Wednesday, 19th October, 2022

Clerk, please confirm whether we have quorum. Hon. Senators, we seem not to have the requisite quorum. I, therefore, ask for the Quorum Bell to be rung for five minutes.

Order! You may stop the Bell because we have so far attained the quorum.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I have a request for Statement on the Human Wildlife Conflict---

I actually thought you were contributing to welcoming delegations. Quite a number of Senators have requested to speak and welcome the guests.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I apologise. It is only that I have a pressing matter in Makueni County. However, it is not a problem.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I take this opportunity to welcome the students from Garissa County to the Senate. I believe they will learn from their counterpart while visiting the Senate. While here, they will learn a lot from us and get inspired to become Senators one day and live their dreams. I hope that they as they move around Parliament, they will learn more as they watch our proceedings, get encouraged, inspired and look forward to success in life.

Proceed, Sen. Mungatana.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to join you in welcoming the delegation from Zambia. I serve as a Commissioner in the Competition Commission of

the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). We have held very many meetings in Lusaka.

The people of Zambia warm my heart. If you listen to their television stations, they speak with a Nairobian accent. They also dress like Nairobi City people, laugh like us and even have nyama choma.

Proceed, Sen. Kavindu Muthama.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. I join you and my fellow Senators to welcome the delegation from Zambia, Garissa County and the students from Tharaka Nithi County. I take this opportunity to welcome them.

To the Zambian delegation, welcome to Kenya. This is a peaceful country and I am sure you will learn a lot from us and our staff. The lady called Rose; your surname sounds a lot like a Kamba name. I am sure we have something in common. Welcome.

Proceed, Sen. Cherarkey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise to also join you in welcoming the visiting delegation from Zambia. It is an honour to have them. I have noted that they are on a benchmarking visit and it shows that as Parliament, we are doing very well. Welcome.

This is the Pan-Africanism that we need to see exhibited in Africa. We need to work together and share common practices. We do not need to fly to United States of America (USA) , France or any other country to benchmark. We need to encourage intra- exchange of best practices in Parliaments within Africa. I think we have a problem in Africa. We see things in sadistic ways and do not believe in our ability or capacity.

I thank the delegation because they decided to visit the Republic of Kenya instead of going to USA, Europe or South America. They are specifically in the right House, the “Upper” House. This is the House of union. I know Sen. Maanzo is now in the right place; he was lost in the “lower” House.

Finally, I also join you in welcoming our students and teachers from Prince Alex Mixed Day Secondary School in Tharaka Nithi County. We are proud of them.

There once lived one of the best legislators in this House. The first Senate Majority Leader who later became the best Deputy Speaker, was from that county. The current Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominee for the Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government. That is Hon. (Prof.) Kithure Kindiki. You are in the right place.

Currently we have also Senator ‘More Fire’ from the Tharaka Nithi County. From the look of things, the House will be on fire, but not literally.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. One day I will be the Speaker. I take this opportunity to welcome my good school, Prince Alex Secondary School, in Tharaka Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County.

This is a House of big and great minds. When I look at you, I see future Senators and Members Parliament (MP) . I am very sure from today; you are going to learn a lot.

The big names that you hear on television stations are in this House. This is the House where our senior most Member of Tharaka Nithi County, Hon. (Prof.) Kithure Kindiki used to sit. He has been here for 10 years. Today we are lucky because he was being vetted as the CS nominee for the Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government.

Now that you have made it here through your teachers, it is a clear gesture that you are making yourselves great. Feel most welcome. I am sure you must have switched off your phones. I have talked to your teachers and I am going to take care of you as you go home.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I also take this opportunity to welcome the Zambians and the Garissa County delegation. This is a House of honour and we are glad that we are receiving visitors every day.

Next Order.

Hon. Senators, I wish to report to the Senate that pursuant to Standing Order No.46 (3) and (4) , I have received the following Message from the Speaker of the National Assembly regarding the appointment of Members to the Joint Committee on Election of Members to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) .

Pursuant to the said Standing Order, I now report the Message:

“PURSUANT, to the provisions of Standing Order 41 of the National Assembly Standing Orders, I hereby convey a Message from the National Assembly on its passage of the following resolution during its sitting of Thursday, October 13th 2022-

THAT, ACKNOWLEDGING, that the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) is established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community as one of the key organs and institutions of the Community responsible for the Community’s legislative matters;

RECOGNISING THAT, Article 50 of the Treaty provides for the election of Members of EALA by respective partner States’ Legislatures in accordance with their parliamentary procedures for a term of five years;

FURTHER AWARE THAT, the East African Legislative Assembly Elections Act, 2011 contemplates conclusion of the election of Members of a new Assembly to be within 90 days before the expiry of the term of the subsisting Assembly;

NOTING THAT, the term of the current East African Legislative Assembly lapses on 17th December 2022;

COGNIZANT, of the need to urgently conclude the election process for the East African Legislative Assembly to commence transacting business of the East African Community, and in accordance with the provisions of the East African Legislative Assembly Elections (Election of Members of the Assembly) Rules, 2017 –

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I do not want to contribute on this Message. I had pressed the button earlier on so that I welcome the visitors.

Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, you have the Floor.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, you have urged Members of the Joint Committee to perform their mandate in accordance to Standing Order No.230.

I agree with you and request Members of the Committee to know that our representatives on the joint Committee are from the Senate; the House that is a symbol of equity. Once you are done with shortlisting, we would like to have nominated persons to serve as Members of the EALA who represent the face of Kenya. As much as possible, we should have representation from all the eight regions of Kenya.

More importantly, we hope that this Committee will move us from the bad habits we have seen in the past, where political party leaders have used the committee to get their relatives to go and sit at the EALA.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, this should not be the reason we form joint committees for them to go and please their political party leaders, tribal chiefs and tribal kingpins.

I thank you.

Let us go to the next Order.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, Wednesday, 19th October, 2022. These are reports of the Auditor-General for the year ended 30th June, 2021, on the financial statements of the following-

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of County Executive of Nyandarua for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Maasai Mara Community Support Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Turkana County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Turkana County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Lamu County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Lamu County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Lamu County Fisheries Revolving Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Lamu County Bursary & Scholarship Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Lamu County Emergency Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kericho County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kericho County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Garissa County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Garissa County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Garissa County Scholarship Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Garissa County Investment Development Authority for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Garissa County Emergency Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Gatamathi Water & Sanitation Company Ltd for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Gatanga Community Water Scheme for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Murang’a South Water & Sanitation Company Ltd for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kahuti Water & Sanitation Company Ltd (Murang’a) for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Elgeyo Marakwet County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Elgeyo Marakwet County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Bungoma County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Bungoma County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Nandi County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Nandi County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statement of Kiambu County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kiambu County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kiambu County Assembly Staff Mortgage Scheme Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Ruiru Juja Water & Sewerage Company Ltd for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kikuyu Water Company Ltd for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of County Executive of Nairobi City for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of County Assembly of Nairobi City for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Wajir County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Wajir County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kisumu County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kisumu County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Busia County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kwale County Executive for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kwale County Assembly for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kwale County Trade Revolving Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2021.

Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Kwale County Youth, Women & Persons with Disability Revolving Fund for the year ended 30th June,

Let us move on to the next Order.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have a request for a Statement on the human- wildlife conflict in Kibwezi East Constituency in Makueni County.

I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources regarding human-wildlife conflict in Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West constituencies, among other sub-counties, in Makueni County.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for your indulgence. I rise to issue a Statement on a topic of general concern. Today is Koitalel Samoei Memorial Day. It is normally held on the 19th of October.

I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (1) to make a Statement on an issue of general topical concern and national importance, namely; Koitalel Samoei Memorial Day that is to be held today 19th October, 2022.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, Koitalel Samoei was born in 1860 at Samitui in Aldai to Kimnyolei Arap Turgat. He was the last born among the four sons of Kimnyolei Arap

Turgat and belonged to the Kaplelach age-set of the Nandi. For the benefit of the House, the President belongs to the same age set as Koitalel’s, the Kaplelach age-set. Even though he was the youngest, he was reportedly close to his father and displayed the greatest ability in understanding prophetic signs.

Koitalel Samoei succeeded his father at the age of twenty-five as the Orkoiyot who was the supreme spiritual and political leader of the Nandi people and were traditionally from the Talai Clan believed to be chosen by God (Asis). He prophesied about the coming of the British and the railway, which he revealed to the people as a snake passing through the land of Nandi spitting fire. It took little time before the British arrived and Koitalel rallied his men in fighting and resisting the construction of the railway through the land of Nandi.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, Samoei led the Nandi people in resisting the British fearlessly though they had no guns. They strategically attacked and stole railway construction materials when the British least expected. They resisted them for twelve years. On 19th October, 1905, a number of years ago, a British Colonel named Richard Meinertzhagen tricked him to a meeting to negotiate a truce where Koitalel Samoei was shot dead.

Koitalel’s head was chopped off and taken away to the United Kingdom (UK) in London together with his weapons where they are up to date. The skull has never been returned. Koitalel’s death marked the end of the Nandi resistance towards the British.

It is after the death of Koitalel Samoei that the Talai clan and the Nandi community suffered serious injustices at the hands of the British colonial rule such as mass murder, detention without trial, forced evictions from ancestral land, confiscation of property and other serious abuse of basic fundamental human rights also captured by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Charter.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, Koitalel Arap Samoei is among the Kenyan super-heroes and pre-independence legends who fought for their communities’ land, freedom, spiritual well-being of the people and the independence of Kenya. They include: Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, Mekatilili Wa Menza, Bildad Kaggia, Harry Thuku, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga--- We are lucky that the son of the scion is in the House, the Senator for Siaya. The others were: Paul Ngei and Ole duma, a Samburu hero. Once again, we are lucky that Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, our Deputy Majority Whip, is in the House.

On 31st July, 2021, the United Nations Council wrote a letter ordering the United Kingdom Government to make public apology and compensate the Talai Community of Kenya for horrendous violations of their rights. The above circumstances are a clear indication that the rights of Talai clan and the Nandi community were grossly violated.

On that premise, it is worth to note that when I was the Chairperson of the Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, this House adopted a Report on Talai Historical injustices. That Implementation Report was supposed to be transmitted to the Government of Kenya, the Attorney General’s Office and the National Land Commission (NLC) to work on repatriation and re-writing the wrongs that the British Government committed.

We call upon the Government to expedite the implementation of all reports touching on the violations of the right of the Talai and the Nandi people at large and any

other person who should be compensated for fighting for the country’s Independence. I call upon the country to join us in celebrating our hero; Koitalel Samoei, among other legendary heroes who fought for Independence in this country today 19th October, 2022.

I request under Standing Order No. 52(3) that you refer this matter to the Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights. I wish everyone a happy Koitalel Samoei Memorial Day and a Happy Mashujaa Day tomorrow.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity to raise this Statement on human-wildlife conflict in Taita Taveta County.

I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources concerning the incessant human wildlife conflict in Taita Taveta County.

In the Statement the Committee should-

Sen. Mwaruma, the approved Statement is substantially different from what you have just read out. Could you confirm the genuine Statement so that we know which one to go by. You may want to approach the Clerk’s desk to confirm that.

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

What is your point of order, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, that is a serious deviation from procedure. Our understanding is that before a Member reads a Statement, he has received the

consent of the Office of the Speaker and the Speaker has read and approved that Statement.

If the Member is reading something which is divergent, it means it is without your approval. According to our Standing Orders and traditions, you should strike it out and the Member to seek a fresh opportunity to read his Statement.

Very well. Hon. Senator and that is why we need to verify because it is an approved Statement that carries the day, not any other Statement.

Sen. Mwaruma, you may take your seat. I think we have managed to get to know where the problem is and indeed you have read the correct Statement. So, we rest that matter at that.

Before we proceed, I would wish to order that the Statement by Sen. Cherarkey be committed to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) for action.

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

What is your point of order, Sen. Cheptumo?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we were almost believing that the Hon. Senator misled the House by reading the wrong Statement. So, who is misleading the House?

Hon. Senator, that matter has been dealt with. Let us now listen to Sen. Olekina, please.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you for allowing me to comment briefly on the Statement that has just been read by the distinguished Senator from Taita Taveta.

Earlier this year, we travelled to Masimba where four Maasais were killed by the police officers as a result of a demonstration by women because of the serious human- wildlife conflict. At that particular time, the issues which have been canvassed by Sen. Mwaruma were supposed to have been dealt with.

We came up with four measures that were supposed to be taken by the Executive. These measures were confirmed by the current Interior Minister that the people who have been killed or whose crops have been destroyed would be compensated.

As I stand here today, my own father’s crops were destroyed by wild animals way back in 1983, but he has never been compensated. This is a matter which I hope that this current Committee will take it seriously. If you look at the HANSARD reports of both the Senate and the National Assembly, you will see year in, year out, this matter being debated.

I hope that this time around we can begin to really pronounce ourselves. I really wanted to request the Senator from Taita Taveta that instead of just asking for a Statement, I think it is about time that we should now move a Motion so that the Senate can pronounce itself on this matter.

There are so many people in Taita Taveta, Kajiado and Narok counties who are killed on a daily basis by wild animals. We value these wild animals so much because

they bring us a lot of tourist dollars. In fact, whenever the Maasai people kill a lion, they are sent to jail for five years. However, when a lion kills a Maasai, he is never compensated. It is about time that we started valuing our people and respecting the pronouncements from this House.

When we stand here and we represent our people, we should be able to plead with the Executive to compensate those people. Let us not just be paying lip service here all time. We travelled there and we were so many of us.

I would like to request that this committee that you will commit this Statement to, to consider - if it is not the Senator from Taita Taveta who will move this Statement - the committee by suo motto should come up with a Motion so that we can finally pronounce ourselves on this issue of human-wildlife conflict.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I really thank you for allowing me to comment on it.

Proceed Sen. Osotsi.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Health on the state of healthcare service provision at the Vihiga County Hospital.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

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

What is your point of order, the Senator for Laikipia County?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, did you see what the nominated Senator from Samburu did? She just left the Clerk’s table and she walked across without following the correct procedure of this House.

Senator, unfortunately she is very lucky, I did not see her. So, she may get away with that.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, if you wish, let me make a comment. A few weeks back we received information that there are individuals who are asking for bribes at the Vihiga County Hospital for patients to be treated. Indeed, the county government carried the investigation and one person who is not even an employee of the hospital was arrested. This person has been at the hospital receiving money and, probably, there are others who are receiving money from patients so that these patients can be treated.

Clearly---

Hon. Senator, after you have read the written Statement, you can now proceed to---

Mr. Speaker, Sir, that is why I asked for permission as to whether I should give my comments.

Permission was not granted. Once the Statement is committed, at some opportune moment, you will have that opportunity to do exactly what you are doing. Once you have read, let us leave it at that.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Energy on the status of viability of Lake Turkana Wind Power Project.

In the statement, the Committee should-

Proceed to make the Statement please.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations

regarding the process of acquisition and distribution of relief supplies to Marsabit County.

In the statement, the Committee should-

Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe, you may proceed.

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

What is your point of order, Sen. Cherarkey?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (3) . I know that it is at your discretion, but some of these issues are of great concern, especially the Turkana Wind Power Project.

Standing Order No.53 (3) states that- “Where a Statement has been requested from a Committee pursuant to paragraph (1) -

I believe that the requests that are on the screens are for contributing to the two Statements made by Sen. Chute. If you do not intend to speak to those Statements, please exit the screen so that we pick the Members who would wish to speak to those Statements.

Hon. Senators, I will pick one Senator from each side to contribute to the Statements made by Sen. Chute.

Sen. Syengo, you may proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. The issues that the Senator brought on board are very key. The concerned Committees can take charge and give information and details on the same.

Sen. Cheptumo, you may proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I want to comment on one of the Statements which has been referred to my Committee.

The issue of distribution of relief food in these affected areas is very critical. Sometimes the food supplied from the national Government do not reach the affected persons. Therefore, it is important that this House takes up this matter so that the supplies from the national Government which are taken to the regional, county and sub county offices reach the affected people.

When I was serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Baringo North Constituency, we received communication about the ratio.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am sure that when you were an MP, you used to receive letters from the Office of the President (OP) saying 90 kilogrammes, 50 or 30 or 100 bags have been supplied to the sub counties. However, when you go there, you may receive less than that. Therefore, it is very critical that the Government ensures that what is being allocated to our locations, sub locations and our counties, is delivered.

I appreciate the Statement from the Member. As the Chairperson of the addressed Committee, we will deeply go into this so that Kenyans benefit from what the Government provides.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise to seek a Statement on the state of alleviating drought and famine in Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) Areas and other affected areas of Kenya. `

Pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1) , I seek a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations on the Drought and Famine Crisis in ASAL Areas of Kenya and all other affected areas of Kenya.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

I will give to one Senator from each side. We will hear from Sen. Mungatana, and then immediately after him, we will have Sen. Olekina from this other side.

Sen. Mungatana, MGH: Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe on this issue of drought.

As the Committee looks at his statement and request, can they add why it is that in this ASAL regions, we cannot have the huge silos so that food can be stored. This is

because it is such a predictable thing. There is the rainy season, then the dry season followed by drought.

In those days, at least we knew there used to be strategic grain reserves. It is now a matter of national security that in our regions, such as Tana-River County, we do not have those strategic reserves. We do not have places where we can be assisted when there are problems.

I do not know what the problem is. This is because even in the olden days, the Egyptians in the Bible, we read about Joseph that in good times you spare some for the bad times. What is it that the Government cannot do to help these areas?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, as you commit the Statement to the relevant Committee, consider this also as a security matter. We should strategic grain reserves in some of our places such as our county- Tana-River.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi): Sen. Olekina, you may have the Floor.

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

What is your point of order, Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise on Standing Order No.53 (a) . Last week on Thursday, there was an Adjournment of Motion to discuss the matter of drought in Kenya. You note that during the debate on that Motion, most Senators could not contribute on that very important matter currently in Kenya because of time. Therefore, this necessitated my statement today so that Senators get opportunity to speak on this matter.

I have heard your ruling that you are giving two Senators from either side time to contribute. This is a very important matter. I request, if possible, you give enough time to Senators to contribute.

Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, are you suggesting that the Speaker is out of order?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, not at all. I am just requesting that you give us enough time because this is a very important time in our country now.

That is not a point of order. Proceed Sen. Olekina.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you. I begin by thanking the distinguished Senator of Samburu County for raising this matter which we must talk about on a daily basis.

When you wake up in the morning and watch Cable News Network, Inc. (CNN) , they will give you the news. Twenty minutes later, they will remind you of the news and keep reminding you until someone acts.

Drought is ravaging our economy. Our people, the pastoralists are now languishing in poverty. We all know there is no way we can detect drought. It is not like any other natural hazard such as a tornado which you can detect. It is something that we need to learn so that we can prepare for it.

The more we talk about the challenges that we face because of drought, the more this Government should now start preparing itself. I echo the sentiments of the

Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you. I begin by thanking the distinguished Senator of Samburu County for raising this matter which we must talk about on a daily basis.

When you wake up in the morning and watch Cable News Network, Inc. (CNN) , they will give you the news. Twenty minutes later, they will remind you of the news and keep reminding you until someone acts.

Drought is ravaging our economy. Our people, the pastoralists are now languishing in poverty. We all know there is no way we can detect drought. It is not like any other natural hazard such as a tornado which you can detect. It is something that we need to learn so that we can prepare for it.

The more we talk about the challenges that we face because of drought, the more this Government should now start preparing itself. I echo the sentiments of the

Hon. Members, I know you wish to speak on this matter. Unfortunately, according to the Standing Orders, however generous I should be, I can only stretch it to 15 minutes. We have gone long beyond the 15 minutes on that Statements. So, we will rest there and move to the next Statement.

Sen. Olekina, please request. If you are not ready, we will understand. Sen. Kibwana, please, proceed.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, Sir---.

Senator, please just have your seat. Sorry to interrupt. Hon. Senators, allow me to make this Communication before we allow the Senator to make a request.

Senator, please just have your seat. Sorry to interrupt. Hon. Senators, allow me to make this Communication before we allow the Senator to make a request.

Bw. Spika, nimefurahia kusikia wageni kutoka Kaunti ya Embu wametutembelea. Ninawakaribisha waje waone vile tunafanya kazi. Ni Baraka kuwa nao hapa.

Bw. Spika, mjue kwamba kuna njaa katika Kaunti ya Embu. Kuna njaa kule Kiambere na Mutuobare. Mbuzi wanakufa na miraa imekauka. Kwa hivyo, ninaomba---

Hon. Senator, restrict yourself to welcoming the visitors.

Bw. Spika, ni sawa. Nikimalizia, tunapoongea mambo ya janga la njaa, mkumbuke Kaunti ya Embu kuna njaa. Tuangalie jinsi tunaweza kuchimbiwa mabwawa ili tuweze kuwa na kilimo kizuri.

Bw. Spika, ni sawa. Nikimalizia, tunapoongea mambo ya janga la njaa, mkumbuke Kaunti ya Embu kuna njaa. Tuangalie jinsi tunaweza kuchimbiwa mabwawa ili tuweze kuwa na kilimo kizuri.

Sen. Kibwana, please proceed.

I will allow some intervention on this. This is a weighty matter which has been highlighted in the mainstream media. So, if we are brief, we will hear more Senators because we only have 15 minutes to offer.

Sen. Madzayo, please proceed. The Senate Minority Leader (Sen. Madzayo) :

Asante, Bw. Spika. Kwanza,

I will allow some intervention on this. This is a weighty matter which has been highlighted in the mainstream media. So, if we are brief, we will hear more Senators because we only have 15 minutes to offer. Sen. Madzayo, please proceed. The Senate Minority Leader (

Bw. Spika, madaktari kutofika hospitali katika masaa yanayotakikana ili kuokoa maisha ya wagonjwa, ni jambo ambalo linaonekana linaanza kupata moto kila mahali. Huu utepetevu unatendeka maeneo ya Kisumu, Kilifi na pia hapa Nairobi.

Ninaomba hiyo Taarifa ijumuishwe pamoja na ya Mhe. Kamoti ili ziangaliwe pamoja. Ni kwa sababu gani madaktari hawakuwa kazini na kama walikuwa kazini, ni kwa nini walichelewa kumhudumia mheshimiwa. Na pia yule mtoto ambaye Sen. Kibwana amemzungumzia? Itakuwa vyema hii kesi ya mheshimiwa ijumuishwe na mtoto Travis.

Asante, Bw. Spika. Kwanza,

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the story of Travis is a sad one. The mother lost her two-year-old simply because she had gone to a public hospital which is supposed to offer services in this country.

As mothers, we go through pain if we are not attended to because of lack of money. All the doctors did at KNH was to look at the innocent child and take photos.

It is sad that we are still losing children, yet we have invested in hospitals. Many such cases have been reported at KNH. The matter should be investigated. We are saddened by the response from KNH. We should not be losing our children. That was a traumatizing situation to the mother.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, as a nation, we send our condolences. As parents in this House, we request that the Committee should prioritise this matter.

I thank you.

Unfortunately, 15 minutes are over. If you take less time, we will allow more Senators to speak. However, the two Senators, especially the Senator for Kilifi decided to speak for more than 10 minutes.

Yes, it is a live matter, but we are guided by the Standing Orders. It is stated that the Speaker may allow for comments in relation to the Statement for not more than fifteen minutes.

The next Statement is by Sen. Gataya.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. This is a matter of procedure and it requires that you give us a considered ruling. What you are talking about is Standing Order No.53 (3) . Standing Order No.53 (3) (a) requires you to allow for comments for 15 minutes. Standing Order No.54 (4) states as follows-

“The Speaker may allow the Senator who made the request for a Statement under paragraph (1) or any other Senator to make comments or observations in relation to the report tabled under paragraph (3) (b) , for not more than twenty minutes.”

Unfortunately, 15 minutes are over. If you take less time, we will allow more Senators to speak. However, the two Senators, especially the Senator for Kilifi decided to speak for more than 10 minutes.

Yes, it is a live matter, but we are guided by the Standing Orders. It is stated that the Speaker may allow for comments in relation to the Statement for not more than fifteen minutes.

The next Statement is by Sen. Gataya.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. This is a matter of procedure and it requires that you give us a considered ruling. What you are talking about is Standing Order No.53 (3) . Standing Order No.53 (3) (a) requires you to allow for comments for 15 minutes. Standing Order No.54 (4) states as follows-

“The Speaker may allow the Senator who made the request for a Statement under paragraph (1) or any other Senator to make comments or observations in relation to the report tabled under paragraph (3) (b) , for not more than twenty minutes.”

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. You need to protect me from Sen. Korir because you are the only one who can rule me out of order.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, you need to provide further guidance in view of Standing Order No.53. It talks about 15 minutes, but Sen. Madzayo spoke for more than the requisite time. If you allow us 15 minutes, maybe each Senator should speak for two minutes on such a matter like the death of the child which has affected the whole country.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, as you make your Solomonic ruling, for future purposes, you need to guide such that every Senator who wants to comment to use only two minutes, so that a number of us can contribute. The issue of the unfortunate death of the child at KNH should be dealt with firmly. Somebody must be held accountable.

I thank you.

Hon. Senators, sometimes it is not good for the Chair to micromanage Members. If you know well that the window that we have to comment on a weighty matter is 15 minutes and every Senator wishes to contribute, the Chair does not need to micromanage you. However, now that we are unable to manage our time, you will allow me to micromanage in the next Statement, when such an opportunity arises. I am really sorry, but I will have to do it.

Please proceed, Sen. Gataya.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. You need to protect me from Sen. Korir because you are the only one who can rule me out of order.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, you need to provide further guidance in view of Standing Order No.53. It talks about 15 minutes, but Sen. Madzayo spoke for more than the requisite time. If you allow us 15 minutes, maybe each Senator should speak for two minutes on such a matter like the death of the child which has affected the whole country.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, as you make your Solomonic ruling, for future purposes, you need to guide such that every Senator who wants to comment to use only two minutes, so that a number of us can contribute. The issue of the unfortunate death of the child at KNH should be dealt with firmly. Somebody must be held accountable.

I thank you.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations regarding the relocation of Government administrative services from Chuka Town to Kathwana Town Headquarters in Tharaka-Nithi County. In the Statement, the Committee should-

I am well guided, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I have a second Statement. I do not know whether I should proceed.

Hon. Senator, proceed.

I am well guided, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I have a second Statement. I do not know whether I should proceed.

Hon. Senator, proceed.

I rise Pursuant to the Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources concerning the diversion of the rivers originating from Nyambene Hills and Mt. Kenya by the locals in the neighboring Meru County.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

I believe that we are okay with those Statements since there is no intervention.

Let us move to the Statement by Sen. Orwoba.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I have been given authority to read the Statement on behalf of Sen. Orwoba. The same has been communicated to the Clerk and approval sought and granted.

I rise Pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) on allegations on data poor protection measures in the sim card registration process.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. The Senate Majority Leader is accompanying the Deputy President to a national function and has, therefore, appointed me to hold his brief.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, pursuant to Standing Order No. 57 (1) , I hereby present to the Senate the business of the Senate for the week commencing Tuesday, 25th October, 2022. As you are aware, tomorrow, 20th October, 2022 is a public holiday and as such, the Senate Business Committee (SBC) has not scheduled any business for this House.

Regular sittings of this Senate will resume on Tuesday, 25th October, 2022. On that day, the SBC will meet to schedule the business of the Senate. This is projected to contain business that will not be concluded from today’s Order Paper at Orders Nos. 8, 9, and 10 and any other business scheduled by the Committee.

The Order Paper of Wednesday, 26th October, 2022, and for Thursday, 27th October, 2022, will contain business that will not be concluded on Tuesday, 25th October, 2022 and Wednesday, 26th October, 2022 respectively, and any other business scheduled by the SBC as well as Petitions and Statements.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Standing Committees of the Senate are now fully constituted. I take this opportunity to congratulate all Members who have been appointed to serve in the Committees and wish them the very best in the discharge of their duties. I also hasten to congratulate those Members of the Standing Committees who have been elected Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons respectively.

I am aware that the process of elections to the positions of the Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of the various committees is still ongoing. I urge the Senators who will be elected to these positions to take on their responsibilities with utmost dedication, so as to ensure that the Senate effectively discharges on its mandate.

Several Statements have already been requested and accordingly committed to the relevant committees. Additionally, a number of Petitions have been filed and one was presented to the House at yesterday’s sitting and was committed to the Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing.

On this and other business of the House, I would like to emphasize on the need for the committees to adhere to the timelines set out in the Standing Orders. This will ensure that the business of this House is disposed off in a timely manner.

Standing Order No. 56 (1) (a) , provides that a Committee Chairperson may make a Statement relating to a matter for which the Committee is responsible. I urge Committee Chairpersons to use this mechanism to regularly apprise the House on the activities of the committees, so that the House is adequately informed and appropriate guidance on the next course of action is given in good time.

Finally, a number of critical Bills that lapsed at end of the 12th Parliament are being re-published. Senators and Committee Chairpersons who wish to sponsor such Bills are once again encouraged to liaise with the Office of the Clerk at the earliest opportunity to have the Bills fast-tracked.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, before I lay the Statement, allow me to congratulate Members from the Minority and Majority side of this House. We have been around and seen that there are a new crop of Senators who are completely committed to their work. Nobody has embarrassed us. Also, we have not had cases where a Motion has collapsed because of lack of people who can contribute to it and neither have we had issues of quorum. I lay the Statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

B. County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee

C. Committee on Delegated Legislation

A. County Public Accounts Committee

B. County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee

C. Committee on Delegated Legislation

Sen. Oyomo, proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am happy that I have been given the remaining minutes from my contribution yesterday. I only used one minute to contribute and the House adjourned.

I stand to support and appreciate the leadership of the House for the selection of the Senators to these crucial committees of the Senate. The Senate serves to protect the interests of the counties and the county governments.

It is worth noting that the Supreme Court in its latest ruling touching on the Senate only reaffirmed what is well stated in the Constitution about the mandate of the Senate. The Supreme Court stated that the Senate has powers to summon governors, to not only answer questions, but give any information that the Senate may require.

Our people deserve accountability and transparency in the usage of resources that have been sent to the counties either from the national Government or the ones that are locally generated. It is for this reason that I support the formation of the three committees that have been presented here. As a Senate, we are looking forward to oversighting the county funds.

This is crucial because we, as a Senate, need to be sure that resources that have been sent to the counties are properly used for the benefit of our people and that our people get value for money spent by the executives at the counties.

In the past - and it is on record - that there are governors who have not come to the Senate when they are summoned by the committees we are approving now. We are only reaffirming to them as a Senate, especially this Fourth Senate that we are looking forward to the governors responding to the summons and answering questions from the Senate committees. Not only answer questions, but we want to see that the funds sent to the counties are well utilized. Other than the proper utilization of funds, the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPISFC) should check whether the investments done in the county are done to the expectation of Kenyans.

I, therefore, support the composition of the three committees that were presented to the Floor.

I thank you.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, there are no drugs in hospitals from Kapsabet and other facilities. As I speak, there is no passable road. We grow tea, coffee and we have milk, but all the roads across the six sub-counties are impassable. From Tinderet, Aldai, Chesumei, Nandi Hills, Emgwen and Mosop and all other constituencies, there is no passable road that allows our people to take their milk to the market.

We are now approaching the maize harvesting season. We will need that maize to be taken to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) strategic reserves, so that it can be transmitted to counties that suffer drought and famine. As much as God has blessed Nandi County with rains, there is no passable road and yet the Governor is engaging in public relations exercises.

Madam Temporary Speaker, it is because they want to hide and run away. However, we are saying: “Murife do not run away.” They must be held accountable and I appeal to Kenyans.

Thieves!

Madam Temporary Speaker, it is because they want to hide and run away. However, we are saying: “Murife do not run away.” They must be held accountable and I appeal to Kenyans.

I remember when Sen. Olekina and I appeared in a show last week and Kenyans were asking why governors were stealing and why counties were not performing. One of the critical tools of accountability that we have been given in the Senate is the CPAIC.

I have seen the name of the famous public watchman, Sen. Okiya Omtatah, in this Committee. He has done much more oversight in this country than any person living among the 50 million people. I would want to see the fire – not literary – during the CPAIC sittings on the submissions by county governments. I do not want to call it grilling or summons, but I think there is a confusion. However, I want to see what he can do given that he has done good oversight over the years.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I was one of the Senators who were supposed to speak. I am glad that I finally have the opportunity to contribute specifically to the committees.

We cannot underscore the importance of the CPISFC and CPAC.

Sen (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, let us consult a little bit.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I think the confusion was because I had indicated that I was supposed to read a Statement on the Sondu Boundary-the Kisumu County-Kericho Conflict. I did not have time to speak, but I was listed to speak on the three committees.

I just wanted to highlight the importance of the CPAC and specifically on the question of oversight and the need to ensure that Senators…

Sen (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, please, approach my desk.

Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I highlight and support submissions that have been made by my colleague, Sen. Cherarkey, who is always raising issues.

I will speak to the importance of CPAC and CPISFC the fact that CPISFC is now disengaged from the CPAC.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I think the confusion was because I had indicated that I was supposed to read a Statement on the Sondu Boundary-the Kisumu County-Kericho Conflict. I did not have time to speak, but I was listed to speak on the three committees.

I just wanted to highlight the importance of the CPAC and specifically on the question of oversight and the need to ensure that Senators…

Sen (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, please, approach my desk.

Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I highlight and support submissions that have been made by my colleague, Sen. Cherarkey, who is always raising issues.

I will speak to the importance of CPAC and CPISFC the fact that CPISFC is now disengaged from the CPAC.

First of all, let me highlight on the outcome of the two petitions - Petition No.31 and No.27 on the filling at the Supreme Court. The previous speakers have spoken to the importance of a summon to governors. I think it is that accountability that is important, that a personal surcharge will be a consequence of governors not appearing before Senate Under Article 226(5).

Governors in this country must know that when the Senate summons them, they have an obligation to appear. This Senate must work differently from the previous one. Sen. Cherarkey, this Senate must go beyond over and above what you did so that where a governor refuses to appear before the Senate, this Senate should take further action.

I am alive, for instance, to the statement that will be brought to this House by the Senator of Narok County on accountability. It is on what Narok County has done to the CPAC and we have no clear accounts.

We must emphasize that under this new Senate, now that the CPISFC is separate from the CPAC, we want to see all those public investments and special funds set by counties accounted for.

We want to see independent institutions, for instance, Jaramogi Oginga-Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in my county- coming up and showing us how it runs the facility. It should also show how it accounts for funds and how services are rendered to the public and the citizens of the county.

We want to the see Committee on Delegated Legislation working and delivering. Where that Committee sits, I hear Sen. Omogeni is in it, that we see results. We do not want to see a back and forth.

The Senator of Kakamega has spoken to the question of accountability. Today, he wears the big shoes of the Senate Majority Leader. He has pointed that under Chapter 10 of the Constitution, accountability and basic accountability of Senators and all public officers underpins the work of the three Sessional Committees.

It is a message that we must send to all the governors that this time round, we should do things differently in the Senate. I do not need to take more time on that. I support all Members who have been nominated to serve in these committees. I see diverse skills in these committees have to rise to the occasion and do something differently.

I understand that in the last Senate, Chairpersons would have meetings with some of the people who had been summoned and some of these questions would then just disappear. That culture must stop. We must have a Senate that calls upon every governor in this country to account. This is so that all those funds that are disbursed to those counties find work in what they are intended for.

We want to see roads constructed if there are funds that are supposed to be used for putting murram or making transport issue. My learned friend has spoken to roads in his county which cannot be used.

Finally, it is the public that suffers where funds meant for public purpose are diverted for use in other sectors or find their way to the private pockets of individuals.

It is sad. For instance, we have heard of the NMS and the act of none-service that it did to the people of the Nairobi City County. We would want to see the report that my

learned friend has spoken to, so that we know if NMS served its purpose as was created when powers was given by the former Gov. Sonko. I am sure he later regretted his act.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise to support.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Motion. The establishment of these three committees is very important. The reason is to examine county funds.

I am a nominee to the CPAC. My fellow nominees who contributed to the Motion yesterday are capable and can manage. I am new to this House and to the committee. However, I am not new to the finance institution. I am an auditor. If I chip in, I can put effort and be an asset to the committee.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Motion as drafted.

The CPAC, CPISFC and the Committee on Delegated Legislation are very important. Article 226 is clear on accounts and audit of public entities and the county is one of them.

For the last 10 years, counties have existed and received billions of shillings from Government coffers. The Senate has also worked hard to make sure they have money. Unfortunately, when you go to the grassroots level, you find very little that can be associated with counties compared to the amount of monies given.

The reason why the NG-CDF worked so well is because where there would be a school or a project, the villagers would own the project and be the first ones to oversight. Similarly, we should request the same from Kenyans. They should assist the Senate in oversight.

We get information from the people working with the counties at the grassroots level as Senators. If that information is equipped, then it makes our work easy when dealing with these particular committees and in ensure there is accountability.

I believe we have been given enough teeth to chew as a Senate. We can summon these governors to appear here. We are not toothless bulldogs. We have teeth and we can bite under Article 125.

In the event it seems like it is not enough, Article 126(v) empowers the Senate to take action. Even if the governor does not show up, later on after he has left office, whatever monies he signed and got lost through him or her, can still be pursued through different agencies that deal with the issue, especially the anti-corruption agency. It does not spare the governor whether he is in the Senate or has become a Cabinet Secretary (CS) or in whatever capacity he is serving in. There is enough teeth to chew.

On the Committee on Delegated Legislation, I am pleased to inform the House that I have served in that Committee for the last 10 years in the National Assembly. It is equally a very important Committee. When devolution units or Ministries associated with devolution make regulations, they must come to this House.

There was a time there was an issue as to the application of Statutory Instruments Act to the Senate and the National Assembly. As a result, this committee was created. I believe it serves well here, not only on regulations created by the departments that are devolved, but also those created by agencies in the counties.

Some agencies have an Act of Parliament that originated from here. Whatever is being done by the county assemblies or whenever they need help in relation to statutory instruments or legislation made by authorities at the grassroots and national level, they should be properly checked.

We should make sure that the law conforms with the Constitution, the existing law. The regulations should properly be made with public participation having taken place.

I believe, as a Member of that Committee, I will be very useful in that particular matter.

I am also grateful to have been nominated without my knowledge to co-chair the matter dealing with the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

I was among the first lawyers who went to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) to make sure particular regulations and directions are made in the election, which will also happen in this House.

I believe as alluded earlier by Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, we will do our level best by following the law to the letter. We cannot stop parties from nominating Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale if they want to do so. Eventually, there will be an election as indicated by law and under The Elections Act. That is what we found at the EACJ.

By and large, you will realize that devolution has to serve its purpose and this House is very important. In fact, other than the interchangeability of which House is senior, the National Assembly is being served by a Senator because once a Senator always a Senator.

It takes the leadership to that side. I still believe that this is the “Upper” House because of the matters that we handle. We have to make sure that devolution succeeds.

Devolution cannot succeed when these two committees are not efficient. I believe that we should be tough enough on following up how the monies are used. All the accused persons should be brought to book, so that governors can respond.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise to support this Motion. I would like to inform the House that I served as the Chair of the equivalent committee in the National Assembly in the Eleventh Parliament. Sen. Maanzo was a Member when I was the Chair of the Delegated Legislation Committee.

Standing Order Nos.193, 194 and 195 clearly sets out the functions of these committees. As hon. Members have said, there are important in ensuring that devolution works.

Mr. Speaker, I want to comment about the Committee on Delegated Legislation. This Committee is critical because in every Act of Parliament, there is always a provision at the end that the Cabinet Secretary shall make regulations. That is what is done in this House and the other House. In every Act of Parliament, there is always a provision towards the end that requires the Cabinet Secretary in charge to come up with regulations from time to time.

Regulations---

On a point of order, Madam Temporary Speaker. On more than two occasions, I have heard the Senator for Baringo referring to you as Mr. Speaker. I do not know whether he does not believe that you are worth occupying that seat. Is he in order to refer to you as Mr. Speaker?

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise to support this Motion. I would like to inform the House that I served as the Chair of the equivalent committee in the National Assembly in the Eleventh Parliament. Sen. Maanzo was a Member when I was the Chair of the Delegated Legislation Committee.

Standing Order Nos.193, 194 and 195 clearly sets out the functions of these committees. As hon. Members have said, there are important in ensuring that devolution works.

Mr. Speaker, I want to comment about the Committee on Delegated Legislation. This Committee is critical because in every Act of Parliament, there is always a provision at the end that the Cabinet Secretary shall make regulations. That is what is done in this House and the other House. In every Act of Parliament, there is always a provision towards the end that requires the Cabinet Secretary in charge to come up with regulations from time to time.

Regulations---

On a point of order, Madam Temporary Speaker. On more than two occasions, I have heard the Senator for Baringo referring to you as Mr. Speaker. I do not know whether he does not believe that you are worth occupying that seat. Is he in order to refer to you as Mr. Speaker?

Sen. Omogeni, you may proceed.

Madam Temporary Speaker, thank you for giving me an opportunity to make my contribution on this very important Motion. I want to begin by thanking the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Madzayo, who has demonstrated that he is a leader with a conscience. He magnanimously surrendered his slot in the Committee on Delegated Legislation to Sen. Kavindu Muthama.

Senator for Baringo, I am a madam and that has not changed.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I apologize for that. Thank you my learned senior for raising that. It is demeaning and I apologize. I will try my best to ensure that I do not repeat the same mistake.

Madam Temporary Speaker, regulations are like laws. That is why this House approves regulations. According to the Constitution, this House has powers to pass regulations.

Initially, before the Statutory Instruments Act came into force, Cabinet Secretaries used to make regulations which were implemented. Some of the regulations were illegal. That is why the whole process was reversed. Under the Statutory Instruments Act, it is mandatory for a Cabinet Secretary or an institution to ensure that all the regulations passed are approved by Parliament in order to give them full force of law.

The Standing Order establishing this particular committee sets out the requirements. It highlights what an authority that comes up with regulations should look for before those regulations are brought to this House. Like I said before, when I used to chair the Delegated Legislation Committee in the other House, we annulled many regulations because the standards set were not being followed.

My appeal to the Ministries, CSs and CEOs of institutions is that it is important for them to acquaint themselves with the provisions of the Statutory Instruments Act, which sets out what they are supposed to do in terms of public participation and complying with the parent Act and the Constitution. That is important.

I appeal to Members here that we should never compromise the regulations. If they do not follow the standards, I encourage the Chair of the Committee to annual them. That is the only way they will follow the procedure.

I agree with colleagues that these three committees are important. I am aware that several regulations will come to this House, now that we have the Kenya Kwanza Government, which is going to introduce new Bills.

When we were in Naivasha, I asked a question on the scope of oversight by this House. That is an issue we still need to discuss. The two committees, that is the CPAC and the CPISFC will help us in ensuring that the money we allocate to the counties is utilized well.

Madam Temporary Speaker, if you look at the membership of this committee, you will realise that there are very serious Senators in there. They have what it takes. I am very certain and have no doubt in my mind that this House will use this committee to execute and address the issues of devolution in a manner that our country will feel our presence and our function as an “upper” House.

I thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker.

million which is 38 per cent of own source revenue. This means that a whooping Kshs160,711,000 disappears into the pockets of some people at the county government. It is a shame.

As this happens, our counties have no drugs. The projects that were meant to have been completed in the first five years of devolution remain incomplete up to date. We are one of those few counties that eleven years after devolution is yet to complete the construction of the county assembly headquarters.

Nyamira County has never completed the construction of the Doctors Plaza. We do not have offices for consultants yet we are stealing from the poor people of Nyamira a tune of Kshs160 million every year. As I speak today, nobody has been arraigned in a court of law.

Madam Temporary Speaker, the distinguished Senators who are going to be Members of this committee should please make a difference. We do not want them to write the Book of Lamentations. We want to see action. The Constitution has given us powers similar to that of the High Court of Kenya in Article 125 of the Constitution of Kenya.

We want to thank the Judiciary and more so the Supreme Court. We sat here for five years in the last Parliament and were unable to bring to the Floor of this House the Governor of Murang’a County, Hon. Mwangi wa Iria. He kept flashing a court order at us telling us that the courts had told him that he cannot be summoned by the Senate.

Now the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court, and whose decision is binding on all of us, including governors who have just been elected, has affirmed with finality that this Senate has powers to summon governors. I hope Members of these committees; CPAC and CPISFC can one time convene a Committee of the Whole and have governors answer questions in here.

We have governors from our respective counties answering questions here because that is the main reason Article 96 of the Constitution says Senators are there to protect counties and the people who reside in counties. The job is cut out for the 18 of you.

We really must ensure that it is not a ritual of us sending money to counties and the money ends up in the pockets of governors. When it comes to this House, we create another forum where we are “clearing and forwarding” governors. We need to see consequences for those who steal public resources.

Madam Temporary Speaker, on the issue of automation, most of our country governments have never automated revenue collection. If you read the reports that have been written by the previous committees, on several occasions the Committee has made recommendations to various county governments that they should automate their reports. Even as I speak today, giving an example of Nyamira County, collection of locally generated revenue is still manual.

The issue that was being raised by Sen. Cherarkey about revenue from our national reserves being verbal is the same problem that the Senator for Narok County will tell you. There is no automation. Therefore, we have created a very easy ground for

Madam Temporary Speaker, thank you for giving me an opportunity to make my contribution on this very important Motion. I want to begin by thanking the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Madzayo, who has demonstrated that he is a leader with a conscience. He magnanimously surrendered his slot in the Committee on Delegated Legislation to Sen. Kavindu Muthama.

million which is 38 per cent of own source revenue. This means that a whooping Kshs160,711,000 disappears into the pockets of some people at the county government. It is a shame.

As this happens, our counties have no drugs. The projects that were meant to have been completed in the first five years of devolution remain incomplete up to date. We are one of those few counties that eleven years after devolution is yet to complete the construction of the county assembly headquarters.

Nyamira County has never completed the construction of the Doctors Plaza. We do not have offices for consultants yet we are stealing from the poor people of Nyamira a tune of Kshs160 million every year. As I speak today, nobody has been arraigned in a court of law.

Madam Temporary Speaker, the distinguished Senators who are going to be Members of this committee should please make a difference. We do not want them to write the Book of Lamentations. We want to see action. The Constitution has given us powers similar to that of the High Court of Kenya in Article 125 of the Constitution of Kenya.

We want to thank the Judiciary and more so the Supreme Court. We sat here for five years in the last Parliament and were unable to bring to the Floor of this House the Governor of Murang’a County, Hon. Mwangi wa Iria. He kept flashing a court order at us telling us that the courts had told him that he cannot be summoned by the Senate.

Now the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court, and whose decision is binding on all of us, including governors who have just been elected, has affirmed with finality that this Senate has powers to summon governors. I hope Members of these committees; CPAC and CPISFC can one time convene a Committee of the Whole and have governors answer questions in here.

We have governors from our respective counties answering questions here because that is the main reason Article 96 of the Constitution says Senators are there to protect counties and the people who reside in counties. The job is cut out for the 18 of you.

We really must ensure that it is not a ritual of us sending money to counties and the money ends up in the pockets of governors. When it comes to this House, we create another forum where we are “clearing and forwarding” governors. We need to see consequences for those who steal public resources.

Madam Temporary Speaker, on the issue of automation, most of our country governments have never automated revenue collection. If you read the reports that have been written by the previous committees, on several occasions the Committee has made recommendations to various county governments that they should automate their reports. Even as I speak today, giving an example of Nyamira County, collection of locally generated revenue is still manual.

The issue that was being raised by Sen. Cherarkey about revenue from our national reserves being verbal is the same problem that the Senator for Narok County will tell you. There is no automation. Therefore, we have created a very easy ground for

Madam Temporary Speaker, I take this chance to welcome the visiting delegation from Homa Bay County. On my behalf as a Senator from Homa Bay County and on behalf of Sen. M. Kajwang’ who is the Senator for Homa Bay County, I welcome the delegation. It is very honourable to see the young pupils and their teachers visit the Senate.

It is more exciting to me because I am a teacher by profession. I want to assure the teachers that it is because of the teaching profession that all of us are here. Therefore, we thank you teachers for the work that you do, teaching our pupils and students back in your schools. Welcome to the Senate, learning is a continuous process.

I thank you.

Hon. Senators, I have a Communication to make on visiting teachers and students from Pastor Mbago Victory Academy, Homa Bay County.

Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the Public Gallery this afternoon, of visiting teachers and students from Pastor Mbago Victory Academy, in Homa Bay County, who are on an academic trip.

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

I thank you. Sen. Oyomo, you may have the Floor.

secretary during the Transition Authority (TA) and later in the County Government of Narok and County Government of Kajiado.

Sometimes failure comes in when counties are planning their budget. They mess a lot by exaggerating their Own Source Revenue (OSR) figures. However, towards the end, they end up having shortcomings in their collections and much more on areas of the allocation of funds provided by this Senate.

I know very well that we have a lot of issues in implementation of projects and change of priorities. When counties do their work plans to the Controller of Budgets (CoB), they have good ideas. They even attach documentation to say that they have programmes they want to do. However, immediately they get their allocation from the CoB, the governors completely change priorities in regards to what they want to pay or what they want to do.

It is important for the two Committees to carefully look at what the counties do with their allocations. Their requests can be looked at carefully. When we were in Naivasha for induction, the CoB came in strongly to say that at times, she has no mandate to follow up on what counties do or get after she does the authorisation of allocation of counties. Therefore, it is for this Senate, particularly the CPAC and CPISFC to look at it carefully.

I hope that we can provide a way in the regulation to give right to Senators to view Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) that counties are using to do payments at any given time.

On issues of huge payments that are done by counties in terms of imprest, they do a lot of personal imprest, draw a lot of money to individual staff. This is the money that the governors take back to their own staff. The intention is probably to go for official programmes, but they again sit back and request for that money. These are the kinds of things that these Committees can really look at and make sure that it is brought back to our attention as Senators.

Pending Bills have been a menace in the counties and the entire country. There are huge pending bills in these counties. People are really suffering because we have ‘hustlers’ who seek to do projects in the counties with their own money. However, towards the end, the county does not pay them. It becomes a cry to the entire county because the bank loans follow them and their properties are taken by the auctioneers. This is a very discouraging situation in the counties.

Without wasting time, I support this Motion and the entire list for the three committees. The committees have a lot of work to do. I am happy that whenever our individual counties come for questioning in these committees, we will be called upon to give feedback on what is happening.

I support the Motion.

Sen. (Dr.) Oburu, please proceed.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity. I stand to support the Members who have been selected to these three very crucial committees.

I will start with the Committee on Delegated Legislation, which is very important. I was a Member of this House at a time when there was no such committee. It was a very sad situation. I recall when the loss on the Procurement Act was passed and the old Procurement Act was very loose, the officers used to like it so much. When the Act was passed and there was no Committee on Delegated Legislation, it took more than one year to enable regulations to be developed by the Executive.

Whenever we asked the Minister why the procurement laws are not in place, we were told the regulations are still being worked on. They just used to prepare the delegated legislations, which is in terms of regulations, gazette them and that is all. They could take their sweet time to do it.

When this Committee was formed, Parliament can follow up and make sure that these regulations are developed, are in the interest of the people and actually help in the implementation of the Act as enacted by Parliament. This is because you could not be sure whether regulations which did not come to Parliament were implementing those provisions which were in the law.

Sen. (Dr.) Oburu, please proceed.

I extend the same to our own Parliamentarians. Some people work very hard. That is why one of the Senators said that it is very difficult to be a Member of the PAC or PIC. It is difficult because some people fight very hard to be Members. It is not to serve the public or the interest of our counties, but because all those ‘fat’ boys will come around looking for our Senators to see they can compromise them, so that the truth does not come out.

There are cases that come from the Auditor-General’s report. Some queries are caused by laziness of officers in providing information to the auditors. Sometimes, they waste a lot of Parliament’s time because they will eventually provide it to the auditors. When they are summoned to appear, the information would have already been provided to the auditors to their satisfaction. However, there are other clear cases of fraud, which come before Parliament.

My experience with Uganda is that whenever the PAC or PIC Committee sits, there is also a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer. This is so that any information of a criminal nature that is gathered is used to pin down the criminal. Our Parliament is a bit lenient, but even if we do not do that ---

I will start with the Committee on Delegated Legislation, which is very important. I was a Member of this House at a time when there was no such committee. It was a very sad situation. I recall when the loss on the Procurement Act was passed and the old Procurement Act was very loose, the officers used to like it so much. When the Act was passed and there was no Committee on Delegated Legislation, it took more than one year to enable regulations to be developed by the Executive.

Whenever we asked the Minister why the procurement laws are not in place, we were told the regulations are still being worked on. They just used to prepare the delegated legislations, which is in terms of regulations, gazette them and that is all. They could take their sweet time to do it.

When this Committee was formed, Parliament can follow up and make sure that these regulations are developed, are in the interest of the people and actually help in the implementation of the Act as enacted by Parliament. This is because you could not be sure whether regulations which did not come to Parliament were implementing those provisions which were in the law.

I extend the same to our own Parliamentarians. Some people work very hard. That is why one of the Senators said that it is very difficult to be a Member of the PAC or PIC. It is difficult because some people fight very hard to be Members. It is not to serve the public or the interest of our counties, but because all those ‘fat’ boys will come around looking for our Senators to see they can compromise them, so that the truth does not come out.

There are cases that come from the Auditor-General’s report. Some queries are caused by laziness of officers in providing information to the auditors. Sometimes, they waste a lot of Parliament’s time because they will eventually provide it to the auditors. When they are summoned to appear, the information would have already been provided to the auditors to their satisfaction. However, there are other clear cases of fraud, which come before Parliament.

My experience with Uganda is that whenever the PAC or PIC Committee sits, there is also a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer. This is so that any information of a criminal nature that is gathered is used to pin down the criminal. Our Parliament is a bit lenient, but even if we do not do that ---

On a point of information, Madam Temporary Speaker.

Yes, thank you.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I did not want to disrupt the flow of thoughts of my colleague. I wish to inform him that the CPAIC have officers from EACC, Office of the DPP and DCI, who sit and collect information. It was effected during the last Parliament.

I thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I thank my brother for the information. I was talking of my previous experience in the National Assembly, which has now been overtaken by events.

I hope those officers who sit with us in our committees are not compromised by tycoons. The tycoons normally identify the person who is most dangerous and then they follow and compromise them.

It is upon Parliamentarians to make sure that these people do not reach and weaken us. We are responsible for making sure that devolution works; that funds, which are allocated to our poor people, do not end up in pockets of few individuals who are already damn rich.

Rich people just want to have more. Perhaps they are gaining wealth that even their children do not need. They might acquire thousands of acres of lands, but their children will be doctors or engineers, who want to live in the cities. They are not interested in those big farms that you are buying. Some of these things are just senseless reaping of the resources of the poor people of Kenya

During his Speech, His Excellency the President proposed that we should work with the National Assembly in setting up the oversight fund for the Senate. I believe with the establishment of the oversight fund, we will ensure that we perform our roles and surpass the people’s expectations. With CPAC, CPISFC and the oversight fund, I do not think we have any excuse not to do what people sent us here to do.

I will not say much, but wish them all the best. We are here to watch and monitor and ensure that the funds taken to county governments do what the people expect it to do. Any time we have an issue and CPAC needs to question a governor, CPAC should ensure the Senator of that area is also involved in order to represent the people of that county.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I heard that Gov. Mutua was here and he switched off the gadgets. We will ensure that will not happen again while we are in this House. Sen. Kavindu Muthama said that the people watched the session live for one day. However, the next day, it was not live. He had that power.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I do not think governors can have powers to that extend to control the media, us and everybody else. They are there to give service to the people. It is not their business or their houses. They must be oversighted to ensure that the money they are given is used entirely on the people in the county.

With those remarks, I second the Motion and support the membership of the three committees.

Thank you. Let us now have Sen. Beth.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I will be very brief. I rise to Support the Motion. I am confident of the ability of the Members of the three committees. I am sure that they will deliver. However, I have an appeal to the Members of these committees. As they go for their elections, kindly let them consider giving female Senators a chance to be either Chairpersons or the Vice-Chairpersons.

Madam Temporary Speaker, allow me to look back at the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. From the onset of devolution, Kenyans had a lot of hope and expectations on the working of devolution. They expected to get services nearer to them and resources to be devolved. This dream has not worked so well. Ten years down the line, there are still gaps that need to be filled.

I look at these two Committees, CPAC and CPISFC, as very crucial Committees. They will put the Senate on the map of delivering services to Kenyans. Kenyans expect to enjoy the fruits of devolution. It can only work if the Senate plays its oversight role well.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I listened keenly as the Senator for Narok County, Sen. Olekina, mentioned the names of governors who were summoned by the Senate. Majority of them did not honour the invitation to answer the queries that were there. All the governors that Sen. Olekina mentioned were men.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I urge Kenyans to elect more women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as governors, if men continue to refuse to honour summons by the Senate because women are more submissive.

We know that---

On a point of order, Madam Temporary Speaker. I know that my dear sister is fond of me. However, is it in order for her to mislead the House that I named only male governors who refused to appear before this House?

As a Member of the CPAIC, as it was called then, we had two distinguished female governors who refused to appear. It is on record that one of them from the Eastern part of this country was penalized. We asked her to pay a fine of Kshs500,000, which she did.

I wanted to ask whether the distinguished Senator is in order to mislead this House. I do not remember giving names of individual governors who failed to appear. I think she was referring to another Senator, but not the distinguished Senator for Narok.

Madam Temporary Speaker, allow me to clarify. When the governors who were summoned and did not appear were named, they did not mention a female governor. They were all men.

Sen. Beth Syengo, continue.

On a point of order, Madam Temporary Speaker. I know that my dear sister is fond of me. However, is it in order for her to mislead the House that I named only male governors who refused to appear before this House?

As a Member of the CPAIC, as it was called then, we had two distinguished female governors who refused to appear. It is on record that one of them from the Eastern part of this country was penalized. We asked her to pay a fine of Kshs500,000, which she did.

I wanted to ask whether the distinguished Senator is in order to mislead this House. I do not remember giving names of individual governors who failed to appear. I think she was referring to another Senator, but not the distinguished Senator for Narok.

Madam Temporary Speaker, allow me to clarify. When the governors who were summoned and did not appear were named, they did not mention a female governor. They were all men.

Sen. Beth Syengo, continue.

As we all know, these are the watchdogs of the resources that are sent to our counties. I do not know what has been happening for the past 10 years. Most of those who have spoken have lamented.

As a House, it is time that the three Committees did their job in a serious manner. I do not want to say that those who have served in the previous Senates have not been serious. However, we must see to it that county resources are expended in the right way to ensure service delivery to the constituents of our various counties.

It is an open secret that there has been pilferage of county resources. I heard my former county governor mention that he was one of those governors who did not honour the summons of this House.

As a resident of Murang’a County who was elected to represent the people of Murang’a in this House, unlike some Senators who have spoken before me have said, I believe that the NG-CDF has done much more than what county allocations have.

Murang’a County has seven constituencies. Assuming that every constituency receives at least Kshs120 million every year, if you multiply by seven, that is Kshs840 million in one year. Murang’a County receives about Kshs7 billion from the national Government. If you add own source revenue that the county collects, it totals to about Kshs8 billion. It is sad that we can see what Kshs840 million has done, but we cannot see what Kshs8 billion has been doing every year. That is a total of almost Kshs80 billion. That is what the two committees must seek to correct. We must know how the funds were spent.

There are Members who have talked about this. We have counties like Turkana that are drought-stricken. Those counties have been receiving the Equalization Fund, yet people are still dying of hunger. That is serious! This House must not allow it to continue. Somebody said that that is not money from your mother. I beg to be forgiven for using that language.

Somebody receives county resources and expends them as if they are resources that they inherited from their parents. This is something that the CPAC must ensure that it comes to an end.

When you look at the pending bills that we have in almost every county, you will be left wondering the rationale for contracting people; the hustlers. Those people take loans from banks to deliver their services yet they are not paid. Why would any rational human being; a governor, give someone a contract through his County Executive Committee Member (CECM) knowing very well that they do not have the resources to pay?

This is something that we all want to be done in the right way. If we do not have funds for development, we should not contract people who take loans then we fail to pay them. Some of those people end up facing auctioneers. This is something that the two committees, especially CPAC, should arrest.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I want to talk on the issue of Judiciary. I am glad that the Supreme Court has given direction and order that the Senate has the powers to summon governors and that those governors must appear when summoned. I appeal to our Judiciary not to retract this particular order even when some people appeal that ruling

Sen. Joe Nyutu, you have the Floor. I request that you exercise magnanimity in the use of time. You can condense your comments.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker for giving me this opportunity to give my contribution relating to appointment of Members and approval thereof to the CPAC, the CPISFC and the Delegated Legislation committees.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. Congratulations, you really suit in that Chair.

I also want to support membership of the three committees, which are very important. I want to urge the Majority side - and I am sure my senior rank Member hon. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale will support me - that we try and give the seats of the Chairperson and the Vice-chairpersons to the Opposition because these are oversight committees.

We know you are the Majority and you are there to take all the seats. However, on these particular two committees, please, be honourable and kind enough to make sure you give the seat of the chairperson and the vice-chairperson to the opposition for the oversight purpose.

A lot has been said. I also rise to support the Motion. Devolution has come from very far and now it is no longer a baby; it is a really grown up baby. It has made a lot of impact and changes in the counties and the grassroots level, but still we have a long way to go.

I am a bit concerned that apart from the corruption which has been narrated by many members, there are unfinished projects. Those unfinished projects which were being done by the previous governors, the incoming governors normally reject them. That is tax payer’s money which was spent by the previous governor. It is only fair for the governor to take up those projects and make sure they finish them.

It is up to these two committees to ensure that those particular projects are finished because they are dispensaries or hospitals which had been started by other governors, but when they go out, the new governors come in and they reject the projects. They leave them to be “white elephant projects” which is not fair. I hope these two committees will take care of that area because it is one area where there is a lot of wastage of the resources.

I am glad that a Senator said that in those two committees there are officers from the EACC, DCI and the Judiciary. This is important because when those officers are there, they will realize that there is need for action to be taken against the culprits.

I think it is the right time and the moment for us to realize that there is no excuse whatsoever for not taking any action against any governor who has been misusing funds. This is because all the people concerned are there in those Committees to witness the issues which are being raised against those particular governors.

We are all talking of increasing funds to the counties. Those funds, which we talk of increasing are the same funds which again we are complaining that they are being misused by the governors. Now we are in a dilemma as to whether we should increase funds or not.

It is up to these two committees to be very vigilant to make sure they do their work properly for them to give us the mandate to say that yes there is a need for increasing the funds for the counties or there is no need yet because there is still misappropriation of the funds. Unless that is done, we will be wasting more funds by increasing the funds to the counties and yet, they are not managed properly; we do not get the value for money.

Corruption has been mentioned. It is the elephant in the room. It is very unfortunate that it is taking shape in different areas of this country, from top to bottom. We never expected county governments to be so corrupted more than any other areas. We thought those elected would want to leave a legacy of change in their counties after 10 years.

Unfortunately, they changed their lives instead of changing the counties they were mandated to. There is a lot of unfinished business. A lot was said here. The last Parliament had a lot of unfinished businesses by the two Committees. We want to ensure that all those businesses are done. We know there is a lot in the hands of these three committees.

They should not sleep or rest. They should work diligently to ensure they deliver and raise the bar of the Senate by demonstrating hard work and delivering accordingly. I have spoken about the action to be taken against the culprits.

With those few remarks, Madam Temporary Speaker, I support the Motion.

Thank you Senator, for that indulgence on the time factor. I will request the rest who come in to still indulge us.

Hon. Senators, let me now call in Sen. Shakila Abdalla.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. Congratulations, you really suit in that Chair.

I also want to support membership of the three committees, which are very important. I want to urge the Majority side - and I am sure my senior rank Member hon. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale will support me - that we try and give the seats of the Chairperson and the Vice-chairpersons to the Opposition because these are oversight committees.

We know you are the Majority and you are there to take all the seats. However, on these particular two committees, please, be honourable and kind enough to make sure you give the seat of the chairperson and the vice-chairperson to the opposition for the oversight purpose.

A lot has been said. I also rise to support the Motion. Devolution has come from very far and now it is no longer a baby; it is a really grown up baby. It has made a lot of impact and changes in the counties and the grassroots level, but still we have a long way to go.

I am a bit concerned that apart from the corruption which has been narrated by many members, there are unfinished projects. Those unfinished projects which were being done by the previous governors, the incoming governors normally reject them. That is tax payer’s money which was spent by the previous governor. It is only fair for the governor to take up those projects and make sure they finish them.

It is up to these two committees to ensure that those particular projects are finished because they are dispensaries or hospitals which had been started by other governors, but when they go out, the new governors come in and they reject the projects. They leave them to be “white elephant projects” which is not fair. I hope these two committees will take care of that area because it is one area where there is a lot of wastage of the resources.

I am glad that a Senator said that in those two committees there are officers from the EACC, DCI and the Judiciary. This is important because when those officers are there, they will realize that there is need for action to be taken against the culprits.

I think it is the right time and the moment for us to realize that there is no excuse whatsoever for not taking any action against any governor who has been misusing funds. This is because all the people concerned are there in those Committees to witness the issues which are being raised against those particular governors.

We are all talking of increasing funds to the counties. Those funds, which we talk of increasing are the same funds which again we are complaining that they are being misused by the governors. Now we are in a dilemma as to whether we should increase funds or not.

It is up to these two committees to be very vigilant to make sure they do their work properly for them to give us the mandate to say that yes there is a need for increasing the funds for the counties or there is no need yet because there is still misappropriation of the funds. Unless that is done, we will be wasting more funds by increasing the funds to the counties and yet, they are not managed properly; we do not get the value for money.

Corruption has been mentioned. It is the elephant in the room. It is very unfortunate that it is taking shape in different areas of this country, from top to bottom. We never expected county governments to be so corrupted more than any other areas. We thought those elected would want to leave a legacy of change in their counties after 10 years.

Unfortunately, they changed their lives instead of changing the counties they were mandated to. There is a lot of unfinished business. A lot was said here. The last Parliament had a lot of unfinished businesses by the two Committees. We want to ensure that all those businesses are done. We know there is a lot in the hands of these three committees.

They should not sleep or rest. They should work diligently to ensure they deliver and raise the bar of the Senate by demonstrating hard work and delivering accordingly. I have spoken about the action to be taken against the culprits.

With those few remarks, Madam Temporary Speaker, I support the Motion.

Thank you. Finally, we will have Senator Nyamu in brief.

Madam Temporary Speaker, in the interest of time, I just want to note that these three committees are key in our oversight role. Oversight simply means that public resources that are going to our county governments, are utilised for the very purpose that they have been deployed for. These three committees really wrap up our role in the Senate. The performance and success of these committees speak to the success of the Fourth Senate.

As I said in the interest of time, I rise to support this Motion.

I now call upon Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale to reply.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise to respond to this Motion. May I use this opportunity to thank all of you, Members. You have been fantastic.

Speaking from the bottom of my heart, Sen. Oyomo has been a big surprise to me. Anybody visiting this Republic and watching this television from their room, they can

Madam Temporary Speaker, in the interest of time, I just want to note that these three committees are key in our oversight role. Oversight simply means that public resources that are going to our county governments, are utilised for the very purpose that they have been deployed for. These three committees really wrap up our role in the Senate. The performance and success of these committees speak to the success of the Fourth Senate.

As I said in the interest of time, I rise to support this Motion.

I now call upon Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale to reply.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise to respond to this Motion. May I use this opportunity to thank all of you, Members. You have been fantastic.

Speaking from the bottom of my heart, Sen. Oyomo has been a big surprise to me. Anybody visiting this Republic and watching this television from their room, they can

think that she is a third term Senator. I am so impressed. I am telling you that she is a strong woman. However, that is not surprising because Jaluo very complex.

Thank you, Sen. Dr. Khalwale. Pursuant to Standing Order No.84 (2) , this Motion does not affect counties. Therefore, I will now put the question.

CONCERNED, that access to hospitals, educational institutions, airports, shopping malls and other places offering essential services might be hindered due to exorbitant parking fees levied on motorists accessing these services; FURTHER CONCERNED, that charging entry fees amount to double taxation as the motorists who would have paid the parking fees will still pay for the services they seek; NOW THEREFORE, the Senate urges the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing and Physical Planning together with the Council of Governors to come up with a policy framework to create an enabling environment for protection of motorists accessing essential services from paying exorbitant parking fees. Madam Temporary Speaker---

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to move- THAT, aware that many urban areas and towns in Kenya lack designated car parking areas as a result of imbalance between parking supply and demand mainly due to ineffective land use planning and miscalculations of space requirements, thereby leading to exorbitant parking fees; NOTING THAT, most essential services offered in hospitals, educational institutions, airports, shopping malls and other public utilities are offered in urban centres, and other designated areas that charge parking fees to access; ACKNOWLEDGING, that whether they are delivered by public or private providers, essential services such as health, banking, education, shopping and other utilities are considered to be public services because they are public goods that sustain the well-being of every citizen and help in the development of the society as a whole;

CONCERNED, that access to hospitals, educational institutions, airports, shopping malls and other places offering essential services might be hindered due to exorbitant parking fees levied on motorists accessing these services; FURTHER CONCERNED, that charging entry fees amount to double taxation as the motorists who would have paid the parking fees will still pay for the services they seek; NOW THEREFORE, the Senate urges the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing and Physical Planning together with the Council of Governors to come up with a policy framework to create an enabling environment for protection of motorists accessing essential services from paying exorbitant parking fees. Madam Temporary Speaker---

Sen. Sifuna, it is now 6.30

Hon. Senators, it is now time to adjourn the House. The Senate, therefore, stands adjourned until Tuesday, 25th October, 2022, at 2.30 p.m.

The Senate rose at 6.31 p.m.