Order.

We also defer this Order. Next Order.

Also, this one was actually deferred. Order No.13 was deferred previously. Maybe call out Order No.14. Order No.14 was also deferred.

Clerk, call out Order No.15.

That is a Bill under Sen. Johnes Mwaruma who is not around. So, we defer the Bill.

(Bill deferred)

Also, that one is deferred. Proceed, Clerk.

That is a Bill under Sen. Karungo, who is not in the House. So, it is deferred.

That is a Bill under Sen. Fatuma Dullo. Also, it stands deferred.

This Order is also deferred until when the chairs of committees will be in the House. That is enough.

Hon. Senators, there being no other business on the Order Paper, the Senate stands adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, 1st October, 2025 at 9.30 a.m.

Thank you. The Senate rose at 4.23 p.m.