Wednesday, 21st June, 2023 Afternoon Sitting

Clerk, do we have quorum?

Order! Hon. Senators, kindly take your seats. Clerk, you may proceed to call the first Order.

Hon. Senators, I hereby report that a Petition has been submitted to the Senate by Mr. Benson Nyaga Kagete, EGH, concerning the recognition and remuneration of village elders under the Nyumba Kumi Initiative.

As you are aware, under Article 119 (1) of the Constitution, and I quote, “Every person has the right to petition Parliament to consider any matter within its authority, including enacting, amending, or repealing any legislation.” Hon. Senators, the salient issues raised in the Petition are as follows:

THAT the Village Elders play an integral role in the functioning of the National Government at the village level by helping chiefs and assistant chiefs in the maintenance of law and order, promotion of education and promotion of development through the Nyumba Kumi initiative. THAT the village elders discharge these important roles without any remuneration by the government, hence, they are not motivated and there are no laws or regulations that guide the absorption and employment of the village elders into the existing governance structure. THAT the National Government Coordination Act number 1 of 2013, does not define a village as the lowest administrative unit after sublocation and there is a need to put in place a criterion for establishing a village, considering the population, geographical and socio-cultural factors. THAT the Petitioner has made efforts to have this matter addressed by the relevant authorities, all of which have failed to give a satisfactory response. The Petitioner, therefore, prays that the Senate intervenes in this matter with a view to do the following;

Sen. Methu, please proceed. Is anyone holding a brief for Sen. Methu? That Petition is dropped.

Next Order, Clerk.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, Wednesday, 21st June, 2023: -

Report of the Auditor-General on the financial statements of the West Pokot County Cooperative Development Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2022.

Report of the Auditor-General on the financial statements of the West Pokot County -Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2022.

Report of the Auditor-General on the financial statements of the Gatundu Water and Sanitation Company Limited for the year ended 30th June, 2022.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay.

Next Order.

Sen. Agnes Kavindu, proceed.

Proceed then Sen. Syengo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I am not Sen. Kavindu, but I am reading this Notice of Motion on her behalf.

I beg to give Notice of the following Motion: THAT, AWARE THAT, disaster is defined as an overwhelming event and circumstance that tests the adaptation of responses of a community or individuals beyond their capability and leads momentarily

to massive disruption of function for a community or individual that often exceeds their capacity to cope using existing resources; FURTHER AWARE THAT, such was the case with the 1998 US Embassy Bomb disaster in Nairobi in which many of the Kenyan casualties resulted from the collapse of adjacent buildings located within a two to three block radius, and with reverberations being felt in most parts of Nairobi that resulted in 213 Kenyans and 12 Americans killed and over 5000 citizens of both countries being seriously injured; NOTING THAT, US Allies, including Kenya, have endured the great burden of death, and long-term and in many instances permanent, physical and psychological injury; FURTHER NOTING THAT, the United States Government has since compensated some of the victims and families of US citizens, leaving the families of Kenyan citizens and certain other victims uncompensated; NOW, THEREFORE, the Senate resolves to establish an Ad Hoc committee to –

Statements pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) . Sen. Cherarkey, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) , to make a Statement on an issue of general topical concern and national importance. It is about the great performance by Faith Kipyegon, smashing the women’s 5,000 metres world record at the Paris Diamond League, 2023.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, Faith Kipyegon once again made history when she broke the World Record in the Women 5,000 metres race, setting a new record time of 14 minutes 5 seconds and 20 milliseconds. Kipyegon smashed a record of 14 minutes, 6 minutes and 62 milliseconds previously set by Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey in Valencia Spain in 2020.

The legendary Faith Kipyegon has gone on to assert her position as one of the all- time greatest women athletes in the 5000 metres race, breaking the World Record that had been elusive and missing in her career.

The maestro, Faith Kipyegon, an Olympic and current World 5,000 metres champion, having won other titles, has shown that resilience, hard work, determination and focus surely pays. She has been an inspiration to the up coming athletes and women in general in Kenya.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I also to congratulate Emmanuel Wanyonyi for winning the 800 metres men’s race, clocking one minute, 43 seconds and 27 milliseconds. In the same breath, I congratulate Ferdinand Omanyala for finishing second in the men’s 100 metres race at the Paris Diamond League, 2023. He clocked 9.98 seconds, defeating his idol, Yohan Blake of Jamaica and Olympic Champion, Marcel Jacobs of Italy.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I continue to call on our athletes to remain clean and dedicated in their career, by avoiding the doping menace that has ended careers and dented the image of many athletes and the country at large.

Allow me to also applaud the president, His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, for improving the reward scheme for sports men and women. I am happy that Faith Kipyegon was awarded Kshs5 million and a house and Ferdinand Omanyala given Kshs2 million. This has been the clarion call and resolution of the House. We requested for a

revised reward scheme for our sports men and women in the country. I think this is the right direction.

I also call upon the Government, Athletics Kenya (AK) and the National Olympic Committee (NOC) to engage the upcoming and promising athletes – not the TickTokers and content creators – as brand ambassadors in sports tourism and in marketing Kenya abroad. They should also ensure that their finances and rewards are properly and well- structured to keep them motivated at all times.

In this regard, I urge you, the Speaker of the Senate, in consultation with the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Cheruiyot and the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Madzayo, to consider inviting maestro, Faith Kipyegon, to visit and address the Senate as per Standing Order No.29(1). She has achieved two historic world records in a span of one week, something which has never been seen in human race.

By doing this, our athletes who have continued to make us proud as a country by flying our flag high at the international arena, will always feel appreciated and motivated to achieve more for the nation.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, on behalf of the great people of Nandi County, the source of champions, I wish to congratulate all our athletes, sportsmen and women. I wish them well. I also assure them of our commitment as a House. We will support them at all time as they continue to represent our nation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, sir.

Proceed, Sen. Sifuna.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I believe I have been called to give my Statement.

Absolutely.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (1) , to make a Statement on a matter of general topical concern, namely the rampant fires that have recently ravaged markets in Nairobi, destroying property estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of shillings.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, on Sunday, 11th June, 2023, at around 2 a.m., the Toi Market in Kibra Constituency went up in smoke, resulting in about 3,000 traders losing stock estimated to be between Kshs400,000 and Kshs600,000 for each trader. Cumulatively, the total loss from the Toi Market fire was over Kshs1 billion.

Just two days later, on the night of Tuesday 13th June, 2023, Mutindwa Market in Embakasi West Constituency also went up in flames. In the Mutindwa incident, more than 800 traders lost property and stock worth a total of over Kshs100 million was destroyed. It is not far-fetched to fear that given this pattern, other markets in Nairobi will soon be next.

It is estimated that about 200,000 tonnes of second-hand clothes are imported into the country annually. Gikomba Market alone, is reputed to generate nearly Kshs300 million a month and almost Kshs4 billion annually.

When you spread this out into all the other markets across Nairobi, you have a multi-billion-shilling informal industry, that not only sells clothes, but also many other items relevant to the common mwananchi. Essentially, this industry remains a huge employer of the Nairobi County masses, creating livelihoods for millions of families.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we, however, have had to contend with the cancer of arson targeting these markets for a very long time. In the last ten years alone, there have been at least 20 fires in Nairobi markets.

Part of the problem is a populist politics shadows the path to real solutions. This is because politicians and Government officials have formed the habit of giving long speeches, donating food and building materials to victims, then moving on until the next fire.

It is my considered opinion that the root cause of these fires must be urgently addressed, and perpetrators brought to book once and for all. Otherwise, these fires stand to destroy a critical economic base of the poor and struggling Nairobi traders.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we have seen how the police can act decisively when dealing with an issue they choose to, such as the recent Azimio Coalition protests. We are also aware that we have a very robust intelligence gathering institution in the form of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). There is, therefore, no excuse on the failure to arrest and prosecute those responsible for these economic crimes.

I wish to add that citizens in this country are currently grappling with a myriad of issues, including income losses, high cost of essential goods and a difficult business environment caused by high taxation and a weak Shilling.

To add arson to that, targeting the property of small businesses, is the highest form of insensitivity. In no uncertain terms, this is economic genocide.

Mr. Speaker, I would, therefore, like the relevant authorities to guarantee the following-

Before I move to the Statements pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) , I will allow two interventions from both sides on the two Statements; the one by Sen. Cherarkey and the one by Sen. Sifuna.

Proceed, Sen. Wambua.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity to make a few comments on the Statements issued by Sen. Cherarkey and Sen. Sifuna.

Beginning with the Statement by Sen. Cherarkey, I acknowledge and confess that we have not treated our athletes well in the past. However, I am happy that I am now seeing a movement towards rewarding these athletes, especially when they break world records, so to speak. That is something that is long overdue and should be applauded.

One day I visited Turkey. When walking on the streets one day, I met a man who was just enthusiastic to talk to this African man walking on the streets. He asked me where I come from. I said that I came from Kenya. He asked, “Nairobi?” I said, ‘Yes, I come from Kenya. He asked, “Do you run?”

Mr. Speaker, Sir, do not worry about my response to that question. However, that tells you that this country is known for our world beaters in athletics. Our athletes have represented us as a nation much better than the ambassadors have done, yet we do too little to appreciate that representation.

I am happy with the Statement brought by Sen. Cherarkey. I hope then the Statement will get due consideration.

On the matter of the fires in in Nairobi, it is unfortunate. There appears to be a cartel or a system operating from dark corners in this City, where people conspire to set on fire properties belonging to people at the bottom of the pyramid, and disappear into thin air.

Nobody seems to know the people lighting fires all over in Gikomba and Toi Market. Property worth billions of shillings gets destroyed and we never get to know exactly who it is that does these things.

I hope and pray that on account of the Statement brought by Sen. Sifuna, we will begin to see serious action and investigations carried out, to establish the people behind these fires and why they have not been apprehended and charged with assaults and other relevant laws for all these years.

With those few remarks, I support those Statements.

Sen. Cheruiyot, proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, before Sen. Cherarkey read the concluding part of his Statement – you would think this is a conspiracy – I moved to the Clerks’ Table. I asked the Deputy Clerk, Mr. Mohamed, about the Standing Order which indicates the people who can address this Parliament. I wanted to read, internalize and see what limitations we have. Later on, Sen. Cherarkey mentioned in his Statement that Kenyans who achieve such great feat are worth appearing before us.

We have made it appear as if when Kenyans achieve great things, it is okay and proper for them to be celebrated outside, but treat them as casual beings back here at home. I know for a fact that on many occasions not even our past and present President enjoy some of the privileges accorded to these athletes in some of the great capital cities of this world.

In 2012, the then Sports Minister, who by coincidence or luck of God’s blessing, is the current Cabinet Secretary for Youth and Sports, Hon. Ababu Namwamba, could not be allowed into the London Olympic Stadium as a Cabinet Secretary. When they listed him as a personal assistant to one of the athletes, that is the only time he was allowed into the stadium. That is how serious the rest of the world treat our athletes.

I appreciate the gesture or the proposal by Sen. Cherarkey. I will engage my counterpart, the Senate Minority Leader, to listen to his ideas, if he agrees to the proposal or what better way it can be done. This House needs to listen to some of these athletes. They can share with us on the challenges they face as they fly the Kenyan flag high and the legislative proposals or interventions we could come up with to make their life better.

In conclusion, on the Statement by Sen. Sifuna, I know Mutindwa and Toy markets very well. I grew up a few meters away from Mutindwa market. I know that decades ago many young people ply their trade there. I have seen in the agony of many of my childhood friends and they are told that their entire stock which is their entire life savings have been burnt up to ashes. These are young people who do not have business

insurance and somebody has to start from scratch again. We said at the beginning of our term that this is the Senate that will deal with matters to finality. Enough is enough with many of these common problems that keep on appearing and reappearing before this Floor.

I urge my good friend, Sen. Sifuna, together with the Committee on Lands Environment and Natural Resources – at the heart of this fight is the title deed and nothing else. From President Kibaki, President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Moi who I can recall visiting this place while passing on Jogoo road. He would say that he had heard people’s stalls were burnt in Gikomba market. He would commit to tell his Principal Secretary to process the title deed, which has never happened.

It is time the Committee on Lands Environment and Natural Resources does an enquiry on the size of the land and on whose name the title deed is registered to. If he can sort out that issue with finality, then I can assure Sen. Sifuna that those fires will disappear. The people who burn the stalls of the business people who are young ‘hustlers’ trying to put life together are targeting the land. The perpetrators do this in the hope that these people will give up or collapse with their business and therefore, be left free with the land.

I propose that our Committee on Lands Environment and Natural Resources does not treat this matte casually. They should ensure that this issue of the ownership of the parcels of lands; Mutindwa Market, Toy Market and Gikomba is concluded on, the title properly handed to the county because this is public land, so that the matter is sealed with finality. The minute we sort the issue of ownership, the fires will disappear and our young men and women that ply their trade in these markets will not deal with this tragedy again.

I thank you for this chance.

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

Asante Bw. Spika. Kwanza

Asante Bw. Spika. Kwanza

Sen. Kinyua, proceed.

Asante, Bw. Spika. Naunga mkono Kauli iliyoletwa na Sen. Cherarkey. Ninawapa kongole wanariadha na wanamichezo wetu ambao wanaleta sifa katika nchi yetu. Faith, tulimuona katika uga akikimbia. Kila mtu alimshabikia.

Kama vile Viongozi wa Walio Wengi na Walio Wachache walivyosema, wale ambao wameletea nchi yetu sifa ni vizuri waje kwenye Seneti. Tusiwe tunawaita wale ambao tunataka kuwauliza maswali pekee. Tunapaswa kuwaalika pia wale ambao tunapaswa kuwapa kongole na sifa. Hata wale hawakufanya vizuri leo, ni vizuri tuwape motisha kwa sababu wanawezakufanya vizuri leo, lakini kesho wanaweza kufanya vizuri zaidi. Tusiwe tunawashabikia sana wale waliofanya vizuri tu, wale wengine wangefanya vizuri isipokuwa ya sababu tofauti.

Naunga mkono matamshi ya Kiongozi wa Walio Wachache. Bw. Spika, wengine waliokuwa wamefanya vizuri sana ni kama Rudisha aliyekuwa mkimbiaji na mwana dada wa dondi aliyefanya vizuri lakini sasa anaishi katika hali ya uchochole. Alipokuwa anasifa, kila mtu alimshabikia. Kwa wakati huu, ni wagonjwa na wakenya wamenyamaza kimya.

Kwa hivyo, kunapaswa kuwa na sheria nzuri ambayo itakuwa ikiwalinda ndio mtu akifika maisha yake ya usoni, wakati pengine hawezi kukimbia ama amepata majeraha kama vile Rudisha alivyopata jereha katika mguu wake na hawezi kimbia, aweze kupata hali yake ya kujikimu. Hata hivyo, nimesikia watu wengine wakisema wanaspoti wetu waweze kufunzwa jinsi ya kuekeza hela wanazozipata lakini ni vizuri tulete mswada ambayo itawalinda.

Bw. Spika, kuna taarifa ambazo zimekuwa zikiletwa hapa. Nakumbuka Mheshimiwa Sakaja alileta mambo ya moto uliotokea Gikomba na Toy Market. Inakuwa ni kama kawaida taarifa zinaletwa hapa katika Seneti hii, zinasomwa na baada ya kusomwa hakuna jambo lolote linalofanyika. Linakuwa sisi ni kusoma tu taarifa na muda unaendelea. Nilimsikiza Gavana Sakaja akisoma hizo taarifa za moto ambayo inatendeka na hakuna jambo lolote limetendeka.

Bw. Spika, unakumbuka vile vile hata kuna watoto wetu walioko katika nchi za Ugaibuni na wamekuwa katika shida hizi hizi. Kumeletwa taarifa hapa na huwa zinapelekwa katika Kamati, lakini baada ya taarifa zenyewe kuletwa katika Kamati nawao kufanya utafiti, hakuna jambo lolote linafanyika katika Seneti. Serikali nayo halichukulii jambo hilo kwa uzito unaofaa.

Asante, Bw. Spika. Naunga mkono Kauli iliyoletwa na Sen. Cherarkey. Ninawapa kongole wanariadha na wanamichezo wetu ambao wanaleta sifa katika nchi yetu. Faith, tulimuona katika uga akikimbia. Kila mtu alimshabikia.

Kama vile Viongozi wa Walio Wengi na Walio Wachache walivyosema, wale ambao wameletea nchi yetu sifa ni vizuri waje kwenye Seneti. Tusiwe tunawaita wale ambao tunataka kuwauliza maswali pekee. Tunapaswa kuwaalika pia wale ambao tunapaswa kuwapa kongole na sifa. Hata wale hawakufanya vizuri leo, ni vizuri tuwape motisha kwa sababu wanawezakufanya vizuri leo, lakini kesho wanaweza kufanya vizuri zaidi. Tusiwe tunawashabikia sana wale waliofanya vizuri tu, wale wengine wangefanya vizuri isipokuwa ya sababu tofauti.

Naunga mkono matamshi ya Kiongozi wa Walio Wachache. Bw. Spika, wengine waliokuwa wamefanya vizuri sana ni kama Rudisha aliyekuwa mkimbiaji na mwana dada wa dondi aliyefanya vizuri lakini sasa anaishi katika hali ya uchochole. Alipokuwa anasifa, kila mtu alimshabikia. Kwa wakati huu, ni wagonjwa na wakenya wamenyamaza kimya.

Kwa hivyo, kunapaswa kuwa na sheria nzuri ambayo itakuwa ikiwalinda ndio mtu akifika maisha yake ya usoni, wakati pengine hawezi kukimbia ama amepata majeraha kama vile Rudisha alivyopata jereha katika mguu wake na hawezi kimbia, aweze kupata hali yake ya kujikimu. Hata hivyo, nimesikia watu wengine wakisema wanaspoti wetu waweze kufunzwa jinsi ya kuekeza hela wanazozipata lakini ni vizuri tulete mswada ambayo itawalinda.

Bw. Spika, kuna taarifa ambazo zimekuwa zikiletwa hapa. Nakumbuka Mheshimiwa Sakaja alileta mambo ya moto uliotokea Gikomba na Toy Market. Inakuwa ni kama kawaida taarifa zinaletwa hapa katika Seneti hii, zinasomwa na baada ya kusomwa hakuna jambo lolote linalofanyika. Linakuwa sisi ni kusoma tu taarifa na muda unaendelea. Nilimsikiza Gavana Sakaja akisoma hizo taarifa za moto ambayo inatendeka na hakuna jambo lolote limetendeka.

Bw. Spika, unakumbuka vile vile hata kuna watoto wetu walioko katika nchi za Ugaibuni na wamekuwa katika shida hizi hizi. Kumeletwa taarifa hapa na huwa zinapelekwa katika Kamati, lakini baada ya taarifa zenyewe kuletwa katika Kamati nawao kufanya utafiti, hakuna jambo lolote linafanyika katika Seneti. Serikali nayo halichukulii jambo hilo kwa uzito unaofaa.

We should now move to the Statements pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1) . As you are aware, the Statements pursuant to Standing Order No.52 are not committed to any Committee.

Proceed, Sen. (Dr.) Murango.

We should now move to the Statements pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1) . As you are aware, the Statements pursuant to Standing Order No.52 are not committed to any Committee.

Proceed, Sen. (Dr.) Murango.

Seneta wa Laikipia, Sen. Kinyua.

Seneta wa Laikipia, Sen. Kinyua.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on land, Environment and Natural Resources, regarding an update on the resettlement status of Kwambuzi squatters in Laikipia County.

In the Statement, the Committee should –

Proceed, Sen. Thang’wa.

Proceed, Sen. Ogola.

Proceed, Sen. Ogola.

Proceed, Sen. Cherarkey.

Proceed, Sen. Cherarkey.

Please, do.

Please, do.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on the status of operationalization of the Commodities Fund, established under Section 9 of the Crops Act No.16 of 2013.

In the Statement, the Committee should –

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources, on the state of land leases in Nandi County.

In the Statement, the Committee should -

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation, on the state of roads in Nandi County.

In the Statement, the Committee should -

Proceed, Sen. (Prof.) Tom Odhiambo Ojienda, SC.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise under Standing Order No. 53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, regarding the damage to life and property due to demonstrations in Kisumu County in February, March and April, 2023.

In the Statement, the Committee should -

Mr. Speaker, I rise under Standing Order No. 53 (1) , to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations regarding the measures to address flood menace in Kisumu County, especially in flood-prone areas of Kisumu East, Kapuothe, Kabonyo /Kanyagwal, Ombeyi, North Nyakach, Wasare and Gem Rae.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

Waheshimiwa Maseneta, kwa mujibu wa Kanuni za Kudumu No.45 (2) ya Seneti, ningependa kupangua Utaaratibu Wa Shuguli za Seneti hivi leo. Kwa hivyo, ukiangalia katika Utaaratibu Wa Shughuli utakuta kwamba tukitoka katika shughuli za Kauli, tunaenda katika mipangilio ya Shughuli No.8, 9 na 10.

Nitapangua utaaratibu huu. Tutaanza na Shughuli No.17 halafu baadaye tutarudi 9 na 10. Tukimaliza hizo shughuli tatu, tutarudi katika mipangilio kama vile ilivyo orodheshwa katika shughuli za Bunge za hivi leo.

Clerk, tafadhali ita utaratibu kama vile nilivyopangua.

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

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

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

Sen. Osotsi, where are your Standing Orders?

Sen. Osotsi, where are your Standing Orders?

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

Very well. Sen. Sifuna, I will allow you under Standing Order No.1.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, sometimes these Standing Orders are inadequate in order to address some of the concerns that we might have from time to time.

I have a request under Standing Order No.53. I know that we are constrained for time and we have addressed this question before the Senate Business Committee (SBC) . However, some of the Statements that we have requested under Standing Order No.53 are so burning. Please, allow us just five minutes for comments. We will take one minute each. Although the requests that have been put forward are many, some of them are burning.

There are some of them that are burning and the basis for the questions cannot go unchallenged from my point of view. In terms of enriching our debate, you need to allow us to say something about some of these requests. That is why I was trying to rise on Standing Order No. 53

I will consider that request from tomorrow going forward.

I will consider that request from tomorrow going forward.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to move the Motion - THAT, the Senate notes the Record of the Proceedings of the First Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the (PAP) held in Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, South Africa on 23rd October – 12th November, 2022 laid on the Table of the Senate on Thursday, 16th February, 2023.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the PAP Ordinary Session of The Sixth Parliament took place between the 23rd October and 12th November 2022 in Midrand South Africa. The Session was held under the African Union (AU) theme of the year which is; Building Resilience in Nutrition on the African Continent and Accelerating the Human Capital, Social and Economic Development.

The Kenyan delegation to this meeting comprised the following;

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the purpose of the PAP is something that this House should know. As outlined in Article 17 of the AU Act that constituted it, is to ensure the full participation of African people in the development and economic integration of the continent. Also, known as the African Parliament, the PAP is the legislative arm of the African Union. The PAP held its inaugural sessions in March 2004, in Addis Ababa before the seat was moved to Midrand South Africa. South Africa had offered to host and succeed in the bid.

The objectives of the PAP are something to also note. As spelled out in Article 3 of the PAP, it includes the following;

They also have a Secretariat as we have here under the Clerk and two Deputy Clerks. We also have Committees of PAP. I want to state the Committees because they have a relationship with the Committees that we have here. In PAP there are 11 Committees.

They include: the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, National Resources and Environment - where Hon. Pasarris sits; Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs – where our Sen. Mungatana, MGH sits; Committee of Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters – where I sit; and the Committee of Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolutions – where Hon. Mukami sits.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the other Committees include: Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology, where Hon. Kalasinga sits; Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs; Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism and Human Resources; Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disabilities; Committee on Justice and Human Rights; Committee on Rules and Privileges and Discipline; and Committee on the Audit and Public Accounts.

The operations of the Parliament are also through Committees, as we do in our own House. This is just to make the Members know that the operations there are no different from what we have.

As I mentioned, during the First Session as a Delegation, we were sworn in. The Report that I am forwarding today includes a record of the Plenary proceedings of the First Ordinary Session. We had an opening ceremony with a guest of honour from the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Ronald Lamola, Minister for Justice and Correctional Services. He gave the keynote address and a few other speakers also came in. Members will see that in the report.

During the Plenary session, there was a presentation of the Performance Review Report of PAP. So, the Parliament itself had been reviewed. This gave us, Members, an opportunity to listen to how the Parliament is performing. We were fortunate to be there soon after the review.

Allow me to share with the Members the highlights of the Report. There was the issue of the entrenchment of the principle of rotation in the election of the Bureau of the Sixth Parliament of PAP. Before we went, there was a conflict of about a year or so because Members wanted the rotation to be established in law. So, that was discussed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the other issue was hosting of the first meeting of the permanent Standing Committees. The strategic reorientation workshop for MPs took place during that session to help the new Members who were coming in.

The interesting thing about the African Continent is that there is an election going on every now and again. In fact, Sen. Mungatana who is not here, is on an observer mission in West Africa where an election is taking place. So, workshops to give orientation to Members is almost continuous.

On the report on the development of modern laws, PAP – through its Committees – develops modern laws that should be adopted by the different partner State Parliaments.

Sen. Wambua, you are out of order. May the good Professor be heard in silence?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir, for saving me from my very own student.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir, for saving me from my very own student.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise to second this Motion and make a few comments on the same.

There are three recommendations that are coming out from this convening. One is that we build capacity of policy makers. Two, that we implement the gender responsive laws. Three, we domesticate legal instruments under the labour migration.

I know that there are many legislators who might not know or see the interest of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) . Perhaps, it is because they do not understand the power that we have as African nations to unite, come together and have a bargaining power that is united.

The work that our legislators are doing in the PAP is not talked about enough. Recently, as I was on an official trip in Ghana, where I went to the Africa Continental of Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquarters in Accra. I tried to understand why we as African nations do not trade with each other.

Why was it necessary to sit down and come together to have a trade agreement so that we can unite Africa nations? It is because we have forgotten some of the basic fundamental of why we have the PAP. We have forgotten that irrespective of being independent states within Africa, as a continent, we have been taken advantage of for far too long.

We have not strengthened our laws. We do not have bilateral agreements that are implemented to the latter. We do not understand the power that we have in terms of the natural resources and human resources that we have.

Every other day that we come to this House, there is always an issue that we are trying to address for our Kenyans who are abroad. Either the issue of migration in terms of labor or how they are not treated well as they look for employment.

Most of these issues can be sorted out if we take seriously what is happening in the PAP. As legislator we should purpose to be Pan-Africanists so that we can unite this continent.

We have had Pan-Africanist in the past that have been condemned and even murdered because they tried to unite Africa. We had Gaddafi who spoke out and said that it is time to have a united front as a continent.

Maybe, at that time, some of us were too young to understand what was happening. I now look at our trade agreements and what we are trying to do in terms of economic development of this continent. I understand that we have to take this matter seriously.

On the gender responsive laws, it is imperative to put out that over 40 countries do not have legal protection against domestic violence. Maybe, it is because we have different cultures and understanding.

However, it is time that we as a continent come together to put an end to matters such as domestic violence. That is why, when they recommend that we put out capacity building on our policy makers and legislators, it is so that they understand the common goal as the African continent.

Hon, Senators, under Standing Order No.111, we may limit debate on a Motion or a Bill. As you are aware, each one of you speaking on a Bill or a Motion has a maximum of 20 minutes.

We may agree through consensus to limit debate or, as the Senate Majority Leader has approached the Chair, I would allow him to move a Motion to limit debate.

So, it is up to us. Either I allow the Senate Majority Leader to move a Motion to limit debate or through consensus, we limit debate and proceed on.

So, for how long do we limit a Member to speak on the Debate? An

So, for how long do we limit a Member to speak on the Debate? An

Three minutes to speak on this Motion.

Three minutes to speak on this Motion.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. Yes, it is true I am the miracle Senator of Kiambu County. I take this opportunity to welcome the students who have come to visit us today.

This is the Senate that is given the mandate by the Constitution under Article 96 to protect the interest of the county and the county Governments. I really thank your teachers for seeing it fit to bring you to come and see how we conduct our business here. I believe that you are learning and I believe one day you will be seated in this House to defend the interest of the counties and of course, the people that you will be leading then.

I take this opportunity to say karibu and welcome again. Thank you.

Sen. Cherarkey, you may proceed. Sen. Cherarkey is not in the Chamber. This habit of Senators logging in and walking out is not proper.

Senators, if you are walking out of the Chamber, it is always good to log out. You are crowding my dashboard. I keep calling as reflected on the dashboard.

Sen. Okenyuri, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. I also want to support this Motion.

I briefly went through the report, and as much as I do not comprise the members who are representing us in the Pan-African Parliament, I believe those who represent are doing a very good job as displayed from the report that Sen. (Prof.) Kamar has read in this House.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, when I hear of Pan-Africanism, it takes me back to my history days in school where I read of the spirit of Kwame Nkrumah, Thomas Sankara, who passionately spoke about the role of women in the struggle for independence. When I look at the resolutions that were made by this Parliament, especially on enhancing the role of women and young people in policy-making, that is something I am proud of as a young legislator. From the resolutions of adding parliamentarians to passionately, talk about these issues in their country.

I have been on the forefront talking about why young people should be involved in policy and decision-making. It brings a different blend of ideas rather than the

Asante Bw. Spika. Kitu cha kwanza, nataka kukubaliana na ripoti iliyoletwa na Sen. (Prof.) Kamar kutoka Bunge la Afrika. Hili ni Bunge la muhimu sana. Nilikua mmoja wao ule muhula wa miaka mitano iliyokwisha ma nilijihusisha vilivyo. Ripoti hiyo ni ya usawa kabisa na ninaiunga mkono. Pili ni kwamba Bunge hio inaleta mataifa yote na wawakilishi wa waliochaguliwa kutoka nchi zao ili kuweza kutengeneza taratibu za jinsi Afrika inaweza fanya taratibu zake. Bunge hilo mara nyingi, tumekua tukijihusisha hususan na mambo ya kibiashara, kazi, utalii na mipaka ili kuona ya kwamba Afrika imeendelea mbele. Ni Bunge muhimu sana. Ripoti iliyokuja ni kwamba sote tuweze kuiunga mkono. Tunaiunga mkono kwa sababu inaleta Afrika karibu. Tunaweza kushirikiana ili tuone Afrika yetu inakua bora. Bw. Spika, kinachosikitisha ni kwamba unapoenda nchi za Afrika kama vile Casablanca kule Morocco inabidi utoke Afrika ili urudi nchi nyingine ndani ya Afrika. Ni jukumu mojawapo linafaa kuangaliwa. Kama waafrika ni kwa nini lazima tutoke nje ya Afrika ili tuingie nchi nyingine ndani ya Afrika? Ni kwa sababu ya uhusiano mwema tunavyoishi pamoja. Naunga mkono hii ripoti. Ni muhimu kusisitiza kwamba sisi kama waafrika tuweze kwenda nchi zote za Afrika, kuhusiana na kutembealeana.

monopoly that we see dominated by the other category. On this resolve, this is a very good thing.

On the resolution of intensifying the calls to ratify the Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, I am looking forward to see what the propositions will be. In our own case in Kenya, we have a scenario where we win elections and the person who loses in that election does not accept the outcome of the result. I am looking forward to this charter addressing some of those issues so that if someone wins the elections, they take up the mantle of leadership. Those who lose in elections, they should accept and build and join the winner in building the country they belong in.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, you can see the example of our own country where people who lose elections resolve to demonstrations, destroying their own country. It is a time that we---

Sen. Okenyuri, your time is up. Sen. Faki, proceed.

monopoly that we see dominated by the other category. On this resolve, this is a very good thing.

On the resolution of intensifying the calls to ratify the Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, I am looking forward to see what the propositions will be. In our own case in Kenya, we have a scenario where we win elections and the person who loses in that election does not accept the outcome of the result. I am looking forward to this charter addressing some of those issues so that if someone wins the elections, they take up the mantle of leadership. Those who lose in elections, they should accept and build and join the winner in building the country they belong in.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, you can see the example of our own country where people who lose elections resolve to demonstrations, destroying their own country. It is a time that we---

Sen. Tabitha Keroche.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity. I rise to support this Motion. We keep on saying that Africa is rising but are we Africans taking that opportunity? We only see foreigners coming in to take that advantage.

We can break the barriers of Africanization and ensure that people can move across borders and transport goods at the same rate and same taxation. I am sure that we will see Africa eradicating poverty. The reason why we are going through this is because we talk of our own country and yet, we have presidents who usually meet at the African Union who should be working on to ensure that all the countries in Africa work together.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, look at the East African Community. I have come from entrepreneurship and I know that even trading across this Community is still a problem. You can imagine thinking of trading in Ghana.

We should support this Motion and this House should push further to ensure that as Africa rises, we also take part, benefit and eradicate poverty in our continent. There is no difference between the African continent and the United States of America (USA) . The USA has opened their borders but we have made it difficult whereby Kenyans live as Kenyans, Tanzanians live as Tanzanians and Ugandans live as Ugandans. It is time that Africa becomes one continent. That is how we can trade in our goods, businesses and ensure that we create more employment and more wealth.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I raised both hands during the previous Motion that was there. I am not complaining but it is good to be considering anything being spoken about a certain county. When we were talking about Faith Kipyegon, I wanted to congratulate her and tell her that she is one of us because she comes from Kuresoi and when I go back home, I will push the Governor---

Sen. Tabitha Keroche.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity. I rise to support this Motion. We keep on saying that Africa is rising but are we Africans taking that opportunity? We only see foreigners coming in to take that advantage.

We can break the barriers of Africanization and ensure that people can move across borders and transport goods at the same rate and same taxation. I am sure that we will see Africa eradicating poverty. The reason why we are going through this is because we talk of our own country and yet, we have presidents who usually meet at the African Union who should be working on to ensure that all the countries in Africa work together.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, look at the East African Community. I have come from entrepreneurship and I know that even trading across this Community is still a problem. You can imagine thinking of trading in Ghana.

We should support this Motion and this House should push further to ensure that as Africa rises, we also take part, benefit and eradicate poverty in our continent. There is no difference between the African continent and the United States of America (USA) . The USA has opened their borders but we have made it difficult whereby Kenyans live as Kenyans, Tanzanians live as Tanzanians and Ugandans live as Ugandans. It is time that Africa becomes one continent. That is how we can trade in our goods, businesses and ensure that we create more employment and more wealth.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I raised both hands during the previous Motion that was there. I am not complaining but it is good to be considering anything being spoken about a certain county. When we were talking about Faith Kipyegon, I wanted to congratulate her and tell her that she is one of us because she comes from Kuresoi and when I go back home, I will push the Governor---

At Independence, our leaders like Hon. Kwame Nkrumah, Hon. Sekou Toure, Hon. Julius Nyerere, Haile Selassie, Jomo Kenyatta and all other leaders who were there then appreciated the importance of African unity. They thought that it was important for Africa to become one for Africa to be a power like the USA.

However, over the years, sovereignty has taken over our nations and they appear to be more interested to defend their sovereignty. When we are separate, we are very weak and powerful countries can take each one of us and slaughter us separately without caring so much.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, sometimes we think that some people care about our interest but their interest is to exploit our very rich continent ad our resources; take those resources and re-process them in their countries; create employment in their countries and continue to impoverish our countries.

Let Africans not think that there is anybody who will develop them. There is no one who is interested in helping them to develop their country. People come in for their own interests, to exploit our resources, take them to their countries, create employment for their people and develop their countries. However, when they come here, they sweet- talk us and our leaders and make them believe that they are loved.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I can tell you that those people have no love for us. They are interested in our resources and they will continue to exploit us until we realize that it is our unity as the people of Africa which will help us to be powerful. Africa is richer than the USA and those European countries.

It is only unity which will make us specialize so that we do not compete against each other but complement each other by trading together, developing our infrastructure to connect our continent so that we realize that it is important to unite economically. We will then develop and become a very powerful continent in the world.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I hope that spirit of unity will come back to our---

Sen. Murgor.

At Independence, our leaders like Hon. Kwame Nkrumah, Hon. Sekou Toure, Hon. Julius Nyerere, Haile Selassie, Jomo Kenyatta and all other leaders who were there then appreciated the importance of African unity. They thought that it was important for Africa to become one for Africa to be a power like the USA.

However, over the years, sovereignty has taken over our nations and they appear to be more interested to defend their sovereignty. When we are separate, we are very weak and powerful countries can take each one of us and slaughter us separately without caring so much.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, sometimes we think that some people care about our interest but their interest is to exploit our very rich continent ad our resources; take those resources and re-process them in their countries; create employment in their countries and continue to impoverish our countries.

Let Africans not think that there is anybody who will develop them. There is no one who is interested in helping them to develop their country. People come in for their own interests, to exploit our resources, take them to their countries, create employment for their people and develop their countries. However, when they come here, they sweet- talk us and our leaders and make them believe that they are loved.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I can tell you that those people have no love for us. They are interested in our resources and they will continue to exploit us until we realize that it is our unity as the people of Africa which will help us to be powerful. Africa is richer than the USA and those European countries.

It is only unity which will make us specialize so that we do not compete against each other but complement each other by trading together, developing our infrastructure to connect our continent so that we realize that it is important to unite economically. We will then develop and become a very powerful continent in the world.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I hope that spirit of unity will come back to our---

different but we can tie up together especially on trade, so that there is exchange of goods and items from one African country to the other.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, there is also need to explore how much we can open on roads and flight routes and others, so that there is connectivity within African countries and accessibility that brings us together as a Continent.

The fact is that we should be positive to each other because you find that the African society warms up towards the West much more than it does towards---

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for the opportunity to also contribute to this important Motion. The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) which is also called the African Parliament has the ultimate aim to be a full Parliament with full legislative powers to oversight the African Union (AU) and also to facilitate the various policies, treaties and programmes across Africa.

Worryingly, though this is the ultimate goal of the AU, it has largely been a talk show because we do not see anything major coming out of that Parliament. When you look around you can see the challenges we are having around Africa. At the moment there is a challenge in Sudan and we have not heard the voice of the PAP on the matter. The Abuja Treaty that defines the functions of the Parliament clearly states that one of the issues they need to deal with is human rights and promoting democracy.

We do not see promotion of human rights and democracy in most African countries, for example Sudan. There is quite a lot that this Parliament needs to do. Time is running out. It is important for them to pull up their socks and become a true Parliament that can even elect its members through universal suffrage and not selection by respective Parliaments.

We have so many treaties which have not been ratified and domesticated in most African countries. Whereas if they were, they would create a lot of progress in Africa. For example, the treaty on continental free trade areas, treaty on single African air transport free market. Why, for example, has it taken too long for the ratification Malabo Protocol on cyber-crime?

This Parliament has a lot to do but they are doing very little. They only engage in talks but we want to see progress. I congratulate professor---

different but we can tie up together especially on trade, so that there is exchange of goods and items from one African country to the other.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, there is also need to explore how much we can open on roads and flight routes and others, so that there is connectivity within African countries and accessibility that brings us together as a Continent.

The fact is that we should be positive to each other because you find that the African society warms up towards the West much more than it does towards---

Muhula uliopita sikuona hoja kama hii ya Bunge la Afrika ikiletwa katika Seneti. Hili ni jambo la kutia motisha vile Sen. (Prof.) Kamar ameleta Mswada huu. Sheria zinazotungwa kule zinafaa kuidhinishwa katika nchi zetu zote ili zitumike kwa usawa.

Pesa zinazotumika katika biashara ni za aina tofauti kulingana na nchi. Kwa mfano, Kenya, Uganda na Malawi zinatumia pesa tofauti. Tunategemea Dola ya Marekani. Dola inapokosa, Afrika tunajipata katika hali mbaya. Maisha yanakuwa magumu kwa sababu kila kinaongezeka bei.

Wakati Kenya ilipigania uhuru kulikuwa na watu waliojulikana kama “Mau Mau”. Sitaki kueleza kwa urefu kwa sababu inaweza kuleta hali ya sintofahamu. Sababu ya kupigania uhuru inajulikana vizuri.

Nimesikiza Seneta wa Kaunti ya Siaya. Amesema vizuri kuwa kama Afrika tuna madini, kilimo, mvua na mashamba ya kutosha. Wazungu tunaowategemea hawana haja na sisi. Wanataka madini yetu. Wanataka tuwe katika hali ya vita ili watuuzie silaha kama bunduki.

Naunga mkono hoja iliyoletwa ili tuziunganishe nchi zetu za Afrika kwa sababu umoja ndio nguvu. Tuweze ku---

Hon. Senators, four Senators from each side have spoken. Therefore, I proceed to ask the Mover to reply.

Muhula uliopita sikuona hoja kama hii ya Bunge la Afrika ikiletwa katika Seneti. Hili ni jambo la kutia motisha vile Sen. (Prof.) Kamar ameleta Mswada huu. Sheria zinazotungwa kule zinafaa kuidhinishwa katika nchi zetu zote ili zitumike kwa usawa.

Pesa zinazotumika katika biashara ni za aina tofauti kulingana na nchi. Kwa mfano, Kenya, Uganda na Malawi zinatumia pesa tofauti. Tunategemea Dola ya Marekani. Dola inapokosa, Afrika tunajipata katika hali mbaya. Maisha yanakuwa magumu kwa sababu kila kinaongezeka bei.

Wakati Kenya ilipigania uhuru kulikuwa na watu waliojulikana kama “Mau Mau”. Sitaki kueleza kwa urefu kwa sababu inaweza kuleta hali ya sintofahamu. Sababu ya kupigania uhuru inajulikana vizuri.

Nimesikiza Seneta wa Kaunti ya Siaya. Amesema vizuri kuwa kama Afrika tuna madini, kilimo, mvua na mashamba ya kutosha. Wazungu tunaowategemea hawana haja na sisi. Wanataka madini yetu. Wanataka tuwe katika hali ya vita ili watuuzie silaha kama bunduki.

Naunga mkono hoja iliyoletwa ili tuziunganishe nchi zetu za Afrika kwa sababu umoja ndio nguvu. Tuweze ku---

I thank you and all the members for this. I beg to move.

Hon. Senators I now proceed to put the question.

I thank you and all the members for this. I beg to move.

Hon. Senators I now proceed to put the question.

Next Order!

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 7 of the Bill be amended— a) in subclause (1) by—

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 11 of the Bill be amended in subclause (1) by inserting the following new paragraphs immediately after paragraph (n) —

(na) carry out periodic research to determine and make recommendation on fair prices for cotton;

(nb) undertake research and develop suitable affordable cotton seeds in consultation with the National Biosafety Authority and other research institutions;

(nc) in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Corporation and other relevant government agencies —

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT clause 23 of the Bill be amended — a) in subclause (1) by deleting paragraph (d) ; b) in subclause (2) by inserting the following new paragraphs immediately after paragraph (k) — (ka) monitor and provide technical support for the eradication of noxious and invasive weeds and report any incidences to the Board; (kb) establish cotton aggregation centres in collaboration with the national government; (kc) establish cotton collection centres and storage facilities; (kd) put in place programs for provision of farm machinery;and (ke) provide affordable farm-inputs including quality seeds, fertilizer and other planting materials. c) by inserting the following subclause immediately after subclause (2) —

Clauses 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31

(Question, that Clauses 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 be part of the Bill, proposed) Division at the end. Clause 32

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): I call upon the mover, Sen. (Dr.) Murango, to move that.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I bet to move- THAT Clause 32 of the Bill be amended in

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to Move that the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 23A immediately after Clause 23-

Division will be at the end.

Clauses 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31(Question, that Clauses 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 be part of the Bill, proposed) Division at the end. Clause 32The Temporary Chairperson (

I call upon the mover, Sen. (Dr.) Murango, to move that.

. In this Part—

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to Move: - THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 50- Rights and obligations. . On the appointed day, all rights, obligations and contracts which, immediately before the coming into operation of this Act, were vested in or imposed on the Agriculture and Food Authority with respect to the cotton sector shall by virtue of this section, be deemed to be the rights, obligations and contracts of the Board as the case may be.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to Move: - THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 51- Assets.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to Move: - THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 52-

. In this Part—

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to Move: - THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 50- Rights and obligations. . On the appointed day, all rights, obligations and contracts which, immediately before the coming into operation of this Act, were vested in or imposed on the Agriculture and Food Authority with respect to the cotton sector shall by virtue of this section, be deemed to be the rights, obligations and contracts of the Board as the case may be.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to Move: - THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 51- Assets.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to Move: - THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 52-

Legal proceedings

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to Move: - THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 53- Reference to written laws.

The Temporary Chairperson (

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): Hon. Senators, we will go to the Committee of the Whole for the Second Bill, the Employment (Amendment) Bill Senate Bills No.11 of 2022. It has no proposed amendments. We will move through this Bill fast.

I call upon the Clerk to call out the clauses. Clause 2, the Title and Clause 1

(Question that Clause 2, the Title and Clause 1 be part of the Bill, proposed) The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): Division will be at the end.

We are unable to do the division. We will report progress to the House. I call upon Sen. Cherarkey to proceed.

Division will be at the end. New Clause 54The Temporary Chairperson (

Hon. Senators, I now call upon the Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole to report.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to Move: - THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 54- Previous authorizations.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to Move: _ THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following New Clause 55- Staff

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to Move- THAT Clause 2 of the Bill be amended by inserting the following definitions immediately after — a) the definition of “chief executive officer” — “Cotton industry” includes growers, ginners, spinners and cotton value addition industries. b) the definition of “cotton seed” “Council of County Governors” means the Council of County Governors established under section 19 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act. (Question of the amendment proposed) Division will be at the end. Title and Clause 1 (Question, that the Title and Clause 1be part of the Bill, proposed) The Temporary Chairperson (

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

We move to the second Bill, the Employment (Amendment) Bill, (Senate Bills No.11 0f 2022) . I call upon the Chairperson of the Committee of the whole to report. Sen. Veronica Maina, proceed to report.

The Temporary Chairperson (

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report.

I call Sen. Wambua to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

Division will be at the end.We are unable to do the division. We will report progress to the House. I call upon Sen. Cherarkey to proceed.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Chairperson. Madam Temporary Chairperson, pursuant to Standing Order No. 153, I beg to move that the Committee of the Whole, do report progress on its consideration of the Employment (Amendment) Bill, (Senate Bills No. 11 0f 2022) and seek leave to sit again tomorrow. The Temporary Chairperson (

Thank you. (Question proposed) (Question put and agreed to) (The House resumed) [The Temporary Speaker (Sen. Wakili Sigei) in the Chair]

Hon. Senators, I now call upon the Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole to report.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Cotton Industry Development Bill (Senate Bills No.5 of 2023) and seeks leave to sit again tomorrow.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, and hon. colleagues. I was in the process of moving this Bill yesterday when the time for sitting lapsed. So, I will continue to move the Bill.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for reminding that I have 40 minutes to move. I will try not to spend all the time. I see there are Senators in the House who have been waiting to comment on this Bill since yesterday. So, I will give them an opportunity to contribute to this Bill.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I had done Part One, Clause 3 on the objects of the Bill. I will just recap and create a nexus between what we did yesterday and what we will today.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as I continue to move this Bill, there are farmers even today on Wednesday, in various market places across the regions where mung beans are grown, who are being exploited by business people and middlemen.

Where I come from in Kitui, it is very unfortunate that the prices continue to drop each passing day. I am told in several markets in Kitui today, the middlemen are buying the cereal at Kshs50 a kilogramme down from Kshs100 just two weeks ago. From tomorrow and next week, the same beans will be sold at supermarkets at more than Kshs260 per kilogramme.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this is a mischief that we are trying to kill and cure in this Bill. Part B (2) of this Bill assigns responsibilities to the national and county governments.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir and Members, you will realize that one of the biggest challenges that we are having as we pursue devolution in this country is that part of the functions that are devolved should be performed by the national Government. In that confusion, where we are not sure what the national or county Government mandarins are supposed to be doing, the farmers in the middle suffer.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this Bill specifically assigns roles and responsibilities to the two levels of government. The duties of the national Government

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said report.

I request Sen. Cherarkey to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

and other institutions or areas falling within respective mandates of implementing homegrown feeding programmes.

What we know about mung beans is that they require very limited rainfall. They adapt to very harsh climatic conditions. The county and national governments should collaborate in areas where mung beans are grown and ensure that these beans are introduced to feeding programmes for schools after harvest. For instance, there is a bumper harvest right now.

One of the challenges of feeding programmes in schools, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, is lack of sufficient food supplies. It means then that it becomes very expensive for county governments to source these foods from outside the county and bring them to the counties to be put in school feeding programmes.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, these beans can be harvested twice in a year. Once the beans are harvested, they should be made available to schools to improve the health of our children in schools. It should ensure that our children have access to at least one hot meal in a day. This is achievable if county and national governments collaborate in making mung beans part of the school feeding programme.

Nationally, these mung beans are so nutritious that they can be put in the feeding programme for our military. My father was a member of the military. When I was growing up, we lived in the barracks at some point. I saw a lot of canned beans being given to soldiers and military people. These beans can be processed and canned. They could be a very good supplement for our military. This speaks to not just good health, but food security and overall security in the country.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in implementing the feeding programme under Section One of Clause 6, the Cabinet Secretary responsible for matters agriculture at the national level and the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) responsible for matters agriculture at the county level, shall-

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Employment (Amendment) Bill, (Senate Bills No.11 of 2022) and seeks leave to sit again tomorrow.

The Mover to move.

Wachache na ambaye pia ni Seneta wa Kitui, Sen. Wambua. Huu Mswada ulikuwa katika Seneti iliyopita, ukaenda katika Bunge la Kitaifa lakini ukaishia hapo.

Bw. Spika wa Muda, ningependa kumshukuru Sen. Wambua kwa kuuleta tena Mswada huu kwa Bunge hili la kumi na tatu. Mmea wa ndengu ni mmea muhimu na vile alivyosema, huu mmea unakuzwa katika kaunti alizozitaja za Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta na zinginezo. Mara ya kwanza kusikia kuhusu mmea huu, nilikuwa mdogo sana. Nilikuwa kijana mdogo; mtoto mdogo na tulikuwa tunapenda kitoweo cha ndengu, haswa ikipikwa na chapati.

Zamani, watoto walikuwa wanapenda sana chapati na kitoweo chetu kilikuwa ni cha ndengu kwa sababu nyama ilikuwa ghali. Kwa hivyo, kupata nyama ilikuwa si rahisi. Vile vyakula vingine ambavyo tulikuwa tunakula sana ilikuwa ugali na sukuma wiki na kabeji. Ile siku tulikuwa tunabadilisha chakula, ilikuwa siku ya kitoweo cha ndengu na chapati.

Lakini mmea huu pia una umuhimu zaidi ya kuwa tu ni kitoweo. Huu ni mmea ambao unakuzwa na unahitaji mvua chache sana. Maeneo yaliyotajwa ambayo yanakuza mmea huu ni maeneo ambayo yana mvua haba kama Kaunti ya Taita Taveta, Kitui na Makueni.

Ule mmea ambao unatusaidia kule ni mmea wa ndengu. Mahindi saa zingine ukiyapanda, yanafika kiwango fulani na yanakufa. Maharagwe pia kwa kiasi yanahitaji mvua nyingi. Mmea wa ndengu unahitaji mvua kidogo sana.

Pia mmea huu ni kama dawa; unaleta immunity ama nguvu za kukinga mwili dhidi ya magonjwa. Mmea huu ni muhimu sana kwa sababu mahali hakuna mvua na watu hawana chakula, wanapata chakula. Lakini, mmea huu umekumbwa na changamoto si haba.

Changamoto ya kwanza ni kama vile Sen. Wambua amesema; mmea huu hauna soko. Soko yake ina shida kwa sababu hakuna sera na sheria za kueelekeza kukuza na kupatia mauzo mmea huu. Wakati wa mavuno, pojo hii inakuwa nyingi sana. Na kwa sababu ya hali ya kiuchumi, wakati zao limekuwa kwa wingi, basi bei yake inateremka.

Kule kwetu, wakulima wa ndengu huuza ndengu hata Kshs10 kwa kilo wakati wa mavuno na kwa sababu watu ni maskini, hawana pesa ilhali wanataka kulipia watoto wao karo, wanataka kununua sare za shule na kununulia watoto wao nguo ama kuwapeleka hospitali. Inabidi wauze kwa hiyo bei ambayo ni ndogo mno.

Changamoto nyingine ni kwamba, hakuna pembejeo za kilimo wakati zinahitajika. Kwa sababu ya njaa, hawa wakulima wetu wanakula kila kitu pamoja na mbegu. Hawaachi hata mbegu kwa sababu hauwezi kuacha mbegu na una njaa. Kwa hivyo, wakati mvua inaponyesha, hawa wakulima hawana mbegu ya kupanda.

Jambo lingine ni kwamba, mmea huu unapovunwa, inabidi wakulima pia wauze kwa bei ya chini kwa sababu hakuna sera na sheria ama kuwepo kwa maghala ya kuhifathi mimea hii.

Kuna magunia yanayoitwa hermit bags ambayo yamebuniwa saa hizi lakini wakulima wetu, bado hawajayafikia. Hii ni mifuko spesheli ambayo inapunguza hasara baada ya mavuno. Kwa lugha ya Kimombo tunaita, post-harvest loses. Wakulima wetu hawajafikiwa na haya magunia na hizi mbinu ama madawa ya kuhifadhi ndengu hii.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

Hon. Members, once we are done with that, we need to go back to the Order Paper.

I direct that we defer Order No. 8, which is the Agriculture and Livestock Extension Services Bill (Senate Bills No. 12 of 2022) by Sen. Tabitha Mutinda until the next sitting. We move to the next Order.

Clerk, call the next order!

Bw. Spika wa Muda, ukiwa na data ama takwimu, wakati wa kutayarisha soko, takwimu zitakuelekeza kwa soko la COMESA ama kwingineko. Takwimu zitaonyesha kiasi cha zao ambalo linatarajiwa Taita Taveta au Makueni, kwa maana mvua ilinyesha vizuri na kadhalika. Kwa hivyo, katika kupanga, tunahitaji takwimu. Tutapata hizi takwimu kwa mawaziri wa kilimo katika serikali za kaunti wamehusishwa kikamilifu.

Bw. Spika, wakulima wa ndengu pia wanahitaji mafunzo kuhusu mbinu za kisasa za kulima. Hayo mafunzo yatafanywa na hayo mamlaka ama Authority. Mamlaka hayo pia yataangazia utafiti ili kubaini mbegu itakayofaa zaidi kwa mchanga wa eneo fulani.

Mhe. Spika wa Muda, kwa sababu naona muda umenipa kisogo, ningependa kusema kwamba tuangazie huu Mswada. Pia, tuangalie vile tutashirikiana na wenzetu wa Bunge la Kitaifa ili Mswada huu usije ukafa vile---

Sen. Mwaruma, your time is up. Give him the microphone so that he can second.

Sen. Wambua, you had the Floor. You still have 40 minutes to proceed to move.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, and hon. colleagues. I was in the process of moving this Bill yesterday when the time for sitting lapsed. So, I will continue to move the Bill.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for reminding that I have 40 minutes to move. I will try not to spend all the time. I see there are Senators in the House who have been waiting to comment on this Bill since yesterday. So, I will give them an opportunity to contribute to this Bill.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I had done Part One, Clause 3 on the objects of the Bill. I will just recap and create a nexus between what we did yesterday and what we will today.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as I continue to move this Bill, there are farmers even today on Wednesday, in various market places across the regions where mung beans are grown, who are being exploited by business people and middlemen.

Where I come from in Kitui, it is very unfortunate that the prices continue to drop each passing day. I am told in several markets in Kitui today, the middlemen are buying the cereal at Kshs50 a kilogramme down from Kshs100 just two weeks ago. From tomorrow and next week, the same beans will be sold at supermarkets at more than Kshs260 per kilogramme.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this is a mischief that we are trying to kill and cure in this Bill. Part B (2) of this Bill assigns responsibilities to the national and county governments.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir and Members, you will realize that one of the biggest challenges that we are having as we pursue devolution in this country is that part of the functions that are devolved should be performed by the national Government. In that confusion, where we are not sure what the national or county Government mandarins are supposed to be doing, the farmers in the middle suffer.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this Bill specifically assigns roles and responsibilities to the two levels of government. The duties of the national Government

are assigned to its agency, which is the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA). It is assigned the responsibility of putting in place measures aimed at improving the overall production of mung beans in the country. Further, it is tasked with the responsibility to establish and coordinate as well as monitor the implementation of national standards and policies relating to the mung beans industry and provide technical assistance and capacity building to county governments, either on its own initiative or upon request by a county government.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the Bill is very specific when it comes to what the county governments are supposed to do. In this Bill, we have assigned responsibilities to the County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) responsible for Agriculture. One is to put in place measures to improve the quality and quantity of production of mung beans within the county. We have just completed debate on agricultural extension services. One of the responsibilities that this Bill assigns to county governments and especially the CECM responsible for Agriculture is to ensure that the quality and quantity of production of this cereal is improved and well-coordinated from the county headquarters.

Second, is what I have just said. Provision of extension services to the growers in respective counties and enforce regulations and standards as captured at the national level. One of the overriding assignments given to the CECMs for Agriculture is the provision of inputs and implements, including seeds, fertilizer and other planting materials in order to facilitate production of mung beans. What has been happening in most counties today is that it has become a matter of choice and option for county governments to either provide or not provide seeds during planting season.

In respect to mung beans, which I said yesterday and I want to repeat it again, the crop has the highest potential of transforming lives especially in arid and semi-arid areas. When it comes to planting season, county governments have an obligation under this law to provide at least seeds to farmers. A challenge has arisen in arid and semi-arid regions. The same seeds that farmers have planted and harvested serve as seeds for that season.

The county governments have a responsibility of providing certified seeds to farmers to grow this crop. The certified seeds should also be in line with the climatic conditions of the area where these beans are grown.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, it also makes a provision for county governments to promote and invest in the necessary infrastructure to facilitate access to markets and transportation of mung beans and its products within and outside the respective counties.

We need to promote infrastructure for purposes of transportation of the beans from farms to markets and from markets in one county to markets in other counties. We should even make available means of transportation of these produce to regional markets.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we looked at the statistics yesterday while I moved the Bill. These beans are consumed heavily not just in Kenya or this region, but also in the Middle East and Asia. The county governments have a responsibility to ensure that when these beans are produced from the farm, they reach the market in good time.

We have also provided in Clause 6 a collaboration between the national and county governments on the matter of implementing feeding programmes within schools

and other institutions or areas falling within respective mandates of implementing homegrown feeding programmes.

What we know about mung beans is that they require very limited rainfall. They adapt to very harsh climatic conditions. The county and national governments should collaborate in areas where mung beans are grown and ensure that these beans are introduced to feeding programmes for schools after harvest. For instance, there is a bumper harvest right now.

One of the challenges of feeding programmes in schools, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, is lack of sufficient food supplies. It means then that it becomes very expensive for county governments to source these foods from outside the county and bring them to the counties to be put in school feeding programmes.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, these beans can be harvested twice in a year. Once the beans are harvested, they should be made available to schools to improve the health of our children in schools. It should ensure that our children have access to at least one hot meal in a day. This is achievable if county and national governments collaborate in making mung beans part of the school feeding programme.

Nationally, these mung beans are so nutritious that they can be put in the feeding programme for our military. My father was a member of the military. When I was growing up, we lived in the barracks at some point. I saw a lot of canned beans being given to soldiers and military people. These beans can be processed and canned. They could be a very good supplement for our military. This speaks to not just good health, but food security and overall security in the country.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in implementing the feeding programme under Section One of Clause 6, the Cabinet Secretary responsible for matters agriculture at the national level and the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) responsible for matters agriculture at the county level, shall-

Thank you, Sen. Wambua for the very elaborate and passionate move of your Bill. Sen. Mwaruma, you may proceed to second the Bill.

Asante Bw. Spika wa Muda kwa hii fursa umenipa kuunga mkono huu Mswada muhimu kabisa ulioletwa na Naibu wa Kiongozi wa Walio

Wachache na ambaye pia ni Seneta wa Kitui, Sen. Wambua. Huu Mswada ulikuwa katika Seneti iliyopita, ukaenda katika Bunge la Kitaifa lakini ukaishia hapo.

Bw. Spika wa Muda, ningependa kumshukuru Sen. Wambua kwa kuuleta tena Mswada huu kwa Bunge hili la kumi na tatu. Mmea wa ndengu ni mmea muhimu na vile alivyosema, huu mmea unakuzwa katika kaunti alizozitaja za Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta na zinginezo. Mara ya kwanza kusikia kuhusu mmea huu, nilikuwa mdogo sana. Nilikuwa kijana mdogo; mtoto mdogo na tulikuwa tunapenda kitoweo cha ndengu, haswa ikipikwa na chapati.

Zamani, watoto walikuwa wanapenda sana chapati na kitoweo chetu kilikuwa ni cha ndengu kwa sababu nyama ilikuwa ghali. Kwa hivyo, kupata nyama ilikuwa si rahisi. Vile vyakula vingine ambavyo tulikuwa tunakula sana ilikuwa ugali na sukuma wiki na kabeji. Ile siku tulikuwa tunabadilisha chakula, ilikuwa siku ya kitoweo cha ndengu na chapati.

Lakini mmea huu pia una umuhimu zaidi ya kuwa tu ni kitoweo. Huu ni mmea ambao unakuzwa na unahitaji mvua chache sana. Maeneo yaliyotajwa ambayo yanakuza mmea huu ni maeneo ambayo yana mvua haba kama Kaunti ya Taita Taveta, Kitui na Makueni.

Ule mmea ambao unatusaidia kule ni mmea wa ndengu. Mahindi saa zingine ukiyapanda, yanafika kiwango fulani na yanakufa. Maharagwe pia kwa kiasi yanahitaji mvua nyingi. Mmea wa ndengu unahitaji mvua kidogo sana.

Pia mmea huu ni kama dawa; unaleta immunity ama nguvu za kukinga mwili dhidi ya magonjwa. Mmea huu ni muhimu sana kwa sababu mahali hakuna mvua na watu hawana chakula, wanapata chakula. Lakini, mmea huu umekumbwa na changamoto si haba.

Changamoto ya kwanza ni kama vile Sen. Wambua amesema; mmea huu hauna soko. Soko yake ina shida kwa sababu hakuna sera na sheria za kueelekeza kukuza na kupatia mauzo mmea huu. Wakati wa mavuno, pojo hii inakuwa nyingi sana. Na kwa sababu ya hali ya kiuchumi, wakati zao limekuwa kwa wingi, basi bei yake inateremka.

Kule kwetu, wakulima wa ndengu huuza ndengu hata Kshs10 kwa kilo wakati wa mavuno na kwa sababu watu ni maskini, hawana pesa ilhali wanataka kulipia watoto wao karo, wanataka kununua sare za shule na kununulia watoto wao nguo ama kuwapeleka hospitali. Inabidi wauze kwa hiyo bei ambayo ni ndogo mno.

Changamoto nyingine ni kwamba, hakuna pembejeo za kilimo wakati zinahitajika. Kwa sababu ya njaa, hawa wakulima wetu wanakula kila kitu pamoja na mbegu. Hawaachi hata mbegu kwa sababu hauwezi kuacha mbegu na una njaa. Kwa hivyo, wakati mvua inaponyesha, hawa wakulima hawana mbegu ya kupanda.

Jambo lingine ni kwamba, mmea huu unapovunwa, inabidi wakulima pia wauze kwa bei ya chini kwa sababu hakuna sera na sheria ama kuwepo kwa maghala ya kuhifathi mimea hii.

Kuna magunia yanayoitwa hermit bags ambayo yamebuniwa saa hizi lakini wakulima wetu, bado hawajayafikia. Hii ni mifuko spesheli ambayo inapunguza hasara baada ya mavuno. Kwa lugha ya Kimombo tunaita, post-harvest loses. Wakulima wetu hawajafikiwa na haya magunia na hizi mbinu ama madawa ya kuhifadhi ndengu hii.

Inabidi sasa kama utahifadhi kwa gunia bila kuweka dawa, ama magunia maalum, ile ndengu nyingi inaliwa na wadudu. Kwa hivyo, hasara huwa ni nyingi sana.

Changamoto nyingine ni kwamba mmea huu unakua kwetu lakini wakulima wengi hawavuni kwa sababu kule kwetu ni maeneo kame; ni maeneo ambayo yamepakana na wanyama pori. Maeneo ya Kasiyau, Marungu, Kushushe, Mbololo, Bura, Mwakitau ni maeneo yote yanayokuza mmea huu wa ndengu, lakini kwa sababu wanyama pori hawajadhibitiwa kuwa mbugani, wanavuka mpaka wanakuja mahali wananchi wanaishi.

Basi watu wengi pia hawavuni. Kwa hivyo, ni changamoto inayokumba huu mmea na mimea mingine kama mahindi na kadhalika kwa sababu ya changamoto hiyo. Kwa lugha ya Kimombo, tunaiita human-wildlife conflicts.

Changamoto nyingine imekuwa huu mmea wa ndengu, kama mimea ingine yoyote inakumbwa na magonjwa. Na jana, tulikuwa tunajadili Mswada wa Wahudumu wa Kilimo ama Extension Officers ulioletwa na Sen. Tabitha Mutinda.

Huku pia, ukosefu wa maafisa wa kilimo umekuwa ni changamoto kwa kugundua haraka magonjwa na kuangalia hitaji la huu mmea ili uwekwe dawa. Kwa hivyo, hiyo chamgamoto ya maafisa pia inafaa kuangaziwa.

Malengo ya huu Mswada yamekuwa ni kutoa mwelekeo ama kuweka sera na sheria zinazopeana mwelekeo wa kutekeleza ukuzaji wa huu mmea wa ndengu katika Kaunti zetu na Serikali la kitaifa, kwa sababu mimea mingi ambayo imetambulika kama mimea ya pesa ama kwa lugha ya Kimombo, cash crops, ni kama mahindi, majani chai, kahawa na kadhalika. Tayari, kuna sheria kuhusiana nazo ingawaje zimekuwa za zamani na zinahitaji marekebisho. Hatujakuwa na sheria zozote ama sera zinazotambua huu mmea kuwa mmea wa pesa ama cash crop. Kwa hivyo, huu Mswada ni muhimu na unalenga kutimiza lengo hilo.

La pili pia ni kwamba, kuna uhitaji wa kuweka huu mmea ili utambulike katika soko za kimataifa, kwa sababu, ile ndengu tunayoikuza tunaikuza kwa viwango vyetu vya kaunti na Serikali ya kitaifa.

Lakini je, kama ndengu yetu itakubalika katika soko za kimataifa kama uarabuni, basi inatakikana iwe ni ndengu ambayo imekuzwa kwa hali gani? Labda ni ndengu ambayo inastahili kuwekewa dawa fulani fulani, ili tukiipeleka katika soko za kimataifa, iweze kukubalika.

Kwa hivyo, huu Mswada unaangazia kukuza kwa mmea huu wa ndengu kwa njia ambayo itafanya ndengu yetu ikubalike katika nchi za kimataifa.

Pia katika malengo ni kwamba, huu mmea tunaukuza lakini kwa njia isiyohakikisha mazao mengi. Ili kupata mazao ya juu, tunahitaji mbegu za kisasa, zilizofanyiwa utafiti vizuri. Wataalamu wetu pia wanatakiwa kutoa mwelekezo kuhusu wakati na jinsi ya kupanda huo mmea. Haya yote ni kwa sababu Mswada huu unashinikiza kuwe na utafiti na watu wenye masomo ya kutosha, ili kuelekeza wakulima wetu.

Bw. Spika, kuna kitu ambacho kwa Kizungu wanasema Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Tukikuza mimea na tupate faida zaidi, itakuwa ni manufaa kwa mkulima hapa nchini. Lengo lingine ni mbinu ya kutafuta soko la ndengu. Haiwezi kuwa wananchi

Sen. Seki, please proceed.

Bw. Spika wa Muda, ukiwa na data ama takwimu, wakati wa kutayarisha soko, takwimu zitakuelekeza kwa soko la COMESA ama kwingineko. Takwimu zitaonyesha kiasi cha zao ambalo linatarajiwa Taita Taveta au Makueni, kwa maana mvua ilinyesha vizuri na kadhalika. Kwa hivyo, katika kupanga, tunahitaji takwimu. Tutapata hizi takwimu kwa mawaziri wa kilimo katika serikali za kaunti wamehusishwa kikamilifu.

Bw. Spika, wakulima wa ndengu pia wanahitaji mafunzo kuhusu mbinu za kisasa za kulima. Hayo mafunzo yatafanywa na hayo mamlaka ama Authority. Mamlaka hayo pia yataangazia utafiti ili kubaini mbegu itakayofaa zaidi kwa mchanga wa eneo fulani.

Mhe. Spika wa Muda, kwa sababu naona muda umenipa kisogo, ningependa kusema kwamba tuangazie huu Mswada. Pia, tuangalie vile tutashirikiana na wenzetu wa Bunge la Kitaifa ili Mswada huu usije ukafa vile---

Sen. Mwaruma, your time is up. Give him the microphone so that he can second.

Bw. Spika wa Muda, kwa hayo mengi au machache, ninaunga mkono Mswada huu.

Asante.

our homesteads, it is very important to have a structure and a legislation that will encourage county governments to put their money and efforts to it.

This Bill will help county governments to see that a problem of feeding program - as indicated in the Bill - will be solved. I am happy to report to this House that I am working on a Bill called Lunch Bill. It will come under the Ministry of Education. After we implement, approve this Bill and is assented by the President, I am very sure that it will bring some provision when we are coming up with the Lunch Bill. I am sure that it will encourage national and county governments to have full feeding programs in primary schools and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDEs).

This Bill will now encourage county and national Governments to help and support farmers get ready markets. It is a platform that we want to encourage because it goes together with Lunch Bill, the Bill that is coming up. We also have the Extension Services Bill that has been sponsored by Sen. Tabitha Mutinda. These are the kind of structures that we are putting to county governments that will encourage agriculture. It will also help the farmers to see the light at the end of the tunnel and be able to see that there is future of agriculture in our lives.

The value addition that has been encouraged by this Bill is also a very encouraging tool because county governments will support. The Mover should look at how he can bring up the issue of funding.

The Mover of the Bill should recommend that county governments establish funds. I am proposing this idea so that the county governments allocate money in their budgets. In turn, farmers and cooperative societies will be sponsored to acquire fertilisers and pesticides.

We should have a clause in the Bill that proposes the establishment of the fund by county governments to support this cash crop. This will encourage more farmers to grow this cash crop.

I support this Bill. The sponsor of the Bill should continue with this course. When the Bill is enacted, we will see county governments come up with ideas to support farmers.

Thank you Sen. Seki. Sen. Ogola, proceed.

pale zikililia usaidizi na kunasuliwa kutoka kwa mitego wamewekewa wakiritimba, wanaoitwa cartels, walioingilia ukulima wa ndengu.

Nyumba nyingi sana katika Kenya hii zinakula ndengu. Ukiangalia magonjwa mengi tunao, utapiamlo unaotusumbua kwa watoto wachanga katika sehemu zile ni kame. Ni jambo rahisi kutatuliwa na kununua mimea kama ndengu na kupatia wale watoto.

Mswada huu wa Sen. Wambua umekuja wakati mzuri sana. Tuko na Mswada ambao tunafaa kueneza huduma za ukulima na maafisa wa ukulima. Pia tutaangalia Commodities Fund Regulations and vitu zingine kama hizo. Leo, nimeona barua mahali ambayo inafaa kununua vitu kama hizi.

Bw. Spika wa Muda, ningeomba wakati tunaangalia, tuweze pia kuweka ndengu, ziwe ni mimea ambayo inawezasaidika na Commodities Fund. Hii ni kwa sababu ilivyo kwa sasa, mimea iliyoko katika sheria ya Crop Act ndiyo inaweza kupewa fedha.

Ukipika ndengu, kiasi ya 200 grams, hua unapata kiwango cha protini cha 14.2 grams na fiber 15.4. Magonjwa mengi ya tumbo yanatokana na kukosa fiber katika mwili, sana soluble fiber. Ndengu iko na soluble fiber inaitwa pectin ambayo inazuia sana saratani ya utumbo. Kwa hivyo, ni chakula kizuri kwa miili yetu.

Mama mja mzito akikula 202 grams ya ndengu, anapata asilimia 80 ya foliate. Kwa hivyo, wakati wanapojifungua, watoto wao wanakuwa wazima, werevu na wajanja kama, Sen. Murango, na mambo yanakua shwari. Kuna magnesium na vitu vingine vingi. Magnesium inasaidia wale watu wanasumbuliwa na high blood pressure. Wale watu wanaotaka kupunguza kilo kidogo, ndengu ni mzuri sababu kuna kitu kinaitwa butylate katika ndengu.

Tutakaa chini ya miti ili tuongee maneno kama haya. Lakini, cha msingi ni kwamba ndengu ni zao muhimu sana katika mwili wa binadamu.

Wale wanajeshi wetu, kabla waende kupigana na Al Shabaab pande ile, wanafaa wapewe mkebe ya ndengu ili waende nayo itawasaidia. Watoto wetu shuleni wanaohangaika na utapiamlo na wale wana afya nzuri, ili kuhakikisha afya zao zinaendelea kuwa nzuri, wanafaa chakula chao kisikose ndengu, sababu tutakuwa tunazikuza hapa.

Shule, idara za Serikali na hapa Seneti, tunafaa tuanze kula ndengu kama mfano bora kuonyeshana tunaunga mkono zile vitu tunafanya hapa. Tusiwe tunahubiri maji lakini tunakunywa divai. Pia kwa hoteli yetu hapa Bunge, ndengu inafaa iwekwe ili tuikule hapo ili tuweze kusaidia hawa wakulima wetu.

Bw. Spika wa Muda, wakati tutasaidia wakulima wa ndengu katika kaunti zote 35, tushike miwa, majani chai, wanyama, kwa sababu ya jamii zetu za wafugaji, ukuliwa samaki na pamba tunayokuja kumalizia, tutashika Kenya nzima na hakuna mtu atasikia kama amedanganywa wakati pesa ya taifa inagawa kwenda kuimarisha mipango ya kulima na kupeana pembejeo kwa wakulima katika sehemu tofauti.

Saa hii kuna mbolea ya ruzuku ambayo imeondolewa kodi na Serikali. Mkulima wa mchele na kahawa leo amepata mbolea ya ruzuku kutoka kwa Serikali. Mkulima ambaye anafaa kulima ndengu ambayo haijaorodheshwa kama mmea atapata mbolea ya kulima lini kutoka kwa Serikali?

Thank you Sen. (Dr.) Murango. On my dashboard, I have a good number of Senators who are seeking to contribute to this Bill. It seems that there is an informal position taken that contributions this afternoon are to be in the Kiswahili language. I encourage the next person contributing to this, Sen. Beth Syengo, to continue with that informal technique.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. Allow me to use a different language because I want to express myself when I am sure of what I am saying.

I start by congratulating my Senator, Sen. Wambua, for this important Bill. This is at the heart of our people. Allow me to also point out that Kenya as a country produces 125,000 thousand tonnes of mung beans against the domestic demand of 3.4 million tonnes. This shows us that ndengu is on demand and we require more turnover and counties to grow it. We also require mung beans as a food and cash crop. We need to have this Bill so that Kenyans can meet both the local and foreign demand. We know that mung beans, green grams or ndengu, are consumed in so many other countries. If Kenya can produce more of it, it can be useful in raising income and improve the economic status of our country.

Mung beans as a crop matures between 65 to 70 days. This communicates that they are friendly for communities living in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) . It takes shorter time to mature yet we are crying of food shortage and starvation. It is the right crop to encourage Kenyans to grow so that we can take care of our food security because it takes a shorter time to mature.

These beans should be supported and that is why I am thanking Sen. Wambua. Supporting and making this crop regulated and well managed will make them a cash crop for the communities living in ASAL areas. As my colleagues have mentioned it, about 35 counties grow mung beans and this will bring income. These beans are drought resistant. As a country, we are struggling with climate change. The effects are causing Kenyans to suffer either through El Nino or La Nina. El Nino means too much rain and the latter means very dry spells.

If we can have the mung beans properly managed and farmers supported to grow it – because it is drought resistant – it will make sure Kenyan’s will not starve or suffer. When talking of food security, we should think as legislators. How do we encourage the masses? Our farmers should grow mung beans either at large or small scale so that we are sure to meet the demand. Mung beans require low imputs. It is good for low-income earners who can now grow them without much expense that goes to farming imputs.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the solution to the challenges of mung beans through mismanagement by middlemen and low process is provided by this Bill that has been sponsored by Sen. Wambua. When this Bill comes through, we shall have solutions to all these. Allow me to speak on the fourth issue, which are the benefits of green grams.

Green grams have heavy nutrients which are a source of proteins. Instead of consuming meat protein that is known to bring several serious diseases such as Cancer, Hypertension and so many other ailments; these beans are the solution. If we consume ndengu in large quantities and in most of our farms and homes, then we shall remain healthy. Mung beans are high antioxidants. They reduce chronic diseases and may prevent stroke. Kenyans are struggling with the health sector. We know the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and other agencies that are supposed to support the population to get good health by receiving health services are not effective.

A sick nation is not a healthy nation. We need people to be supported. This Bill is going to cure all this. This Bill encourages Kenyans to grow mung beans, the farmers are supported by removing cartels and the middle men shall not be there. Apart from being a cash crop, this as food crop will ensure we have a healthy nation.

Mung beans are low in cholesterol. This shall remove sicknesses and diseases such as heart failure and other diseases that are affecting Kenyans. Mung beans are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium. This is required in our bodies. As I had stated earlier, instead of struggling with a sick population, it is important that we eat and live healthy.

Allow me to share this because when growing up, I consumed a lot of ndengu. Kitui County still consumes a lot of ndengu today. Ndengu helps in digestion because they are high in fibre. This ensure that you do not have stomach upsets and avoids constipation. It shall make Kenyans comfortable. Ndengu has different names in different regions. Kenyans from the various counties refer to it differently.

We can enjoy this knowing that there are no side effects coming from ndengu. Ndengu or mung beans may lower blood sugar levels. That is why we need to grow, consume, talk, sell and move ndengu even here in the Senate.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, mung beans promote weight loss. As I look at lady Senators who are around here, I know in the hearts, they desire to remain figure eight. It is my appeal today that we support this Bill. If we eat mung beans and ladies will lose their weight, they will remain sweet 16 for a long time.

Mung beans or ndengu also promotes healthy pregnancy. We have complications with our young girls who are studying. They get employment and work around driven in big cars. They spend most of the hours of the day seated in offices, so they have no time even to do things or walk around. So, when it comes to getting pregnant and getting

healthy babies, I would also ask that we promote mung beans or green grams. When these women get pregnant, they are assured of having healthy babies if they consume ndengu.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I read through this Bill, I studied it with interest because I know what ndengu can do and the big revolution that ndengu can bring. The Bill is defining the roles of the county government. When the licensing is done, it will be known to the of the farmers who are growing mung beans, what is their source, where will they market and sell it?

That way, the farmer who goes through the tedious work of planting, cultivating, harvesting and preparing the final products is not misused or mistreated but will get maximum benefits from the work he or she has done and will sell their produce with the prices that encourage them to continue farming.

This Bill is excellent and good. I would urge all of us to support it and give it a nod now for it not to get lost again as it did in the last Parliament. Looking at it, I would request the Mover or the Sponsor of the Bill to consider the change of the name. Many people have been struggling to understand what mung beans are. Some were calling it ‘mag’ others are calling it ‘mungu’ because they are struggling to understand what it is.

I would request my Senator, the sponsor of this Bill, to consider changing the name to either Green Gram or legume or ndengu - the name everybody knows - so that people do not get lost to understand what mung beans are.

I support this Bill.

Sen. Seki, please proceed.

Thank you.

Sen. Methu and Sen. Wambua, let us hear the great Senator of Kajiado County in silence, please.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I also put my voice to support this Bill having in mind that it is a very important Bill that has come at the right time. I support Sen. Wambua and thank him for coming up with this kind of a Bill which will bring a revolution and transformation on the people of this country.

One, this Bill, as I look at it, has really tried to solve so many issues or sought to sort so many issues, particularly on the agricultural sector. I believe that as we continue to debate and the Committee responsible for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries continue to support the Hon. Senator, I put my voice by thanking the Senator for bringing up the duties of the county governments in this Bill.

It is very encouraging to see that the county governments will bring issues of quality and extension officers to bring the expertise to encourage farmers and county governments on the proper ways of growing this crop, particularly on semi and semi-arid counties. I believe my county is in the same category. Makueni, Kitui and many other counties will have an opportunity to come up with this kind of cash crop, which will definitely help the people of this country. As a cereal that is used commonly in most of

our homesteads, it is very important to have a structure and a legislation that will encourage county governments to put their money and efforts to it.

This Bill will help county governments to see that a problem of feeding program - as indicated in the Bill - will be solved. I am happy to report to this House that I am working on a Bill called Lunch Bill. It will come under the Ministry of Education. After we implement, approve this Bill and is assented by the President, I am very sure that it will bring some provision when we are coming up with the Lunch Bill. I am sure that it will encourage national and county governments to have full feeding programs in primary schools and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDEs).

This Bill will now encourage county and national Governments to help and support farmers get ready markets. It is a platform that we want to encourage because it goes together with Lunch Bill, the Bill that is coming up. We also have the Extension Services Bill that has been sponsored by Sen. Tabitha Mutinda. These are the kind of structures that we are putting to county governments that will encourage agriculture. It will also help the farmers to see the light at the end of the tunnel and be able to see that there is future of agriculture in our lives.

The value addition that has been encouraged by this Bill is also a very encouraging tool because county governments will support. The Mover should look at how he can bring up the issue of funding.

The Mover of the Bill should recommend that county governments establish funds. I am proposing this idea so that the county governments allocate money in their budgets. In turn, farmers and cooperative societies will be sponsored to acquire fertilisers and pesticides.

We should have a clause in the Bill that proposes the establishment of the fund by county governments to support this cash crop. This will encourage more farmers to grow this cash crop.

I support this Bill. The sponsor of the Bill should continue with this course. When the Bill is enacted, we will see county governments come up with ideas to support farmers.

Thank you Sen. Seki. Sen. Ogola, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this Bill. I would like to be sincere. When I read this Bill, I was not sure which crop this was until the sponsor of the Bill Sen. Wambua sat me down. I did not know that this was green gram or ndengu that I also have been consuming.

I thank Sen. Wambua for this foresight in bringing this Bill to the House. Food is a basic need for all human beings. It is worth noting that in this country we still fight the same problems we fought at the onset of independence. We are still talking about hunger, disease and ignorance. I am happy that when this Bill is enacted, it will help us solve the critical hunger issue.

A few months ago, we were struggling with the issue of famine brought by the prolonged drought. This Bill addresses some of the challenges we have been having in this country.

I come from the great sub-county called Ndhiwa in Homa Bay County – a county of endless potentials. This is a county that is averagely rural and agricultural.

In Ndhiwa, we have been great producers of these beans that Sen. Wambua is sponsoring a Bill about. As I stand here, I am a proud Kenyan because this Bill will not only solve issues of the country but speak to the subcounty I come from.

The funny thing is that when we were growing up, there was an aspect of this crop that people in my region believed that it does not do so well with men. I do not know why, and I do not know whether it is scientifically proven.