Wednesday, 19th November 2025

Hon. Chepkonga, do not walk out of the chamber when the Bell is ringing. Order, Members.

Member for Trans Nzoia County, you are totally out of order. Go to the Bar and bow. Hon. Members, we can begin the business of the House.

The Leader of the Majority Party, you have Papers to lay. The Member for Tinderet, are you stepping in?

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

Report of the Auditor General and Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended 30th June, 2025 and the certificates thereof in respect of:

Very well. Next order.

The Member for Maragua, Hon. Wamaua.

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

THAT, aware that avocado farming and processing activities have expanded rapidly in Kenya, noting that the Kenya National Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Economic Survey 2024 approximated the national avocado production at 848,100 tonnes in 2024, up from 633,000 tonnes in 2023 and devalued at Kshs29.5 billion; appreciating that according to the survey, Muranga County contributed about 200,991 tonnes of the total production, making it the leading avocado- producing county in the country; concerned that avocado processing generates large volumes of organic waste, including peels, seeds, pulp and implements, which when improperly managed, causes environmental degradation, water contamination, produces a pungent odour, attracts mosquitoes and increases greenhouse gas emissions; further concerned that residents of Muranga County and other major avocado-growing regions have raised concerns over improper disposal of avocado waste which undermines the right to a clean and healthy environment as envisaged in Article 42 of the Constitution thus posing significant public health and environmental risk; appreciating that studies by the Food and Agriculture Organisation 2023 and global best practises from countries such as Mexico and Chile have proven that avocado waste can be converted into bio- fertiliser, bio-gas, animal feeds, and other value-added products; recognising that by embracing valorisation of organic avocado waste, Kenya stands a chance to reduce environmental pollution and public health risks, create employment opportunities and support a circular economy in the avocado sector; appreciating the role of the national Government in the formulation of policies and frameworks to guide and support effective waste management by county governments. Now, therefore, this House resolves that the national Government formulates an avocado waste management and valorisation policy to provide for:

Thank you, Hon. Member for Maragua.

Hon. Members, before we go to Order No.7, we will go to Order No.8; kindly call it out.

Read out Order No.7.

We will start with Hon. David Kiplagat, Member of Parliament for Soy.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary 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 Administration and Internal Security regarding an assault incident involving Mr Kennedy Kimeli, ID No.35399224, a resident of Uasin Gishu County.

The residents of St. George’s in Kapseret have faced a significant rise in crime and insecurity over the past couple of weeks, including violent assaults and coordinated mob attacks, especially in the evenings. Despite numerous appeals, authorities have not responded, leading to widespread fear and suspicion of neglect or interference. On 2nd November 2025, Mr Kennedy Kimeli was subjected to a violent attack by persons known to him, resulting in severe head trauma, a fractured leg and compound fractures to his forearm leading him to undergo an emergency surgery. The incident was reported at Langas Police Station on 3rd November 2025 under Occurrence Book (OB) Number 36/03/11/2025. The victim’s statement included positive identification of the perpetrators. However, despite the clear identification, no arrests have been made to date. This prolonged delay raises serious concerns regarding

A police inaction, potential obstruction of justice and the erosion of public trust in law enforcement.

The brazen assault has sparked outrage among residents of Kapseret who now doubt their personal safety and the efficacy of law enforcement. I, therefore, urge the Government to ensure immediate arrest of the identified perpetrators, and guarantee that justice is delivered swiftly, transparently and without fear or favour.

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

On this matter, I will indulge two Members who had similar issues. Hon. Makilap, you have one minute to make your point. I will give the next chance to Hon. Rutto.

Thank you so much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity. I am a resident of Uasin Gishu County and a neighbour where the incident happened. I condemn the barbaric act of attack on innocent citizens in a manner that seems to intimidate and cut freedom of expression. The incident was so horrific. The person in question, if you go through the medical report, was taken through serious attack, manipulation and intimidation. The battering ended up breaking his limbs. This act depicts a scenario where we are being taken back to the backward era of intimidating freedom of expression.

The Kapseret case is not the only one. We have witnessed cases of balkanising and trivialising the freedom of expression around Uasin Gishu County. Some young men and women have been mobilised around town to walk around and intimidate people so that they can give an opinion in a given direction. I call upon the relevant authorities and the concerned ministry to take a decisive action and wipe out this developing culture. If we remain silent and allow this to go on, the future of Uasin Gishu will be in threat. It is not proper for people to attack others in the open and no action is taken against them. Some people have taken captive the law enforcement system in Uasin Gishu. These people are untouchables. They go around attacking people aimlessly and anyhow but no action is taken.

Lastly, is the issue of these attackers drawing pistols. Are they licensed?

You have made your point. This Statement will go to the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security to be responded to in two weeks. Next is the Member for Kirinyaga Central.

Hon. DK, what is it?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I would like to indulge you on your ruling of two weeks. This matter is so serious and it touches on the life of someone, who currently is disabled because all the forearms were broken and has other injuries on the

A head. There is laxity and complacency of the police to investigate. We need to use this Statement so that we can restore sanity around Uasin Gishu County.

Hon. DK, you have made your point. I will give it a maximum of two weeks, but the Committee should table a preliminary response in a week. The Committee is so directed.

Member for Kirinyaga Central.

Hon. Makilap, I gave you a chance earlier on, but you declined. Member for Kirinyaga Central, go ahead.

Hon. Temporary 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 Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations regarding the reported enlisting by coercion of two Kenyan Citizens into military service in the Russian Federation.

On 22nd October 2025, Mr Martin Macharia Mburu of Passport No.CK160075 and Mr Peter Kimemia Kamanu of Passport No.AK1663005 travelled to Russia in pursuit of employment opportunities as drivers. Upon arrival, however, they were allegedly coerced into signing contracts to serve in the Russian military, despite having no prior military training or experience. The two are said to have undergone a brief, three-day training before being deployed to the front lines of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. This incident raises grave concerns about the safety and welfare of Kenyan citizens seeking legitimate opportunities abroad, as well as the effectiveness of our diplomatic interventions in such situations.

It is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the following:

Very well. Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. I see the Vice-Chairperson. This is a serious issue. I know a few of us have constituents who have been lured to go to Russia, but ended up in the battlefront without their knowledge or assent. Kindly, can you provide the response within two weeks?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. We are well guided. We will provide the answer within two weeks.

Hon. Members, we will go to the Member for Machakos County, Hon. Joyce Kamene.

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Hon. Temporary 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 pollution by quarries and tyre factories in Katani and its environs. The Katani Cosmopolitan Residents Association has on several occasions raised concerns with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) over persistent pollution by quarry operators and tyre factories in the area.

The residents cite air pollution from the dust generated and noise pollution by stones that are crushed in the area which operate day and night. There is destruction of property by flying rocks and trauma from blasting activities. The uninhabited quarry sites abandoned after quarrying pose safety concerns to children and livestock. In addition, tyre factories in the area continue to emit pollution that degrades the air quality.

These concerns were investigated by the National Environmental Complaints Committee

(NECC)

which proposed regulations for compliance by the quarry operators and tyre factories. Unfortunately, these recommendations have not been implemented and non- compliance continues unabated. The lack of compliance by the quarries is a contravention of the Legal Notice No.61 of 2009, the Environmental Management and Co-ordination

(Control)

Regulations which prohibit excessive noise and vibration beyond permissible levels, particularly between 6.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m.

Despite repeated reminders, the quarry operators persist with blasting beyond permitted hours and have failed to adopt basic environmental management practices such as watering roads to control dust, which is also part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) . This has raised alarm for the residents whose rights to a clean and healthy environment continue to be infringed by the quarry operators and tyre factories in the area.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is in view of the above that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining for the following:

Is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining in the House? What about the Vice-Chairperson or leadership? Let it be communicated to the Committee that they will bring the response within two weeks.

Member for Nandi Hills.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson

A of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning regarding the implementation and management of the Public Procurement Capacity Building Levy.

The Public Procurement Capacity Building Levy was established vide Legal Notice No.206 of 2023 to provide funds for training, technical support and mentoring aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public procurement and asset disposal systems. The Levy, set at 0.03 per cent of the value of each signed public procurement contract, took effect on 1st September 2024 and applied to all new contracts, extensions, renewals and variations executed thereafter. The funds collected are remitted by procuring entities to the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority for management and utilisation. While the objective of the levy is laudable, there is concern regarding the administration, transparency and accountability relating to the funds collected. It is, therefore, necessary to strengthen oversight to ensure that the levy serves the public interest effectively.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on the

Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, bring the response in two weeks.

Member for Kinango, Hon. Gonzi Rai.

Hon. Temporary 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 Lands regarding the ownership status of land parcel number LR No.14210, registered under Kenya Triangle Limited in Puma Ward, Kwale County.

The residents presently occupying land parcel number LR No.14210 have resided here since the pre-Independence era. Many are third-generation inhabitants who have cultivated the land, built their houses, and sustained their livelihood across decades. They now face the imminent threat of displacement amid reports of proposed sale of 110,000 acres carved from the larger land of 172,000-acre holding under the Kenya Triangle Limited, to the Government of Kenya. The lack of clarity and public engagement surrounding this alleged transaction has triggered profound anxiety within the affected communities. Residents fear that opacity in the process could lead to their eviction without fair compensation, severing their deep-rooted ties to ancestral land and jeopardising their way of life.

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

Very well. Before the next Statement, allow me to recognise, in the Speaker's Gallery, Family Life District Pathfinders, Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) , Mombasa, from Nyali Constituency, Mombasa County. You are welcome to observe the proceedings of the House.

Member for Igembe North. Oh, hold on, Hon. Taitumu. Hon. Gonzi Rai, your question goes to the Departmental Committee on Lands. They should bring a response in two weeks. It will be communicated to the Committee.

Hon. Julius Taitumu.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding the status of construction of Kaelo-Kamukunji-Mutuati Road Project in Igembe North Constituency.

In April 2023, the His Excellency the President launched the construction of the Kaelo- Kamukunji-Mutuati Road, which was expected to be completed by December 2023. However, the project stalled following delays in payments of contractors implementing various road projects across the country. To address this challenge, the Ministry of Roads entered into agreements with contractors who had pending bills for resumption of projects upon receipt of at least forty per cent of the amounts owed. While most contractors resumed construction works upon receiving the payments, the contractor responsible for the Kaelo-Kamukunji-Mutuati Road Project did not resume the works. Consequently, the road project has stalled for nearly two years since the expected completion date. The state of the road has severely disrupted transport and access to key socio-economic services including markets, health facilities and schools.

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

Very well. That will be responded to by the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure in two weeks.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

What is out of order, Hon. Wanjiku?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I request you to catch the eye of the leadership of the House. There are so many responses, mine included, but I do not see the chairpersons. Yesterday we sat here until 6.00 p.m....

Hon. Wanjiku, we have not got to the responses yet. I assure you that you are on the list to be responded to. It is well taken care of, and you will have your response at the right time. Hon. Members, we still have a few more requests for Statements. We will now go to the Member for Embakasi West, Hon. Mark Mwenje.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning regarding failure by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to implement tax exemption on gratuity income.

The Finance Act, 2025 amended the Income Tax Act, Cap 470 to exempt gratuity earned after 1st July 2025 from Income Tax. However, the KRA has yet to fully implement this exemption due to delays in updating the Income Tax Employer Portal. As a result, gratuity payments continue to be subjected to Income Tax contrary to the law. This delay has caused undue financial hardship to affected individuals, including retired public officers and employees whose contracts have been terminated thereby undermining the intent of the law, which is to ease the tax burden on such categories of taxpayers.

It is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on the following –

Hon. Member, the Request for Statement will go to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. The response should be here in two weeks’ time.

Next is a Request for Statement by the Member for Mandera South, Hon. Abdul Haro.

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Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No.44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Energy regarding the status of electricity connectivity in Kotulo Sub-County in Mandera County.

Kotulo Sub-county, home to Kotulo Town, has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years. The area now hosts essential public infrastructure, including schools, a Level 4 hospital, sub-county administrative offices as well as national security and Government institutions. According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Kotulo Sub-county had a population of 72,394 spanning an area of 2,509 square kilometres with 9,342 conventional households and 104 group quarters. Despite this, less than 5 per cent of households in the sub-county are connected to electricity, slowing down economic activities.

Kotulo Sub-county in Mandera County relies on an inadequate and unreliable electricity supply from a small substation in Kotulo, Wajir County, located four kilometres away. This substation also serves other distant towns like Khorof Harar, 30 kilometres away, and Qarsa, 40 kilometres away, in Wajir, resulting in frequent blackouts in Kotulo within Mandera. The erratic power supply has disrupted critical services, including healthcare, education and security while also stifling economic activities. Major centres like Boji Garse, Kutayu, Lehele, and Harwale remain unconnected despite electricity lines having been commissioned and tested in the last three years.

It is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Energy on the following –

The response to the Request for Statement will be provided by the Departmental Committee on Energy in two weeks’ time. Clerk’s Office, please, ensure that this is transmitted to the relevant committee clerks as I do not see the Chairpersons here.

The next Request for Statement is by the Member for Nyaribari Masaba, Hon. Daniel Manduku.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding the implementation status of the Keroka-Ibacho-Kiamokama Road Project in Nyaribari Masaba Constituency.

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The Keroka-Ibacho-Kiamokama Road serves as a vital transport corridor linking key trading centres, schools and farmlands within Nyaribari Masaba Constituency. On 13th August 2024, His Excellency the President made a pronouncement committing the Government to upgrade the road to bitumen standard. The announcement generated optimism among residents, who rely on the road for daily transportation and economic activities. However, more than a year later, there has been no progress on the project, leading to concern and frustration among the residents.

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

The response to the Request for Statement will be provided by the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure in two weeks’ time.

Next is a Request for Statement by Hon. Bady Twalib.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation regarding the severe water shortage affecting residents of Jomvu Constituency.

In accordance with Article 43 of the Constitution, every person has a right to clean and safe water in adequate quantities. Sadly, in the last three months, the people of Jomvu Constituency in Jomvu Kuu Ward, Miritini Ward and Mikindani Ward have been facing an acute water crisis with many households struggling to access clean and safe water. This situation is particularly concerning given that Jomvu is the first point of entry and host of the main water reservoir serving Mombasa County in a place called Birikani. Despite this strategic position, residents continue to experience persistent water shortages that have caused immense hardship, heightened health risks and increased economic strain.

Many families are now compelled to rely on expensive and unreliable alternative sources supplied by private water vendors. Consequently, there has been a surge in private vendors exploiting the dire situation, creating the perception that the shortage may be human- instigated. This is not only unsustainable, but also poses a serious threat to public health and the general well-being of the community.

It is against this background that I seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation on the following:

The response to the Statement Request will be provided by the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, Hon. Donya is raising her hand. She seems to have a burning issue.

Hon. Twalib, you will not do the Speaker’s job. Give the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation time to respond. I direct that they do so within two weeks.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Is it on the same matter? I will not indulge in any debate on the statement requests.

Hon. Donya, you are out of order.

Hon. Members, we still have many Requests for Statements to prosecute. We are going to the Member for Nandi, Hon. Muge. Kindly, make the request your statement.

Member for Jomvu, if you were keen, you would have heard that I gave it two weeks. Hon. Muge, kindly proceed.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

What is out of order?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, is it in order for Hon. Donya to continue disturbing the Speaker when we are supposed to be doing…

Hon. Wamboka, kindly, give Hon. Muge the Floor to prosecute her Statement request.

Hon. Temporary 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 Lands regarding the status of land leases in Nandi County.

Land is one of the most scarce, sensitive and emotive resources in the country as it forms the basis of livelihoods, investment and identity of communities. In Nandi County, there is a growing public concern over management, renewal and ownership of various leasehold parcels. Some of these leases are alleged to have expired, while others are embroiled in disputes and ongoing litigation. This situation has created uncertainty and anxiety within communities. There is need for clarity on ownership, applicable procedures for lease renewal, and the fate of land parcels upon expiry of the lease term.

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Additionally, Article 65(1) of the Constitution provides that non-citizens may hold land only based on leasehold tenure and for a period not exceeding 99 years. Despite this, certain ongoing court cases appear to recognise or rely upon the 999-year contrary to the Constitution. This has created confusion among the public on the legality, enforceability and transitional treatment of such leases. It is, therefore, imperative for the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development to provide clarity on how historical leases are interpreted, regularised or converted under the current Constitution, and the impact on landowners and communities in Nandi County and across the country.

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

Very well. This also goes to the Departmental Committee on Lands. All chairpersons, note that we are headed to the long recess. Therefore, all these Requests for Statements should be responded to before we break for recess.

Hon. Adow, you also have a Request for Statement.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the disappearance of several persons under unclear circumstances.

On 9th May 2024, Mr Jama Aden Mohamed of ID No.33628771 was abducted by security personnel and his whereabouts remain unknown to date. The matter was reported at Liboi Police Station under OB No.12/09/05/2024. Additionally, two other individuals, Mr Abdi Adan Elmi of ID No.25919658 and Mr Issack Abdi of ID No.41166945 were abducted on 1st September, 2025 in Dadajabulla Location, Sabuli Sub-County, sWajir South Constituency. Their disappearance was reported at Dadajabulla Police Station under OB No.05/01/09/2025.

Despite numerous efforts by the affected families to obtain assistance from the Government and security agencies to trace their loved ones, no tangible progress has been made to date. Enquiries at local police stations have yielded no information, and the prolonged absence has caused immense emotional and psychological distress to the affected families and communities. These incidents have raised grave concerns regarding the protection of fundamental rights as guaranteed under Article 29 of the Constitution, which safeguards every individual from arbitrary deprivation of freedom and the right to security. Inaction by the security agencies undermines public confidence in the government's commitment to uphold justice and protect citizens.

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Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the following –

Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, bring a response within two weeks. The next request is by Hon. Wamaua. You do not have a request?

Hon. Members, we will go to responses to Requests for Statements. We will start with the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health, Hon. (Dr) Nyikal, who will be responding to Hon. John Kaguchia’s Request for Statement. Is Hon. Kaguchia in the House?

Please, proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, this is a response to Hon. Kaguchia’s Request for Statement regarding acute shortage of blood testing kits in the country. On behalf of the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services, I would like to respond as hereunder.

The Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services is mandated to provide safe blood cells and organs to all Kenyans. Safe blood and blood components should be accessible and adequate when needed by patients for transfusion. The Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services conducts donor sensitisation, recruitment, blood collection, transportation, processing, testing, storage, distribution of blood and blood components to transfusion facilities within the country as well as hemo-vigilance, which is basically to notice how people are getting blood and the quality of the blood. The blood service is centrally coordinated and operates in a hub-and-spoke model with six regional blood transfusion centres linked to blood transfusion satellites in all counties. The regional transfusion centres conduct donor sensitisation, blood collection, blood testing, storage and distribution of blood and blood components. The services play a central role in case of emergencies, outbreaks and disasters and redistributes blood across the country.

The service receives budgetary allocation through the Ministry of Health. The budgetary allocation for blood transfusion has been increasing over the last four years, rising from Ksh163 million in Financial Year 2020/2021 to Ksh1.3 billion in the Financial Year 2023/2024. During the Financial Year 2023/2024, the World Bank project supplemented the budget by Ksh1.4 billion, totalling to Ksh2.7 billion. The budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025 was reduced over that time from Ksh760 million to Ksh300 million in the first Supplementary Budget. In the same period

, around the same time, the World Bank Programme concluded its funding to the Kenya Blood Transfusion Services, creating a funding gap. The reduction in the budget and the conclusion of the program significantly impacted the daily operations of blood transfusion and that accounts for the hitches that we are experiencing.

The Member sought a report on measures the Government has put in place to avert the crisis and ensure that there are adequate essential testing kits to enable the screening of blood donated across the country. The Ministry of Health recognises the critical importance of

A ensuring an adequate supply of essential testing kits for screening donated blood across the country. To avoid the potential crisis, the Ministry has undertaken the following –

blood transfusion services.

On the question of what immediate measures the Government is taking to ensure uninterrupted provision of clean blood for patients, especially those in current need, the Cabinet Secretary for Health acknowledges the urgent need to ensure the un-interrupted provision of safe, screened blood for patients across the country. To address immediate shortages and maintain continuous supply, the following measures have been taken.

ensure a consistent supply of essential kits, the Cabinet Secretary responds as follows –

of Health, again, recognises a critical need and has put in place

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supply of blood screening, reagents, consumables and kits. This will minimise procurement delays. Such a framework really just works if you have the money.

Service to carry out its mandate, the Cabinet Secretary for Health is, again, committed to this process. In order to achieve this, the Ministry has undertaken the following key measures –

support from the World Bank, and we have not correspondingly increased the required amounts. Although this is a response from the Ministry, it behoves the Committee to allocate more money during the budget-making process. This report has been here for quite some time and is somewhat outdated. As a Committee, we will review what is said here, particularly regarding the law and budget allocation.

I have a similar statement. Can I go straight to it?

Before I indulge Hon. Kaguchia, allow me first to recognise students studying Security and Criminology from Mount Kenya University, Thika Town Constituency, Kiambu County, seated in the Speaker’s Gallery. We welcome you to observe the proceedings of the House.

Hon. Nyikal, allow me to indulge Hon. Kaguchia before we move to the next Statement. Hon. Kaguchia, you are now seized of the response. Do you have any follow-up questions? Do not debate; make a follow-up question.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I note that the Principal Secretary has admitted to the acute shortage of blood testing kits and reagents in the country. He has explained that this is due to budget shortfalls. At the point I raised this question, we had serious challenges with the kits.

I wish to inform Kenyans that we do not only have a problem with the kits; it has now escalated to the refreshments given to the blood donors. Today, blood donors are required to buy their own refreshments. The impact of this is an increase in deaths among patients seeking emergency services and blood transfusions. You can also see a connection between the high maternity mortality rate in the country and the lack of available blood for transfusion.

I find the Principal Secretary's response lacking in many ways. He states that he requested Ksh500 million, but received Ksh100 million. He is now proposing to ration blood under what he calls an operational adjustment and efficiency, prioritising high-demand facilities while excluding low-demand facilities. This is very serious. If you prioritise high- demand facilities, are you telling us that a patient who requires blood in a low-demand facility is less important?

From this response, I also find that the Principal Secretary is helplessly hoping well- wishers will donate kits as he awaits a budgetary allocation. Can you imagine an entire country relying on well-wishers? He is also proposing a framework contract and a public-private partnership, but how will these help without a budget? We cannot leave blood transfusion services to private individuals.

I wish to highlight something to help the Principal Secretary and the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Health. I have reviewed the budget shortfall the Ministry has alluded to. The Principal Secretary say that Ksh700 million had been allocated, but this was reduced to Ksh300 million. I found out where the Ksh400 million went. On Sunday, the

A President donated Ksh100 million in Marsabit. The Deputy President donated Ksh85 million in Kapsabet on Sunday. At the African Divine Church (ADC) in Vihiga, the President donated Ksh50 million. In the African Independent Pentecostal Church (AIPCA) Centenary, the President donated Ksh50 million. In Jesus Winner Ministry, the President donated Ksh100 million. At the Africa Inland Church (AIC) in Uasin Gishu, the President donated Ksh20 million. I have been able to get to where the money for blood transfusion has been redirected. The President is taking the money for blood donation to churches and using it for empowerment programmes, while Kenyans continue to die.

Order, Hon. Kaguchia. Order, Hon. Members. You do not have to raise your hands. You are not in a classroom. Use your intervention buttons.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Member for Nandi, what is out of order?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, is it in order for Hon. Kaguchia to lie about donations made by the Deputy President blatantly? I was in that meeting in Kapsabet, and I never heard of such an amount. Does it dictate what someone gives? That is a personal contribution, if it was given at all. If he is mean, the Deputy President is not mean. I want him to substantiate what he has said. Where are these figures coming from? I was in that meeting.

Hon. Rahim.

Hon. Kaguchia needs to withdraw his statement because it is not factual. The Ministry of Health has its own budget, allocated by this House. So, there is no way he can say that Ksh100 million or Ksh85 million was given from the Ministry. That is a personal donation. Neither the President nor the Deputy President holds the kitty for the Ministry of Health.

You have made your point. Hon. CNN.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, we are a House of facts, and we must be factual when speaking on the Floor. I want to request Hon. Kaguchia to withdraw his statement immediately, as we do not have the list of where the donations were made. It is high time we are factual. We are not supposed to lie or spread falsehoods about any person in this country.

Member for Machakos, you do not have to shout. Please press the intervention button, and I will give you an opportunity. Let us have Hon. Nyamai.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, is it in order for Hon. Kaguchia to mislead the nation, the House and the international community by giving a list of non-existent donations? We know very well that Hon. Kaguchia is not speaking the truth. This is a House of records. If what he is saying is not true, he should withdraw and apologise, as the donations he is referring to do not exist.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Wamboka, what is out of order?

Give me the microphone.

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You have the microphone.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, without going into many stories, we may ask Hon. Kaguchia to bring the list of donations. I am sure if he makes that allegation, he can provide them so that we can finish this story.

Hon. Kaguchia, you have done well in seeking clarification, but several points of order have been raised. Kindly restrict yourself to Standing Order 91 on responsibility for statements of fact. If you have enough data to convince the House, I will give you the Floor.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I agree with you. I can substantiate this. The Deputy President contributed Ksh10 million. Felix Koskei contributed Ksh5 million. The list goes on and on. The President also committed Ksh100 million to the Africa Inland Church (AIC) in Marsabit.

I am even able to show this House how the President gave Ksh100 million to teachers under the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) at State House. I can show how delegations from Murang’a, Kiambu and Turkana counties were all given hundreds of millions. All this money is coming from the budget allocated to our patients' blood transfusions. That is why our hospitals are suffering.

I can substantiate.

Hon. Kaguchia, do not make more allegations than you can prove already. Restrict yourself to that. What is out of order, Hon. Marianne?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, you have directed Hon. Kaguchia to produce evidence of the allegations he is making. However, he continues reading figures and statements that are not true or substantiated. Why can Hon. Kaguchia not follow your direction and submit that he will provide evidence of what he is talking about?

Hon. Kaguchia, bring that evidence on record in today’s afternoon sitting as guided under Standing Order 91 (2) . In the meantime, I will give Hon. Nyikal because issues for clarification have been raised. Ignore the part that is in dispute.

Order, Hon. Members. Kindly let us listen to the Chairman of the Departmental

Committee on Health. Hon. Nyikal.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the issues raised are reliance on donors and stakeholders in the private sector, and a framework that is in place without funding. All these revolve around insufficient financing. That is the basic issue here.

I cannot speak for the Ministry, even though what I am reading came from them. However, I know we have only one responsibility as a Committee that lies with the budget time. This response indicates that there are no funds. We have to see how to increase funds for blood transfusion services in the country.

I can also tell you something from my knowledge and experience. We have, as a country, relied on partners and donors for a long time in many services in this country. Blood transfusion, immunisation, and reproductive health products such as contraceptives are some examples. It means that we must, as a country, start funding essential services from within our budget.

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I cannot reply on behalf of the Ministry, but that is what we will deal with. Everything put here will not work without money.

Hon. Kaguchia.

You will realise from what the Hon. Chairman is giving us that we had allocated Ksh1.4 billion at some point, just at the onset of this Parliament. We are now struggling to raise just about Ksh300 million for this very critical area.

I do not think we lack money as a country. Blood transfusion is so sensitive in Kenya that we cannot leave it to fate. I want to ask the Hon. Chairman how much has been allocated in this year's budget. What we are looking at is what was in the last year's budget.

Hon. Rahim, what is out of order?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, my Motion passed here in 2016 which required the Government to establish an ICU and a blood transfusion unit in every constituency. That has never been implemented. This is for Hon. Chairman.

Is this for the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Health?

Yes. This House passed it in the 11th Parliament.

Thank you. You have made your point. It is for the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Health and the Chair of the

Committee on Implementation, because we have quite a number of pronouncements from this

Hon. Temporary Speaker, what will surprise you is that Kenyans of goodwill are willing to donate blood all over the country. Some of them are even ready to forego refreshments after donating blood when they are told to bring their own. Some are willing to donate blood even without refreshment.

Something is letting them down. I want Kenyans to understand clearly that their blood goes to waste because it is not tested when they donate. Until when will blood collected from Kenyans of goodwill go to waste? Apparently, we are waiting for some well-wishers from God- knows-where to come and help our country.

For sure, I want the question escalated to the Cabinet Secretary.

Hon. Kaguchia, you have made your point. You know how to ask a Question to the Cabinet Secretary. Follow the procedure to do that. In the meantime, Hon. Nyikal, respond to budgeting. The Committee also has the discretion to invite the Cabinet Secretary, the Principal Secretary, or both to reply to this matter.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. There are two aspects to this. One is the budget, and I checked even this morning. I must say that even this year's funding is inadequate. It is only Ksh300 million. There has, indeed, been a request for more. We will do that as a Committee when we get to the supplementary budget.

On the issue Hon. Dawood raised, it was passed here that we should have an ICU and a blood transfusion unit in every county. That is true. But there is a fundamental issue in our structure. When a Committee brings a report and it is adopted, the Committee ceases to be responsible for it. It goes to the Committee on Implementation.

Those of you who watch television know that I had an issue recently. I thought that if you have a matter with a department, you might want to discuss it with the ministry or agency concerned before bringing it to the House. That way, they know and can start working on it instead of coming here directly. Remember that all committee reports and decisions brought and passed in the House eventually end up with the Committee on Implementation.

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We need to evaluate that structure so that committees can follow up. As you have said, there is a provision we shall use. We will summon the Cabinet Secretary if there are important matters, such as these. I know some issues are still coming. This is something the Committee can take up, summon the Cabinet Secretary to respond to the issues raised.

Very well. Chairman, you have another response on a similar matter. We will not spend so much time on this. It is the response to Hon. Joyce Kamene.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, thank you once again.

This is a response to Hon. Joyce Kamene regarding blood donation and transfusion services at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) . They are very close issues, although separate. The first one was about the nationwide shortage of blood transfusion kits. This one is on blood transfusion services at KNH. In a way, they are related.

The issues the Member raised were the measures the Ministry of Health has in place to ensure seamless services to patients requiring critical blood transfusion services, especially platelet donation and transfusion, given that the centre does not operate on weekends or beyond scheduled hours.

Firstly, the Ministry has established a robust national blood services network to ensure efficient and effective blood transfusion services. The network comprises:

Thank you very much, Chair. Hon. Kamene, Member for Machakos County, do you have any clarifications to seek?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, and thank you, Chair, for the feedback. I still think that some of those answers are not valid. He has stated very clearly that the satellite banks have been revived. I wonder how these satellite banks work when the counties do not even have the capacity to test. The other issue is the 24-hour operation, which I know is not true. What I request is that the Committee visits these centres, especially Kenyatta National Hospital, to see one-on-one what is being stated and what is taking place in the transfusion centres.

Chair, would you like to make any comment on that?

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Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Yes, I agree. The truth is that when we ask these questions and the cabinet secretaries or the principal secretaries give us answers, they depend on the technical report they get from the officers. They will try to make themselves look as good as possible when they appear before us. I, therefore, agree with the Member that the best way to look at this is to visit not only Kenyatta, but also the regional satellite banks.

They are supposed to work in such a way that every county hospital should do transfusions and then serve at the regional satellites. Ideally, like hospitals, they should work around the clock or have call services for hours after 5.00 p.m. So, I agree. As a Committee, we need to visit these county facilities, because even with our Social Health Authority (SHA) operations, that is something we need to look at. They are under the counties. The information we get from the Ministry of Health needs to be corroborated by what we get when we visit the ground, which is the responsibility of the governors. Therefore, you may not hold the Ministry very much accountable for that.

Two issues. One is that you have said the technocrats try as much as possible to make the response look better than it is, which is a very serious concern. Hon. Kamene has asked that you visit. I would like you to be specific about when the Departmental Committee on Health is going to make this visit. She is requesting specifically the one for Kenyatta National Hospital. When can you do that? Do you have an indication of time?

Depending on our programme, I think that is something we can do before we go for recess. I cannot be particular until I review our programme, but we would like to do it before we go for recess.

Okay. Hon. Kamene, fair

Yes, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

You may proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The first response is for Hon. Bernard Kitur, Member for Nandi Hills.

The Committee received a response from the Ministry of Roads and Transport through the Clerk of the National Assembly, which I wish to make.

This is regarding plans by the Kenya Rural Roads Agency (KeRRA) to install properly designed and clearly marked speed bumps, erect proper signage and additional safety interventions, such as reflective road lighting, to reduce the risk of accidents along the road. The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport submitted that the Ministry, through KeRRA, has prioritised the installation of safety installations and fixtures on the Denja-Chemuswa- Chepterit, Kesses-Lessos-Junction C-36, Chepterit-Moi-University, Emaki and Nandi Hills Roads. The contractor, MS China Railway No.10 Engineering Group Company, has been instructed to install the requisite road safety installations on sections that have been substantially completed.

The overall contract sum is Ksh4,335,838,270. The contract sums for upgrading works is Ksh3,736,012,158, while the sum for performance-based routine maintenance (PBRM) is Ksh605,226,112. The installation of the same is ongoing, with works currently underway at the Chepterit-Moi University, and Chepterit–Kesses–Lessos Road sections.

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Regarding timelines for completion, the Cabinet Secretary submitted that the installation of road safety fixtures at the end of the entire project is expected to be completed by the end of December 2025.

Regarding the measures put in place for safety installations to guarantee the safety of road users along the Moi University–Lessos Road, the Cabinet Secretary submitted that the Ministry, through KeRRA, shall ensure the maintenance of the road and its attendant furniture, including safety installations, through the project’s performance-based routine maintenance for a period of three years, after which the road shall be maintained through the regular Road Maintenance Levy Fund provisions.

I submit on behalf of the Chair, G.K. Kariuki, Chairman of the Departmental

Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.

Thank you very much, Hon. Rahim, on behalf of the Chair. Hon. Kitur, is the response satisfactory?

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to respond to this answer, which is not satisfactory to a greater extent. First of all, I want to appreciate that you have given a broader overview of this road. This road that comes from Denja Chemuswa, from the side of Chesumei, all the way to Chepterit, to Moi University, which is Emgwen, and then the section I was very keen on, from Moi University to Lessos, we have had over seven fatal accidents, and we have lost seven people. This road was completed about four or five months ago, and is not marked. There are no signages, and that is the reason I asked this question.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the answer I have received today to part of my question indicates that they will be doing this before the end of December 2025. But why did you not initially prioritise this? We appreciate this road, but we have lost lives of the people of Nandi Hills because it lacks road markings. In the same respect, they have mentioned that a budget of Ksh4.6 billion was allocated for the purposes of maintenance. We need assurance that the road between Himaki and Nandi Hills, that is currently under construction by the same contractor, will be made to completion. We should not wait for another four or five months after its completion before it is marked like the one from Moi University to Lessos. We have lost very many lives and we do not want to lose any more.

Finally, I appreciate that the Himaki-Nandi Hills Road is under construction to very good standards, but I implore upon you that as you oversee, you make sure there are road markings and proper signages so that as we celebrate its construction, lives are not lost.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I donate the rest of my time to my colleagues, who share the same road.

I actually thought you would summarise so that you give a chance to your colleagues.

Yes. I can give them a chance because they also have their concerns regarding the same. I was actually speaking on their behalf about the Moi University-Lessos Road and Himaki-Nandi Hills roads that are currently under construction, to ensure no more lives are lost.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, kindly, allow my colleagues to contribute in the time I have left.

Hon. Josses, make it quick. Remember, do not debate. We need you to focus on the response given by Hon. Rahim, on behalf of the Chairperson.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I would like to give a rejoinder regarding the two roads, one being Moi University-Lessos Road. As the Member for Nandi Hills just mentioned, it is sad that it has claimed more than seven

A lives. One of casualties is a relative and the other is my bakule, a person I was initiated together with. I do not know why it has taken KeRRA a period of five months before taking action. To avoid similar fatalities in the future, they need to prioritise on black spots by doing road markings and proper signages.

Finally, is the road from Chepterit to Moi University. We heard that close to Ksh6 billion was used. Right now, the road is in a deplorable condition. Repairs are ongoing, but they have made road markings before the repairs are completed. I ask the Departmental

Committee on Transport and Infrastructure to look into that. We do not need to repeatedly

Next is the Member for Chesumei, Hon. Biego. Please, make it quick.

Thank you Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me this opportunity. As a rejoinder, there is a communication breakdown somewhere because the road that has been mentioned, the Danger-Chemuswa Road, is currently in a deplorable state. It is terrible. In fact, the constituents recently blocked the road because there is a dangerous Kimongi Bridge, which has claimed about three lives. For record purposes, that road was initiated in 2016 to date. The worst part of it is that there is no maintenance ahead of works. The little works that have been done right now have made the road worse because it is now impassable. Culverts were constructed, but they were big and poorly constructed and vehicles cannot pass. Currently, you would have to travel 20 kilometers to get back to that point. If the Ministry of Roads and Transport, through KeRRA, cannot tarmac the road to make it road motorable, then it will be completely blocked and impassable. I really call upon the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure to give us a good and concrete report. The same contractor has been awarded that road, but he is not on site. He just brought two lorry loads of stones saying that he wants to make the bridge, but the road is impassable.

You have made your point. Chair.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I thank my fellow Hon. Members. We will definitely pass their concerns to the relevant authority, the Cabinet Secretary, who will be appearing before the Committee soon. I empathise with my colleagues. We will get them the questions from The Hansard because I heard Hon. Kitur saying that markings have not been made while the other Member says they were done, but the road is worn out. We need to get to the bottom of this. I assure them, we will get a better answer from the Cabinet Secretary.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, can I respond to the next request for Statement?

Yes. I am informed that you have another response to Hon. Wanjiku Muhia.

Yes, Hon. Temporary Speaker, and Hon. Wanjiku is here.

You may proceed.

Thank you.

If there is a part you can summarise and paraphrase, please do so.

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Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is a very short one unlike Hon. Nyikal's. The Committee received a response from the Ministry of Roads and Transport through the Clerk of the National Assembly, which I wish to make.

Regarding the current progress, funding status and expected completion date of the Geta-Ndunyu Njeru Road project, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport submitted that the upgrading to bitumen standard and maintenance of Captain-Ndemi/Wanjohi-Kwa Matu-Geta-Kahuruko-Ndunyu Njeru/access to Karima Girls High School/ access to Muiri Primary School-Captain (Loop) Roads Project is currently 55 per cent complete. This comprises 33.5km of roads upgraded to bitumen standards out of the contracted 60.2 kilometers and other ancillary works. The two contractors who have been at the project, namely M/s SBI and Intex Construction Co. Ltd., have been paid a total of Ksh1,598,359,652 to date and the project is anticipated to be completed by June 2028, considering the volume of outstanding works.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, regarding why the contractor abandoned site and why progress remains minimal despite assurances for completion of works and payments made, the Cabinet Secretary submitted that the project commenced in December 2020 following its assignment to M/s Intex Construction Co. Ltd resulting from challenges faced by the original contractor M/s SBI. Works progressed well at the project until the contractor suspended works on 4th March 2024 for a period of 11 months 9 days. This occurred as a result of the project facing severe financial challenges, similar to other projects countrywide, following considerable accumulation of pending bills at the time. The settlement of the bulk of pending bills through securitisation in the Financial Year 2024/25 led to the contractor resuming works on 11th January, 2025 and operations have since fully resumed on site with progress being as per with expectations.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, regarding confirmation of payments made to the contractor vis-à-vis the works done and measures taken to ensure timely completion of the project, the Cabinet Secretary submitted that the contractor has been paid his Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) amounting to Ksh1,598,359,652, latest being made in August 2025 and has an amount totalling Ksh338,429,298 currently outstanding. All the payments made to the contractor were duly certified and verified by the relevant parties, as is contractually required.

Finally, the Cabinet Secretary stated that the Ministry, with the support of Parliament and the National Treasury, will continue to ensure that road projects have sustained funding through adequate budgetary provisions while exploring additional measures such as securitisation, which has seen the settlement of a significant portion of pending bills.

I submit on behalf of the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. GK Kariuki.

Thank you, Hon. Rahim. Hon. Wanjiku Muhia, is the response satisfactory?

No, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have been waiting for this Statement since last evening. I will be seeking your guidance on the competence of chairpersons of parliamentary committees because I sat here until 6.00 p.m., but when the Temporary Speaker was about to call the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, he left. He saw me around, but he did not communicate about my Statement.

Go directly to the response to the Request for a Statement that has been given by Hon. Rahim, on behalf of the Chairman, concerning your matter specifically.

I agree, Hon. Temporary Speaker, but I had to make that point.

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First, my question was about the current status of the road. The Statement indicated that 33 kilometres of the road have been completed, which is about 55 per cent of the total 60 kilometres. However, I want to bring to the attention of this House that this road traverses three constituencies. It originates from Ol Kalou Constituency, where the completed 33 kilometres are located. It then passes through Kipipiri Constituency for a distance of less than two kilometers as it goes through Kinangop Constituency.

In my original Request for a Statement, I gave a correlation of events. As the Cabinet Secretary has rightly put it, the roadworks started in 2020, but the original launch was in 2018. However, even though roadworks started in 2020, the company only constructed 33 kilometres in two years. That means that the company constructed about 17 kilometres in one year. The Cabinet Secretary stated in his response to me and the people of Kipipiri that the remaining 27 kilometres will be completed in 2028. That is unacceptable. If 33 kilometres were done in two years, how can 27 kilometers be done in four years? That means that the Lamu-Garissa-Isiolo Road, which is 410 kilometres long, will require 107 years to be completed, if we go by the Cabinet Secretary’s data. That is unacceptable.

I also note that in the second part of my Request for a Statement, I had requested for information on why progress on the remaining part was so slow, but that was not responded to. The Cabinet Secretary responded clearly that the money is already paid up to August, which is just about two or three months ago. If the money has been paid, only two issues could be hindering the progress of construction of the road. Either the contractor is incompetent and unsupervised, or there is sabotage from the Executive for reasons well known to them.

Thirdly, on the confirmation of payment, I had requested for the timely completion of this project. I need further clarification on the Cabinet Secretary’s statement that the road will be completed in 2028. Does KeRRA or the Ministry of Roads and Transport have a standard timeframe? If yes, the Chairman of the Committee should have brought that to my attention by stating that 60 kilometres of road require 10 years for completion, and, in this case, the remaining 27 kilometres will require six years for completion. That could be supported by a charter. I do not know if they have one, but I need to be informed about the standard timeframe for completion of roads. If the contractor has already been paid, then funding is not a problem for this project.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the Chairman must explain how 33 kilometres of road can be completed in two years and why 27 kilometres of a road requires six years for completion. He must also explain whether funding is a problem, and if not, whether the contractor is unsupervised or incompetent.

To help the Chairman and the Ministry, since this road traverses three constituencies, why could they not divide the length of the road to portions of maybe 20 kilometres each? For instance, the road covers 22 kilometres in my constituency. The completed 33 kilometres are located in one constituency. The situation is so serious because residents in a place called Geta who want to travel to Nairobi or any other destination are required to go through Ndunyu Njeru in Kinangop Constituency, which is impassable. The other side to Ol Kalou Constituency is also impassable. The people of Geta are landlocked as they cannot move on either side. When I appeared before the Committee on this issue, the Cabinet Secretary promised that this road would be completed in 2024. The road was relaunched by the President in 2023, where a promise was again made that it would be completed in the same year. This, therefore, comes as a shock to the residents of Kipipiri Constituency.

Because I have been waiting for this Statement, allow me to execute my point…

Hon. Muhia, I know that you have been in this House for a while. You are a ranking Member. You know that the opportunity I have given you is not for debating, but for asking very specific questions concerning the response to your Request for a Statement. You have made your point. I would like to give a

A chance to the Vice-Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure to respond to the pertinent issues that have been raised by Hon. Wanjiku Muhia.

Vice-Chairman, please, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I want…

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I want to…

I will give you more time to seek clarification, Hon. Wanjiku Muhia.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

What is out of order, Hon. Wamboka?

The Speaker is supposed to moderate debates. You are not supposed to take sides, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow Hon. Muhia to execute her point. She is raising this issue on behalf of the people of Kipipiri Constituency, which is her right as a Member of this House. The Vice-Chairman has given unsatisfactory answers. Let Hon. Muhia give the parameters of her…

Which point of order are you rising on? I would like you to show me the Standing Order that you are rising on because you are out of order. You are completely out of order. You will not teach me how to do my job. I will not allow you to teach me how to do my job. You are out of order. You are not the Member on the Floor, therefore, you do not have the right to interfere with the proceedings of this House.

Continue, Vice-Chairman.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Hon. Muhia has raised a few issues, but she should withdraw her statement that the Executive is not doing the roadworks because of how they perceive her. This work started in 2020, not two years back. However, I empathise with her on the delayed works. As the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, we will communicate her concerns to the concerned Cabinet Secretary.

However, she should withdraw the statement that the Executive has not constructed the road because of her political stand. I do not think that is the case because it is not only Hon. Muhia’s roads that are incomplete, but all our roads. I have a problem with roads in my constituency. Hon. Temporary Speaker, you also have a similar problem in your constituency. The problem arises due to insufficient funds. We only allocate Ksh65 billion annually to the Ministry of Roads and Transport. We allocated Ksh65 billion to the Ministry of Roads and Transport, yet the pending bills are over Ksh500 billion. However, I will pass on Hon. Muhia’s concerns. I understand where she is coming from, but I think it is wrong for her to say that the Executive is making her suffer because of her political stand.

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Hon. Chairman, I listened to Hon. Muhia very well. She asked whether we have standards outlining how certain kilometres should be completed within a certain number of months?

Regarding the issue Hon. Muhia raised, the current contractor was SBI International Holdings Kenya. Later on, it was reassigned because the original contractor could not do that job. That is simply the reason.

She has also asked why the other roadworks have stopped because the contractor was not paid their dues. It has been answered in the response. There is no standard rule outlining that a certain number of kilometres should be completed in a certain month; it is different for every county. If the funds are available, the roads would be completed on time. That is the only criterion used.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the Member should not speak on my behalf.

Please, take your seat. I was struggling with the microphone. I did not allow you to speak. Hon. Wanjiku, specifically deliberate on your road.

I do not know where Hon. Dawood is referring to, but it must not be the Ministry’s response. It is in black and white that the contractor who was given the job was not able to do it, and that is why the first launch was in 2018. After two years, the Ministry gave another contractor, and the Cabinet Secretary has recorded that the job commenced in 2020; I do not dispute that. In the Financial Year 2020/2021, they did 33 kilometres which is good. In the Financial Year 2023/2024, there was no money, which is okay.

The Cabinet Secretary has recorded that in January 2025, the money was paid. So, if the money was paid, then funding is not the problem. Why is it being done at a snail's pace? We have not seen any work go on for the past 11 months. The Cabinet Secretary has recorded that the money was paid in August 2025, and the contractor resumed work in January this year. Why is the progress slow? That question needs to be answered.

He cannot claim that it would be completed on time; 2028 cannot be “on time”. He has said that if the contractor is paid, the work would be complete. That is why I said that if the work has not been done, the contractor must be incompetent, unsupervised, or it is the Executive sabotaging it.

As I conclude, I do not want the Committee to call the Cabinet Secretary here. I have attended Committee meetings which had even invited Hon. Murkomen when he was the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Roads and Transport, not to forget that Mr Chirchir is the current Cabinet Secretary, who has submitted this Statement. My wish is that the President answers this, when he comes here tomorrow.

You are completely out of order, Hon. Wanjiku. For us to make progress, the President will not be answering your question. You will follow the right process and you would be given the answers. You have the freedom to go to the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. However, I would like us to make progress.

Hon. Rahim is not the Chairman; the Chairman is not in the House. Hon. Dawood has made an effort to give the responses, bearing in mind that he is also speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, who is not here. Hon. Rahim, you still want to continue? I wanted to help you by passing this to the substantive Chairman.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

In no way am I demeaning what Hon. Muhia has said. I understand her frustrations in that the completion date has been pushed to June 2028. I will definitely pass her reservations

A to the Cabinet Secretary, Mr Chirchir. June 2028 is very far. We would want it finished as early as possible.

We are getting the Infrastructure Bond as proposed by the Cabinet Secretary. Once that is done and the money is there, it shall be done. I do not see why the completion date has been pushed to June 2028. However, I will pass on your concerns. Hon. Muhia, you are my friend. We have been in Parliament for a long time. I believe it is not the Executive sabotaging it. We will definitely work through it.

Is there anything out of order? Member for Kitui Rural, I can hear your voice, but unable to see your name on my screen. Is anything out of order because your hand has been up?

Before I come to you, I would like to order that the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure takes into consideration the matter Hon. Muhia is raising, concerning matters standard and timelines.

Her argument is very clear; if it takes one year to do a certain number of kilometres in a certain constituency, it should take the same time to finish in another constituency, especially when funds are available. That is the argument that we are having here. This must reach the Committee and the Chairman. Clerk-at-the-Table, take note of that. Thank you very much.

Hon. Mwalika.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, you have said it all. Hon. Muhia’s concerns are simple; there are either no funds or the contractors are not being supervised. I have listened to Hon. Dawood, and he has not fully answered her concerns. It is upon the Ministry to give this House satisfactory answers to questions raised by Members. They should not submit general answers, yet the questions are very simple and straightforward. If it were me, I would look at the questions and answer them straightaway.

Committees should ensure that the answers submitted to them are satisfactory, and if not, they return them for amendment before bringing them to this House. We are not here to joke.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Member for Kitui Rural, I would be kind to you. I will not ask you rise under the guidelines of our Standing Orders.

We need to make progress. Next Order.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, can I continue?

Yes.

Thank you. I moved this Bill in

I know you have interacted with this Bill before because it is your Bill. However, now that it is in the House, you need to move.

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

THAT, the Senate amendments to the Public Service

(Amendment)

Bill

(National Assembly Bill No.46 of 2022)

be now considered. I beg to move and request Hon. Paul Biego to second.

Hon. Biego.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I second.

Thank you very much, Hon. Members.

I see several names on the screen. However, I do not know whether you have interest on this. If there is no interest, I will go ahead and put the Question. May I?

Yes!

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THAT, Clause 3 of the Bill be amended by deleting paragraph (a). (Question of the amendment proposed) The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Siyoi, you may proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairlady. The Message from the Senate forwarding the Senate amendments on the Bill was conveyed to the House on 16th April 2024 and subsequently, referred to the Departmental

Committee on Labour for consideration. The Committee held a meeting on Thursday, 13th June

I am almost done. The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Please, proceed.

The Committee observed that the Senate amendment seeks to provide the meaning of an authorised officer to be the one appointed to perform a human resource management function. The Committee rejected the proposed amendment. The responsibility should be bestowed on the officer appointed within the Public Service or the Service Commission to perform its delegated function, which includes the Commission Secretary and the Chief Executive Officer.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, on the proposal that Clause 3 of the Bill be amended by deleting paragraph…

Do we deal with the first clause first? The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Hon. Lilian, deal with Clause 3 first and just inform the House why the Committee is proposing rejection.

I started with Clause 2; let me now go to Clause 3.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Yes, Clause 3.

This clause provides for the amendment of Section 16 of the principal Act in subsection 1 by inserting the words “and each public office” immediately after each service commission. The Committee rejected the proposed amendment, noting that the proposed amendment on the Bill, as passed in the National Assembly, seeks to broaden the scope of reporting on the status of the promotion of the values and principles of public service by including public offices. Should I continue?

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : You may now take your seat.

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The Committee is recommending rejection of what was recommended by the Senate. I would, therefore, allow debate. Hon. Rahim, you are the sponsor of the Bill, give us some more insights.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, what the Committee has proposed of rejecting, does not make any difference. The Senate amendment enhances the Bill. What we had passed should not be deleted. The Senate amendment enhances the Bill and there is no issue. Otherwise, when we reject the Senate amendment, we are asking to go for mediation which is a long process. The Departmental Committee on Labour received this Bill on 11th March 2024. It sat on it for one and a half years. They have now said that they reject the Senate amendment.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, I oppose the proposed amendment. The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : I would like to hear the voices of other Members. Hon. (Dr) Nyikal, are you interested in this Bill? Those who are interested in it, kindly hit the intervention button.

Hon. Dawood, let us hear the substance. He is right. If we reject the Senate amendment, there would be mediation. Let us hear more about the substance. What are we discussing? What is being rejected or accepted?

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Hon. Biego.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, I stand here to support Hon. Dawood. I would like to hear what the Chairman has to say. It is frustrating that a Bill has taken all this time. It is the same one which we passed. After being enhanced by the Senate, the Committee rejects the proposed amendment. I oppose that, but we need to get the gist of what the Committee is rejecting.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Hon. Siyoi.

We reject the proposed amendment because according to Hon. Dawood, we are narrowing the Bill. We propose that we broaden the reporting points. That is the reason we are rejecting the proposed amendment.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Okay. Hon. Dawood, please, approach Hon. Temporary Chairlady. Hon. Dorice Donya.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairlady. I am a Member of the Departmental Committee on Labour. We reject the proposed amendment because they want to take away the services which are being provided and rendered by the public service. There is a reason the State Department was created. The change of name does not affect service delivery. We should talk about how to improve the services that the people receive, rather than the change of name. It does not have any basis. That is why it should remain the way it is. They should continue doing their work, unless they feel they can be incorporated. We feel that they want to take away the responsibilities which they have been mandated to do.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Hon. Member for Kericho.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, I am surprised because Hon. Dawood rejects the Committee’s amendment because it has taken a year. Is that enough reason?

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : I do not know whether he said that on record, but you have time and the freedom to argue your point and support your Committee. Hon. Biego.

I want to inform Madam Beatrice, my colleague, that Hon. Dawood said that the Bill had taken a long time since it was taken to the Senate. It is not for the mere fact that the Bill has taken long, that Hon. Dawood is opposing. Hon. Dawood

A is saying that he is the owner of the Bill, and that the amendment is so slight and it is enhancing the Bill. What is the big deal? We want to hear the substance from the Committee Members.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you, Hon. Biego. The Committee Members have also made contributions. Hon. Members, for the purpose of information, if you vote “yes”, it means that you agree with the Senate amendments. If you vote “nay”, it means that you have refused the Senate amendments and you agree with the Committee.

(Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and negatived) (Senate amendment to Clause 3 negatived) Senate amendment to Clause 2

THAT, Clause 2 of the Bill be amended by deleting the definition of the term “authorised officer” and substituting therefor the following definition– “Authorised officer” means an officer appointed within the public service or service commission to perform a

human resource management function within the public service or service commission.

(Question of the amendment proposed) The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Member for Trans Nzoia, Hon. Lilian, you may now proceed. You are representing the Chair.

We will allow it to go the way it has been passed by the House.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : It is the next one. It is Clause 2 now.

The proposal is that Clause 2 of the Bill be amended by deleting the definition of the term “authorised officer” and substituting therefore the following new definition:

“Authorised officer” means an officer appointed within the public service or service commission to perform a human resource management function within the public service or service commission.

The Committee observed that the Senate amendment seeks to provide the meaning of an ‘‘authorised officer’’ to be the one appointed to perform a human resource management function. The Committee rejected the proposed amendment that the responsibility should be bestowed on the officer appointed within the public service or the service commission to perform its delegated function. This includes Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Thank you.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairlady.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : I did not even allow you, but since you are the only one who has shown interest, please, proceed.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, the only addition by the Senate is “human resource”. I do not see that as a substantial change to the Bill, and it does not alter the way the Bill is. I encourage my colleagues to agree with the Senate amendment. I say no to the Committee’s proposal.

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The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Based on what you have said in this, and also previously, you are agreeing with the Committee. However, you can approach the Chair. You voted “nay” and that is why I asked you to approach the Chair.

(Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and negatived) (Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and negatived) (Senate amendment to Clause 2 negatived) The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Dawood. Mover, Hon. Rahim.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, I beg to move that the Committee do report to the House its consideration of the Senate Amendments to the Public Service

(Amendment)

Bill

(National Assembly Bill No.46 of 2022)

and its approval without amendments.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Thank you very much, Hon. Rahim.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairlady. I beg to move:

THAT, Clause 2 of the Bill be amended—

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman. I support the proposed amendments because this will improve the structure by eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic layers that involve the multiple bodies. Hence, I support.

The Temporary Chairlady

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai)

: Thank you very much.

(Title agreed to)

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The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): The Mover of the Bill, Hon. Wamaua, to move reporting. Please, approach the Chairman, Hon. Melly.

(Hon. Julius Melly consulted with the Clerk-at-The-Table) Thank you very much for that consultation. Mover to move reporting. Hon. Wamaua, you may proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairlady. I beg to move that the Committee do report to the House its consideration of the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.59 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Thank you.

THAT, Clause 2 of the Bill be amended in the proposed new subsection (1A) by deleting the word “constituency” and substituting therefor the word “sub-county”. The import of this amendment is to ensure that every sub-county in the country has a civil registration centre where members of the public can access death certificates, birth certificates and related services.

The Temporary Chairlady

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai)

: Thank you.

Member for Kericho.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, I support this amendment because some constituencies have more than one sub-county, and it is important to bring services closer to the people.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : Thank you very much. Let us have Hon. Rahim.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, I support the amendment. We have over 350 sub-counties in the country and we need to push the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to establish offices in the 290 constituencies that do not have them. With the passing of the Bill, we need to ensure that these offices are established in every sub-county.

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The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Racheal Nyamai): Thank you very much (Question, that the word to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Question, that the word to inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to) (Clause 2 as amended agreed to (Title agreed to)

Hon. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the Committee do report to the House its consideration of the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly No.37 of 2024) and its approval thereof with amendments.

The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Racheal Nyamai) : Thank you, Hon. Members.

Hon. Chair.

Thank you. I beg to report that a Committee of the whole House has considered Senate amendments to the Public Service

(Amendment)

Bill

(National Assembly Bill No.46 of 2022)

and approved the same without amendments.

Thank you very much. Mover of the Bill, Hon. Rahim.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report. I request Hon. Lillian to second the Motion for agreement with the report of the Committee of the whole House.

I second.

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Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the whole House has considered the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.59 of 2023) and approved the same with amendments.

Hon. Wamaua.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report. I request the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education, Hon. Melly, to second the Motion.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I second.

Thank you very much.

Mover to move Third Reading. Hon. Wamaua.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.59 of 2023) be read a Third Time. I request Hon. Melly to second.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I second.

Thank you very much.

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Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the whole House has considered the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.37 of 2024) and approved the same with amendments.

Give the microphone to Hon. Martha Wangari.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report. I request Hon. Beatrice Kemei, Member for Kericho County, to second the Motion for agreement with the report of the Committee of the whole House.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I second.

Mover, to move Third Reading.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.37 of 2024) be now read a Third Time and request Hon. Beatrice Kemei to second.

Hon. Beatrice Kemei

: Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I second.

Hon. Gachagua you were moving and you have a balance of 28 minutes. You can continue moving the Bill.

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Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for allowing me to continue moving the Second Reading of the Environmental Professionals Institute of Kenya Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 36 of 2024) . Clause 7 of the Bill provides for the powers of the council which include:

A the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for lawyers. These bodies have elevated professional standards in their respective sectors. Further, the establishment of this environmental professional body seeks to align with international best practices in the regulation and recognition of environmental professionals. Similar structures exist in other jurisdictions, such as the Rwanda Association of Professional Environmental Practitioners (RAPEP), which regulates environmental professionals in Rwanda, and the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) in the United States of America, which promotes excellence in environmental practice through certification, professional development and ethical standards.

The Environmental Professionals Institute of Kenya (EPIK) will ensure that only qualified and ethical professionals practice in the sector. It aims to eliminate unqualified individuals, improve service delivery and foster accountability in environmental management. The Bill also promotes continuous professional development and introduces a structured career progression for environmental practitioners including adoption of a code of ethics and continuous professional development (CPD) to deal with emerging environmental issues such as loss of biodiversity, pollution, climate change and ecosystem disruptions.

It is instructive to note that under the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (Cap.387) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and the Environmental Audit and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), experts are not required to undertake a degree course in the field of environment, natural resources, earth sciences or research.

Finally, as I conclude, permit me to observe that there is a significant gap in Kenya's environmental governance - the absence of a statutory professional body to regulate environmental practitioners. While the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) enforces laws, there is no counterpart responsible for the certification, professional development and ethical oversight of practitioners in this critical field. Rather than duplicating NEMA's functions, the Environmental Professionals Institute of Kenya (EPIK) will complement its regulatory work by focusing on professional ethics, training, certification and advocacy.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move and call upon Hon. Dawood to second.

Thank you, Hon. Gachagua. You have moved the Bill, but because of time, your Seconder, Hon. Rahim, will not second today. He will do so when the Bill will be put on the Order Paper by the House Business Committee.

Hon. Members, the time being