National Assembly Hansard: Tuesday, 29th September, 2026

Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell. (The Quorum Bell was rung) Hon. Members, we now have quorum to transact business. Clerk-at-the-Table.

Hon. Commissioner Patrick Makau.

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

Thank you. Deputy Majority Party Whip.

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

Next is Hon. Farah Maalim. He is not in the House. Clerk-at-the-Table, stay that to tomorrow.

Hon. Members, before we go to the next Order, allow me to recognise and acknowledge, in the Speaker’s Gallery, the presence of students from Nyanyaa Secondary School from Kitui Rural Constituency, Kitui County; Njiiri School from Kigumo Constituency, Murang'a County; Kitengela International School from Kajiado East Constituency, Kajiado County. In the Public Gallery we have students of Kiisu School from Mwingi Central Constituency, Kitui County; Kiamba School from Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua County; Cherish Watoto Kenya from Dagoretti South Constituency, Nairobi County; Mount Kenya Youth Assembly from Thika Town, Kiambu County; and Olemugur School from Narok North Constituency, Narok County.

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

Hon. KJ, I have already acknowledged your visitors from Uganda. You asked me to give you a minute.

Proceed.

Hon. Speaker, I want to thank you and take this opportunity to extend a very warm welcome to the visiting delegation of Members of Parliament from the Communication Committee of the Parliament of Uganda, with whom we had a session this morning and we were able to transact business on communication and advancement in the sector in our region. The conversation spoke to how these countries will have to overcome traditional physical borders so that we are able to navigate this new world of connectivity, where we are not disjointed or separated by physical boundaries, but move towards a united East African region without the traditional boundaries using technology.

I also take this opportunity to welcome this amazing school from Dagoretti South Constituency to theis House of Parliament. I would like them to know that this is the House where we transact business for the welfare of society and the just government of the people. I know there are those among them who are looking forward to serving their country in many spheres, including medicine and other advanced careers. I want to invite them to know that there is also business in serving the people as we do in this House. They can become whatever they want to be, as the mantra in Dagoretti South says.

Thank you.

Next Order.

Hon. Patrick Makau, Commissioner.

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

Thank you. Next Order.

There is a General Statement by the Member for Kirinyaga County, Hon. Njeri.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 43 to make a general statement on the growing burden of endometriosis among women and girls in the country.

Hon. Speaker, endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pelvic and menstrual pain, excessive bleeding, fatigue and in some cases, infertility. Globally, it is estimated that endometriosis affects approximately one in every 10 women and girls of reproductive age. Despite its prevalence and debilitating effects, it remains poorly understood, frequently misdiagnosed and often dismissed as ordinary menstrual pain. Many Kenyan women consequently suffer silently for years, moving from one health facility to another before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

As a result, many women endure debilitating pain that causes them to miss educational and employment opportunities, lose income and suffer significant financial burdens in seeking appropriate medical care. The absence of timely diagnosis and affordable treatment continues to expose affected persons and their families to immense suffering, stigma and financial hardship. Endometriosis is therefore not merely a private medical concern. It is a public health, social and economic issue that affects the dignity, equality and well-being of women and girls.

Many women, particularly those outside major urban centres, still face limited access to specialized diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis while the high associated costs push affected families into financial hardship. There is an urgent need to integrate endometriosis care into the Universal Health Coverage agenda, provide appropriate coverage under the Social Health Authority and decentralises diagnostic and specialised treatment services to county and regional referral facilities across the country. These should be supported by strengthened healthcare worker training, comprehensive menstrual health education, national research on the prevalence and socio-economic impact of the condition, and clear guidelines on diagnosis, referral, treatment and long-term management.

Our menstrual health agenda should go beyond access to sanitary products. It should include deliberate initiatives to empower girls and women to recognise that severe or incapacitating menstrual pain is not normal, but a condition that ought to be voiced so that they can get timely medical attention.

Hon. Omboko Milemba.

Hon. Speaker, I would like to comment on this Statement.

This is a general Statement.

Hon. Speaker, I am so happy about what Hon. Njeri has done. This is an area that is affecting so many… (Technical hitch)

Give Hon. Omboko the microphone. It is out of the ordinary that I am giving you a minute.

I thank Hon. Njeri because she has raised an issue that is affecting many young ladies in the country, more so teachers. This particular issue reminds me that the medical insurance schemes are not willing to cover endometriosis yet its treatment is very expensive. Maybe Hon. Njeri should have brought out that very clearly. I urge her to proceed and even bring a Motion so that we can create awareness on endometriosis.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Robert Pukose. (Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona spoke off the record) Hold on Hon. Pukose. Yes, Hon. Millie. This is a Personal Statement. It is normally not subject to debate, but I will give you a minute if you want to say something to this matter.

Hon. Speaker, I am sorry, I did not realize that Hon. Njeri was bringing a Personal Statement.

It is a Personal Statement. I do not know why she decided to make it a Personal Statement.

If it is a Personal Statement, then I probably should not comment but perhaps we need to consider fast-tracking the Family Reproductive Healthcare Bill that I brought to the House. Normally, when people hear the word reproductive, they think it is about abortion but women suffer very severe types of reproductive health issues, some of which are lifelong. As a country, we do not pay as much attention to such health issues. I am glad that currently, we have very many women in this House. It would be wise if we actually paid attention to reproductive health.

Thank you. Hon. Robert Pukose.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(e), I wish to make a Statement regarding my adverse mention in a misleading report aired and published by the Standard Group relating to alleged registration of foreigners as voters in Kenya.

On Sunday, 27th September 2026, KTN News, a subsidiary of the Standard Group, aired a story alleging that there was a scheme regarding registration of foreigners purported to be Ugandan nationals as voters in Kenya. The same damaging content was subsequently published in The Standard Newspaper on Monday, 28th September 2026. Among the claims made in the story is the reference to a motor vehicle allegedly belonging to my aide. I wish to state categorically that the vehicle depicted in the report is not my aide's. As a matter of fact, the vehicle shown in the story is maroon yet my aide owns a silver-coloured vehicle. This raises serious concerns on the authenticity of the claims made and the materials used by the Standard Group to support the allegations. It also appears that the image of the maroon vehicle shown in the report could be AI-generated with the intention of maligning my image and that of my constituency staff. The report linking me to alleged illegal registration of voters is malicious and untrue.

As a Member of Parliament, my roles are clearly spelled out in the Constitution and the statutes. I have no role whatsoever in the registration of voters and I have never participated in any scheme to register foreigners as Kenyan voters. For the record, I represent Endebess Constituency, which is at the Kenya-Uganda border. The people I represent interact freely across the border since they share common ancestry and shared livelihoods. They socialize, conduct business, engage in farming and undertake other economic activities across the borders. This is the reality of life in our community where Kenyans and Ugandans have coexisted peacefully for many years. This is the case with all other border communities.

Voter registration is a regulated process undertaken by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). As a Member of Parliament, I cannot dictate how the process is conducted. Neither can I determine who is registered as a voter. I am concerned that this matter has been turned into a political issue. I will not allow my name or the good relations between communities on both sides of the border to be used to advance political narratives that have no basis. Elections are too important to be subjected to unverified allegations. The integrity of our electoral process must be protected by all of us, including political leaders and the media.

It is instructive that the institutions cited in the report, including the IEBC and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), have come out to dispute key allegations contained in the story. I therefore call upon KTN News, The Standard newspaper and the wider media fraternity to uphold accuracy, balanced and professional journalism. Claims touching on elections, public institutions and individual reputations must be verified before they are published or broadcast. Those adversely mentioned must also be given an opportunity to respond to allegations before the stories are aired or published.

The people of Kenya deserve facts and accurate reporting, not narratives shaped by political interests. The responsible entities should uphold professional standards at all times in the public interest. I urge the regulator, that is, the Media Council of Kenya, to look into the wanton tendency for misreporting exhibited by the Standard Group with a view to restoring responsible journalism and instituting appropriate sanctions where necessary on the media house.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker.

This is a Personal Statement and it normally does not elicit any joyriders.

Allow them, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I will give you one minute.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. What Hon. (Dr) Pukose has raised is very serious because it questions the integrity of our electoral system. If we begin to pass messages across the country that our electoral system is porous, it means that when the election results will be announced, the public will not believe them. That can cause violence, chaos and civil unrest. So, we should not take this lightly.

It is not just this story by the media houses, but also a former Cabinet Secretary has alluded to rigging elections, which is not even true because I was involved. I was the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary at the time and I did the scrutiny on behalf of the Supreme Court. He was nowhere near the counting of the votes at that time yet he has the audacity to go to a media house and speak about it. Again, the other day, a former CEO of IEBC made allegations that elections were rigged. Those are intentional statements intended at making sure that we have an unbelievable electoral result so that there can be violence in this country. Therefore, it is not something that we should take lightly as Parliament.

I know for sure that our electoral system is one of the most secure systems in the world. No other system has 10 fingerprints, the iris of your eye and the shape of your cheekbones. Even our insurance here in Bunge only takes two index fingers. The Kenyan electoral system takes all 10 fingers. Our ballot paper has nine security features. It is more secure than our banknotes. That is the message we must be telling Kenyans—that it is not possible to rig elections with our current electoral system. The moment you vote, your name is removed from the register and, therefore, you cannot vote twice.

The Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits or the electronic devices they have are geo-mapped and therefore cannot be used at another polling station. Even other countries—like Australia and the United Kingdom, where I have observed elections—do not have a more secure system. That is the message we must be sending to Kenyans. When you take someone’s fingerprints, it is impossible to register that person in a foreign country. We must refuse this in the strongest terms possible.

Hon. Speaker, let us allow Members to ventilate on this issue, because it is very serious. Thank you.

Point made. Do not solicit for anyone to speak. This is a Personal Statement. I would not want to open debate.

Proceed, Hon. Junet.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. You are right, this is a Personal Statement. It is just that when Hon. Pukose raised it, it also became personal to everyone. We are now seeking your indulgence so that we can speak to it too. A journalist once told me that opinions are free, but facts are sacrosanct—sacred. What is happening in this country today, specifically what The Standard newspaper and Kenya Television Network (KTN) are doing, is a recipe for chaos. It is very shameful, under this country’s new Constitution, for a media house to behave and operate in that manner. We all acknowledge that there is freedom of the press and freedom of expression, but there is no freedom of propagating lies or spreading propaganda. There is only freedom to relay and report facts.

What has shocked me is that when I was in this House, we passed a law to create an institution called the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), which is supposed to regulate this country’s media. That body is funded by the Exchequer. Every financial year, we allocate money here to fund that organisation. Yet, the organization is sitting back when it can clearly see that media houses are driving this country towards chaos and anarchy. If this House does

Yes, Hilary. One minute.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I join my colleagues in condemning the actions of our media houses. For how long will KTN and The Standard newspaper be allowed to engage in yellow journalism whereas every part of the country is aware that they publish lies every day? The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) genocide, said that the media was the biggest weapon used in the Rwandan genocide. We are seeing the media slowly taking that route in Kenya. The President was in the United States of America the other day prosecuting serious national matters. Meanwhile, media houses here were busy showing us soap operas from non-African countries. When the Linda Mwananchi group loiters around town, they are given full airtime to incite the public. The Media Council of Kenya is sleeping on the job. It is time we woke up, smelled the coffee, and acted before it is too late.

Thank you.

Hon. Kaluma.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I know that there are limitations on our ability to debate this Personal Statement. However, may I request you to invoke your powers under Standing Order 1 and direct the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Information, Communication and Technology to come to this House? The direction in which the Standard Group PLC, which owns KTN and Standard Media, is heading is the same direction that Hon. Junet and other members have spoken about.

The media was at the centre of the Rwanda Genocide. Just the other day, KTN News told us how people had been killed in Homa Bay. In fact, people were reportedly being picked up in the bushes. I have confirmed through my investigation that the media houses have their own journalists covering their faces and purporting to be witnesses. If you go to Homa Bay, you will find that nobody is dead except one person who was hit by a speeding vehicle when Hon. Babu Owino and Sen. Sifuna were there with their convoys. Nobody was killed.

You also hear the media say that Hon. Kaluma, together with Governor Wanga, were at the Governor’s Park in the centre of Homa Bay Town, distributing 200 pangas to goons. If

Hon. Murugara.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. Amongst all the remedies we have proposed, Hon. Pukose should instruct his lawyer. I am not soliciting in any way. Let him instruct one of the best lawyers of his choice in the country, so that we can go to court. The only way to stop such journalism is through an award of what are known as exemplary damages - punitive damages. If the Standard cannot pay Hon. Kaluma or Hon. Pukose. At the end of the day, the media house will be wound up.

We cannot have irresponsible journalism. I take them back to the days of the late Hon. Biwott, when they would write anything about him. After lamenting for so long, he eventually went to court. They had to stop it because they could not afford the quantum of damages that was coming from the courts. Amongst all the other remedies, Hon. Pukose should move to court, get exemplary damages and pile it up with Hon. Kaluma. At the end of the day, these people will be deterred from doing what they are doing.

Thank you.

Next is another Personal Statement by Hon. Jane Kagiri.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 43, I rise to make a general statement regarding the Local Content Bill…

I called you earlier but you were not in the House. Render an apology first for coming late.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I apologize for coming in late. Kindly allow me to proceed with the Statement.

Proceed.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 43, I rise to make a general Statement regarding the Local Content Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 45 of 2025), which I introduced in this House last year. I introduced the Bill to create a framework to regulate local content in Kenya; protect and promote local businesses; provide employment opportunities for our youth, and promote the sourcing of locally produced goods and services, among other objectives. In so doing, I was responding to grave issues that I had observed where unfair business practices were slowly edging out our local small businesses and making them uncompetitive.

Due to lack of a legal framework to protect our local industries, multinationals doing business in Kenya procure their goods, services, supplies and workforce from outside the country. You will recall that last month, small-scale business owners and traders held peaceable protests in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) protesting the increase of Import Duty on customs valuation of consolidated cargo.

Subsequently, His Excellency the President held a meeting with the representatives of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), who raised concerns on the unfair business

Thank you, Hon. Jane. Hon. Members, in the Speaker’s Gallery, I acknowledge Hon. Phelix Jalang’o’s guests. Is this Hon. Jalang’o, the Member for Lang’ata? You are called Phelix?

Yes.

He is the Member for Lang’ata Constituency in Nairobi. In the Public Gallery, I also acknowledge the presence of Kawelu Primary School from Mwingi Central Constituency, Kitui County. We welcome them to the House of Parliament. Thank you.

Member for Kiminini, you have an exceptional request. I give it to you.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. This is in line with the Statement of Hon. Pukose. Recently, there were a lot of clips being played in the media while I was beside him. The point we have been trying to put across is that every Kenyan, no matter where they are, has a right to vote. The media is supposed to propel on the statements we have always raised – that, whether you are on the Ugandan side, Tanzanian side as a Kuria, or a Sabaot on the Kitale swamp side, you have the right to vote.

The media is supposed to try and enhance the ability and the need for every Kenyan to be given that opportunity through the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). When we try to propel and amplify this idea as leaders, we expect the media to try and enhance and push IEBC to ensure that every Kenyan globally excises his right to vote. This includes having an arrangement for the diaspora to also vote. We do not expect the media to play negative publicity and try to cause disharmony.

I therefore exceptionally join Hon. Pukose to condemn this propaganda. I expect that tour media houses will reengineer themselves and be part and parcel of ensuring that there is harmony within the Republic of Kenya. Especially, because it is less than 11 months before the election, we expect them to be on the front-line in ensuring that there is harmony.

Thank you.

Next is a Request for Statement by Hon. Mumina Bonaya.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2) (c), I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the deteriorating state of security in Isiolo County.

For many years, incidents of banditry and livestock theft in Isiolo County were largely confined to isolated incidents in remote grazing areas and along known banditry corridors. However, the security situation in the county has deteriorated considerably, with armed attacks, killings, abductions and livestock raids increasingly occurring closer to settlements and urban centres, including Burat, Ngaremara, Gotu and Isiolo Town.

On 16th September 2026, bandits attacked a group comprising of security officers and civilians in the Gotu area of Isiolo County, resulting in the deaths of five persons, including one Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) officer, two National Police Reservists (NPR) and two civilians. The attack further resulted in the loss of police firearms. This is not an isolated incident. In recent months, residents of Isiolo County experienced repeated killings, livestock raids and abductions, with some persons reportedly remaining unaccounted for. Armed bandits from neighbouring areas continue to raid communities, steal livestock and terrorize residents.

There are also serious concerns among residents that security and disarmament operations undertaken in Isiolo and neighbouring areas have left communities increasingly vulnerable to heavily armed bandits operating from neighbouring areas. At the same time, the limited number of National Police Reservists (NPR) deployed in the county is inadequately equipped and cannot effectively confront heavily armed and increasingly brazen bandits. Further, questions arise regarding the effectiveness of existing security installations along known banditry corridors.

In particular, residents have raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of the General Service Unit (GSU) officers stationed at Lososia, considering that armed bandits reportedly continue to use the Lososia corridor as an entry and exit route when carrying out attacks and livestock raids within Isiolo County. This situation is concerning, especially as the Constitution guarantees every person the right to life under Article 26, including the right to freedom and security; the protection from violence under Article 29, and the protection of property under Article 40.

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

Hon. Abdi, Member for Ijara Constituency. Sorry. Hold on, Hon. Abdi. Hon. Tongoyo, when can you respond to Hon. Mumina? In two weeks?

Maybe next week.

Next week?

The incident that the Hon. Member is talking about is what has probably resulted even in the issue we have in Samburu County.

Yes.

I think we will have the Cabinet Secretary appearing before the Committee on Wednesday. I prefer that she also appears so that we prosecute the issue.

Hon. Mumina, can you appear before the Committee on Wednesday?

Yes, Hon. Speaker.

Wednesday next week.

Yes.

Excellent.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Abdi?

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c) I rise to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation regarding construction of communication masts in various undeserved areas within Ijara constituency.

Hon. Speaker, residents of Ruga, Andaro, Elkambere, Egi, Bisiqir, Sarira, Kurisa, Gababa-Hara, Marre, Daaru, Warsame, Gololdere, and Ghardo locations in Ijara Constituency continue to experience inadequate and unreliable mobile network coverage. The lack of reliable communication infrastructure has greatly affected access to essential communication services, digital services, mobile financial services, emergency response, education and other opportunities facilitated through internet connectivity. Families residing in these areas remain unable to maintain consistent contact with their relatives, a deficiency of a particular gravity in a region where security concerns render reliable emergency communication indispensable.

Compounding these challenges, Government e-services, online banking platforms, mobile monitor platforms, including M-Pesa, and digital identification systems remain largely inaccessible to substantial segments of the population, thereby impending economic activity and undermining financial inclusion for the residents. The inadequate network coverage compromises the capacity of residents to contact emergency services, security agencies and medical facilities during crisis, thereby placing lives and property at heightened security risk.

Chairperson, the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation. I thought I saw Hon. KJ here.

Yes, Hon. Timothy, are you a member of that Committee?

Hon. Speaker, with your permission, can I ride on the Statement?

Go ahead.

Hon. Speaker, I wish to thank the Member for Ijara Constituency for raising a very pertinent issue on communication masts in this country. What we normally refer to as boosters.

We have a problem, not only in Ijara but also in other constituencies in this country. For example, 40 per cent of the population in Marakwet West cannot communicate because of booster related challenges. I call upon the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation to take up this matter and ensure that they summon the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Digital Economy so that this matter can be discussed. If our people cannot communicate with each other because there is no equipment, or we do not have boosters in certain areas of this country, that affects response to emergencies and other issues. Therefore, I support the request for Statement by my colleague. I call upon the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation to look into this matter and ensure that our country has 100 per cent internet coverage and telecommunication so that our people can communicate from one end of our country to the other.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Pauline Lenguris.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Before that, Hon. Pauline, the Chairman of Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation is not here. Where is the leadership of the Majority Party? Clerks-at-the-Table, direct the Chairman of the Committee to bring a response.

Hon. Speaker…

Hold on, Hon. Pauline. There is a Member at the back who wants to contribute. There is a lot of light behind you. Who is that Hon. Member?

Hon. Alfah.

Yes, Hon. Alfa Miruka. Are you a Member of that Committee?

Yes.

Give him the microphone.

Thank you, Hon. Chair. As the Vice- Chairman of the Committee, let me commit….

There is no Chair here. There is the Hon. Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I am sorry. As the Vice-Chairman of the Committee, let me ask the two Members to give us two weeks to response.

Okay, bring the response in two weeks’ time.

Thank you.

Hon. Pauline, go ahead.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the indiscriminate shooting of residents and livestock in Waso Ward, Samburu East constituency.

On 19th September 2026, individuals believed to be security officers reportedly killed 15 goats belonging to the Lekinwe family and two cattle at Losesia area. On 21st September 2026, approximately 400 goats belonging to the Lekatula family and 100 calves belonging to the Lesurmaat, Laigwanani, and Lolpuranai families were reportedly killed at Nolng'erdeed. On the same day, area residents, Leapem and Lesidiya, were reportedly shot and wounded and a motorcycle belonging to one of them was taken and is still missing to date. On Wednesday, 23rd September 2026, 198 cattle and 14 donkeys belonging to Kirateri Lekomiga were reportedly killed at Lekilash.

Hon. Speaker, these incidents have resulted in the reported loss of at least 713 livestock, comprising 415 goats and 298 cattle, as well as 30 donkeys. This is a devastating blow to pastoralist families whose livelihoods depend on livestock. While the Government has a responsibility to combat banditry and protect our communities, any security operations undertaken must be lawful, proportionate, respectful of the rights and property of innocent citizens and targeted to criminals. The indiscriminate manner in which the operation in Waso Ward was conducted raises concerns.

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

Gabriel Tongoyo, when can you respond to that?

Hon. Speaker, the Statement by the Member for Samburu County is… There is actually a correlation between what Hon. Bonaya had asked and the question by the Member for Samburu County. Today, we did write to the CS to appear on Wednesday, approved by the Clerk. Hon. Speaker, I would request for your indulgence to have the Member to appear.

Hon. Tongoyo, what she is saying is different from what Hon. Mumina said.

It is more or less the same.

She is saying that in the security operations, the agencies targeted livestock and shot and killed hundreds of livestock. If that is true, then it is wrong.

Hon. Speaker, what I am saying is I know the story a little bit. It is as a follow up of what happened in Isiolo and Meru. The multi-agency team following on the killing of the security officers and the other persons is what resulted to the killing of the livestock. So, it is a follow up of what happened in Isiolo and Meru.

If you are looking for a bandit, what justification is there in livestock?

That is why we summoned the Cabinet Secretary. He is appearing on Wednesday. I think we can better have this one addressed also before the Committee.

Before you tell us when to bring the response, are those Members from Turkana?

Samburu.

Hon. Lekumontare, do you want to joyride on this?

Yes.

Go ahead.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this time to comment on Hon. Pauline’s Request for Statement. What transpired in Samburu is that there was massacre of livestock when the security officers were trying to recover firearms. It is unbelievable that the officers who are supposed to take care and give security to the property are targeting livestock. Hundreds of livestock were killed deliberately. If you visit that site, there are a lot of carcasses right now lying in Samburu East.

It is wrong and I support the statement by Hon. Pauline that the government officers deliberately killed livestock. If they are following bandits, there is no reason for them to target livestock. The livelihood of the Samburu people is lost now, and that is wrong. We demand that they compensate what Samburu East people have lost.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Letipila.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to support the statement by Hon. Pauline, the woman representative for Samburu County. The incidences which happened in Samburu East were deliberate. Cattle were killed in their hundreds for three consecutive days recklessly against the Constitution. Article 40 guarantees that everybody has the right to own property and the State cannot arbitrarily take property from people. Those cattle were the lifeline of the affected communities. Those are innocent people.

The Government, in my opinion, should have conducted intelligence-led operations, not firing indiscriminately into properties of people, harming civilians and children. Hundreds of families are now paupers in that part of the country. As Samburu leaders, we demand restitution from the Government. We demand a comprehensive statement from the Cabinet Secretary in charge of security. Hon. Speaker, this is not the first incident which has happened amongst our people. In previous administrations, livestock were killed in Laikipia. This is now the third incident.

Thank you, Eli. Hon. Tongoyo, when can you bring a response to this? Hold on Tongoyo. Yes, Hon. Sunkuli.

Hon. Speaker, the operation that killed a lot of livestock actually raises an ethical issue because the Government ought to know that livestock, generally, in the Maasai community, is sacrosanct. It forms the main part of the economy of those people. An operation that goes out should be looking for the threat. There is no way in which livestock was a threat to a very, very well-armed group of askaris. This is something that should be condemned because the worst that they could have done was to round up the animals and give them to the other communities. At least we would have a way of bringing them back. However, to go and destroy property is like going into a coffee farm and finding robbers there but you start cutting down the coffee trees. This is a very serious issue and we have looked at it from far. It seems to be the way operations are conducted among the Maa people. It happened in Suswa under the leadership of Matiang’i and now it has happened again.

Yes, Hon. Ngogoyo.

Thank you for this opportunity, Hon. Speaker. I just want to join in and ask the Hon. Chairperson, while he is responding to this Request for Statement.... It raises serious concern that the Government should protect life and property, and then the Cabinet Secretary goes ahead to say that 500 or 700 cattle were very small in number. In your response, can you ask the Cabinet Secretary why he would respond in such a manner? I want to say that, as I asked for this Statement, I was aware that my mother, Nashipai, brought me up with milk from her cows.

For the Maasai woman, milk from the cows is everything. If you bring down a cow, you have brought down her life; you have brought down the community. The thinking that you can destroy livestock is so terrible that you have brought down the whole community. In your response, can the Cabinet Secretary say why he thinks that 500 cattle are very few?

Yes, Hon. Korere.

Hon. Speaker, I also want to condemn the killing of the animals, but in the same breath, we have to be candid. As we mourn and feel pain for our killed cows, a lot of women and children are mourning and crying for their husbands who have been killed in cold blood. I come from Laikipia, and I feel so sorry for our brothers from Samburu. As a Laikipian, I say the leadership, the pastoralist leaders, must be candid and let us address this thing wholesome.

In Laikipia, we have lost thousands and thousands of cows which have been driven away from us by bandits. The destination is Mgogodo Forest in Samburu. A lot of people in Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru have become paupers, completely poor, because of other people. I want to say this: as we pursue justice for our cows, let us pursue justice for the victims of banditry and cattle harassment.

Yes, Mumina.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I was painfully listening to contributions from my colleagues from the neighbouring counties that have continued to raid Isiolo County every now and then, killing poor women, poor men, and poor sons in our county. While we are talking of livestock being killed, who will speak for the many people who have lost their lives in the process of facing the bandits?

The Government, as we have said, has got the responsibility to protect the lives and properties of Kenyans. Isiolo people are not lesser citizens of this country. Isiolo people equally

Are you deriding the statement or contradicting the statement?

Let the noise not be about the killings of livestock. Let the noise begin with the killings of humans. We have so many orphans left behind. We have so many widows left behind. Let us also speak for these people, not just the livestock.

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

Point made. Yes, Hon. Junet, what is your point of order?

Hon. Speaker, I seek your indulgence. Hon. Lenguris stood in her place with your approval to make a statement requesting answers for cattle that were ‘shot’ by security officers. Banditry is altogether a different issue that needs to be handled on its own. The question that Hon. Lenguris is raising is: why should cattle in a homestead be shot by security people? That is what Hon. Lenguris is asking. Banditry is a menace because the people on one side who will complain today about cattle being stolen and driven from this side are the same group that again will steal from the other side. This is a serious menace that requires greater attention and a stronger response because it involves human lives that need protection.

People are saying I am a fisherman, but my ancestors were keeping cattle. They were pastoralists. My father was a pastoralist, and so was my grandmother even though I am now rearing fish. Let us not confuse the two issues. I do not want us to lose the issue that the Samburu Members of Parliament have raised, that cows in the homestead were killed. Can they be compensated for that?

Yes, Hon. Tongoyo, when can you bring that response?

Hon. Speaker, just allow me one minute. I think I had earlier indicated, with your indulgence, that we did already write to the Chief Administrative Secretary to appear before the Committee on Departmental Administration and Internal Security on Wednesday, to respond to two issues.

One, the Statement being sought by Hon. Mumina Bonaya, which talks about the issue of banditry in Isiolo, Meru, and the rest. We had also called the Cabinet Secretary to respond to the unfortunate killing and shooting of cattle in Samburu. They could have been interrelated, but this is a true statement. I did indicate that the Cabinet Secretary will be appearing on Wednesday. We will be able to transact this before the Committee.

Allow me also to add one thing. Resulting from the urgency and the sad situation of what happened in Samburu, a very unfortunate shooting of the livestock, we had a meeting this morning with my colleagues from Samburu County. We did agree a little bit on a roadmap to also have this issue addressed and prosecuted in a manner that is, you know, we can have a long-lasting solution to it. I do not want to pre-empt it. The Cabinet Secretary, of course, will be able to address it. I also want to call for calm. There is a lot of tension in Samburu. We understand their pain, but they should be able to know that the Government is very responsible and concerned with what happened, as much as we are concerned with the issue of what happened in Isiolo and Meru. I want to say that on Wednesday, with your indulgence, we have both teams appear and transact this issue before the Committee with the Minister in charge.

Hon. Pauline and your brigade from Samburu, create time and appear before the Committee and interrogate the Cabinet Secretary who will be appearing. In the event you are not satisfied with what the Cabinet Secretary will say, you bring it back to me, then we will deal with it in plenary. The same applies to Hon. Mumina.

Yes, Hon. Tongoyo.

I could, Hon. Speaker, also feel your frustration over the killing of the cows. One of the issues we did put in the question was actually the possibility of compensation as being sought by the Members. We are not leaving anything unaddressed.

Excellent. Now, are the following Members in the Chamber, so that we can have their Request for Statements responded to by Hon. Tongoyo? Hon. Robert Pukose, Hon. Aden Dawood, Hon. George Murugara... Hon. Tongoyo, Hon. Milemba said he has gone to a meeting; we defer his. You can respond to the Request for Statement by Hon. Robert Pukose, then Hon. George Murugara. Has it been responded to already? Oh, Hon. Tongoyo has too many statements! He does not know the ones he has responded to. Only respond to the one by the Member for Endebess.

Hon. Speaker, I have got a response here with me. I indicated to you, Hon. Speaker, that we had a long backlog of about 20, and 17 are ready.

You will respond to only one Request for a Statement now.

Yes. This is the Statement regarding the disappearance of an Administration Police (AP) officer and the status of the investigation into the murder of a resident of Endebess Constituency being sought by Hon. Robert Pukose.

An AP officer, Hosea Kemei Kipketer, was enlisted into the National Police Service (NPS) in 2015. He served in various stations across the country. He was later deployed to Naivasha Sub-county, AP Service, where he performed police duties. On 29th April 2026, the officer was deployed as a day sentry at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office, but failed to report on duty as expected.

Efforts to reach the officer via his telephone number were not fruitful, since his mobile phone was switched off. This prompted his immediate commander to proceed to his residence within the AP camp resident line, but he was not found. Subsequently, the officer was booked for failing to report on duty vide Occurrence Book (OB) No. 042904 of 2026 at 7.43 p.m.

On 2nd May 2026, the officer did not resurface, and absent without official leave signal was sent to the AP headquarters, in accordance with the regulations of the service standing orders. A reminder signal regarding the missing officer was issued on 13th May 2026. On 21st May 2026, a deserted signal was issued after the officer was absent from duty for more than 10 days. The officer's disappearance was escalated to his next of kin. On 25th May 2026, his father, Andrew Nabukwesi, made a missing report at Naivasha Police Station. Pursuant to the report, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in Naivasha circulated a missing person signal to all police stations countrywide.

The Sub-County Criminal Investigation Officer, Naivasha, commenced an investigation vide inquiry file No. 44 of 2026. Witnesses were summoned, interviewed and their statements were recorded. The investigation established that on 15th March 2026, the officer fell ill and was taken to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital where he was admitted for treatment. His family was subsequently informed of his condition, including concerns regarding his alcohol consumption and the need for his wife to be present.

After his condition improved, the officer was granted sick leave and then he travelled to Endebess, Trans Nzoia County, where he continued with medication. Mr Hosea Kemei travelled from Endebess to Naivasha on 24th April 2026. He arrived safely and reported to his workplace. He was subsequently deployed to the Deputy County Commissioner’s office as a

Hon. Speaker, there is a third question on the investigation into the murder of the late Boaz Kiprop Keter. Mr Gerald Malinga, a resident of Mutembei sub-location, reported at Salama Police Station post vide OB No. 0318 of 2026 that the body of a middle-aged man had been discovered inside Kimothon Forest in Mt. Elgon National Park within Endebess Sub-County. Police officers visited the scene and found the lifeless body of the man lying beside the road in a forest with a gunshot wound on his chest.

Inquiries established the identity of the deceased as Mr Boaz Kiprop. The scene was processed and the body was moved to Kijana Wamalwa County Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The DCI, Endebess, immediately commenced an investigation vide CR No. 81525 of 2026. The persons of interest were interviewed and a statement was recorded. The investigation established that the victim was with two colleagues, as they returned from the forest where they were tilling land in preparation for planting.

They encountered two Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers. A confrontation ensued, during which Mr Kibet was fatally injured. Investigation was completed and the inquiry file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Kitale. It recommended that George Gitau Njoroge, a KWS ranger attached to Mt. Elgon National Park, be charged with murder, contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code. Upon perusal of the inquiry file, ODPP, Kitale concurred with the recommendation and returned the file to DCI, Endebess. However, before the directive could be implemented, the file was recalled by the regional ODPP in Nakuru for review, following a request by the suspect for reconsideration of the decision to charge. On 22nd June 2026, the file was forwarded to the regional ODPP in Nakuru. The investigating officer is still awaiting the recommendation from the ODPP in Nakuru to enable appropriate action.

I submit. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Robert Pukose.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I discussed these issues with the Chair. I appreciate him for following them up and bringing a report. However, on the disappearance of Mr Hosea Kemei Kipketer Kaptila, the information that has been provided is inadequate. He disappeared on 29th April 2026 and the report was filed. The police officers have told us the events that happened in March, which are not relevant to the investigation. They need to tell us how far they have gone to trace where Hosea is. They should have logs for the phone number which were last traced in Naivasha. This report is inadequate. I request the police officers to do further investigations. They are dealing with a father of children, family man, and son of Nabukwesi family. It is important for the police officers to do a thorough investigation.

Hon. Speaker, the second issue is about the killing of Mr Boaz Kibet by the KWS officer. Subsequent investigations have established that the KWS ranger, George Gitau

Hon. Tongoyo, since the file was recalled, it is over three months now.

Hon. Speaker, this is an issue of the ODPP.

Since the file that was recalled is now...

Actually, it is an issue that should be handled by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). It is more of a judicial process than a police matter.

Yes. Just tell them that the delay is inordinate and that justice delayed is justice denied. Next Order.

Thank you. Next Order.

Hon. Kirima, I am told that you are the one moving this Motion. Is that correct?

That is correct, Hon. Speaker.

Go ahead.

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

THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations and pursuant to Section 8 of the Treaty Making and Ratification…

What Motion are you moving?

I am moving the Motion on the Ratification…

Hon. Kirima, once you say, “I beg to move the following Motion”, you read the Motion word for word as it appears on the Order Paper, then you start your discourse.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Hon. Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion on the Departmental Committee on Defence…

Hon. Speaker: You are wrong. Say: “I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence…” then read the terms up to the end as they appear on the Order Paper.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Hon. Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion on the Departmental Committee on…

Do we have the same Order Paper?

Hon. Speaker, the Order Paper shows that the Motion is on the Ratification of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation.

So, start by saying, “I beg to move the following Motion”, then you read the Motion as it is indicated: That, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee... up to the end.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Hon. Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion on the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation. I beg to move that taking into consideration…

Hon. Kirima, you are a lawyer, my brother.

I am getting it, but I have a number of papers before me, Hon. Speaker.

There is only one Motion under Order No. 9, so just read it.

That is exactly what I am trying to read, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on its consideration of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 27th August 2026 and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 8(4) of the Treaty Making and Ratification Act (Cap 4D), approves the ratification of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation.

Excellent! That is how it is done. You can now go ahead.

Hon. Speaker, the Convention establishes a permanent intergovernmental organisation dedicated to the special settlement of international disputes through mediation, of which Kenya signed the Convention on 30th May 2025. The Organisation is headquartered in the Hong Kong Special Administration Region of the People’s Republic of China. The Organisation may provide mediation services with the consent of the parties in disputes between States, disputes between a State and a national of another State, and international commercial disputes between private parties. The Convention provides an additional consensual dispute resolution mechanism and it does not displace Kenya's existing judicial arbitral or regional mechanisms.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I rise to second the Motion recommending the approval of the ratification of the Convention on the Establishment of International Organisation for Mediation. The central value of this Convention is that it gives States and other eligible parties an additional voluntary avenue for resolving international disputes without compelling them to abandon existing judicial arbitral or diplomatic mechanisms. Consent remains fundamental to the mediation process.

For Kenya, participation also offers an opportunity to influence an emerging international mediation institution. It will also enable Kenya to nominate qualified Kenyan

Put the question.

Is it the mood of the House that I put the question?

Yes.

Hon. Millie, do you want to say something?

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I wish to support the report of the committee of which I am a member. The Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation seeks to establish the world's first permanent intergovernmental organisation. The organisation is dedicated to the peaceful resolution of international disputes through mediation.

On peaceful settlement, the UN Charter seeks a win-win situation for countries rather than zero-sum outcomes. This is what the organisation seeks to do. The Convention provides for professional mediation services in three specific categories, as the Mover referred to:

Hon. Sunkuli.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I also wish to support the Report on the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation. The Convention that we are ratifying today was negotiated and concluded in Hong Kong. It came into force in 2025. Kenya is among the 47 signatory countries to this Agreement.

It basically covers three particular scenarios:

Next Order.

Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. Hon. Dawood, will you take the Motion?

Yes. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

I will present this Report on behalf of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure and my Chair. I beg to move the following Motion:

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on its consideration of the amendment of Article 10(4) of the Constitution of the African Civil Aviation Commission, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 27th August 2026, and pursuant to the provisions of Section 8(4) of the Treaty Making and Ratification Act (Cap. 4D), approves the ratification of the Amendment to Article 10(4) of the Constitution of the African Civil Aviation Commission. Hon. Deputy Speaker, pursuant to the National Assembly Standing Order 216 (1) (h) and (i), the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure is responsible among others, for examining treaties, agreements and conventions, and making reports and recommendations to the House as often as possible.

The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), was established in 1969 as the specialised agency of the African Union responsible for civil aviation matters in Africa. AFCAC coordinates the development of safe, secure, efficient, sustainable and environmentally responsible civil aviation across the continent and serves as the executive agency for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

I rise to second this Amendment from the Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.

Thank you. (Question proposed)

Put the Question. (Question put and agreed to) Next Order.

Hon. Kwenya. Hon. Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop, JP): I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the inspection visit of the Kenyan Embassy in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, undertaken from 22nd to 25th March 2026, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 28th July 2026. The inspection visit was undertaken on behalf of the Committee by Hon. Yusuf Hassan, who was the Leader of Delegation and Hon. Luyai Caleb Amisi, Member of the Committee. The visit was conducted pursuant to the Committee's oversight mandate, under Standing Order 216 and formed part of the Committee's approved work plan for the 2025/2026 Financial Year.

The objective was to assess the operational effectiveness of the mission, its delivery of consular services, promotion of economic diplomacy, management of public resources and the challenges affecting its performance. The delegation also engaged directly with the Ambassador and mission staff in order to appreciate the strategic role of the Embassy in advancing Kenya's foreign policy and economic interests in North Africa and the wider Arab or Maghreb region.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the Committee established that the opening of the Embassy in Rabat was a deliberate strategic decision aimed at strengthening Kenya's engagement with North Africa and the Arab-Maghreb Region.

Although the Cabinet approved the Mission in 2018, it only became operational in January 2024 due to financial constraints. Before then, Kenya’s relations with Morocco were managed from Cairo, a non-resident arrangement that limited effective diplomatic engagement. Today, Morocco is an increasingly influential player within the African Union and the wider continent. It is a strategic gateway to North Africa, Europe and the Atlantic market making it an important partner to Kenya. The Key achievements of the Embassy are:

Proceed, Hon. Yusuf Hassan.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to second the Motion for the adoption of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the inspection visit to the Kenya Embassy in Rabat, the Kingdom of Morocco, undertaken from 22nd to 25th March 2026.

I had the honour of leading the delegation that undertook this inspection mission, together with Hon. Caleb Amisi, a Member of the Committee. The visit enabled us to engage directly with the Embassy and to assess, first-hand, the opportunities and challenges facing Kenya’s diplomatic representation in Morocco.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I wish to begin by emphasising the establishment of the resident Embassy in Rabat as an important and strategic decision by the Government of Kenya. The Mission became operational in January 2024, following the earlier arrangement where Kenya’s relations with Morocco were managed from Cairo, Egypt. The resident Embassy has provided Kenya with a much stronger platform for engagement with Morocco and the wider North Africa and Arab Maghreb region.

Morocco is increasingly influential within the African Union and has developed significant economic and diplomatic interests across the continent. For Kenya, therefore, Rabat should not be viewed as merely another diplomatic posting. It should be viewed as a strategic platform for advancing our economic, diplomatic and security interests.

The delegation was encouraged by the Embassy's progress in a relatively short period. This included increased high-level diplomatic engagement and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in trade, education, housing and tourism. The Mission also successfully hosted Kenya Promotion Week in 2025, promoted tea and coffee in Morocco, and engaged with the Office Chérifien des Phosphates Group (OCP), the company involved in the proposed fertiliser processing plant in Kenya. The Embassy has also facilitated counter- terrorism training for Kenyan security officers and access to approximately 20 scholarships annually for Kenyan students. These achievements show that the Mission can deliver even greater value to Kenya with adequate support.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the most important issue arising from our visit is that we have established the Embassy, but we have not adequately resourced it. The Mission is optimally established for 15 officers, but only 11 are currently in position. Several important positions remain vacant, including a translator, Foreign Relations Officer and a clerk. The absence of a translator is a particular concern in a country where French and Arabic are the principal working languages, and none of the Embassy staff has competence in either language. I also want to point out that, in future, when we consider appointments of diplomatic officers, particularly Ambassadors, it is very important to ensure language and area specialisation. I therefore support the Committee’s recommendation that these positions be filled within six months of adopting this Report.

The delegation was equally concerned about the Mission's financial situation. At the time of the visit, the Embassy had approximately Ksh23 million in pending bills, despite having

Hon. Julius Sunkuli.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I stand to support the Motion. Morocco is a very important country, especially after 2017 when it rejoined the African Union (AU). It has started establishing very critical relationships with African countries. I visited Morocco privately a few years ago, before the Embassy was established. At that time, a Moroccan resident businessman managed it as Kenya's special representative. For Kenyans to access services in that kind of environment was very difficult because the mother Embassy, which looked after Morocco, was in Egypt.

It was very difficult for us to consult with the special envoy there, the resident Moroccan who was handling Kenyan affairs. Morocco sits in a very important territory. It has well- developed cities where we can do business, starting with Rabat City, which has its headquarters, Casablanca City, and Fez City. These are important cities we need to consider. Morocco’s proximity to Europe, Spain, and France makes it an important gateway to Europe.

Morocco has been considering joining the European Union (EU) because of its special relationship with it. Therefore, having our feet in Morocco is very important. However, it has its difficulties. I hope the Kenyan Embassy in Morocco will assess the business environment and negotiate good deals. Repatriating money from Morocco is very difficult. Western Union exists only to receive money from other countries, but it does not allow, at least at the time I was there, to send money from Morocco. Bringing dollars out of Morocco is very difficult.

I hope that the Kenyan Embassy in Morocco will look at the working environment of Kenyans. They go there to do business. When they make money, they want to bring it back home. The Member for Kamukunji has rightly said this because I know the Committee that travelled there emphasised the need for a translator. He has said something that I stand for, but I do not think that is the way to go. We should not send envoys to countries whose language they do not understand. We should prepare them.

If you are sending an envoy to China, have him learn Chinese before he goes, or bring someone who has learnt Chinese through the system. If you are sending an envoy to Morocco,

Hon. Kimani, for the benefit of the House, you have said that the Kenyan Embassy in Morocco needs to have the government’s intention. Morocco and Algeria have been giving scholarships to Kenyan students for the last 30 years. They return fluent in French and Arabic. We send students to China for donkey years and many other countries which speak Spanish and other languages. We need to look into the issue of sending people to other countries where they do not speak the local language.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. At the outset, I would like to congratulate this Committee on the many reports it has brought to the House this afternoon. The business in this House this afternoon seems to be only the one for the great Member for Kinangop, Hon. Kwenya.

One thing I have noted is the importance of Morocco, given its geographical location and the many opportunities it offers Kenya. For example, the Committee has noted opportunities for fertiliser manufacturing, export diversification for tea and coffee, manufacturing and industrial partnerships, maritime and logistics cooperation through the Tanger Med Port, counter-terrorism cooperation, security training, and higher education and technical scholarships. These are very strong collaborations. In Kiswahili, we say Mgala muuwe na haki mpe.

It is important to note that the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya approved this mission in 2018. However, it became operational in January 2024, when the Kenya Kwanza administration came into office in 2022. This is the difference between having a plan and making the plan work. If you walk anywhere, either across the world or in the country and ask anybody what plans they have for their lives, everyone has a plan. But the difference between those who are successful and those who have a plan is in the implementation. To me, this is an example of a government that not only had a plan but was deliberate in its implementation. That is why the Kenyan Mission to Morocco, approved by the Cabinet in 2018, became operational during this administration in June 2024.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, yesterday we met with the Kenya Bankers Association in Naivasha. On my way from Naivasha, it was very interesting and fulfilling to see the great work being done on the Rironi-Mau Summit Road. I know that a few years ago, a former leader said that there was only a wheelbarrow on that road. It was fulfilling to see real work underway. The discussion among people in the minority party is now about how quickly the road is being done. It is good to appreciate that. At least they now acknowledge that it is not just a wheelbarrow that is there, but that work is being done.

Member for Buuri.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I stand to support this Report. From the outset, it has captured what we would like to hear as a progressive Parliament and nation. We should not go where we know. The time has come for us to go where we do not know, as long as we need to.

This was established by the visit of this Committee, led by a senior Member of Parliament for Kamukunji. I wonder whether, when my senior went to China, he understood Chinese. I thought he would say what they have done and that the people they have asked are not there to interpret on behalf of the ambassador or high commissioner. It is for other purposes of interaction because we cannot have interpreters interpreting for the ambassador at every function when the ambassador is not there. Ultimately, we need to explore educational opportunities outside the country and areas of economic interest in the country.

I lost my passport in Portugal. I did not discover it until I arrived in Rabat. It took three days to contact the consulate, which had to come all the way to Rabat. I met so many Kenyans. I felt comfortable because so many Kenyans were working there. I discovered they do a lot as employees. Some in very sensitive areas. It is high time that we started strengthening areas where we have not been. This is an area where, as you correctly said, education is key; the more we send our students and young people to countries such as Algeria and Morocco, where they are giving us an advantage, the more we need to invest.

We should not lose sight of the fact that the world is changing. If people in Morocco are going to consume our Kenyan tea, coffee, and beef, there is nothing wrong with establishing and maintaining a working, effective embassy there. I remember the issue of Polisario, but that is no longer the case. Many countries are now rushing to Morocco to establish diplomatic relations. Kenya should not be left behind. We need to move fast and implement this Committee's recommendations, so we become more visible in that region of Africa. I therefore stand to support. Let us not always look at the negatives, but also the positives.

Hon. Mogaka.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity to support this unprecedented report on our fellow African country. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is about us Africans stopping looking inwards and starting to look at each other, trading with each other and holding each other's hands.

This Committee’s recommendation that Kenya set up its embassy in Morocco is the boldest recommendation that has taken too long to come about. Morocco has been looking north to Europe because it lacks arrangements with its sibling countries in Africa. This move

Hon. Waluke.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Let me also contribute on this. The only person championing bringing Africa onto the world map is President William Ruto. If all African countries support this, they will move and compete with the rest of the world. Africa is a very rich continent. The developed countries know that all the minerals are in Africa. That is why it has taken time.

We know we have many minerals in this country, like fuel and copper. I want to thank developed countries, the superpowers, because last time they invited our President to a G8 meeting, and it was a remarkable meeting for us as the African continent. President William Ruto was invited because of his sharpness. With Africa's richness, he is trying to see how Africa can get out of poverty. The African Continent should support President William Ruto.

Thank you.

Hon. Kwenya Thuku. Sorry, from the look of things, there seems to be no further interest. Is that the mood of the House? If there is no interest, then I will call upon the Mover to reply.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, actually this is a Motion. Now that you have given me an opportunity to reply, I will do so. I beg to reply.

Hon. Members, you can reply to a Motion. He is perfectly within the rules of the House. (Question put and agreed to)

Hon. Members, I understand that the

The Chairperson, Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee, Hon. Mulyungi, proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move:

THAT, this House adopts the Thirteenth Report of the Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee on its consideration of the audited accounts for the National Government Constituencies Development Fund for Constituencies in Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kisii and Nyamira Counties for the Financial Years 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 10th June 2026. This Report covers 10 Financial Years from 2013/2014 to 2022/2023. The Committee examined a total of 300 Reports of the Auditor General across 32 constituencies drawn from five counties, namely: Kitui Rural, Kitui Central, Kitui West, Kitui South, Kitui East, Mwingi West, Mwingi North and Mwingi Central constituencies in Kitui County; Masinga, Kathiani, Yata, Matungulu, Machakos Town, Mwala, Kangundo and Mavoko constituencies in Machakos County; Kibwezi East, Kibwezi West, Kilome, Makueni and Mbooni constituencies in Makueni County; Bonchari, Bomachoge Chache, Kitutu Chache North, Kitutu Chache South, Bomachoge Borabu, Nyaribari Masaba, Nyaribari Chache and South Mugirango constituencies in Kisii County; and lastly North Mugirango, Borabu and Kitutu Masaba constituencies in Nyamira County.

In examining these accounts, the Committee engaged extensively with both the current and former Fund Account Managers who are the designated Authority to Incur Expenditure (AIE) holders. The Fund has continued to make a significant impact on the lives of people across the 32 constituencies examined through infrastructure and social development projects, including the construction and renovation of schools, security installations and other facilities, as well as the issuance of bursaries to needy students in secondary and tertiary institutions. Despite this impact, the Committee's examination identified a number of cross-cutting matters requiring the attention of this House and the Executive. Allow me to highlight the cross-cutting systemic issues the Committee observed during this scrutiny.

One, on the presentation and accuracy of Financial Statements, the Committee observed that many Fund Account Managers have struggled to adapt to International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) reporting frameworks since their introduction in the 2013/2014 Financial Year, resulting in qualified audit opinions. The Committee recommends that the accounting officer ensure compliance with the IPSAS framework at all times and, in consultation with the Sector Accounting Standards Board, conduct continuous capacity building for constituencies’ staff on Financial Reporting Standards.

Two, on capacity gaps among Fund Account Managers and Project Management Committees (PMCs), the Committee observed that some Fund Account Managers were ill- prepared and lacked adequate knowledge of financial reporting, procurement, and record- keeping requirements. The Committee recommends that accounting officers conduct

Yes, Hon. Muthoni, proceed and second.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg to second this Motion that this House adopts the 13th Report of the Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee on its consideration of the audited accounts of the National Government Constituency Development Fund for the constituencies of Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kisii and Nyamira counties for the Financial Years 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 10th June 2026.

During the long and meticulous examination of these 300 audited reports, the Committee had very extensive interaction with the fund accounting managers across the 32 constituencies. The Committee thoroughly examined written submissions, audited reports and

Yes, Kwenya.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on this report moved by the Chairman of the Special Funds Committee.

When NG-CDF is mentioned, it gets on our nerves. Indeed, this is a Fund that is an equaliser, so to speak. I am very happy that there is a conversation that is going around this country whereby every region should be considered.

I am happy that there is an ongoing conversation in this country to consider every region. The inception of NG-CDF and the introduction of the Act, brought by the former Member for Ol Kalou and the Senator for Nyandarua, Muriuki Karue, was a game changer as far as equalisation is concerned. This is because you do not have to be a member of the ruling class for your people to benefit from the national cake. When reports come to this House and there is a mention of misappropriation or noncompliance in the administration of NG-CDF by some of these constituencies, it pains me because this is the only money that touches our citizens where it matters, especially matters to do with education.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

This is a moment when the Speaker would wish to be there and not chairing the session. What is your point of order, Hon. Mogaka?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, is my brother, who I call party leader, in order to bring the very derogatory term ‘shareholding’ to the Floor of this House? Would it rather not be left to shame the architects and pronouncers of that very shameful approach to governance? Is he in order to bring this shareholding nonsense to the Floor?

Hon. Kwenya, just for the benefit of the Chair, how long has your community been a shareholder in this government?

There is nothing like community. There is nothing communal in this matter. People have been benefiting individually. I come from the community that was claiming to have shares in the current government but I can tell you that we have suffered in all the regimes. I think one of the most marginalised counties we have in Kenya is Nyandarua yet we are perceived to be beneficiaries of shareholding successive governments, especially those that have been headed by people who come from the defunct central region. We must now refocus and look at issues from lenses that will be helpful to our people, devoid of where a person comes from or where the support base is perceived to be.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, if you look at what is happening with NG-CDF today, there are some constituencies that do not have anything else to do other than pay school fees because their schools were built a long time ago. We have been treated to a situation where we are not seen to be working because we are not giving free secondary education like some constituencies because they do not have anything else to do with the money. We had to come up with slogans like ‘ondoa matope’, ‘ondoa mbao’ or ‘ondoa mabati’ in order to build decent schools for our children, whereas in other areas, these people are dishing out money and making chapatis for students. It is unfortunate that in one area, the taxes we are paying are going to buy chapatis while in other areas, there are children who are not going to school. It is a conversation that we must restart so that there is fairness in this country.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Kwenya, you are lucky I am chairing this session. If I was there, I would have said a lot. I am not allowed to participate. Proceed, Hon. Mwashako.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am glad that I have this opportunity to speak about NG-CDF, particularly what the work that has been done by decentralised funds, led by my colleague in Wiper Democratic Movement. This is an important report that really spells out issues that we sometimes devil NG-CDF at the constituency level. As I read the report, I liked that the committee really went deep to make some very good recommendations. One of the recommendations made is that NG-CDF, at the constituency level, should employ qualified accountants. We have previously raised this matter with the Board. They need to review the remuneration packages for NG-CDF staff at the constituency level. This will ensure we can attract real qualified accountants who will manage the books.

The Ksh170 million to Ksh200 million that comes to the constituencies is not small money. The Public Finance Management Act (PFM Act) and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act are very strict on what happens with taxpayer money. I am therefore happy that the committee brought this up. I also like the recommendation that requires fund managers to adhere to the recommendations made by the committee. Many times, when auditors visit constituencies, they raise issues but the fund managers do not correct them. We need to ask our fund managers to do more in order to comply with the regulations and queries raised by the Auditor General.

I am happy my colleague has really addressed the issue that NG-CDF came to balance the country to ensure every corner of this country can participate, appreciate and receive their equitable share of the national cake. We may be talking about how the national cake is now being spread across the board but I think we need to do more. The budget running this country in this Financial Year is Ksh4.8 trillion. I think it is important for us to conduct an audit of the entire budget, not only the development kitty of Ksh700 billion plus that is in the Budget but also the donor funded projects. On top of that, we also need to audit money that is not in the budget but comprises of securitisation funds like the Road Maintenance Levy Fund.

We should also understand what proportion of securitised money of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund goes to which county. We should also look at how much of the more than Ksh700 billion development fund is allocated to counties. Even as we laud, we should ensure there is some semblance of balance. We also need to acknowledge that a county like Taita Taveta may clap for a project worth Ksh1 billion, as they have never seen such an amount of money or project in their county. However, other counties in this country receive Ksh40 billion for a single project.

We should also look at how to achieve balance so that the marginalised counties—the 14 counties identified in the initial marginalisation policy by Micah Cheserem, the former Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA)—how much are they allocated vis-à-vis the other counties? If we do not address the issue of equalisation, we might find ourselves clapping that a county that has faced marginalisation since independence has received only one project, while another county, which has been closer to the Government over the years, continues to receive more funding than those marginalised counties.

What I am trying to say is that we must conduct an audit of this Budget for improvements. When we discuss balance, we must ensure that development is achieved in every corner of the country, particularly by addressing the historical injustices, especially upon the 14 marginalised counties. Hon. Temporary Speaker, you come from one such county, so I know you understand what I am talking about.

Actually, it is not since independence but pre-independence.

Yes, even pre-independence. There is a road in my area worth Ksh2.7 billion that has taken so long to complete. Yes, we are happy that it is finally being constructed and the contractor is on site. However, if you were to ask about other constituencies, for instance, Mwatate Constituency currently has no road works progressing. We are happy to see developments, but we must consider those counties that are closer to power, which have projects worth tens of billions. Therefore, while we are happy that progress is being made, but until we bridge the gap between counties, we are not helping this country.

Hon. Lekumontare, the Member for Samburu East.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am a Member of the Decentralised Fund Committee, and I can say that NG-CDF is one of the most important funds we have ever experienced, even more than the counties. We examined the challenges facing the Fund, and it is high time we address these issues. We noticed that the fund managers were unable to complete some documentation on time during the audits.

Member for Kamukunji.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity. I support the Motion on the NG-CDF Report on the various counties of our country. As has been mentioned here, the NG-CDF project is one of the most impactful. This is particularly so not only in rural and underdeveloped areas, but also in poor urban centres such as my constituency. In fact, I was thinking about Hon. Kwenya’s statement, where he stated that Nyandarua is one of the least developed counties in the country. I am rather surprised because I think many people would consider Nyandarua to be a paradise, a heaven on earth. It was the crème de la crème of the White Highlands, and many of the colonial settlers in our country found it to be the perfect place to settle and cultivate land. I am not sure whether he knows how lucky he is compared to other parts of our country.

In an urban centre such as my constituency, Kamukunji, there are pockets of extreme poverty, with poverty levels far below the national level in the informal settlements. When I was elected as the Member of Parliament, I found that the roofs in some schools were gone and the floors were in a poor state. When it rained, the schools leaked. The classrooms were in a bad shape. Fortunately, NG-CDF came in handy. We were able to develop those schools and provide our kids with decent learning facilities.

The good thing about the NG-CDF is that projects are selected by the community. Unlike some national projects, which one may not see, NG-CDF projects are visible and have a fairly quick impact. We have done a lot with the Fund, given that these resources are available at the local level and are less bureaucratic in terms of implementation. I believe that the Fund plays a very huge role in the development of our society at the grassroots level despite it being a small percentage. I would like to see that percentage increased so that more resources can be used at the local level and to help poor urban people in a city like Nairobi.

Fair enough. Hon. Rindikiri, Member for Buuri, followed by Hon. Kimani.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The purpose and responsibility of the Committee on Decentralised Funds is to audit the implementation and effectiveness of the funds that go through the NG-CDF kitty, and to check whether they comply with the purposes and benchmarks set for such funds to effectively meet their obligations. I agree that this Fund plays a great role. However, by now, the Committee should be able to tell this House whether this Fund is adding value to the taxpayers who contribute the money allocated to this Fund.

The Committee went out to assess its effectiveness, and what they are presenting to us is the Report that they have prepared for the last 10 years. The Committee should have come up with benchmarks against which they would go out there and evaluate how the Fund is performing. Firstly, the Committee should have identified the human resource requirements for constituency offices managing the fund, including accountants, procurement officers, clerks, Project Management Committees (PMCs), and even the fund managers themselves.

Secondly, there is a lot of bureaucracy when it comes to the approval of funds. The process of identifying priorities, submitting them to the head office, sending them back to the constituencies and then back to the head office for approval before authority to incur is given is cumbersome. Those are the key issues the Committee should focus on. It is not for us to start saying every day that this Fund is doing the right thing because, obviously, that is the purpose for which it was established.

In terms of its operation, therefore, the Committee should come up with benchmarks. They need to tell us where the Fund is falling short. As previous Members have mentioned, constituencies have different needs— the poverty levels are different, infrastructure levels are different, and the levels of marginalisation are different. I agree that the basic allocation should

Hon. Kimani.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. In the last Parliament, I served in one of the audit committees, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which was chaired, then, by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi. One of the observations I made with audit committees is that some of these audit reports come to this House 10 years later. By the time you are scrutinising the financial statements, you realise that the accounting officer left and is now an ambassador in China or somewhere, therefore it is not possible to say whether there was value for money or whether the financial statements present a true and fair account of what was happening on the ground.

But today is a fresh breath of air to see the Chairperson of the Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee give us financial reports of up to the year 2022/23, all the way from 2013 to about less than two years ago. So, I must congratulate this audit committee for their diligence and making sure that they cover a lot of ground so that as we scrutinise these financial records, they are a more reflection of what is happening in the use of NG-CDF.

I cannot understate the importance and what NG-CDF has done across the constituencies. I know this matter has been spoken to by the great Member for Kinangop, Hon. Kwenya, and so many other Members. At least NG-CDF has provided not just equity, but also equality across constituencies. For a very long time, Members of Parliament had to go and beg for development, including construction of a classroom in their constituencies.

Currently, with the oversight role played by Members of Parliament and the good, diligent work being done by committees across the constituencies, we see development being distributed equally and equitably across the country. Nevertheless, some constituencies still end up being disadvantaged. In some areas, projects were done pre-independence or around

Yes.

Thank you very much for this opportunity. First of all, I support the 13th Report on Audited Financial Statements of NG-CDF for Constituencies in Five Counties. From the outset, I commend the Committee for bringing at least the audited reports for the last 10 years and making them almost up to date. In future if we could have current audited reports, they will help in bringing points of information and correction to some of the mistakes that come along with managing the funds.

The NG-CDF has brought transformation and paradigm shifts. One of the funds that is best managed because of how it was designed is NG-CDF. This fund is one of the best managed funds with regard to oversight and audit. It is managed under a national Government framework and a legal mandate that focusses on constituency-level projects. One of the NG-CDF mandates is to allocate school bursaries and scholarships. This has made our students equal on some level. Students from very humble backgrounds have benefited a lot from scholarship programmes. Even students from middle-class backgrounds have benefited from bursaries through the subsidisation of school fees.

Regarding school infrastructure, when you compare projects done by the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) with those done by the county governments, you will realise that the NG-CDF has transformed a lot. The NG-CDF projects are more visible. Proper management of NG-CDF projects will bridge the economic gap in the community by ensuring that renovated schools provide a conducive learning environment for students.

Regarding security, one of the mandates of the NG-CDF is to support administrative units by building chiefs’ offices and police lines, which provide safety and security to citizens. One of the biggest roles of the NG-CDF is to provide emergency services. We are headed into the El Niño season during which most toilets, washrooms and lavatories will be swept away.

Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I want to start by appreciating the Committee led by Hon. Gideon Mulyungi from Mwingi Central and his Members for the work well done. They have done quite a number of reports, focusing on NG-CDF in many, many counties. When you look at these reports, they inform future implementation and improvement of our implementation framework. I say that because I know most of my colleagues have dealt so much with the merits of this good programme. I just want to focus more on areas which I think we could improve on.

Before I do that, for information purposes, when the Member of Parliament for Molo was making his contribution, he mentioned that there are things called FiRe awards, which are actually awards looking at accountability, and the constituencies have been appreciated for

Hon. Makali, the gap in this case is a gap created by REREC.

Exactly.

REREC is a national government agency. You see what I mean? It is a parastatal.

Yes.

It is a frustration we are all suffering from because the projects in all the constituencies where REREC was supposed to implement

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I could not agree more. The point I am raising is that this, being a Committee on Special Funds, needs to pick these items and run with them. Because, as you are saying, this matter is cross-cutting. Every constituency is facing the same challenges. You realize it is not our own making. The Board has a list of funds.

Whether REREC is supposed to do these things through the matching funds or whether it is already an allocation by REREC to undertake a certain project in what you call mini-grids. I am sure you are talking about the mini-grids. They are not doing anything.

No, they are not working. I remember, Hon. Temporary Speaker, I think you were sitting in that Chair that day. We demanded that when we come back, (and now we are back), we needed to get the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, the CEO of REREC and the CEO of Kenya Power come to this House and explain to us and Kenyans why we are not moving, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Precisely. So, you better put in that now. I will communicate this to the Hon. Speaker, so that he can invite the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, the CEO of REREC and the CEO of Kenya Power.

If those three people come here, then they can tell us what is happening. Thank you so much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity.

Fair enough. There does not seem to be any further interest in this case. I call upon the Mover to reply. Hon. Mulyungi, proceed to reply.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I appreciate the comments from the Members. I beg to reply.

Hon. Members, I defer the putting of the Question to another date. (Putting the Question deferred) Let us move to Order No. 14.

Hon. Kwenya, I presume you are doing it for the Chairperson.

Indeed, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity.

Hon. Temporary Speaker I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on its inspection visit to the Kenyan Embassy in Cairo, Egypt undertaken from 26th to 30th March 2026, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 28th July 2026. The inspection visit was taken by on behalf of the Committee by Hon. Yusuf Abdi, who was the leader of the delegation and Hon. Caleb Amisi, a Member of the Committee. The visit

Proceed, Hon. Yussuf Hassan.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to second the Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the inspection visit to the Kenyan Embassy in Cairo, Egypt undertaken from 26th to 30th March 2026. I had the honour of leading the delegation that undertook this inspection visit together with Hon. Caleb Amisi, who is a Member of the Committee.

I support the Report’s recommendations. The Committee’s visit demonstrated that the Kenyan Embassy in Cairo is doing important work under difficult circumstances. The Mission is simultaneously managing diplomatic relations with three countries, promoting trade and investment, protecting Kenyans abroad, providing counselling services and responding to humanitarian and security related situations. We owe it to our citizens and to the officers representing Kenya abroad to provide the Mission with the resources and institutional support necessary to perform this mandate effectively. At the same time, we must ensure that our strong political relations with Egypt, Jordan and Eritrea translate into jobs, investment, trade, skills, security cooperation and better protection for Kenyans.

I urge the House to adopt the Report and support its recommendations. I beg to second. (Question proposed)

Yes, Hon. Mogaka.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Report and the recommendations therein. Our foreign service is one of the vehicles for international relations, diplomacy, commerce and peace and stability of the Globe. I commend the Committee for its elaborate report and the initiative to visit Egypt.

Egypt is known for historical, biblical and Christian reasons. It is one of those countries that Kenya cannot do without. I have been there severally leading basketball and volleyball teams. Egypt is a destination that Kenya must always embrace. The River Nile empties into the Mediterranean Sea through Egypt.

I must declare my interest. My spouse works with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and, therefore, I know quite a lot about what the Ministry does. That is why I truly celebrate the efforts made by this Committee in tabling this Report. I support the Motion.

Under such circumstances, ordinarily the Mover would be called upon to reply. Unfortunately, you will take exactly one minute to reply.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am happy to know that this Report did not elicit a lot of interest because we had a similar one and there is some level of homogeneity in our reports based on the needs that we have in our embassies and missions. Therefore, I beg to reply.

Hon. Members, under the circumstances I will not be able to put the Question. The Question will be put at an appropriate time in future. (Putting the Question deferred)

Hon. Members, the time being