Tuesday, 5th August 2025

Serjeants-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell.

Hon. Owen, where are your Whips? You must whip your Whips. We have a maxim in law called “Who will watch the watchers?” We now have a quorum. Therefore, you do not have to whip anybody.

Clerks-at-the-Table.

Members on your feet, take your seats. Take the nearest seat, Hon. Wamboka.

Members on your feet, take the nearest seats. Hon. Members, I have three short Messages to deliver to the House.

and other testimonials of the nominees to the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security for consideration.

It is important to note that, whereas Section 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F requires the Committee to which such nomination is referred to consider the matter and table a report in the House within 28 days, Section 6 (6) of the National Police Service Commission Act, Cap 85 provides for a lesser period, being 21 days.

Hon. Members, in this regard, the Committee is expected to undertake the approval hearings and submit its report within the timelines provided for in the National Police Service Commission Act, Cap 85 – that is, 21 days.

However, conscious of the fact that the House will be proceeding on a long recess on 15th August 2025, I urge the Committee to immediately commence the approval process. The Committee should notify the nominees and the general public of the time and place for holding the approval hearings and thereafter table its report soonest to enable the House to consider the matter within the stated statutory timelines.

I thank you.

Message from His Excellency the President, together with the Curriculum Vitae, the Report of

to undertake the exercise within 21 days. In this regard, the Committee is expected to undertake the approval hearings and submit its report within the timelines provided for in the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, Cap. 7I.

However, Hon. Members, conscious of the fact that the House will be proceeding on a long recess on 15th August 2025, I urge the Committee to immediately commence the approval process. The Committee should notify the nominee and the general public of the time and place for holding the approval hearing and thereafter, table its report soonest to enable the House to consider the matter within the stated statutory timelines.

I thank you.

On the Senate’s rejection of the National Assembly amendments to the Startup Bill, (Senate Bill No.14 of 2022), the Bill now stands committed to a mediation committee, pursuant to the provisions of Article 112(2) (b) of the Constitution.

Therefore, I call upon the leaderships of the Majority Party and the Minority Party in this House to nominate Members to represent the National Assembly in the mediation committee to be established to consider the Bill in accordance with Article 113(1) of the Constitution.

The Message on the passage of the Social Protection Bill, (National Assembly Bill No.12 of 2025), and the President’s Reservations to the Conflict of Interest Bill, (National Assembly Bill No.12 of 2023), have been conveyed for purposes of compliance and notification. This follows the passage of the said Bills by the Senate in the form passed by the National Assembly.

Indeed, I presented the two Bills to His Excellency the President for assent in accordance with the provisions of Articles 110(5) and 115(3) of the Constitution. The Bills were assented to and are now part of our laws.

Finally, regarding the Senate’s approval of the Mediated Version of the Gambling Control Bill, (National Assembly Bill No.7 of 2023), you will recall that this House did consider and pass the agreed version of the Bill on 31st July 2025. I will, therefore, proceed to present the Bill to His Excellency the President for assent in accordance with the provisions of Article 113(3) of the Constitution.

The House is accordingly guided. I thank you. Next Order.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. On behalf of the Leader of the Majority Party, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table:

Thank you. Chairperson of Special Funds Accounts Committee, Mama Migori.

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

Thank you. Chairperson of Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture, Hon. Wangwe.

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

Thank you. Hon. Members, before we go to Order No.6, allow me to acknowledge, in the Speaker’s Gallery, students of Safa School from Garissa Township, Garissa County and Mau Secondary School from Kuresoi North, Nakuru County.

In the Public Gallery, we have students of Gacharage Junior Secondary School from Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua County, Craterview Ngata Academy from Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County, Lavington United Church Academy from Dagoretti North Constituency, Nairobi City County and Tembwo Comprehensive School from Sotik Constituency, Bomet County.

On my behalf and that of the House, I welcome all the students, their teachers and those accompanying them to the House of Parliament.

Next Order.

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

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

Thank you, Hon. Fatuma. The next notice of motion is from the Chairperson of the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture, Hon. Wangwe.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Fifth Report of the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture on its examination of financial statements of the following State corporations, laid on the Table of the House on 5th August 2025:

Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture on its examination

Thank you, Hon. Wangwe. Hon. Members, Hon. Keynan has requested for an opportunity to welcome the students from the schools that I acknowledged. I will give you one minute to welcome the school from your constituency.

They have not come in yet. I am told they are in the next lot, but there is no harm in welcoming these ones.

Go ahead. You have one minute.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. The next group will consist of Eldas Girls Secondary School. I have seen students from Fafi Girls Secondary School, a school in Garissa County, and many other students. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome them to Parliament, where critical decisions concerning our country are made. See your legislators. This is their work station. I am sure this is where you will belong when you grow older.

Welcome to Parliament.

Thank you. Members, before we go to Order No.7, let us dispose of Order Nos.8, 9, 10 and 11. Clerk-at-the-Table.

Hon. Members, Hon. Ochieng’ has requested for an opportunity to give tribute to the late Hon. James Mukhongo, who was a Member of Bungoma County Assembly, and two retired parliamentary officers.

Please, proceed.

Hon. Speaker, I rise on a sad note under Standing Order 259 (D) (2) to pay tribute to Hon. James Mukhongo Barasa Mukhongo, a Member of the Bungoma County Assembly for Chwele/Kabuchai Ward, who passed on yesterday. Hon. Speaker, you would know him better as this is your County Assembly. This House deeply condoles with you.

Hon. Barasa began his political career in 2002 when he was nominated as a councillor in the Bungoma County Council. He diligently served for two terms up to 2013. Following the advent of the devolved governance system, he successfully vied for the position of MCA for Chwele/Kabuchai Ward on a Ford-Kenya Party ticket, which he retained for three consecutive terms because of yours truly on this matter. Until his demise, he was the Chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Finance at Bungoma County Assembly. He was also the Ford-Kenya Party Chairman in Kabuchai, where he led with integrity, commitment, loyalty and dignity.

The late Hon. James Barasa Mukhongo will be fondly remembered as a dedicated and unwavering leader who consistently defended his peoples’ interests.

On behalf of this House, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late Hon. James Mukhongo, his relatives, the people of Chwele/Kabuchai Ward, the big Ford-Kenya Party and the entire nation.

Additionally, Hon. Members, you will remember that two years ago, the Speaker read to us a very moving history of a member of staff, Ms Lucy Wanjohi, who had served in the Directorate of Legislative and Procedural Services in Parliament for over 30 years. We have sadly learnt of Ms Wanjohi’s demise and we condole with her family. May God give them strength during this difficult time.

Furthermore, we also learnt of the demise of Mr Nzioki Mbiuva, who recently retired from the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) and has since passed on. This House condoles with the families of these retired officers of Parliament. May their souls rest in peace.

Thank you.

Hon. Members, you recall Lucy Wanjohi. She served this House diligently for a very long time and retired two years ago. Unfortunately, she passed on yesterday but one. This is terrible loss to her family.

For those of you who came to condole with me when I lost my mother alongside my brother, the MP for Westlands, you met our area Member of County Assembly who has been part of our family and who has been elected non-stop from 2002.

This is an unfortunate loss. He was invited and went to be with his Maker yesterday but one. A very diligent young man, the only person among a few others that I always woke up at

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Let me join the family of Hon. Mukhongo to say pole upon the loss of a veteran MCA and politician in Bungoma, a member of FORD-Kenya Party and a respected leader. When I spoke to many of the leaders from Bungoma, I realised that they know him very well and have a lot of respect for him. May God rest his soul in a good place.

Hon. Speaker, on the two retired members of staff of Parliament who passed on, Ms Wanjohi and Mr. Mbiuva, I want to say that I am happy that today, in the House Business Committee, we spoke about wellness. Having lost those two members of staff just after retirement, maybe, Parliament should create a wing that can actually be dealing and talking to

members of staff as they proceed for retirement. If possible, in the future, this should even be extended to Members of Parliament when they leave Parliament so that people can understand how to go out there and deal with life after retirement.

Thank you Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Wangwe

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. On behalf of the great people of Navakhololo and on my own behalf, allow me to convey my heartfelt condolences to you and the entire Kabuchai community.

Hon. Speaker, I personally knew Hon. Mukhongo on one-on-one basis. Whenever we were in Bungoma Town, and whenever we visited your homestead, we would always interact with him. Together with the long-serving former MCA, Hon. Majimbo, he had to be in charge of Bungoma County politics in the region. This is one person who really knew everything in terms of politics. He was a staunch FORD-Kenya member and whenever you sat with him, he would want to associate himself with FORD-Kenya. All he talked about was FORD-Kenya. I wish to join you, Hon. Speaker, in mourning that great MCA.

Hon. Speaker, on Ms. Lucy, she is a person I worked with since 2013 when I joined this House. She could record our proceedings. She always knew what to do.

May God rest her soul in eternity.

Hon. (Dr.) Robert Pukose.

Hon. Speaker, allow me to join my colleagues in saying pole to you and the people of Kabuchai for the loss of Hon. MCA James Mukhongo. You know, Trans-Nzoia and Bungoma counties are neighbours. Whenever you get problems on the Bungoma side, or we get problems in Trans-Nzoia, we feel for each other.

Therefore, we know that this is a very difficult moment for the FORD-Kenya fraternity, which is closely associated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) . We are friends and we are partners. So, we want to say pole.

We also say pole for the loss of Ms Lucy Wanjohi, who was in the Legislative and Procedural Services Directorate in the National Assembly.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Hon. Tim Wanyonyi.

Hon. Speaker, thank you. I wish to condole with the family of my good friend, my bakoki (age set) James Barasa Mukhongo, a person we grew up together. He served the people of his ward diligently from when you nominated him and when he was elected four times. He had been a very instrumental person in the FORD- Kenya Party. He had also been a very senior Member of the Bungoma County Assembly. We pray for his soul to rest in peace and also pray for his family and the people that he represented diligently in the County Assembly of Bungoma.

For our staff member, Ms. Lucy Wanjohi, we condole and pray for her soul to rest in peace. May the good Lord give them rest in peace.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker

Hon. Owen Baya.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to join you and your family and the people of Bungoma in condoling with the family of James Mukhongo. I want to say one thing about this. Chinua Achebe says that if you wash your hands well, you can eat with the kings. Regarding that particular MCA, I have heard you speak in flowery language. He must have been somebody who served well. He washed his hands well and today during his demise, we have the rare opportunity of paying tribute and condolences to an MCA in the National Assembly.

It actually means that he washed his hands well. Hon. Speaker, there is only one thing that comes out clearly out of this – loyalty. You said you had been waking up at 6.00 a.m. to

vote for him since that time. There are many of us here who would not even wake up to go and vote for the MCA that represents the ward that we come from, because of lack of loyalty. Or even you as the Hon. Speaker, you have a Member who is a Member of your National Assembly from your constituency and probably you would not go to vote for him because of lack of loyalty. Politics has two things – interest and loyalty. When we do that as Members of Parliament, then we move far in politics and stay on course.

Hon. Speaker, as I ask the good Lord to keep his soul in eternal peace, I also want us to learn a good lesson from this good man that God has called. First is about loyalty and secondly is about washing your hands to eat with kings.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you. Hon. Makali Mulu.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. I also want to join my colleagues in conveying my sincere condolences, on behalf of myself and on behalf of the good people of Kitui Central to the three families. First, the family of the late MCA for Kabuchai, secondly the family of Ms Lucy Wanjohi and thirdly, the family of Mr. Nzioki. The two were staffers of Parliament.

Hon. Speaker, it is unfortunate that we lost the two staff members shortly after their retirement. This is the time they should be serving themselves and their communities, but the good Lord has decided to invite them and they have accepted the invitation.

May their souls rest in eternal peace.

Hon. Maungu.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. Allow me to join my colleagues and the great people of Kabuchai in sending my condolences, on behalf of the great people of Luanda, following the sudden loss of Mhe. James Mokhongo of Kabuchai. I interacted with the late Mokhongo once or twice when I visited Bungoma and I found him to be a man who was very warm, very welcoming and quite humble. Therefore, to the great people of Kabuchai, I say pole for the great loss. I say pole to the family and to you, Hon. Speaker, because you have lost a Chairman of FORD-Kenya in the ward.

I did not have an opportunity to meet Ms Lucy but from what I am hearing, Lucy was a great lady who worked at this Bunge. May her soul rest in peace. I say a great pole to the family.

Thank you, Hon. Maungu. Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi.

Hon. Speaker, may I take this opportunity to pass my personal condolences to the family and the people of Kabuchai for the passing on of the Kabuchai MCA, my brother James Barasa Mukhongo. I knew him very well. During elections in his ward, he would interact with the people and he was a very straightforward person. We are going to miss him in the party. As the Deputy Party Leader of FORD-Kenya, and on behalf of the people of Trans Nzoia County, I say pole to the family.

May his soul rest in peace.

I think we can stop there. Thank you very much, Hon. David Ochieng’ for bringing to the Floor the matter of Lucy, James and the other officer, Mr Nzioki. As I said, James Barasa Mukhongo was more than my MCA. He was like a son and a kid brother. He was always part of our life.

May their souls rest in eternal peace.

Hon. Members, let us start with the Chairperson of the Select Committee on NG-CDF, Hon. Musa Sirma.

Hon. Speaker, last week, a Member rose in the House and asked for a statement on the issue of electronic Government Procurement System (e-GPS) .

The Government of Kenya, through the National Treasury, has embarked on a full-scale implementation of the e-GPS, in alignment with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015 and the attendant Regulations of 2020. The directive aims to enhance transparency, accountability, fairness, equity, equality, cost-effectiveness and efficiency in public procurement processes across all levels of Government.

On the status of implementation, significant progress has been made in the rollout of the e-GPS platforms as enumerated below:

Hon. Musa Sirma, you know the rules.

I wanted to give a better explanation. That is the Statement.

Thank you.

You do not issue a statement and start debating it. You end where the reading ends. Thank you very much.

Hold on, Hon. Donya. I want to acknowledge, in the Public Gallery, students of Kenyenye Junior Secondary School from Bomachoge Borabu Constituency, Kisii County; Disciples of Mercy Junior Secondary School from Kisumu East Constituency, Kisumu County; and Kapserere Highland Academy from Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

In the Speaker’s Gallery, we have students of Kamaget Secondary School from Chepalungu Constituency, Bomet County.

I have been requested by a few Members for an opportunity to welcome the students. I will give them a minute each, starting with Hon. Shakeel, who will be followed by Hon. Barongo and Hon. Mandazi, in that order. You have one minute each.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. It is a great honour for us to welcome the students of Disciples of Mercy Junior Secondary School from Kisumu East Constituency. The children are 71. As their Member of Parliament, I am very pleased that they have been able to make it here to see for themselves what Parliament does.

Thank you.

Hon. Barongo.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to welcome the students of Kenyenye Junior Secondary School, one of the best schools in my constituency. I congratulate you on continuing to post excellent results in your academics. I ask you to continue to dream big and to use this experience and this visit to continue to work hard and to ready yourselves for the leadership that awaits you in our great country.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker and the Office of the Clerk for facilitating this visit. I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of your visit within Parliament.

Hon. Mandazi.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to welcome the students who have come to visit Parliament. Specifically, allow me to welcome students from Kamaget Mixed Day Secondary School from Chepalungu Constituency, Bomet County. They are seated in the Speaker’s

Gallery. This is a day school that has a large population of students. It is known for discipline and great performance.

I join my colleagues in welcoming all the students present and wish them well too. I also extend my best wishes to all the Form IVs who will be sitting for examinations later this year.

Thank you. On my behalf and that of the House, I welcome all the students, their teachers, and those who are accompanying them to the House of Parliament. Hon. Omboko Milemba.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise on a point of order. Now that students and teachers are in Parliament, allow me to mention that we have the national drama festivals taking place in Meru. Ordinarily, schools that qualify for drama at that level are sponsored by regional education offices of the Ministry of Education.

However, as it is Hon. Members, all schools in our constituencies do not have facilitation to travel to Meru. There is also no communication from the Ministry of Education whatsoever.

Last week, we were talking about capitation in schools. Of the capitation that goes to schools, Ksh1,750 is retained by the Ministry for purposes of functions such as drama festivals and games. If he is in the House, could the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Education…

Hon. Speaker, you could direct the Ministry of Education to releases the funds to the many schools which are now on the road. They include Early Childhood Development (ECD) children, primary school pupils and secondary school students. They are struggling to get to Meru because they do not have the money.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Oundo, is it on the same?

Hon. Speaker, many of us who are here today have received many calls and representations to assist schools to attend the function and activities in Meru. I have a school in my constituency, Moody Awori Primary School, that is taking about 70 learners to participate in the function and activities in Meru. They have no money at all! Today morning, while they were travelling to Meru, they got stranded since they did not have enough fuel. We had to undertake other means of raising funds for that activity. We wonder where the money for such activities goes to.

There is an emerging bad habit in the Ministry of Education where, every single coin that goes to schools is milked away by the sub-county, county and regional education offices, thus leaving schools with literally nothing. We request the Departmental Committee on Education to seriously review this matter and account for every single cent that is disbursed as capitation. The funds were never supposed to enrich education officials while leaving students and schools suffering immensely. It is a national shame and an embarrassment to have children as young as seven or eight years of age get stranded and live in very inhumane conditions when they go to represent their schools to showcase the talent of this country. Hon. Speaker, we need your intervention. Thank you.

Hon. Chiforomodo Mangale.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. This issue has come at a time when our children are going to showcase their talents. However, it is very unfortunate. I thought this issue was only affecting my constituency. I have contributed

money for Mwamose Primary School and Menzamonye Primary School. They were unable to ferry the children to Meru. Parents, too, are contributing some money for the activities, while the Ministry is also supposed to send the schools some money for the festival. It is absurd to stand before this House as Members of Parliament to lament that our children could not be ferried to Meru for the music festival. This issue deserves to be taken with a lot of seriousness because our children need to get there and showcase their talents.

Hon. Donya.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Things inform other things. It is a high time we debated the challenges that our schools are facing. As we discuss their facilitation to the music festival, other key issues which affect our learners are not spoken about. For example, we take our children to school when they are okay and glittering but, when they come back, their uniforms barely fit them. I do not know whether it is a problem with the feeding or they are under duress, including the waking up time.

I can tell you for free of a school where they wake up at 3.30 a.m. whereas they slept at

Hon. Owen Baya.

Hon. Speaker, I thank Hon. Omboko Milemba for being an educationist and for having raised this very important matter. On the issues that has been raised by my friend Hon. (Dr) Oundo, the Government sends capitation to schools that includes activity money, examination, and all manner of funds that schools require.

However, between the school and the Ministry, all money gets wasted and is taken away from schools by the sub-county education offices and the education offices.

When schools receive money, they receive a letter from sub-county education office to take Ksh10 shillings per pupil to the education office for activities, Ksh100 to the county education office for something else and Ksh300 to the regional office. However, when the time for activities comes, there is no money to sponsor the students. Therefore, they come to Members of Parliament saying they do not have money for nationals or regional school activities. They plead to be given more money and yet, the Government sent them money.

The Departmental Committee on Education of this House must investigate this matter because all the money that is disbursed to schools is taken away by those officials. They deposit the money in some special accounts which they withdraw and feast on. Parents are then requested to send money to schools to sponsor activities.

As the Speaker of this House and a respectable member of this society, you need to direct the Departmental Committee on Education to investigate this matter. Otherwise, our students are suffering. A Member is told, for instance, that the learners have reached Kibwezi and have run short of fuel for the bus. The Member has to send money for the children to be rescued! Those children sleep hungry and do not have a place to sleep at the festival.

Education officers have made it their passion to take away money from the schools when it is disbursed. This must stop. As a country, we allocate a lot of money to education, but it is not helping the learners. A few disgruntled and corrupt county and regional education officers take away all the money, stay in hotels, hold seminars and finish the money. We need to put a stop to this misconduct. Our children are entitled to attend the festivals and the Government can sponsor and give them money for the whole period. As a House, we need to take a position.

Hon. Members, you are the authority. If Members of Parliament are crying, what will members of the public do? You have the power to summon the Cabinet Secretary here or to your committees, prosecute this agenda in his presence, and hold him to account. That is what the Constitution and Standing Orders give you. How many students are in Meru? Yes, Hon. Milemba.

In Meru there is a full house of all students…

That does not answer the question. How many students are there?

Yes, Hon. Owen Baya.

There are thousands of students in Meru, and there were thousands in Kakamega for the ball games. I request you and this House that tomorrow, the Cabinet Secretary for Education appears here to answer and respond to the question of how the students have been facilitated in Meru, taken care of and returned home. We should not be having those kinds of problems. I request you to direct that the Cabinet Secretary be called to the House.

Hon. Owen Baya, you are the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party. I direct you to cause the Cabinet Secretary for Education to be here tomorrow at exactly 3.00

Thank you.

I will give you one hour tomorrow before Hon. Murkomen begins to answer scheduled questions. In fact, if you can get him here at 2.30 p.m., I will finish the preliminaries in 15 minutes and give him one hour to respond to this singular issue before we go to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.

Much obliged, Hon. Speaker.

The matter will rest there. Yes, Hon. Oluoch. Is it on the same issue?

Yes. So that we frame issues for the Cabinet Secretary as he comes tomorrow, can we know exactly how much of the capitation money per student, that we allocate every year, is hived off to go to the sub-county directors? How much, cumulatively, was it for the Financial Year 2024/2025, and under what instructions? This is because the budgets we give for capitation for schools are ring-fenced. Under what law or authority are those funds re-directed to those directors of education?

Yes. Hon. Maungu, I thought I have given direction. Is that Hon. Maungu or Hon. Chonga? You look alike.

Let us hear Hon. Chonga. There is a microphone on your left.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. My question is a bit different. It relates to the Statement that has been read by Hon. Musa Sirma.

Let us dispose of the matter on education first. Take your seat.

Thank you.

Members with concerns on that issue of students, I have personally been requested by many schools and have made huge contributions to help the children go to Meru for some event. It is not quite clear what it is. Is it choir or something?

Yes. Therefore, Hon. Owen Baya, have the Cabinet Secretary here. Tomorrow you will have two cabinet secretaries. I know that the Leader of the Majority Party is not around. So, ensure that the Cabinet Secretary, Mr Migos Ogamba, is here at 2.45 p.m., and Hon. Murkomen at 3.45 p.m. or, at least, by 3.30 p.m.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I listened to the Chairman of the National Government-Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Committee, and, indeed...

Is he here?

Yes, he is in. The controls that he has come up with to put the whole of procurement onto the Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GPS) , are very essential. This is because most of the Members of Parliament are not actually consulted in some of the operations of the Board. I have observed two things which I feel I need some clarification from the Hon. Speaker. As much as I fully agree with the arrangement that he has come up with, I did not hear him address issues of emergency. For instance, right now, I have two schools which have been closed because of the long rains. The toilets have sunk. In another two schools, the roofs have been blown off. Now, we are saying that even if we have funds set aside for emergencies, we cannot do repairs in those schools and there is nothing that can be done because of this new system. I wish that even as we embrace this system, there could be some guidelines on how we can intervene in cases like the ones I am in right now. Yesterday, I was faced with emergency situations in two schools which have been closed because they do not have toilets. I wish I could get some clarification on how we can intervene in some of those cases.

Are you wishing to get clarification or are you asking for clarification?

I am asking for clarification, Hon. Speaker.

Yes, Hon. Musa Sirma.

Hon. Speaker, those issues are part of the reason we are calling the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) . The issues raised by Hon. Chonga are valid and they raise concerns. This is because we are talking about the Project Management Committees (PMCs) which may not understand this e-procurement, and also the emergencies that come up. We hope to resolve those issues when we have a sitting with the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning and the PPRA, on what we can execute without having to go through that process.

Thank you. Hon. Chonga, you can go and prosecute your concerns before the Committee when the responsible officers appear.

Hon. members, allow me to acknowledge the following schools. In the Public Gallery, we have Cottolengo Boarding Junior Secondary School from Igembe North, Meru County.

In the Speaker's Gallery, we have Lessos Educational Centre from Lessos in Nandi, and Gethsemane Christian Academy from Moiben, Uasin Gishu County. On my behalf and on behalf of the House, we welcome the students, their teachers and those accompanying them to the House of Parliament.

We will now go to Requests for Statements.

Hon. Umulkher Harun.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (C) , I wish to request for a statement from the Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation regarding the allocation and implementation of the Universal Service Fund (USF) .

The Universal Service Fund was established under Section 84 (J) of the Kenya Information and Communication Act Cap. 411 (A) , and is administered by the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) . The core purpose of the fund is to support the widespread availability of information and communication technology services, and to promote capacity building and innovation in Information Communication and Technology (ICT) across the country. Access to digital and communication services is a critical enabler of socio-economic development. The strategic deployment of the USF aims to enhance digital connectivity in key economic sectors by ensuring equitable access to learning materials, government services and digital health services, which is especially important in remote and underserved regions.

Despite those noble goals, there is limited information publicly available on the specific areas that are benefiting from the USF.

It is, therefore, against this backdrop that I seek a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation on the following:

Thank you, Hon. Harun. Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation? Any Member of that Committee present? Leader of the Majority Party, inform the Committee Chairperson to bring a response in two weeks, but since we are going on recess next week, make it on the first week upon resumption.

Hon. Samuel Arama.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining regarding the environmental and socio-economic impact of rising water levels in Lake Nakuru.

In recent years, Lake Nakuru has experienced abnormal and sustained increases in water levels, resulting in widespread flooding that has severely affected surrounding

communities, infrastructure and ecosystems. The situation is now dire. The flooding has submerged large portions of Lake Nakuru National Park, destroyed infrastructure, displaced wildlife and crippled the tourism sector. The overflow has reached private farmlands and homesteads, converting them into waterlogged zones.

However, what is even more alarming is the growing humanitarian crisis as families living near the lake have been displaced from their homes and farmlands and yet, no clear Government mitigation or support has been extended to them. Paradoxically, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has now prohibited local residents from fishing in the floodwaters, citing conservation laws, even though the water now occupies what was once peoples’ land. This has caused immense frustration and further economic strain on the affected communities, who are now landless, food-insecure, and barred from using whatever little that remains.

It is against this background that I seek a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining on the following:

Hon. Arama, my records show that you are seeking a statement from the Departmental Committee on Lands, but now you are saying that you are seeking it from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining. Which Committee are you directing your request for statement to?

Hon. Speaker, that is a different request for statement, which I had sought from the Departmental Committee on Lands. They were supposed to bring a response today. This one is another request for statement.

So, it is going to the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining. Which Committee, Hon. Bowen? When can you bring a response? That is your Committee. Right? Or is it Hon. Kawaya’s

? Where is Hon. Kawaya? Hon. Owen Baya, inform the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining to bring a response in the first week upon resumption from recess.

Much obliged, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Members, let us move on to responses to statements. Hon. Tongoyo to Omboko Milemba. Yes, Hon. Donya?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I had three requests for statements, and I was informed that they would give a response within two weeks. Until today, I have not received the responses.

Which ones?

From the National Treasury and Economic Planning. I had an issue with NGAAF. From the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, it was on tea bonuses. From Education, it was on Kisii Mwalimu Sacco. On all the three requests, I have not received any responses.

Hon. Owen Baya, are the respective Chairpersons here? The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education, the Chairperson of the

Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock and the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning.

Unfortunately, all those Chairpersons are not here, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Donya, you may raise your point of order tomorrow. Yes, Hon. Kiamba?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I also wish to raise a point of order. I requested for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works on 13th March, and up to now, I have not received the response. I have gone to the Table Office several times, and no response is forthcoming. Kindly, can I be advised? Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Owen Baya?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I plan to follow up with the respective chairpersons on the same. But, also, we are colleagues here. Sometimes, a Member can just prod a chairperson and say: "Hey! Where is the response to my request for statement?" That can make work very easy.

Order, Hon. Members. Take your seats. Hon. Owen Baya, you can see, as Deputy Leader of the Majority Party, that more than six chairpersons of committees that have come into focus this afternoon are not in the House. That is unacceptable. It is the duty - and I repeat - the duty of each Member and, more so, those who have been given the privilege to Chair Committees, to be in this House when it is sitting. More particularly, when it is time to deal with issues from Members that are directed to those Committees. This Order Paper is published a day before and so, you all have access online to know that, as the chairperson of a committee, your matter is coming up in the House, and you have to be here to respond.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I take your guidance, and I will guide the chairpersons so that they are here.

You are not going to guide them! You are going to cause them to be here. It is not a question of guidance! It is a responsibility and a duty.

Much obliged, Hon. Speaker.

Yes, Hon. Gonzi?

On Thursday, Hon. Speaker, you directed the Chairperson of the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee to give a response regarding one Ms Riziki, who is actually in a police station…

I remember the commitment. Yes. The Chairperson of the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee? Hon. Owen Baya?

Yes, Hon. Speaker. On the same matter, the Chairperson of the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee spoke to me about it. She briefed me and informed me that the matter has been directed to the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. That is the appropriate Committee, and they are handling it.

Is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations here?

Unfortunately, no, but she is holding brief. So, probably, she has the response.

Okay. Do you have the Statement?

Yes, Hon. Speaker.

We shall come to it. Yes, Hon. Tongoyo, respond to Omboko Milemba. Are you ready?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Yes, I do have the response. This was regarding the tragic fire at Makina, Kibra, in Nairobi City.

Hon. Speaker, the Member sought a comprehensive report on the cause of the fire accident, the support extended to the survivors, and the steps that are being taken by the Government to expedite the release of DNA results. I seek your indulgence in this matter. This Statement was sought around 25th May, which is when the incident happened.

What did you say? Do you want me to indulge you?

Hon. Speaker, given the urgency of the matter, we could not wait this long. I took a personal initiative, together with the Member who is my desk mate here, to reach out to the Government Chemist. The DNA results were released and the bodies have since been buried. The families were going through great agony. I seek your indulgence because although this remains a record of the House, we had already covered a lot of ground with the Member regarding the information he wanted to know. I am not sure whether I still need to read it.

Have you shared the Statement with Hon. Omboko Milemba?

Yes, I have, including personally reaching out to the Government Chemist when the incident happened to have the DNA analysis done.

Is the Statement ready or not?

I have it here.

Yes.

I was asking whether it is still relevant for me to read it.

Hon. Omboko Milemba, are you still interested in the matter being prosecuted publicly here?

Hon. Speaker, I thank the Chairman. On the comprehensive report about the cause of the fire, that matter still rests with him. The fire did not only affect my people; it can affect anyone.

On the support for the families, the Chairman reached out. We were able to receive support not only by the leadership, but also from the President together with the Governor of Nairobi, yourself, and others. However, I must report that the Disaster Management Department does not work because the support they promised was not provided.

On the DNA, I must report that the Chairman...

Sorry, Hon. Omboko Milemba. You cannot comment on a Statement that has not been presented. What I am asking is whether, between yourselves, you had agreed that the Statement does not have to be presented. If that is the case, then you have no business commenting on it. If it has to be presented, then you will be allowed to say what you are legitimately saying.

Hon. Speaker, he needs to execute the reply.

Hon. Tongoyo, go ahead and present the Statement.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am well guided. I wish to notify you that much has already been covered.

In response to the said request for statement, on 24th May 2025 at about 0530 hours, a member of the public reported the outbreak of a fire at Kibra Police Station via OB No. 08/24/5/2025. On arrival, police officers established that a huge fire was raging and consuming several houses. The officers contacted the National Disaster Management Unit and the Nairobi County Fire and Disaster Management Team. Immediate rescue operations were initiated and the area was cordoned off to prevent further danger to onlookers and neighbouring residents.

The Nairobi County Fire and Disaster Management Team arrived shortly and with their intervention, the fire was successfully put out at around 0626 hours. The victims who sustained injuries were evacuated to various hospitals by the Kenya Red Cross and private ambulances. Those who succumbed to fire-related burns were taken to the Nairobi Funeral Home. An Inquiry File No.07/2025 was opened at Kibra Police Station and investigations commenced. The DCI crime scene team visited and documented the scene and collected all items of evidential value for forensic analysis.

Preliminary investigations established that over 30 temporary dwelling houses were razed down by fire, resulting in the deaths of eight persons, six injuries and displacement of over 71 people. The eight deceased persons were identified as: Yvonne Anyonje, Stephen Anyimbo, Abdalla Aljab, Silas Ombima, Harrison Liaha, Ernest Ombima, Gertrude Amisi and Florence Ambani. The survivors included: Zabibu Ibrahim, Aish Ajab, Leyden Harrison, Abdul Karim Hussein, Gertrude Vigehi and Charity Eva. The investigation team recorded statements from 10 witnesses, although none was able to identify the cause of the fire.

Preliminary findings by the Nairobi County Government Fire and Disaster Management Team attributed the fire to an electrical fault, given that most of the electricity connections in the area are illegal. However, a technical report from Kenya Power is still pending. As a result, the actual cause of the fire remains undetermined. Efforts are in place to record additional statements from other victims who are still undergoing treatment. Those statements are expected to provide further insight into the case. The matter is under active investigation pending expert report from the Kenya Power investigation team.

Regarding the support offered, the survivors of the tragedy received comprehensive support, which included necessities, financial assistance, emergency medical care and psychosocial counselling. This aid was drawn out by various well-wishers, including the National Government, the Nairobi County Government, the Kenya Red Cross Society, local political leaders as highlighted by the concerned Member, and other generous philanthropists.

The DCI Homicide Team collected biological samples from the deceased at the Nairobi Funeral Home to facilitate DNA profiling exercise. The samples were subsequently submitted to the Government Chemist for analysis. Upon completion, the DNA results were successfully matched to the families of the deceased, thus facilitating accurate identification of all the bodies. Postmortem examinations were conducted, and the remains were subsequently released to their respective families for burial.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, to prevent similar tragedies in informal settlements in future, the following measures have been put in place:

Hon. Omboko Milemba.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I must start by thanking the Chairman because he swung into action and was very helpful. On the first issue of a comprehensive report, that remains on his side, as no such report has been given. However, that is important for the good and wellness of the entire country and so, I hope he will do something about it. On the issue of support, as he has indicated, we received a lot of support from His Excellency the President and other leaders across the country, including the Speaker, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, and other well-wishers.

I want to report that there is a Disaster Management Unit at Nyayo House which is supposed to help in such cases. However, in this particular instance, it did not do anything and kept dodging responsibility. I believe serious attention needs to be given to the Disaster Management Office at Nyayo House because it does not effectively assist Kenyans when they are in problems. The Chairman should take note of that.

Finally, on the DNA issue, I must report that the Chairman was really helpful. He called the authorities and we were able to get DNA results on time. The fire victims were buried safely back in Emuhaya. I thank the Chairman for working very closely with us and the people of Emuhaya to ensure the victims were accorded a good send-off.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Omboko Milemba, you seem to be satisfied. We shall proceed to the next Statement by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation. This is a statement request by Hon. Paul Abuor, Member for Rongo. Where is he? Where is Hon. Paul Abuor, Member for Rongo? Chairperson, Departmental Committee for Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation, in the absence of Hon. Paul Abuor, you will table the response unless there is something critical you want to say.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Most obliged.

Hon. Abuor can be informed to get that response.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Yes, Hon. Gonzi Rai.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I would like to seek your direction with regard to my request for statement. On Thursday, I was promised that the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee was supposed to give a response to my request. However, I have been informed that the matter was referred to the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. I would like to know when I will receive the response from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.

Hon. Gonzi Rai, I cannot see the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. Hon. Martha Wangari can represent the Chairman.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I was trying to get your attention with regard to what Hon. Gonzi Rai is speaking to. It is not the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee to respond to that request. The Committee that is supposed to bring the response is the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. I had already spoken to him. We had a meeting today morning and we still do not have that response. We are still waiting for it from the Ministry. The moment it gets here, it will be tabled.

How long do you estimate it will take?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, by next week Thursday.

Okay. By Thursday, but that means that if it is ready on Tuesday or Wednesday, it can still be tabled. I hope that is satisfactory, Hon. Gonzi Rai.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The response is ready. I will table it as directed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, because I am on my feet, allow me to welcome the students who are seated in the Speaker’s Gallery. They are students from a school called Woodard Secondary School in Murindati Ward, Gilgil Constituency. You can see that they are quite a number - more than 100. This is one of the largest day schools that looks like a boarding academy. The students are elegant in not only the way they look, but also in terms of education. As their Member of Parliament, I welcome them to the House to observe the proceedings.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Martha Wangari. I hope the students work hard as you do. All those students are welcome to the National Assembly, over which Hon. Martha Wangari presides, to observe the proceedings. We wish you well in your studies.

The next request for statement is by Hon. Peter Masara to the Departmental Committee on Education. Do we have the response? Do we have any Member representing the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education? Yes, Hon. Clive Gisairo. Hon. Peter Masara is in the House and so, proceed and respond.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I would like to respond to the request for statement regarding capitation to schools, textbook ratio and early childhood education programme, that was sought by Hon. Peter Masara.

On plans to increase capitation for both primary and secondary schools, the approved capitation rate to be provided by the Government under the Free Primary Education (FPE) programme is Ksh1,420 per learner per year. The approved rate for Junior Secondary School (JSS) is Ksh15,042 per learner per year. The approved rate under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme is Ksh22,244 per learner per year. The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms recommended the review of those rates to reflect the current cost of education. For primary school, the recommended rate is Ksh2,238 per year. For JSS, the recommended rate is Ksh15,043 per learner and for secondary school, the recommended rate is Ksh22,527 per learner. The enhancement of those rates will require additional budgetary allocation.

It is to be noted that over the last five years, funds provided to the Ministry of Education have fallen short of the current approved rate, leading to underfunding of schools. The Ministry is compelled to divide the available amount with the number of learners. This results in capitation amounts that are lower than the approved rate. To illustrate, the table below shows the trends for secondary schools:

Grade 10 text books were reviewed and evaluated in April and May of this year. This will ensure that publishers have ample time to print and distribute books to public schools by the start of the third term, 2025.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Peter Masara, are you satisfied?

Hon Temporary Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity.

First, I want to bring to the attention of this House that something needs to be done with regard to Statements and Questions. This particular Statement was brought to this House in early February this year, but we are getting the response now. If you look at the first Question I asked on capitation, the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms agreed that capitation needs to be increased. That was in February. Had we received this communication before the start of the budgetary circle, an increased amount would have been given to those schools. But that cannot work now, because the budget has already been passed. Maybe, the amount will be increased in the Supplementary Estimates I.

I am not satisfied with the response because it shows that, for the last almost eight years, the capitation for primary and secondary schools has been constant and yet, the cost of living has been increasing each and every year. It means the school principals and head teachers are really suffering. It is the prerogative of this House to allocate enough funds so that capitation can be sufficient to schools.

A while ago, there was an issue that was raised by Hon. Milemba, on the Kenya National Music Festival that is being held in Meru County. Schools have not been given enough money to ferry students from their destination to the venue of the occasion. Those gaps are as a result of funding. Therefore, this House needs to come up with a proper way of funding both primary and secondary schools as well as Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) .

On the second Question, he has mentioned that books are being given to schools. I was invited to the Committee when the Cabinet Secretaries for the National Treasury and Education were there, and they accepted that the number of students that is being used to prepare the budget is not the actual number of students in schools. You realise that the Ministry of Education is using the number of those who are in NEMIS.

However, I gave examples of several schools, one of them was Oruba Keyo with a population of 1,600 students and yet, the money being given for capitation is only for 500 students. That means the data we have as a country in terms of financing schools is not accurate. Therefore, the Ministry of Education needs to come out and tell us when they will capture the actual number of students in schools so that the capitation can be based on the actual number of students in the schools.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, on that particular request for statement, there was also supposed to be an issue on Early Childhood Development (ECD) schools. This thing was done in February. By the time the Committee was sitting, the Cabinet Secretary in charge was telling us that they had not received reports from the Council of Governors (CoG) . The issue of ECD schools is a serious matter in this country. We cannot purport to be giving credible education system and yet the ECD system is not properly managed. This happens in so many schools. You get a primary school, which is an ECD centre, with only one class ― a play group. Both Pre-Primary 1 (PP1) and Pre-Primary 2 (PP2) have only one teacher who is not being paid and one classroom without a toilet. It is high time that we as Members of Parliament came up with a universal curriculum for ECD. You cannot tell me Turkana, Migori and Mombasa counties each have their own curriculum. The way they man their ECDs is totally different.

It is important that this House or the Ministry of Education comes out to show us how our ECDs are being managed. ECD is a crucial aspect of education. This is the stage where child development in terms of academic starts from. However, when we leave it to everybody

to do it the way they want, we will be leading this country to a real disaster in future. A time will come when the students who are in ECD now, and are not being capacitated well, will become doctors, engineers, teachers and Members of Parliament. It means that at such a time, this country will be in a real problem.

I am, therefore, requesting this House to re-direct the Departmental Committee on Education so that they can get a way forward for our students come the next financial year.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Peter Masara, you have raised critical matters concerning the education sector. Let me just indicate that the substantive Speaker has already directed that the Cabinet Secretary for Education will be in the House tomorrow to address that matter of capitation and the other one. Therefore, because we will be having the Cabinet Secretary for Education here tomorrow, in as much as it is on that matter concerning the ferrying of our students who are going for the Kenya National Music Festival in Meru, we could also raise this matter of capitation as an emerging issue.

That is if you are not satisfied.

Hon Temporary Speaker, as I had alluded earlier, I am not satisfied. Maybe tomorrow he will come up with a better answer that can satisfy Kenyans because education is the key to everything in a country. Without proper education, you cannot have good managers, speakers or Members of Parliament. Therefore, this is a crucial issue which needs to be addressed. Maybe the Ministry can show us the way forward. Not only in responding to what I requested on February but also, to what they have done as per the current status of my Question. Hon. Temporary Speaker, that will help teachers and even parents to know that we are moving in the right direction.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

I cannot agree more, Hon. Peter Masara. Hon. Kangogo Bowen, what do you want to add to his sentiments?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am well guided by your direction. Indeed, I was making the suggestion that because the Cabinet Secretary is coming tomorrow, we could include the two Questions that the Hon. Member for Emuhaya and Hon. Masara have raised so that the Cabinet Secretary can answer them. There is a serious discrepancy between the data in the Ministry of Education in terms of the number of students we have in the NEMIS portal and the real number of students we have in our schools. If you check in our Supplementary Estimates I , Hon. Gisairo, who just read the Statement and is a member of the Committee, knows that this House approved close to Ksh100 million then for enhancement of NEMIS to make sure that every student in Kenya is captured. What the Ministry is disbursing is completely different from the number of students.

However, I do not want to say much because you have already directed that the Cabinet Secretary for Education is coming to this House tomorrow. We will ask him those questions. What I want to ask all Members in the House is this: Go and check the actual number of students in your schools and what is in the NEMIS Portal. The discrepancy is huge.

I thank you. Hon. Members, let us leave it at that.

Hon. Wangwe, do you want to say something? I want you to say what you want to say after I recognise a number of institutions in the House.

In the Speaker’s Gallery, we have Naramat Junior School from Kajiado North Constituency, Kajiado County. In the Public Gallery, we have Kamviu Secondary School from Manyatta Constituency, the great Embu County and SA Gikuuri Primary School from Runyenjes Constituency, Embu County. All the students, pupils and their teachers in those institutions are welcome to the National Assembly to observe Proceedings, as they continue to learn.

Hon. Wangwe.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to weigh in on this issue of the Cabinet Secretary coming tomorrow. I have an issue on National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) , which is a challenge. Sirigoi Secondary School in my constituency has 480 students. When it came to entry into NEMIS Portal for them to get capitation, they registered 18 students. They were issued with textbooks for 480 students. When it comes to trading with the Ministry, the numbers come alive. When it comes to getting capitation from the Ministry of Education, the numbers die. This is a challenge which the Cabinet Secretary should unveil and tell this country what is happening.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

On a point of information, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Clive Gisairo.

Maybe, I will be the Cabinet Secretary in future, but I am your colleague now. I rise on a point of information, so that when Hon. Members ask questions tomorrow, they will not sound like they are not in touch.

As Hon. Kangogo has said, this House allocated Ksh100 million to the Ministry of Education to move from NEMIS to the system they are now using since 1st July 2025, which is Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) . This will help us to be updated. When we, as a Committee, raised issues, they said NEMIS heavily relied on the birth certificate, which a number of children do not have. They said that KEMIS was more inclusive and captured more students. How far are they in implementing KEMIS? This is the best question that we can ask because we agree that the discrepancies between the system and number of students receiving capitation is quite adverse.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you, acting Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Education, Hon. Clive Gisairo.

Let the issue of capitation together with the matter concerning the travel of our students and pupils to Meru National School be addressed by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Education tomorrow.

Do we have the response to the Question that was asked by Hon. Stephen Mogaka? The Chairman of the Committee on Regional Integration. The Question was on the state of preparedness for the wet season. Proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. This is a response to a request for statement regarding the state of preparedness for cyclical wet season in the Lake Victoria rain belt as requested by Hon. Stephen Mogaka, Member for West Mugirango.

The first question sought was on the measures the Government has put in place to ensure timely and effective information on hazardous weather, and whether it has been issued to the residents of West Mugirango Constituency and other affected areas within the Lake Victoria rain belt. The response is as follows:

The Government, through the Ministry of East African Community, the Arid and Semi- arid Lands (ASALS) and Regional Development, and other ministries, departments, agencies

and partners, have implemented several proactive measures to ensure timely and effective dissemination of weather-related warnings. They include the following:

In the Lake Basin, the initiatives are done through the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), in collaboration with the Kenyan Meteorological Department and other agencies. Those have been critical in safeguarding lives and livelihoods in West Mugirango Constituency and the greater Lake Victoria Basin.

The Government is working on strengthening early warning systems by enhancing its meteorological forecasting and early warning systems through:

The Government has deployed multiple channels for dissemination of hazardous weather information, including Short Message Service (SMS) alerts and mobile applications. Through partnerships with mobile service providers, residents receive real-time weather updates via SMS alerts and mobile-based platforms.

The Government also uses community radio stations and public announcements. They collaborate with the vernacular radio stations to provide daily weather forecasts in local languages. There is also use of local media and digital platforms. Dissemination of forecasts through official Government and meteorological department social media pages will also be done.

Collaboration with local administrators and community networks, including use of local National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to disseminate the information as they undertake their routine work in barazas and other fora. Chiefs and village elders are key pillars in training and equipping of local administrators with timely meteorological updates for swift community level dissemination. Religious and community-based organisations will partner with churches, mosques, and self-help groups to enhance the flow of weather-related information.

Preparation of flood and disaster preparedness plans. Given the cyclical wet seasons that often lead to flooding and landslides in the Lake Victoria Basin, the Government has taken

as food, clean water, mosquito nets and medical supplies in strategic locations. Capacity building and public awareness campaigns include:

remains committed to safeguarding the residents of West

protecting lives and property. I want to scan through this Statement because I believe the Member has already been given a copy.

The second question was asking for a detailed report on the interventions being implemented by the Government to ensure timely emergency response, including pre- positioning of relief supplies, if any. The Government, through the Special Programmes Directorate which is now called the State Department for Special Programmes, in collaboration with other ministries, departments and agencies, has put in place comprehensive emergency response mechanisms to address the impacts of the cyclical wet season in the Lake Victoria rain belt. The interventions are designed to mitigate effects of heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides, ensuring that affected communities receive timely assistance and relief.

The third question was on long-term mitigation strategies that the Government intends to adopt to address recurrent disaster, including climate adaptation measures. The Government recognises increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters in the country, particularly in vulnerable regions such as West Mugirango Constituency and the broader Lake Victoria rain belt.

In response, the State Department for Special Programmes, in collaboration with other ministries, departments and agencies, has developed a suit of long-term mitigation strategies to strengthen resilience, reduce vulnerability, and enhance adaptive capacity during phases of cyclical wet seasons and associated hazards such as floods, landslides, waterborne diseases, outbreaks and infrastructure degradation.

After going through that, the Government has put in place measures. I do not want to go through them. I think the Member will go through that.

Finally, number four was on measures that are being taken to educate and equip residents with knowledge on disaster management to improve their resilience.

The measures include community-based disaster risk education and awareness campaigns through sensitisation drives. That is through conducting public barazas regularly, village meetings and school engagements. They aim at raising awareness on disaster risks specific to the region such as flash floods, landslides, and waterborne disease outbreaks during rainy seasons. There are localised IEC materials, development and distribution of information, education and communication materials in local languages such as Ekegusii, Dholuo, and Kiswahili. The Government develops posters, radio jingles, community drama and mobile SMS alerts.

Now, there are seasonal forecast dissemination, simplified weather forecast and advisories from the Kenya Meteorological Department are shared widely through local FM stations, chiefs, ward administrators and digital platforms to help communities plan ahead. In addition, there is formation of community committees on disaster management and training them to build their capacity.

In each ward, local disaster management committees are being trained on risk identification, emergency response, coordination, evacuation planning and first aid. We have simulation exercises and drills and periodic mock disaster response drills to test preparedness and coordination among the residents, the local leadership and emergency responders. We have linkages between county and national structures.

There is integration of disaster risk reduction into school curricula and youth engagement. On youth and women empowerment are specific training programmes targeting youth and women groups on special disaster response techniques, including safe shelter management and water treatment during floods.

The Government is enhancing access to tools and equipment for community response. That includes provision of basic emergency kits, distribution of first-aid kits, whistles, emergency lights and water purification tablets and life jackets in flood-prone villages. We have community resource centres and establishment of community information hubs that are equipped with disaster preparedness materials, internet access for weather updates and training resources.

Finally, is on multi-sectoral partnerships and policy support. We collaborate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) trainings. There are joint initiatives by the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, the Kenya Red Cross, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and county governments. They deliver technical training, support drills, and enhance local disaster planning. There is policy and legal literacy educating communities on their rights and responsibilities under the national laws and policies such as the National Disaster Management Policy and the Climate Change Act.

The measures aim not just at reducing vulnerability, but also fostering proactive risk management and preparedness culture among local populations in the Lake Victoria rain belt. Through informed, equipped and engaged communities, the Government envisions a climate- resilient, response-ready and development-secure region.

Okay. Hon. Stephen Mogaka, let me recognise the institutions that are seated in the Public Gallery before you confirm whether you need any further clarification.

We have Balek ‘B’ Secondary School from Bomet Central Constituency, Bomet County and St Mary's Primary and Junior School from Matayos Constituency in Busia County. On my behalf and that of the National Assembly, students from those institutions and their teachers are all welcome to the National Assembly to observe parliamentary proceedings.

Hon. Stephen Mogaka.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to confirm that my fears on our lack of preparedness have actually been confirmed. That is after reading and listening to the Committee’s response to my concerns.

Firstly, I raised this concern quite ahead of the disaster that has already crystallised. That was before the rains came. Therefore, the response is coming too late in the day. It is so full of bombastic policy statements and not specific measures in place to help avert or mitigate any disaster.

While this response was under preparation, it pains me that thunder and lightning hit my constituency twice. I lost four Kenyans. I had to attend a funeral where three siblings lost their lives to thunder and lightning. I do not want to use the word “lies” from hearing this response. I want to say that it is extremely misleading that there are mitigation measures and supplies given to victims of such disaster. Nothing came through for my constituency.

It makes me extremely worried because we go through this cyclical occurrence annually. Storm water wreaks havoc and brings down our muddy houses because my constituency and the Gusii region is essentially very hilly. Therefore, unless we get very specific indications on how to deal with this as we dealt with floods in Budalangi area,

vulnerability that happens every year and people registering losses is a thing that should not be heard 65 years into Independence.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I wish that you would order this Committee to go back and relook at what they are doing to sensitise Kenyans on disasters arising from climate change. In particular, they should re-look at the Lake region, where we cyclically suffer from thunderstorms, excessive stormwater, flooding, and all sorts of illnesses that are associated with climate change. The Government must be prepared to respond just as it does whenever hunger or drought strikes, or livestock are in danger. Humans are in danger annually, but there is no policy response. I humbly request you to direct the Committee to re-look at this matter. I will give them my supplementary concerns for specific action plans rather than the policy statements that this House has been treated to this afternoon.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Regional Development, I direct that Hon. Mogaka appears before the Committee

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. First, I agree with the Member for West Mugirango that quite some time has passed since this request for statement was sought. A lot has happened since then. I say pole to the families of his constituents who lost their lives due to those disasters. We feel for the Member and the families of those who lost their lives. Perhaps, the Government did not adequately prepare in good time.

The Disaster Risk Management Bill is before this House. It will attempt to more effectively address disaster management in this country. Hon. Temporary Speaker, if you direct, we can still request the Ministry to appear before the Committee, and we can also invite the Member to attend. I have read the Statement as presented by the Ministry, and I can confirm that it may not reflect what is actually happening on the ground. We will find time to invite the Ministry.

How much time do you need?

Now that we are going for recess next week, we can do it in the first week after we come back.

Hon. Mogaka, would that be satisfactory so that the matter is interrogated in totality?

That is fine. However, my friend, Hon. Ferdinand, suffers from the same problems. Kindly ‘catch his eye’.

Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi, I request that you all appear before the Committee, so that we deal with the remaining requests for statements and proceed to the main business. Give Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi the microphone for a minute.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I agree with the Member. We should not wait for a disaster to happen. I am from the Lake region, and this is a critical issue. I want my colleague to take it upon himself to get the Ministry concerned to address this issue. It is a matter of acquiring the right equipment to protect our people from such disasters.

Apart from what my colleague has said, I also lost two family members due to lightning. It is not something that we plan for or talk about. We should pressurise my colleague who is in charge to get the relevant ministry to procure modern equipment to protect our people from lightning. Lightning accidents happen every day, particularly in the Lake region, where you also come from, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Let us not wait for the Cabinet Secretary to appear before us. Let us pressurise whoever is responsible to come up with preventive measures.

I support the request for a statement.

(Hon. Liza Chelule spoke off the record)

Thank you, Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi. The Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Regional Development… Order, Hon. Liza Chelule. I am addressing the Chairman. I direct the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Regional Development to convene a meeting within a month to conclusively address this matter. Parliament is going on recess, but it never closes. Kindly confirm that, so that all the Members with various concerns can appear before the Committee so that the relevant ministries can address their issues.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. We will do as directed.

Hon. Mishi Mboko had requested for a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. Please address the status of the upgrade of the Likoni Ferry Crossing. Is Hon. Mishi Mboko in the House? She also serves as a Commissioner. Whoever is representing the Chairman of the relevant Departmental Committee should proceed and respond.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. The Member for Likoni, Hon. Mishi Mboko, requested for a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding the status of the upgrade of the Likoni Ferry Crossing, addressing the following issues:

Hon. Chairman, how long is your response?

Probably another four minutes. I can give the highlights of the Statement.

If it takes longer than four minutes, I will interrupt you to welcome some institutions to the House. If it takes exactly four minutes, please finish.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. To address the rising pedestrian numbers and declining vehicle traffic, while maintaining safety and security under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code standards, the Ministry, through the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) , has taken several steps.

One, is the deployment of larger ferries, MV Jambo and MV Safari, with a capacity of 4,000, each serving pedestrians, while smaller ferries, MV Kwale and MV Likoni, with a capacity of 2,500 are also deployed. Safety equipment has also been deployed. Life-saving and fire-fighting equipment are regularly serviced, maintained and replaced. Vessel annual surveys and inspections are conducted to ensure that vessels meet the passenger safety certification standard.

Staff training, regular maintenance, preventive and corrective maintenance of ferries are always carried out. There is security planning for crowd management control. A new passenger and vehicle ferry has been acquired. There is an infrastructure upgrade. Improvements include separating vehicle traffic flow, repairing the ramps and approaches and upgrading the passenger waiting at Likoni Island.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, each ferry is scheduled for a day maintenance programme per week at night. Maintenance is carried out in preparation for the next day's activities. A checklist is also maintained to ensure that there is comprehensive maintenance of all equipment on board the vessel. Further to that is the long-term maintenance programme that involves dry docking of the ferries for underwater hull steel repairs. In the dry dock, comprehensive structural steelwork, sea water system and the main machinery repairs are carried out.

On procurement plans for the new ferry, the KPA contracted Kenya Shipyard to build one ferry. The details of the project are as follows. The contract number for the member is stated there. The project name is the Supply Testing and Commissioning of One Number Vehicle Passenger Ferry. The description of the works to be undertaken is the construction of a roll-on, roll-off ferry of length overall minimum of 80 metres and a beam moulded within a minimum of 20 metres with a car deck overhead of 4.5 metres, carrying a capacity of 2,080 sedan vehicles. The contract period is expected to be 75 weeks and the end delivery is April 2026, with a total estimated budget of US$24.7. On upgrading the existing ferry, the Ministry submitted that ferry machinery is upgraded from time to time to improve efficiency and mitigate the machinery breakdown of ageing and worn-out parts.

In regard to the status of the construction of the Mtongwe Ramp in Likoni Constituency, the Ministry submitted that the construction of the Mtongwe Mainland Ramp was completed and handed over to KPA in 2023. The facility is currently used as a yard for maintenance services of ferries. The ferry services cannot resume until the construction of the Mtongwe Island Ramp is done. The construction for the Mtongwe Island Ramp was factored into the FY2023/2024 budget, but could not be done because of the constraints. However, I want to inform the Member that the FY2025/2026 budget has made consideration for the same.

On the long-term strategies that are being put in place to provide sustainable and reliable maritime transport solutions for residents of Mombasa County and businesses dependent on ferries, the Ministry said that it is addressing the challenges of the ever-increasing numbers, particularly of passenger traffic. The Port has put in place the following measures: Improvement and modernisation of existing service, diversion of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic - both to the Dongo Kundo Bypass, which has reduced the traffic of vehicles at the ferry by almost 60 per cent.

The socio-economic improvement programmes that would divert free and ease congestion at the Likoni channel, including the construction of the export economic zone. This will provide alternative employment opportunities other than Mombasa Island. The development of a market in Likoni, would impact around 10 per cent of the ferry users during peak hours. The need to upgrade Likoni Sub-County to a semi-urban status to allow for commercial and financial activities and services to be available within the region. The region is currently not attractive to investors since the land is not properly planned. Most of the land does not have title deeds. This would create employment and service provision, thus reduce the movement across the channel.

Lastly, is on expansion of the ferry services to other unattended areas. The question was on the places and linkages with other coastal counties. The Ministry, through its implementation agency, the KPA, plans to facilitate the development of an integrated maritime system in Kenya. This includes other coastal ferries and inland ferries, especially in Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria. A feasibility study will be commissioned. It has been planned for December 2025, to provide a framework for the most effective way to offer ferry services within the country.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Mishi Mboko, I will come back to you after I welcome several institutions that are visiting the National Assembly.

In the Public and Speaker's Gallery, we have Kapsabet Boys Junior School from Chesumei Constituency in Nandi County. We also have a school for which everything should stop when they are in the House. That is Ogande Girls High School from Homa Bay Town Constituency, the Hon. Temporary Speaker's Constituency in Homa Bay County. On my behalf and that of the institution of Parliament, both schools are welcome to the National Assembly to observe the proceedings. Hon. Millie Odhiambo, I know that it would not be enough if you never welcome all the pupils and students. Give the Whip of the Minority Party the microphone to welcome the students on my behalf.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me this opportunity to welcome the students on your behalf.

I wish to welcome the students of Kapsabet Boys Junior School and the girls from Ogande Girls High School. For obvious reasons, I have a bias towards Ogande Girls High School.

First, is because they are girls, and I am too. Secondly, is that they come from Homa Bay County. Thirdly, my two sisters, Caroline Akinyi Odhiambo and Roseline Odhiambo are alumni. Growing up, I used to visit them so much. It was, and still is, one of the best schools. For the sake of the young ones who are here and especially the girls, I wish to say that when I joined Parliament, I was one of the 16 women in Parliament. We are now almost 100 and I am in my fourth term now. I noticed some of them when they came in…

No! We have not yet met. We are almost, but not yet. There are things we take for granted. We were speaking yesterday when we were celebrating the life of the late Hon. Phoebe

Asiyo, an iconic woman, also, from Homa Bay County. I was elected after a hiatus of almost 16 years. The last time a lady was elected in Homa Bay County, it was Hon. Phoebe Asiyo, then me. It took 16 years. But I want to tell the girls that when I came here, it was strange to see women in Parliament. In my lifetime, I have seen that changing. If we have reached this level, they can go beyond that. Whatever you want to be, you can be. It requires just hard work, commitment and focus.

This is not a debate but a welcome note to you all. Many people call me the bad girl and young people have asked me why I am called that. I will tell you why I am called a bad girl. You can also be a bad girl and a bad boy. I am bad because I do not conform to retrogressive things. I do not conform to a culture and religious practices, which are not even Biblical, but which take us backward. I do not conform to peer pressure and so, I can be called a good girl by my friends. If you are listening, whether you are a boy or a girl, do not conform to things that limit you and that will stop you from realising your dreams. The sky is the lower limit. Because you are young, it can be hard to estimate peoples’ ages. Many young people sometimes tell me I am in my 30s. I am in my 50s. Mentally, I am in my 30s, but my actual age is 50s. I have gone back to school. I would have met them outside, but I am leaving a bit early because I have a class. Do not stress or worry about little things like doing maths. Those things are very simple. Work hard, be focused and you will make it in life.

Welcome to Parliament. Look at the beautiful women from all over the country. We have Hon. Naisula from Samburu here and you will hear her speak. We have Hon. Catherine here from Busia, Hon. Haika from Mombasa, Hon. Beatrice from Kericho, Hon. Lillian from Trans Nzoia, Hon. Passaris from Nairobi, Hon. Donya from Kisii, Hon. Jerusha from Nyamira, and many others. We have amazing women. We also have Commissioner Hon. Mishi Mboko. Can you imagine coming to Parliament when there are powerful women? In my younger years, I never saw such things.

Why are all lady Members requesting to welcome students when we have very substantive business to transact?

Hon. Catherine Omanyo.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Welcome Ogande Girls High School. All these empty seats, mark which one will be yours soon. You have no excuse for failing, because you have the best of the best role models from your county. You have the bad girl here Hon. Millie, another bad one Hon. Gladys, other bad ones Hon. Eve Obara, Hon. Lillian Gogo and Hon. Bensuda, the Opuk. You just need to keep scoring. Your score must be genius because the bar has been raised so high for you. Keep

going up until you overtake the bad girl seated on my right side. It does not need a lot of thinking, just simple ways and no formula. Just target to be here.

Hon. Naisula Lesuuda, are you standing up to welcome Ogande Girls because it is the school of Dr Ida Betty Odinga or because it is the best school of the Temporary Speaker?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I can see your excitement. Thank you for giving us this opportunity. I had met you earlier in the day and you were very excited that a school from your county was coming here. I also see many other schools. I welcome them to Parliament.

Yes, Her Excellency Ida is a great educationist. She has done a lot in many of our schools. In my own constituency, she has sponsored children and equipped a dormitory at Kisima Mixed Secondary School. She has done a lot of good work in this country.

I am elected in a constituency called Samburu West. I am serving my second term as an elected Member, third term overall because I was also nominated. I want to tell you girls here that the women you see here have broken all the barriers for you. There is no barrier. We have already been called all sorts of names. We have knocked all doors. For you, it is just to pass through those doors and go up. Just look at these women. That is why some of us are okay to be called all manner of names or be told we cannot lead, so that those who come behind us will find that we have opened doors for them. So, you have no excuse, my dear sisters. For the boys, please catch up with us because the girls are going very far.

Thank you very much.

So that the boys in the House do not feel left out, let us hear Hon. Caroli Omondi. Female Members in the House forget that boys are also in the Speaker’s Gallery. Could you welcome them to the House?

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. As a matter of fact, I used to cause more happiness to the girls of Ogande when we visited them on outings as students from Homa Bay High School.

You see, the ladies have said quite a lot, but they did not say that in Ogande they say, ‘Go forth in faith.’ That should tell you I used to visit the school and I had very many friends.

I take this opportunity to warmly welcome you and to acknowledge the good history of the school and that of Kapsabet Junior Secondary School. Kapsabet has already produced a President. The late President Moi schooled there. Ogande Girls High School has produced Mama Ida Odinga. I think the library is well done. I normally pass there and I will be there on Saturday for the 21-kilometre run. Thank you very much. God bless you.

Hon. Passaris, I know you will not forgive me if you do not welcome Ogande Girls High School to Nairobi, your county. Please do so in exactly a minute, so that we can go back to business.

Thank you.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I would like to welcome all the students that are here. I really like what Hon. Caroli Omondi has said - go forth in faith. I feel that is what our girls should do when the boys come across. When the boys come across, girls, remember you will end up pregnant. When they come, just say, ‘go forth in faith’, and that, ‘We are here to study.’ It shows they were always trying to tune girls from a very early stage. I want you to focus on your studies because it is important. It is the only thing that will inspire you to make a better life for yourselves and your families tomorrow. Focus on your studies and work very hard.

Hon. Caroli, what is out of order.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I agree with the advice of go forth in faith, but Hon. Passaris is forgetting Jesus Christ was conceived in faith by divine visitation and so, her statement may not be very accurate.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Passaris, correct your statement and conclude.

I still tell the girls to focus on their studies. We do not want you to become statistics in terms of teenage pregnancies. We want you to be educated and be able to provide for yourselves.

Hon. Millie Odhiambo, what is out of order?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I think you have noticed Hon. Caroli is exceptionally excited today. Can he declare his interest that he used to have a girlfriend in Ogande Girls High School in his days?

Hon. Caroli, proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, on some things, because of time and the extended networks we now have, we would like to keep them covered. I can only confess that she was called Carol.

Thank you very much.

Hon. Millie, never seek such clarification. In law, we have a doctrine called res ipsa loquitur, meaning the facts speak for themselves. From the very moment we saw Hon. Caroli excited, we knew he had some special relationship with Ogande Girls High School.

Hon. Esther Passaris, conclude. We want to go back to business.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I would also like to welcome them to Nairobi County. I am the Member of Parliament for Nairobi County. Enjoy the City and remember that we are rooting for you to become the future leaders of tomorrow. Welcome to Nairobi County and to the National Parliament of Kenya.

Thank you all Members who have welcomed all the visiting institutions to the House. On my own behalf and on behalf of the National Assembly, I welcome them again and wish them well as they engage in their study tour.

Hon. Momanyi Jerusha, the Temporary Speaker stood down the matter. It is no longer available for contribution. Next is Hon. Mishi Mboko.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. While I appreciate the information and answers given by the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, I just need some clarification because I feel there is no commitment in the answers

that have been given as per my questions. For instance, we are told that the Mtongwe-Mainland Ramp was completed and handed over to the Kenya Ports Authority in May of 2023 and stayed there for over two years. However, we do not have the other one which is the Mtongwe-Island Ramp. We have not been told how much was budgeted and whether the budget was enough for the Mtongwe-Island Ramp or when construction of the ramp will commence.

Earlier during the 2023/2024 Financial Year, we were told that there was a budget constraint and that is why they could not manage to construct the other ramp in Mtongwe- Island. I was expecting the Cabinet Secretary to give us a timeline and commitment to finish the Mtongwe-Island Ramp, so that the operation of the Mtongwe Ferry Channel can start.

Also, the report mentioned that MV Jambo’s engine is being overhauled and MV Nyali is scheduled for dry docking. What is the specific confirmed timeline for those ferries to be returned to service? You can imagine that we will not have two ferries which means we are going to have a very big challenge in terms of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Therefore, we will also need a commitment and specific timeline when the repairs of the two ferries will be done, and when they will return in operation.

The Ministry’s response mentioned that the repair of firefighting, detection and suppression system on several ferries is at the contract-signing stage. We have not been told when the signing is going to be done, when they are going to award the contracts or when it is going to commence. The response by the Ministry mentions very many things, but lacks both commitment and timelines.

It mentioned several long-term strategies which none are concrete, including a traffic circulation plan, pedestrian holding bay and the Likoni Aerial Cable Car Project, but failed to mention the timelines or needed funding. When are they going to commence? Do we have the funding? The people of Likoni Constituency as well as our Tanzania neighbours, whom the channel also caters for, need answers to the questions of funding and timelines.

We have also talked about the Dongo Kundu Bypass. As much as it is there, it is yet to be officially opened. The Bypass still does not allow heavy commercial vehicles. Only saloon cars can use it at the moment. When are they going to finish the pending small issues and officially open it? This will allow the heavy commercial vehicles to use that road and reduce the congestion at the ferry channel.

Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Roads and Transport.

With regard to the long-term projects that are in place, we are aware that most of the roads that are stalled in the country have now commenced and part of the Dongo Kundu section that had not been completed, the contractor is now back on site. We hope to give further details on the progress of that road, which has really helped to ease the Likoni Channel by reducing the traffic of sedan vehicles and now it is going to reduce that of commercial vehicles when it is complete.

On the question of the design of the ramp on the other side of the Likoni Channel, which currently has been budgeted for in this Financial Year, we shall then be moving forward to provide more details of the amount of the budget that has been allocated. But the design has been commissioned for the works so that we can be able to see how long it is going to take.

I appreciate the further questions that have been presented by the Member, asking the specific dates and timelines, which I think we are going to use to make further inquiries and supply the Member with answers.

I thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Very well. Hon. Mishi, are you fully satisfied?

Yes, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am satisfied with the answers and I am also ready to appear before the Committee. Maybe, the Chairperson will also call me with the specific timeline as he has noted in his response.

I thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Great. Let us move to the next response to statement. It is by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee of Roads and Transport, again, to Hon. Catherine Omanyo.

Is Hon. Omanyo in the House? She is not in the House. Therefore, as tradition provides, you may table the Statement. Proceed and table the Statement because Hon. Omanyo is not in the House.

Let us move to the next Order.

Hon. Members, debate on this Bill has a balance of 2 hours and 34 minutes. There is no specific Member who was on the Floor and, therefore, I give this chance to Hon. Esther Passaris.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise in strong support of the Bill and commend its Mover, Hon. Naisula Lessuda, for

bringing before this House such a timely and necessary piece of legislation. I speak today not only as a legislator, but also as a rider who has personally experienced the dangers on our roads when you are not inside a car.

In June 2018, I rode my bicycle from my house in Kitisuru, Westlands, to Parliament. What should have been a refreshing, healthy and sustainable way to travel quickly turned into a journey of constant fear. At every turn, I felt the risk of being sideswiped, pushed off the road, or trapped between speeding vehicles and open drains. There was no safe, continuous lane for me as a cyclist. I was constantly forced into fast-moving traffic or onto narrow, uneven pedestrian paths. And it was not just the motorists in cars. I also faced the indiscipline of boda boda riders who weave in and out of traffic without warning, ride on pedestrian walkways and cut across lanes with little regard for the safety of others. Many boda boda riders are hard- working Kenyans earning an honest living, but the lack of regulation, enforcement and training means far too many operate without discipline or respect for the rules of the road.

This Bill is about correcting the deep injustices that have been built into our transport system. It will require that all new roads, and any undergoing major repairs or upgrades, include safe and accessible infrastructure for non-motorised transport. Cycling lanes, pedestrian walkways and proper crossings. I must be clear. Motorbikes and motorcycles are not non- motorised transport. Whether fuel-powered or electric, they are motorised vehicles. They do not belong in the non-motorised transport lanes. Allowing boda-bodas into those lanes would defeat the purpose of this amendment and put vulnerable road users, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities in even greater danger. Why does this matter? It is because of safety. Vulnerable road users cannot compete with the speed, weight and unpredictability of boda bodas. It is also about equity. Those without cars have as much right to safe mobility as anyone else.

It is about health and climate. Walking and cycling reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and improve public health.

It is about standards and obligations. This aligns with Kenya’s global safety norms and our Vision 2030 commitments.

We often speak about road safety in statistics, but behind every number is a life cut short and a family devastated. On that ride in 2018, I realised how easily I could have become one of those statistics. One careless driver, one reckless boda boda, one moment of inattention, and I might not be here speaking to you today. Kenya today is like a construction site, with hundreds of road projects ongoing. This Bill ensures that, as we invest billions in our road network, we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. We must not lay a fresh surface over the same patterns of exclusion.

I urge Members to picture the school-child walking to class along the edge of a busy road, the market trader cycling with goods and the man in a wheelchair trying to cross without a ramp. Stand in their shoes. Feel their vulnerability. This is not a radical proposal. It is a responsible one. It is about building roads for people, not just for vehicles.

I support the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill wholeheartedly, not just as a rider, but as a Kenyan who believes that safe, dignified and inclusive mobility should be the right of all Kenyans.

Thank you.

Hon. James Nyikal.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I rise to support this Bill. It is long overdue. The object of this Bill is noble. The design and construction of lanes for non-motorised traffic by the four agencies is essential. These are not just lanes. We will have cycling lanes, cycling tracks and pedestrian walkways. With that, we will have a complete, integrated road system.

In Clause 4, the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) is called upon to ensure that all the roads it builds conform to those requirements. Clause 5 does the same for the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and Clause 3 for the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). We should have done this a long time ago. The current construction of roads is discriminatory. People who are not using motorised vehicles are, in many cases, the majority of taxpayers. Yet, when roads are built, the designs rarely take into consideration the large number of people who walk, cycle or use wheelchairs. Those are the people who suffer the most. It is, therefore, important, as a matter of equity, that we support this Bill and see it become law.

The safety issues are obvious. If you look at most of our roads, those not in motorised vehicles are often squeezed into unsafe spaces. In rural areas, people walk on the grass or in the bushes because there are no tracks or walkways. It feels like the roads were not meant for them. And indeed, by design, they are not. When you look at the data on road injuries and deaths, pedestrians and cyclists account for a higher proportion of those harmed, followed by motorcyclists. Even though the latter are motorised, they are also vulnerable. This is not just a safety issue. It is also a health issue and a human rights issue. These structures will improve safety for all road users.

We will also save money. Many people who get injured remain in hospitals, are permanently maimed, or develop disabilities. They continue to consume medical and support resources. If we prevent those injuries, we reduce that cost. This will also improve the quality of the roads themselves. Many of our roads are narrow and unmarked. When we introduce designated cycling lanes, tracks, and walkways, proper marking becomes mandatory. Even structurally, such roads will be built better. Right now, many roads end abruptly with sharp edges. With proper pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, the road shoulders, the parts that meet the verge, will need to be better constructed and safer. Non-motorised users do not exert the same pressure on roads as heavy vehicles and so, they help preserve the road surface.

By building those walkways and tracks, we are also protecting the main carriageway and reducing maintenance costs. However, even after we build them, we must enforce traffic rules. It is unfortunate that even where non-motorised lanes exist, some motorised vehicles still use them. Barriers can help, but they are expensive. It is important to ensure that traffic rules are enforced because it will protect pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users. I would like to comment on what I see in this City. I do not understand why the traffic police have decided that motorcyclists are above the law. They use the wrong side of the road and cross haphazardly. One might think that somebody is being considerate by giving them time to pass, but evidence shows that motorcyclists suffer more injuries this way than if they actually followed the rules.

When I was in Vietnam, I was amazed at how organised motorcyclists are and how they obey traffic rules. It is neat and safe. You do not even have to go as far as Vietnam to see what is happening. Just go to Rwanda. Whoever made the decision to exempt motorcyclists from following traffic rules is doing them a disservice. They should look at the data to see how many motorcyclists die or get maimed because they have been allowed to use the road as they want. It is obvious that even in the slightest interaction between a car, bus or lorry and a motorcycle, the motorcyclist is more likely to be hurt. Allowing them to move as they want is unfair and exposes them to danger. I call upon the traffic police to enforce the law to protect motorcyclists from the danger they are in today.

With those remarks, Hon. Temporary Speaker, I support this Bill.

Hon. Members, before the next speaker, even though some have left, for record purposes, we acknowledge the presence of Frs Lelei and Toror School from Mosop Constituency, Nandi, and Ndhiwa Elite Educational

Centre from Ndhiwa Constituency, Homa Bay County, who were seated in the Speaker's Gallery. Let us hear from Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity. This is one of the best Bills we can discuss here. Of course, the Mover should go further, but she is not in the House. The roads that are being constructed are very narrow. In my constituency, there is a 41-kilometre road that is under construction. When you look at it, you will be disappointed. It is very narrow. After completion, one would expect it to be aligned on the left and right-hand sides and include markings for cyclists, but there is nothing. Even the centre of the road has no markings. I asked the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) to come and look at the road to see if they could mark it. It should be marked so that whenever there is an accident, you can determine who was in the wrong. However, they have not done anything.

As previously pointed out by my colleague, daktari, I think it is time traffic law enforcers do some benchmarking. Recently, I was in the Far East, where I saw roads were properly marked and the motorcycles had a designated side. They do not drive in the middle of the road. While driving here, you often see a motorcycle right in the middle of the road. You cannot overtake and, therefore, you just have to follow them until they are tired and decide to move off the road.

I think it is time for us, particularly those who are concerned with traffic, to go out and benchmark. There is nothing wrong with learning from others. When I was in Singapore, I saw a very narrow road that was properly marked. You could see motorcycles and vehicles, including huge trucks, moving on both sides without posing any danger. One of the residents told me that there are hardly road accidents in that area because the roads are well marked and people know what is supposed to be done. Additionally, you will find that, regardless of how old they are, many vehicles do not have functioning signals. That must also be looked into. In the past, you would be driving and a policeman would stop you and check your indicators and rear lights. Today, when someone stops ahead of you, there is no indication that they are stopping, turning right or left, or proceeding. That is why we have so many accidents. At the end of the day, if somebody is involved in an accident, it is the Member of Parliament who is supposed to pay all the bills.

As we address this, traffic officers should also undergo refresher courses and benchmark to see what is done elsewhere. When people come to Kenya, they ask: “How do you people drive here?” Even the tourists are not safe.

In conclusion, we do not have any problem with the landscape of our country. Our land is quite good. We do not have valleys like other countries. We should tell road contractors to construct wider roads and widen those that are already narrow. Those are some of the proposals that this Committee should come up with to ensure safety on the roads.

I support this Bill and look forward to improvements thereafter. Thank you.

Hon. Siyoi.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I also stand to support this Amendment Bill. There is so much negligence on the roads, starting with road signage. Most roads lack signs and you cannot tell if there is a bump ahead, a sharp corner or any other dangerous thing as you drive. In my view, we left out important things when we were designing our roads. As the sponsor of this Bill has said, we have a big problem. Most cyclists and pedestrians do not have paths to ride or walk on. The roads are too narrow as though they were designed for vehicles only. The roads need to be redesigned to create cyclist and pedestrian paths. We must also train our motor cyclists because majority of them have learned to ride motorbikes from their fellow riders. They do not have any knowledge or skill because they have not attended driving schools due to the high charges. We can

accommodate them by reducing the fee for driving schools so that they can pay for driving lessons. Alternatively, the Government can take upon itself to train all motorists to reduce the number of accidents on our roads. The majority of accidents on our roads are caused because of the negligence of motorists. I support the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill that has been brought by Hon. Naisula Lesuuda before this House.

Thank you.

Hon. Ahmed Shakeel.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. First, I commend Hon. Lesuuda for bringing this Bill. Installation of a bicycle lane is not an expensive exercise. As a matter of fact, it is called light duty road. It does not need a heavy tarmac like what is required for our main roads. When I was the Mayor of Kisumu City, we started constructing bicycle lanes on the main roads. We were regarded as the headquarters of boda bodas. We had bicycle lanes along the Kakamega and Agha Khan roads. However, that was overtaken by events when county governments took charge of those roads and people started building kiosks along them. It is not a very expensive exercise. It has been done elsewhere. It is the responsibility of the country to do that.

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) , the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) are cutting corners. We have seen a number of flyovers in places where there are no other ways for crossing roads, walkways and bicycle lanes. Those things are ridiculous. If you go to China in the Far East and Europe, cyclists, including politicians, ride bicycles because it is safe. Here, whatever we did to have bicycle lanes was trashed by non-conformists and people who wanted to breach the law.

The Bill says – and I raise this so that the sponsor of the Bill can look at it – that there should be non-motorised vehicles in the bicycle lanes. It does not exclude a bicycle boda boda. A bicycle boda boda is as dangerous as a motorised boda boda. If we are going to have walking lanes and bicycle lanes for bicycles and tricycles like wheel chairs, they must exclude the boda boda cyclists who carry passengers for money. They are very rough and they cause accidents. I was told that it is difficult to put up barriers. It is not. All that needs to be done is putting up a small hedge that vehicles cannot cross.

The other issue that everyone is complaining about is the indiscipline of buses and government vehicles. They use bicycle lanes when they are trying to make through traffic. I want to bring to your attention the fact that it is not only motorcyclists who have become law unto themselves, but also our VIP and Government vehicles. The road near Nyayo House is a one-way road. However, the number of Government and VIP vehicles that go across that way blocking the traffic along that stretch are many.

We would love to be cyclists. It is important that the amendment Bill demands county governments to put up bicycle lanes. We should not restrict ourselves to new roads. We should start with the existing ones and take it forward from there. With those few remarks, I beg to support the Bill with the amendments that I have proposed.

Thank you.

Hon. Makali Mulu.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me this opportunity. I want to join my colleagues in appreciating the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill that has been moved by Hon. Lesuuda. The Bill proposes the creation of a number of lanes like a pedestrian lane and a cyclists’ lane in addition to the main lanes that cars use on roads.

Many colleagues have said that the Bill ought to have been brought before this House many years ago. Any time you drive on our roads, you will see what happens and appreciate the need for such a Bill. A lot of us have travelled outside this country. Some of the countries

that we have gone to are not advanced. They are either at our level or below our level. The design of their roads is impressive.

A month ago, I was in Rwanda. When a pedestrian walks in that country, he is so sure that he will reach safely to his destination. They have a separate lane for pedestrians to use where they are not bothered by anything else but fellow human beings. Here, you will understand that there is no order on our roads when you drive. Pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicycles cross all over the place. At times, you could be focusing on the car ahead of you and then, all of a sudden, a pedestrian crosses the road. Some of them have no discipline. They run as if they are doing 100 metres. By the time you realise what is happening, you will have knocked them down. Statistics confirm that we have a problem. The number of pedestrians that we are losing through road accidents is so high for a country like ours, if our population and economic level is anything to go by. Therefore, we need to seriously think about creating additional lanes on our roads so that our pedestrians and cyclists are safe.

There is a problem of encroachment of road reserves in our country. I always wonder about us. Probably, when God was creating Kenyans, land was very scarce since every Kenyan wants to own land irrespective of what it is. We have encroached on our road reserves to an extent that we do not have space to create additional lanes. That is one of the challenges that we have.

the construction of those lanes. Additionally, we must allocate more resources in our budget to ensure we have sufficient funds for that project. I support.

Those who have questioned why Clause 9 states what it does, consider the insights provided by Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu. There is significant land acquisition and reclamation required to achieve our intended goals.

Next is Hon. Robert Basil.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for allowing me to contribute to this (Amendment) Bill. At the outset, I would like to thank my friend, Hon. Lesuuda, for bringing this (Amendment) Bill No.31 of 2024, which aims to provide cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways.

This amendment reminds me of the renowned author, Ken Walibora, who wrote the book "Siku Njema." Tragically, he lost his life due to the absence of pedestrian walkways. He was knocked down by a vehicle. We lost a brilliant mind because of lack of walkways. I also happen to know a renowned lawyer, Ajaa Olubayi, who was hit by a vehicle while crossing Thika Road due to the lack of pedestrian facilities. This underscores the importance of this Bill, as it seeks to mitigate accidents that arise from the absence of cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways.

In first-world countries, engineers consider those factors when they are designing roads, unlike our engineers who, regrettably, often overlook them.

There are numerous benefits to having cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways. To mention just a few, there are significant health benefits. Lifestyle diseases such as obesity and high blood pressure could be reduced by encouraging people to walk. This initiative promotes a healthier society. Moreover, mental well-being can also be positively impacted.

Another critical advantage is the reduction of air pollution, as more walking and cycling will lead to decreased emissions of carbon monoxide and other harmful gases from vehicles. If we provide cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways, people will be less dependent on vehicles. Though this is critical to this country, it will help mitigate climate change that is caused by greenhouse gases and emissions from vehicles.

Importantly, Hon. Temporary Speaker, by amending this Bill, we are going to reduce transport costs. Some people will walk to work. If the pedestrian walkways and safe cycling lanes are provided, the cost associated with paying exorbitant bus fares and driving one's car to work will be reduced. This will be a very significant cost reduction considering the increased cost of living in this country. It is important we amend this Bill. Actually, it should have been done way before, as the previous speakers have mentioned.

Additionally, there are social benefits linked to the provision of cycling lanes and walkways. People can talk, interact, and even date; and much will come from that. We have seen this happen in other countries, where there is strong social cohesion. We have heard of nations that are not divided. Recently, we have observed aggression from the Gen Zs, as well as stress that is caused by lack of social interaction, which could be alleviated by having pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes.

This will also ease road congestion. We have seen the madness in this country. When you get to Nairobi, you even wonder whether it is the City that is said to be the economic powerhouse of East and Central Africa, a city where many would want to visit; the gateway to Africa. But the madness we see, the congestion on the roads, matatus overlapping, and no walkways or cycling lanes leaves us wondering. Amending this Bill will have many benefits. That is why I will not mince my words. I fully support this amendment.

I will also bring an amendment seeking to decongest our police stations. Once I bring it and we pass this, we will bring sanity to this country. We will be proud of our country, as well as have a City that we can enjoy living in.

With those few remarks, I submit. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I support.

Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to first and foremost appreciate my colleague, Hon. Lesuuda, for thinking wisely and coming up with this great Bill. Whereas Hon. Lesuuda is addressing the gist of the Bill, allow me to go straight to the benefits that will accrue should this Bill be enacted into law. Many times, people have mistaken cycling for poverty. Allow me to say it is not.

Cycling is going to ease lifestyle diseases. Once you work out by cycling, if you are diabetic or have high blood pressure, and you keep your body in motion, it will not be the same as for somebody who is seated in a Toyota Landcruiser V8. There will be a higher chance for the person in the Toyota LandcruiserV8 facing more danger in his life. Cycling is a form of working out. The benefits are measurable. You can enjoy and live longer.

For those of us who have visited China, when you alight at a toll station, the first thing you see are the many cyclists coming out of that place. The Chinese live well because they work out. Let all Kenyans do away with the assumption that cycling is a sign of poverty. It keeps your body strong.

I also want to look at the cost-benefit that will come with this. Moving from Upper Hill to Town while cycling will cost you nothing. The wear and tear of the rubber will be minimal. In a month, the cost will be minimal. Unlike today, coming from Upper Hill to Town will take you more time because of traffic jam. There is also the issue of wear and tear because of the vehicle that you will use. Therefore, cycling will ease your ability to move from one corner to another without necessarily costing time and money.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, there is also the issue of cost of land. What is it that gives appetite to land grabbers? It is unutilised land like the pavements which belong to Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) . The land grabber will simply move in. We can put this into law and put walkways or a cycling lane on the edge of the highways. Nobody will grab that space because it will be in use. The land along Nairobi-Nakuru Highway to Western Kenya is unutilised and that is why it becomes accessible to land grabbers.

Our population is on the rise both in urban and rural areas. We can no longer differentiate urban areas from rural areas. Whether going to school or to the market or going to church, the streets are usually densely populated and yet, we need to move from one place to another. Motorising will not be the solution but cycling will be the ultimate solution. It will be easier and cheaper for a family to use one or two bicycles to move from one place to another.

Finally, what is the impact of westernisation of the use a bicycle? Kenyans want to drive a Toyota Landcruiser V8 or a V6 engine vehicle but how many of those V6 engine vehicles do you see in London when you travel? It is paltry. This is to mean the West has already embraced low-cost living on a good surface. This Bill proposes building of good infrastructure. Let us not say we are riding a bicycle on a murram road. Let us ride a bicycle on tarmac roads. We have already been taught about the use of bicycles through westernisation and once we adopt this Bill, we shall move on well.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I support the Bill.

Hon. Julius Melly, Member of Parliament for Tinderet.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I want to laud the honourable Member for Samburu, Hon. Lesuuda, for bringing this very progressive Bill. This Bill is timely and important. This country is one of the developed countries in this region. It cannot be said more than that. Despite the creation of those three agencies, that is, Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) , Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the main one, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) , they have all failed to put in place lanes for non-motorised transport to be used by pedestrians, cyclists and those who pull carts. Our roads are the most dangerous compared to several countries in this region.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, Kenya prides itself as having a well-developed road network in the East Africa region, but it is also a country that is full of disorder. You will realise that Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) have constructed very good and paved roads in the cities. However, they have not considered the cyclists and pedestrians lanes. Sometimes, the motorist interferes even with the pedestrian walk. That is why I request and propose that we need to introduce very serious penalties on those individuals who actually cross into the walkways, cyclists’ ways and, more importantly, those who disregard traffic rules.

From this Bill, the Traffic Department within the National Police Service should enforce the laws. The road carnage we have in the country is at another level. The motorists and the drivers of the matatus and vehicles used by Government officers and motorcycle riders drive and ride in every direction. Even Members of Parliament are culprits in this. It is important that we let the rule of law prevail not only for any other person, but also for every citizen in the country.

The Bill asks all road users and contractors to put very legible road signs. I am using the word “legible” to note that some contractors, out of saving money, put substandard walkways. At times, the quality of the tarmac on the walkways is very poor, and it wears out very fast. Secondly, the quality of the road signs is very poor. At times, they disregard the construction of the walkways because of trying to save and make profits. It is important for the implementing agencies and the Committee on Implementation to ensure that what the Bill is actually asking and the regulations that will be put in place by the Cabinet Secretary, are followed to the letter.

You realise that even the flora and fauna in the city - the grass and flowers - are trampled upon because of lack of walkways. Our City is known as the ‘green city in the sun’, but it is one of the dustiest cities around today. That is why I am asking that we provide the walkways because cycling is very healthy. A bicycle is not a poor man's means of transport. It is very healthy for us. By the end of the day, if we are going to restrict cyclists moving on those particular paths and we take care of them, even if we reduce road carnage, it will even reduce lifestyle diseases.

This is a very important Bill which I support. I shall propose amendments to it, especially on penalties that will ensue on individuals who will not follow the Bill and, more importantly, on county governments like Nairobi City County here and others which have dilapidated roads. Where there were roads, we need to construct them and ensure that this Bill is implemented. However, I have a question to the Member about the implementation time which is 15 years. I request that we reduce it because it is too long. It will not be very expensive to put up walkways within the first few years. We can implement it and make our roads safer and for better use.

I thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Eric Muchangi, Member for Runyenjes.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. At the outset, I support this Bill. I thank Hon. Naisula Lesuuda for sponsoring it and still thank her for her consistency in sponsoring Bills in this House. There is a lot we have learnt from her as young Members of Parliament on matters to do with sponsoring Bills.

As I said, this is a very progressive and futuristic Bill. I believe many of us have travelled out of the country and have seen what developed nations have done with their roads, especially in terms of planning. This is because for the longest time, motorcyclists have been harassed on the roads severally by other road-users until they get discouraged. I believe with the introduction of cycling lanes, more people will be interested in cycling because they will not get harassed and their lives will not be put at risk by other road users, especially motor

vehicle drivers. We have witnessed that very many the accidents on the roads arise from harassment where some road users imagine they have more authority on the road than cyclists. Going forward, especially in major cities which are very congested with many people, we would like to see roads being constructed with a provision for cycling lanes.

I support this Bill because it also has health benefits. When more people cycle, they exercise and end up benefiting in terms of health.

So, Hon. Temporary Speaker, I support.

Hon. Harold Kipchumba Kimuge is recognised to make his maiden speech.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, although this would not be my maiden speech. I just want to contribute towards this Bill. At the outset, I congratulate Hon. Naisula for sponsoring this Bill. I want to be specific on the benefits we, persons with disabilities and those people who may temporarily need to use crutches, wheelchairs and stretchers, will benefit.

Access to safe, inclusive and well-designed infrastructure is not a privilege; it is a basic right. For us who use crutches or wheelchairs, features such as sidewalks, ramps and non- motorised roads are not conveniences, they are essential. They bring dignity to our lives. They give us independence and bring equality.

Many years ago when I was a pupil at Nile Road Special School in Ofafa Jericho Estate, Nairobi City County, between 1970 and 1972, many of us with disabilities were able to move around because the roads were not populated and were well designed and had spaces. Right now, 60 years down the line, there are fewer persons with disabilities in our streets because of the design of our roads. There are many gaping holes and barriers, and ramps do not exist. Therefore, I support this Bill for it shall improve accessibility and allow individuals who use wheelchairs, crutches or other mobility aids to move freely and confidently. With those facilities in place, they will help us access schools, workplaces, markets and health services. They will open doors for more disabled users to go to school and access education, get to their places of work and even reach out for healthcare. When the infrastructure is available, it empowers us to be independent by allowing us to move freely and independently.

Lastly, inclusive infrastructure is not a charity, but an act of justice. If we build our cities, towns and villages to be accessible to everybody, no one will be left behind. This will bring us on board as fair competitors in our country.

I support the Bill, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Rashid Bedzimba.

Ahsante sana, Mhe. Spika wa Muda, kwa kunipa fursa hii nichangie Mswada huu. Kwa kweli, nimesimama kuunga mkono Mswada huu. Barabara zetu nyingi nchini bado hazijakamilika kwa sababu barabara isiyokuwa na nafasi ya watembeaji wa miguu, walemavu, wanaotumia baiskeli za ulemavu na baiskeli, bado haijakamilika. Barabara zetu nyingi si pana. Hii inasababisha msongamano wa magari na wananchi kutembea pamoja katika sehemu za barabara. Hii husababisha ajali nyingi sana. Hapa kwetu, ajali nyingi zinapatikana kwa sababu barabara si pana.

Ukitembea sehemu zote katika ulimwengu, barabara haiwezi kukamilishwa kama haina nafasi ya watu kutembea na baiskeli. Lakini hapa kwetu, tunatenga fedha lakini wanajenga barabara ya magari peke yake. Sio wote wana magari. Watu wengine walio na magari pia wanapenda kutembea kwa miguu, lakini hakuna hiyo nafasi. Hata ukimwachilia mtoto wako akitoka shule, una wasiwasi mpaka afike nyumbani.

Marekebisho haya yangefanywa haraka ili yapitishwe na kuanzia sasa, barabara zote ambazo zinajengwa, kwa sababu Mhe. Rais ametoa agizo barabara nyingi zijengwe, lazima ziwe na nafasi hiyo ya watu kutembea kwa miguu, wale wa baiskeli na wale wa viatu vya

utelezi. Kuna vijana sasa hawapendi kupanda magari. Wanatumia viatu vya utelezi, lakini hawana mahali pa kutembelea. Wanatumia barabara ambayo inasababisha ajali.

Barabara zetu pia hazina alama zinazoelekeza jinsi ya kutumia taratibu za hiyo barabara. Zote zinafaa kuwa na alama za kuonyesha hapa ni kwa watu wanaotumia baiskeli na wanaotembea kwa miguu hawawezi kutumia hapo. Wasiweke tu lami kwa barabara. Wahakikishe wameweka alama ili mtu akipita ajue hapo alipo ni mahali pa kutembea. Hii itapunguza ajali nyingi.

Hata mtu akija ataona kwamba sisi tumejipanga. Hakuna haja ya kujenga barabara halafu urudi tena kuijenga hiyo tu barabara tena. Hii itakuwa kupoteza fedha. Inafaa iwe kuwa ile zabuni inayotoka ya kwanza itilie maanani barabara ya kutembelea kwa miguu na baiskeli. Barabara zetu vile zilivyo hazina urafiki na walemavu kabisa. Unapata mahali ambapo watu wanatembea kwa miguu pana shimo nyingi na drainage zinapita chini yake. Hayajazibwa. Mlemavu atatembea namna gani? Hii pia ni hatari kwa watoto wa shule.

Kwa hivyo, nimesimama kuunga mkono kwamba hiyo taratibu iwekwe maanani na ianze mara moja.

Ahsante.

Hon. Mishi Mboko. May I request that we conscript.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me this opportunity. I appreciate my sister, Hon. Naisula for bringing this amendment Bill which is long overdue. I strongly support this Bill because of a clause that says that all roads must be safe and fair for everyone. It is like the roads we have right now have just been built for car owners and users, and not pedestrians or cyclists.

A study by the World Bank in 2019 says that over 70 per cent of Kenyans walk or cycle daily. That means there must be roads that are safe for them so that they do not face the dangerous accidents which we see daily on our roads. I support this Bill because it will make our roads fair and safe, giving our people the respect they deserve. This is because for such a long time, we have neglected pedestrians, cyclists and persons with disabilities. You need to note that most of the roads in our country are one or two lanes, and they are always very busy. You can therefore imagine a road which has only two lanes and yet, we have pedestrians, cyclists and motorists using the same road. It is very chaotic and dangerous.

This Bill will also require all new roads done and big roads re-done to include special lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. Those lanes must be designed in a way that even persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs can use them. The Bill talks about updating the designs and rules in terms of designs for our roads. The roads we have right now have to be changed and future roads need to adopt those new designs. The designs must have uniformity and standards for lanes for non-motorised transport. That is for the pedestrians and cyclists. I support it because it will force road planners to care about the majority who walk. Today, those who use cars are very few in our country. Most people prefer walking and cycling.

I am also so shocked to note that 48 per cent of deaths in Kenyan roads are those of pedestrians. It means that this Bill will ensure that we minimise deaths of pedestrians. The 2019 World Bank study shows that over 70 per cent of Kenyans walk or cycle on a daily basis. You can imagine that. Even in the ferries of Nyanza and Coast regions, it is unfortunate that we do not have designated lanes for motorists, cyclists or pedestrians. That is why most of the time we have accidents, even on the ferries. It is high time that, that is done not only on the roads, but also at the ferries because we use them every day. We should have those markings or rather create a lane.

We are going to save the lives of Kenyans, especially on the busy streets, by introducing special lanes that are designated for pedestrians and cyclists. My colleague, Hon. Bedzimba, has mentioned that it is not just about creating lanes, but also about adding safety markings

such as zebra crossings. Not all roads have zebra crossing signs. When I visited other countries, like Dubai recently, I saw areas that are clearly marked. If you walk through those areas, no car will hit you because it is a rule that every driver must follow those regulations.

I support this because it is a simple, proven, fixed, separate lane for pedestrians. It is just a matter of fixing, because we already have the infrastructure. For future infrastructure as well, we must ensure that we include lanes for pedestrians. This will reduce accidents countrywide and also address the high number of pedestrian deaths in Kenya. Because of other business, I will end it here, and congratulate my sister for bringing this Bill.

Hon. John Kaguchia.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I begin by congratulating Hon. Lesuuda for bringing such a useful Bill to the House. I agree with the other contributors to this Bill that the majority of Kenyans are road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists. It is interesting that over the years, we have invested so much money to serve the minority of Kenyans who use highways in their vehicles. The colossal amounts we have spent should make us a bit embarrassed, considering that we are trying to uplift those at the lower levels of our economy and yet, we continue to ignore them year after year. When we are designing our major highways, we fail to consider them at all.

Well-designed roads and walkways will help improve the comfort and safety of Kenyans, and boost the morale of the majority and, indeed, the 70 per cent who use footpaths. It will also be noted that walking and cycling to work also improves fitness, health, and definitely the mental well-being of our people. If well implemented, this will improve the morale of our citizens, support their mental well-being, and help reduce the depression we are currently witnessing. When you talk about the constructing of those walkways, we must ensure they are comfortable. I therefore propose that we plant trees along the walkways. We should also install benches so that those who become tired while walking can rest, and can also enjoy the shade from the trees that we plant along the paths.

For this to work, we must improve the general state of our infrastructure. Most of the roads we use today have open manholes, trenches, and drainage pits. To encourage citizens to walk and make the experience comfortable for them, this Bill must be supported with proper resource mobilisation. I agree with other Members that the implementation period should not be as long as 15 years. It should be reduced, perhaps, by half. We must ensure that all manholes are covered and all open trenches and drainage channels are properly sealed, so that our people do not get injured along the way.

Yes, we will pass this Bill, but do we have the spaces and road reserves necessary to do this? The answer is as good as your thoughts are. Many areas and spaces have already been grabbed, encroached on and stolen. Therefore, one of the riders that we must provide is reclamation of all stolen and encroached spaces so that we can have them for public use.

If you take a walk along Mombasa Road, at the junction of Mombasa Road and City Cabanas, where the Eastern Bypass begins, from 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m., you will be very surprised at the masses of people who walk across that road. They squeeze themselves in between cars and walls. It is such a pathetic situation and yet, the road users are all stuck again in traffic. Why? Because pedestrians and motor vehicles all use the same road. Pedestrians play cat and mouse games along the road. And for that reason, we all get stuck in the traffic.

If you visit Mukurweini Town today, you will realise that between the town and Wakulima Dairy and Mukurweini Level 4 Hospital, there are very many people who walk along that road. But do they have somewhere to walk? They do not. Between Mukurweini Town and Muhito Primary School, we encounter the same problem. That is the same situation between Gikondi Shopping Centre and Mukurweini Technical Training Institute. There are many students who walk along that road. It is always full of students. In my opinion, we ought to have invested much more money on walk paths than we probably have done. I strongly

support this Bill so that it can help us solve this old problem in our country. We should put our thoughts and resources where it matters most - where the population is.

Sometimes, I imagine that instead of investing so much on expressways for vehicles, we need to invest a little bit more on mass carriages, like light rail and express lanes for buses. This is to ensure that we can carry masses from point A to point B, rather than carry one or two people in one vehicle, who are able to pay to use the expressway. We need to rethink and put our minds back to the masses, the people at the low echelons of our society.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to make my contribution.

Hon. Moses Kirima, followed by Hon. Mark Mwenje, then the Mover will reply.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this important Bill. First and foremost, I congratulate Hon. Lesuuda for bringing this timely Bill. Having had an experience as an advocate and having been in court corridors for about 25 years, I can sincerely say that pedestrians contribute to a number of accidents in the Republic of Kenya. One of the best things that can be done is to provide Kenyans with walking lanes so that they can avoid motorists. For the last two years, about 70 per cent of fatal accidents which have taken place on our roads pertain to pedestrians. Pedestrians are not regarded as ordinary human beings by motorists on the roads. Motorists do not even give them a chance to cross the road.

To me, boda bodas are the menace we have currently. I have come a little bit late. Had I come in time, I would have recommended that we go further to add a lane for boda bodas. As it is, they are really becoming a problem on Kenya’s roads. They are very good people doing good and smart business. They are also making a living with those boda bodas. However, managing them on the roads is a hectic issue.

The Bill is timely. I support it. From its contents, we should not ignore the fact that it is a money Bill that should be given the consideration it deserves. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Mark Mwenje, you can now make your contribution.

Thank you. Let me also congratulate the Mover of the Motion, Hon. Naisula Lesuuda, for a job well done.

As a Member of Parliament from Nairobi, I would like to bring to your attention that we have about 6 to 7 million people in Nairobi during the day. That number is even set to increase. It means we have a huge number of people moving and transacting business within the city. We are kidding ourselves if we think that public transport, including the trains and personal vehicles, will move all those people. It is not sufficient.

My Embakasi West Constituency lies on the eastern side of Nairobi. I can tell you that we have people who walk to work every single day. People from Eastlands use two major roads

Therefore, it means we have never considered there are people who walk in this City of Nairobi and the country. We build our roads based on the Fuel Levy (FL) that we collect and look at motorised transport such as cars and boda bodas, but nobody thinks about the people who are walking. People with low income in this country, Nairobi and all over prefer to walk to their places of work.

We must develop walkways if we are going to get our country to the level of other developed countries and modern cities like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia that have created walkways. In Malaysia, temperatures can heat up to 40 to 45 degrees Celsius in humidity. They have even created air-conditioned walkways to ensure that their people are walking on them.

When you go to cities such as New York, London, Cape Town that is just down here, and even Dar-es-Salaam, you enjoy walking because they have done some beautiful walkways down there. This is the way of the future. People walk and cycle. The Prime Minister of Belgium cycles to work. Members of Parliament can cycle to work if they had to try. However, where will they cycle? Probably, vehicles and matatus would knock them down on their way here. We must think the way other countries have thought in the 20th and 21st Century. We must think of reducing pollution by making our people walk.

On reducing traffic, there is a “Park and Walk” concept in the UK, the US, and other countries where one parks his or her vehicle in one place and either catch a bus or decide to walk. We must encourage that in this country. Most importantly, there would be much disposable income if we allowed Kenyans to walk. If it is safer to walk, people will have more money in their pockets since they will save on fuel and they will not have to take their cars to mechanics. A lot will be achieved if we spend a little bit more money to construct walkways along the roads. This is a timely Bill. Any road scheduled for construction in the 2025/2026 Budget should have walkways.

With those few remarks, I support the Bill.

There being no more interest from Members to contribute to the Bill, the Mover will now reply.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I can see a colleague across the aisle who would like to contribute and so, I will give him two minutes.

As per the Standing Orders, no donation is permitted.

I think I can donate a few minutes. Go ahead. I have heard you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Under Standing Order 1, the Temporary Speaker grants you leave to say something. However, that is not the practice. You can proceed. Give him the microphone.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The issue of walkways should have been addressed a long time ago. I congratulate the Mover, Hon. Naisula, who knows Nyahururu well. The bridge at Thompson Falls is so narrow such that people from Nyahururu to Mairo-Inya normally compete with cars as they cross the Falls, which exposes them to accidents. This Bill is timely so that such facilities can be expanded and we save our people from those dangers. Some motorists are notorious drivers.

I agree with the Mover of the Bill that it is high time that this issue was addressed.

Mover.

Thank you very much, Hon. Wachira, for that contribution. I take this opportunity to most sincerely thank my colleagues who have contributed to the Bill, and given their insights and thoughts. Many have contributed

and, therefore, I will not be able to name each one of them by name. But just know that I appreciate your support. I also thank Hon. Oundo for seconding this amendment Bill.

Three things have come out clearly, which we will amend during the Committee of the whole House. We will definitely be looking at the penalties. At the same time, it is not just about putting in place stringent penalties. I have said many times that Kenyans should stop bad manners. It is wrong to drive where pedestrians are supposed to walk. You do not even need a penalty to know that as a driver. We just have to do the right thing.

The other issue is on trees. Waiyaki Way used to be beautiful with trees lining it, but we cut down all the trees when we expanded the road. In China, if you cut down one tree to build a house or a road, you will go to jail. Anyone who cuts down a tree has to plant another one. That used to be the motto. If you cut down one tree, you plant two more. We will look at that as we amend the Bill.

The other issue is on land. People are obsessed with buying 100 by 100 metres plots just next to the road to build houses. If you travel abroad, you will find no homes or shops located along the highways. We must start to think futuristically as a country as we expand our roads. We need spaces for our roads. This is not something that is not known to us. We are the designers know those things. Kenyans are the ones who are even designing roads for other countries. The same way in leather, we were overtaken by other countries and it is Kenyans who are doing it in Zambia. Kenyans know all these things and they are doing it in other countries. We just have to do the right thing. I want also to thank Kenyans who have shown their support. Today, this Bill was trending at number one because Kenyans appreciate and are supporting what we have been doing in this House from last weekend to today. There is a good friend of mine called Debbie, who told me that this Bill is so timely and good because she has five cyclists in her house, her husband and her four sons. Kenyans are really looking forward to this Bill passing and I want to thank my colleagues for their support.

Lastly, on the issue of manholes, we will definitely look at how we can include it there so that they can all be closed. By the way, there are also many children who have reached out to me through their parents to say that we should implement this like yesterday. Children want to cycle to school. They want to move from point A to B using their skates because they are tired just sitting in cars. During traffic, you see a whole family gloomy and upset. As one of my colleagues has said, people will be happier once this is put into place.

With those very many remarks, I want to clarify on the issue of 15 years, because it has come up many times. We will be doing an amendment to it because the intention was that we will implement as soon as the President signs for the new roads. But realistically, for all the other roads in Kenya, we can give it 15 years because of the Budget. But I have been told by Hon. Melly that there is nothing called a budget. There is a fuel levy, which is collected every other day. We can do it in 10 years and we will debate when we are doing the Third Reading and see how many years we can give ourselves as a country so that we can get our roads marked. We get the bicycle lanes and people living with disabilities will have a chance to walk.

So, I thank you my colleagues and look forward to engaging with you more as we progress with the Bill.

Next Order.

Mover.

Thank you. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move;

THAT, this House adopts the Fourth Report of the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture on its consideration of the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the following State Corporations, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 17th October 2024;

Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe, how long do you estimate to move the Motion?

I will definitely take my 30 minutes.

I am looking at the clock and I am worried we may not complete moving the Motion. You have consumed five minutes of your time. You will have the balance of time when the business is next scheduled in the Order Paper. Is this an ordinary Motion? The clock is showing five. How many minutes are remaining?

You still have a lot of time to move the Motion. That way, we will be doing justice to the audit reports. I am informed that you have a balance of 55 minutes.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Order, Hon. Members. The time being