Hon. Members, I direct that the Quorum Bell be rung for 10 minutes. (The Quorum Bell was rung) Hon. Members, I have been informed that we have quorum. Stop the Quorum Bell. We can now start the business of the House.

Order, Hon. Members. Take the nearest seats.

(Hon. Amos Maina remained upstanding while the Temporary Speaker was on his feet) Member for Starehe, take the nearest seat. You do not have to stand.

Hon. Members, I wish to introduce to you a delegation from the Parliament of Uganda, who are seated in the Speaker’s Row.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to welcome the delegation from the Parliament of Uganda. I had the privilege of meeting the Hon. Members from Uganda this morning in our Committee. I take this opportunity to welcome our sisterly Members of Parliament from our sisterly country, Uganda.

I have a very long experience with Uganda. I used to travel there when the borders were completely open under the old East African Community (EAC). My brother was a businessman. I was also privileged to be one of the journalists who entered Kampala on 25th January 1986, when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) took over. I am delighted because they have come to visit us, see and learn from our experience. I am very impressed by how much Uganda rose from the ashes of that war and became a well-developed and functioning democracy.

You are most welcome. If you have a few hours, I welcome you to my constituency, which is just about 500 metres from here. There is a lot of shopping to be done there. There are also nice things to be seen.

Karibuni sana, ndugu zetu.

Hon. Members, on that note, I will call upon Hon. (Dr) Robert Pukose, who is a frontier Member of Parliament since his constituency shares a boundary with Uganda, to also say something to the delegation.

Proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I take this opportunity to welcome my neighbours. My constituency borders Uganda on the slopes of Mount Elgon, in the Eastern part. My community lives on both sides of the border. Joshua Cheptegei, who is one of the champions in long-distance running, is my uncle. I welcome you to Kenya. It is a beautiful country with a beautiful capital City. Hatuna matata. Most of us are long-term Members and leaders, just like President Museveni.

I will now call upon the Chairperson of the counterpart Committee in this House, who is also a veteran, to say something. Hon. Adan Yusuf, are you on your second or third term? He chairs a similar Committee in the National Assembly of Kenya. Proceed. Please give him the microphone.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I had a very nice session with the team this morning as they interacted with our Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity. We exchanged views on many issues. There were many things to learn from both sides.

Hon. Kibagendi, you do not share a boundary with Uganda but, nonetheless, you have insisted in speaking. Your heart must truly be in Uganda as well. I now give you an opportunity to speak.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I represent first-time Members of Parliament. I would like to also welcome the Hon. Members from the Parliament of Uganda. These are freshly elected Members of Parliament. They just came out of the elections and that is probably why they have decided to visit Kenya. What I would like to mention to them is that the Parliament of Uganda football team has been causing a lot of pain to us but, I want to tell you that this time round, when we meet, hopefully in Dar-es-Salaam or Arusha, we will thrash you in soccer and in every other sport. You are welcome. We have wonderful streets around this country. There is one called Koinange Street, and another one called Kimathi Street. You are welcome to tour our country. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Bowen, why do you insist so much? Do you have an interest there? I hope you do not have another family in Uganda. Take a minute. I would like us to make progress.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to also welcome our colleagues from the Parliament of Uganda. I ask Hon. Haji, the Chairperson of the Select Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity, to collaborate with the sister committee in the Ugandan Parliament. They should work together on cross-border trade legislation, especially to resolve ongoing issues surrounding the Migingo Island. Joint efforts by both Parliamentary committees will help bring our border communities together. Thank you.

Hon. Mogaka, Hon. Kibagendi has presented it very well.

Hon. Members, I wish to introduce to you a delegation of the family of a very important Kenyan, the late Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o, led by his son, Dr Nducu Ngugi wa Thiong’o.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Thank you for introducing the Ngugi family in the National Assembly this afternoon. I want to also welcome them back. They all live in the United States of America, and they have come to visit us. Last Saturday, they launched the Ngugi wa Thiong’o Cultural and Arts Centre in Limuru, a centre that would work to preserve the work and the life history of Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong'o. They have now come to visit us in the Chamber. I want to say that Ngugi wa Thiong'o was a friend, a mentor, a writer and a revolutionary figure who played an important role in the liberation of this country, particularly the second liberation of this country. I want to say they are welcome and we want to wish them well. The late Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong'o was not just a writer. He was known as a writer but much of his work was political. He was a founder member of the the December 12 Movement, Ukenya and Mwakenya. Those were organisations which played critical roles during the difficult days of the Moi-Kanu regime dictatorship. He needs to be respected, honoured and celebrated in this country. We are sorry that he left us a year ago. Once again, I welcome Dr Nducu, Njoki, Grace and Nyambura to the National Assembly of the Republic of Kenya. Thank you very much.

Order, Hon. Members! Order, Hon. Members! I do not think any of you has read any of the late Ngugi’s books. Has anybody read The River Between, among these young Members of Parliament?

Yes!

Then why are you not silent? I will give a chance to the Members for Dagoretti South and West Mugirango to also put in a word but, please, for God's sake, this kind of an occasion happens once in a lifetime or in a decade. Please, let us respect the members of the family of the person who gave his life for this country. Can I have silence while the next Member contributes? Proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I must join you in welcoming the family of this very great Kenyan to the House of Parliament. Hon. Yusuf Hassan, being a journalist and author, has showed us how to honour a great Kenyan. As an arts practitioner, I join him today to say that the path created by the late Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o is not only historic in our country, but also positions Kenya as a literally giant in the world. This is because the gentleman we celebrate as the great Ngugi wa Thiong'o was honoured far beyond his hometown of Limuru, Kenya or Africa. He proved that our country can produce literary giants who offer profound guidance for life. His philosophical insights continue to inspire and guide those of us in leadership today. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I had an opportunity as a young man to be a thespian. The thespians of this country owe a great deal to the efforts of Ngugi wa Thiong'o when he was much younger. As a university lecturer, Ngugi wa Thiong'o devised open-air community theatres. This happened after the Government cracked down on publications and banned subversive art from formal stages. Innovative as he always was, he staged the Kamirithu plays outside in the swamps of Limuru. He recruited everyday Kenyans, like the local mama mboga and villagers, rather than professional actors. His traveling theatre boldly tackled sensitive issues that could not even be discussed in Parliament at that time. Those matters were viewed to be so subversive to a level where it was seen as agitation using theatre. It is because of those memories that we feel deeply honoured to host this amazing delegation that is visiting Parliament today. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to honour the great man who gave us The River Between and A Grain of Wheat. He even referenced my home constituency and county in his writings. Although Ngugi wa Thiong'o has physically departed from this world, his teachings remain timeless for Kenya and the world. Those of us in the arts, philosophy, leadership and politics owe immense gratitude to the family of Ngugi wa Thiong'o. I must add that there was also the big element of language - that, Africa must determine what language and tongue to preserve going into the modern world. He argued that Africa must decide which native tongues to preserve for the modern world. You can never truly think in a foreign language while acting locally. We must secure a place for our native and national languages even in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Next is the Member for West Mugirango, who will be followed by none other than Hon. Ruth Odinga. Where is Hon. Ruth Odinga? Yes, you also come from a family that has such a powerful history. Proceed, Member for West Mugirango.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to also celebrate Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o posthumously. I welcome the family to this august House and thank Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong'o for putting Kenya on the global map as a leading light of African literature and series writers. Initially, African literature was dominated by West Africans like Prof. Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka but, I must celebrate the late Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o for putting Kenya on the global map subsequently. I also celebrate him for dropping his Christian name, James, and choosing to be known solely by his African names. Beyond the books that have been mentioned by the Member for

Where is Hon. Ruth Odinga? Does anybody remember when the late Professor was released from detention? He wrote the last book called Detained then. Which year was that? Was it 1978? Some of you were yet to be born. Even if you were born then, you were hardly toddlers. Proceed.

To the family of the late Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong'o - Dr. Nducu Ngugi, Ms Njoki wa Ngugi, Ms Grace Gathungu and Ms Nyambura - please, allow me to celebrate with you posthumously, on behalf of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family, who have been great friends of your family. It is very gratifying to see families come together to celebrate their parents and ensure that their fire keeps burning. Ngugi wa Thiong'o was one of the people who inspired me in life and shaped my career in politics. That was as early as when I was in school. I was one of the people who studied The River Between as well as No Longer at Ease by Chinua Achebe. I have a very good background in literature not only through his works, but I also lived with Ngugi wa Thiong’o when he went into exile. At the time, I was in Norway, together with the likes of Koigi wa Wamwere and Wang'ondu Kariuki.

The Professor was a very simple man who lived very well with us and taught us a lot, especially about freedom, celebrating our Kenyan identity and allowing us to be ourselves. I remember that when I was studying The River Between, I was in a school like Kenya High, where only names like Ruth and Mary, and other Christian names, were used. He Africanised us and made sure that even in places like Kenya High, we could talk in our vernacular languages and be proud of ourselves as Kenyans. I celebrate Ngugi wa Thiong’o and hope that the Kenya we have today can have the freedom that people like Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Jaramogi fought for to make Kenya what it is today.

Thank you and God bless.

The last bite on this matter will be by Hon. Murugara.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I was consulting with Hon. Mukunji. We are of the view that, perhaps, we should now be offering apologies.

On behalf of successive governments, from Jomo Kenyatta to Arap Moi and the successive administrations, I apologise for having sent and kept Ngugi wa Thiong’o in detention and, subsequently, in exile. We may not know all the reasons but there comes a time when we have to bite the bullet and do what is right, which is to tender an apology to that family and to the Professor posthumously.

Let me give a minute to Hon. Saney. Please, take only one minute since you have insisted on speaking on this matter.

Please, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. In Islam, there is a saying that goes: “The ink of a scholar is holier than the blood of a martyr.” It is a disputed saying that is attributed to the Prophet but it still carries a very deep meaning. The sharing, writing and reading of knowledge is widely practised. Ngugi wa Thiong'o and the presence of his son here remind us of his immense contribution to scholarly discourse and literature in this country. I am sure he is a model for many to emulate.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Members, I am going to do something I have not done in this House before. I will use my discretion to call upon all of you to stand for a minute of silence in honour of our late departed Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o. (Hon. Members observed a moment of silence) You may be seated.

Hon. Members, I recognise the presence of students, in the Public Gallery, of St. Joseph Hermann Marx Junior Secondary School from Kisauni Constituency, Mombasa County; William Memorial School from Kiminini Constituency, Trans Nzoia County and Presbyterian Academy from Mvita Constituency, Mombasa County. There are also students, in the Speaker's Gallery, of Kokwao Primary and Junior School, Nyambunwa Academy and Wema House School from Bondo Constituency, Siaya County.

I will allow the Member for Manyatta Constituency and Hon. Kipsanai to give a word of encouragement to the students. Where is Kipsanai? Is Kipsanai here?

Please, proceed and welcome the students, Member for Manyatta.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. As I rise to welcome the students to this House, I want to start by putting a word on record in honour of Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. I propose that this House consider establishing a mausoleum for him. As we honour political leaders, we also need to honour leaders in other fields.

I also rise to recognise St. Peter’s Rung’ang’a Primary School. The Headteacher of that school is my father-in-law. The school is in my constituency and it has produced some excellent people and leaders in business management in this nation. I want to honour my father-in-law, Mr Keshove, for his service as a teacher. He will be retiring next year. He and his wife have taught for more than 40 years. As we honour other teachers, let us also celebrate those who have done a good job in getting all of us where we are today.

Hon. Kipsanai, mausoleums are places where you preserve bodies. You do not construct one in honour of somebody who has already been buried. There are mausoleums for Jomo Kenyatta and others here. However, you can talk about a library in his honour. There are many things that we can use to honour our departed Professor Ngugi wa Thiong'o.

Proceed, Hon. Kipsanai. There are many things we can use to honour our departed Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o. Proceed, Hon. Kipsanai. You have just two minutes.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. As we continue to honour the icon and author of our country, I also want to take this opportunity to welcome learners from a school in my constituency, Kokwao Primary School, which is in Emsoo Ward. It is one of the good schools in our region. I want to welcome them together with the other students from other parts of the country to this august House. This is where the laws of this country are made. As they go back home, they must pay more attention to their studies so that they can become good citizens and ambassadors who can serve our nation in future. I also want to extend my appreciation to the teachers for continuously supporting our children and imparting knowledge to them. I do not want to forget their parents for tirelessly paying school fees to ensure that the students are in school. Parliament will be remembered as one of the places where students from all parts of the country visit to learn many things.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity.

Next Order.

Hon. Naomi Wako, then followed by Hon. Keynan.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to lay the following papers on the Table of the House:

Hon. Keynan.

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

Where is the Chairman of the Agricultural Committee, Hon. Mutunga? I thought you had some reports to lay. I am told two reports. Proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg to lay the following papers on the table of the House:

Hon. Murugara, you have a Report to lay? Let us move in order, please.The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, proceed and lay your papers. You have a Report of the Public Accounts Committee which you have to lay.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the table of the House:

The Public Accounts Committee Report on procurement of external audit services for the Office of the Auditor General for the Financial Years 2025/2026, 2026/2027 and 2027/ 2028.

Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Finance. He is not around. Let us have Chairperson, Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, Hon. Murugara.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the House:

Report of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on the consideration of the Power of Mercy Bill, (National Assembly Bill No.56 of 2025).

Chairperson, National Commission on Equal Opportunity, you have a Report to lay.

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

The Report of the Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity on Employment Diversity Audit in various public institutions.

Order! Next Order.

Proceed, Hon. Mutunga.

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

THAT, this House notes the Report of the Regional Seminar on the African Parliaments for Climate Action on Reducing Methane and Promoting Development held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 14th to 18th May 2026, laid on the Table of the House on 13th August 2026. Further, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House notes the Report of the regional... No! Sorry. THAT, this House … I beg to give notice of the following... No! Not to leave.

Hon. Mutunga, give notice of Motion. Clerks-at-the-Table, can you assist Hon. Mutunga?

Let me go to the next person while you sort yourself out. You have a Notice of Motion on coffee to give. Chairperson, Public Accounts Committee.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Procurement of External Audit Services for the Office of the Auditor-General for the Financial Years 2025/2026, 2026/2027 and 2027/2028, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 13th August 2026.

Is the Member of Parliament for Matungulu in the House? Matungulu Member of Parliament! He is not in the House. (Hon. Oscar Nabulindo spoke off the record) Is it Matungu? You put in Matungulu. Member for Matungu. Yes, proceed and give your notice of Motion.

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

THAT, aware that Article 43(1) of the Constitution entitles every person to the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to health care services; further aware that every year, an estimated 14,000 children born in Kenya suffer from sickle cell and haemophilia diseases, with the highest prevalence rate being within Western, Nyanza and Coastal regions;

Fair enough. I direct that this Motion be given priority.

Thank you.

It will be listed on an appropriate day as soon as possible because the matter itself is very serious. Sickle cell anaemia and haemophilia are causing big problems in the country, and the earlier we deal with it and discuss it and deliberate on it on the Floor of the House, by none other than the legislators of this country, the better.

Hon. Adan Yusuf, give your notice of Motion and then I come back to Dr Mutunga.

Okay. I beg to give notice of the following Motion:

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity on Employment Diversity and Audit of Public Institutions, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 13th August 2026.

Dr Mutunga, you have a notice of Motion on a coffee report.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on the Ratification of the Inter-African Coffee Organisation, (IACO), New Agreement 2020, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 13th August 2026.

Fair enough. I will go back to the schools present. Hon. Members, in the Speaker’s Gallery, we have learners from Serve Progressive Academy from Sabatia in Vihiga. We also have learners from Kwaka Kulu Primary and Junior Secondary School, Kibwezi West, Makueni. In the Public Gallery, we have learners from Shikamana Education Centre, Msambweni, Kwale County; Mother Kevin School, Nakuru West, Nakuru County; and, Sappho School, Garissa Township, Garissa County.

I will give an opportunity to the Member for Garissa Township, to give words of encouragement to the young learners from his constituency.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. On behalf of Parliament and the House, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the students who visited today. I ask them to take this opportunity to engage among themselves and see what is going on here, a House where their present and future are shaped. As they return to their respective areas, may I wish them safe travels home, and may they enjoy their stay here in Nairobi and their visit to the House. They should also endeavour to be part of the leaders of the future in this country.

Do we have an Hon. Member from Kwale in the House now? Mombasa? Endelea Mheshimiwa.

Ahsante sana Mhe. Spika wa Muda. Nami nichukue fursa hii kuwakaribisha watoto wote wa shule ambao wamekuja katika Bunge hili, especially wale wametoka Kwale. Nimewaona pale. Mimi ni Mama wenu wa Mombasa, lakini nipende pia kusema nawapa nguvu na imani kuwa haya ambayo mnaona yakizingatiwa na kuzungumzwa ndani ya Bunge hili ndiyo sheria inayotungwa kuangalia kuwa shuleni mmepata masomo mazuri, walimu wanapata mishahara yao vizuri, na kila kitu kinaenda vizuri katika taifa. Kwa hivyo, ni wakati mwafaka kusoma sheria zinatungwa vipi, na mazungumzo yanafanywa vipi katika mijadala yenu shuleni. Wale ambao wanaweza kujikokoteza kwenye mijadala kama hii, huenda siku moja mkajipata kwenye Bunge hili. Pia nawashukuru walimu wote ambao wameweza kuandamana na hawa watoto kwa kuhakikisha wanawalinda. Niwaombeeni Mwenyezi Mungu na niseme: Elimu ndiyo uti wa mgongo wa maisha.

Do we have any Member of Parliament from Vihiga? Who is from Kakamega? Hon. Wangwe? Hon. Wangwe, take two minutes and then we go to the next Order.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to say that Kakamega and Vihiga are part of the larger Western Province. Allow me to really appreciate you for giving me a chance to invite these little ones from Vihiga. This is a House which everyone aspires to come to, including yourselves. The destination of your journey in life is this House. So, may you grow up into better leadership of the House and better leadership of this country, and we wish you well. I encourage this House

Yes, the Hon. Member from Nakuru. Proceed. Just take two minutes.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Did I hear you mention Mother Kevin from Nakuru Town West?

Yes, yes.

Mhe. Spika wa Muda, nachukua nafasi hii kuwakaribisha wanafunzi na walimu wa Shule ya Msingi ya Mother Kevin. Karibuni katika Bunge hili na mjihisi. Hili ndilo jumba linalotengeneza sheria na mambo mengi, haswa elimu. Nachukua nafasi hii kuwatakia kila la heri mkiwa katika Bunge hili na Nairobi kwa jumla. Nawatakia mema mnaporudi nyumbani.

Ahsante sana, Mhe. Spika wa Muda.

I take the discretion of re-arranging today’s Order Paper. We will proceed to put the question on Order No. 8 and Order No. 9 before we go back to Order No. 7.

Next Order!

Where is the Mover? Proceed, Hon. Mayaka.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg to move that the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 31 of 2024) be now read a Third Time.

I also request Hon. Zamzam to second. Hon. Zamzam Mohammed (Mombasa County) seconded.

I can see that Hon. Zamzam has seconded. (Question proposed)

Can I put the question?

Yes. (Question put and agreed to) (The Bill was accordingly read a Third Time and passed)

Next Order.

Where is the Mover?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the Gold Processing Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 46 of 2023), be now read a Third Time.

I request the Member for Navakholo, Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe, to second.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I second. (Question proposed) (Question put and agreed to) (The Bill was accordingly read

a Third Time and passed)

Hon. Stephen Mogaka.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for this opportunity. 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 rising incidents of political violence and insecurity across the country, particularly in Nyamira County.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the country has recently experienced an alarming increase in incidences of violence between rival political factions during public gatherings, particularly during funeral ceremonies, which are traditionally regarded as very solemn occasions for families and communities to mourn and accord their departed loved ones a dignified send-off. Regrettably, these occasions have increasingly been disrupted by organised goons resulting in chaos, destruction of property, fatalities, injuries, and heightened insecurity.

On 25th June 2026, a seemingly organised group of unknown origin disrupted a funeral ceremony at Endereti in Bomachoge, Borabu Constituency. Similarly, on 5th July 2026, another funeral gathering for my aunt, Mama Jemimah Mokogi, conducted at Nyamira Comprehensive School in West Mugirango Constituency, was disrupted by an organised group led by political failures, thus causing panic and disorder. More recently, on 24th July 2026, yet another funeral gathering was violently disrupted by another unknown organised group. Not to mention, earlier on, a funeral of 24 deaths arising from a road accident was disrupted at Rangenyo in my Constituency. Similarly, another funeral for the wife of pastor Sammy Ong’ondo was disrupted at Gianchore by organised goons.

Those recurring incidents have denied bereaved families the opportunity to mourn in dignity. It has exposed mourners to fear and possible physical harm and has undermined the very constitutional rights to security, peaceful assembly, and freedom of association that are fundamental rights under our 2010 Constitution.

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

Who is the Chairperson of that Committee? The Vice-Chairperson is Hon. Raso.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. What Hon. Stephen has presented to the House is loud and clear. The Committee will attempt to respond in two weeks, but I want to say as follows: The issue of goons and disturbance in meetings, weddings and burials, is getting pitched every day, and most of it is politically instigated. We cannot wish it away. We cannot look away and blame the police. The Inspector-

Fair enough! This will be responded to in two weeks. Next is Hon. Beatrice Kemei on the burden of cancer in the country and measures to enhance treatment and access to cancer care. Proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Pursuant to the provision of Standing Order 44 (2) (c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the growing pattern of cancer in Kenya and the need to strengthen prevention, early detection, treatment and access to cancer care, especially in Kericho County.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that cancer causes nearly 10 million deaths every year, accounting to almost one in every six deaths worldwide. In Kenya, the burden of cancer remains significant. According to the latest estimates reported by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCIK), approximately 35,867 new cancer cases and 22,888 cancer deaths occur annually. Breast, cervical, prostate and rectal cancers are among the cancers contributing significantly to the national burden.

The burden of cancer is compounded by late diagnosis, limited access to screening and diagnostic services, the high cost of treatment and inadequate access to specialised cancer care. Those challenges are more pronounced for people living in rural and under-served areas who may have to travel long distances to access cancer services.

Of particular concern, is the availability of reliable county-level data. While national statistics indicate the overall pattern, reliable and publicly reported figures on cancer deaths, especially attributable to Kericho County, remain limited. This presents a challenge in determining the actual level of need, and planning for appropriate cancer prevention, screening, treatment and palliative care services within the county.

It is against this background that I request the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health on the following:

The Chairperson of the Departmental

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. We will provide a report on this in about three weeks. This requires a detailed examination of cancer. We have a similar report for the whole country, but this one is specific to the county and, therefore, we will need more time.

Two weeks?

No. Three weeks.

Why three?

Because we need to gather the details for a specific county and so, we have to send people down there.

Ordinarily, these are statistics. You can have them through a phone call.

I am aware. We just provided a report about a month ago, on the national cancer status.

You need to disaggregate that to county level.

Quite often, if you simply do that, you may mess it up. It is better to have specifics. However, if you just want to segregate the data, that is straightforward. We can do that in two weeks.

No. Do a thorough job, but I am giving you two weeks.

Much obliged, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Dawood.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I join Hon. Kemei in her request for a statement. I introduced the Cancer Bill, but her figure is slightly wrong. It is not 25,000. It is over 40,000 deaths in Kenya due to cancer. She has stated that Kericho County has high cases of cancer but I believe Meru is even higher. I know every county has an issue with cancer. Would it be possible for the Chairman to arrange a Kamukunji where we can receive a report for each county on how we are managing the cancer issue in this country? It is poorly managed, and we need proper information on it. Thank you.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Lotee and Hon. Saney in that order.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, on 9th April 2026, I stood in this House and sought answers and clarifications from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education regarding the delayed promotion of teachers in Kacheliba Constituency. It has taken five months, and to date, I have not gotten those answers. I am worried whether the teachers that I represent will get justice. Hon. Temporary Speaker, can you intervene?

Hon. Member for Kacheliba, I will give you an opportunity to raise the same. I promise you. I will do whatever is within my authority as a Chair here, to demand an answer to that. Let us exhaust the health issue first.

Hon. Saney, is it on cancer and health?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, two years ago, I raised a statement on the removal of asbestos as roofing materials in Kenya. The matter was further taken up by the Cabinet, which authorised the removal of asbestos as roofing materials within six months. However, as we speak, nothing has been done about asbestos. I appreciate my colleague, Hon. Kemei, but it will be a mockery to talk about the prevention of cancer when

Fair enough. Hon. Mogaka, is it on cancer?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Yes. I thank Hon. Kemei for raising this issue. Her County neighbours Nyamira County. This means that problems in Kericho County extend to Nyamira County. I am begging that when the Chair of the Departmental Committee renders a report on Kericho, he can go a step further to include Nyamira County, so that we work together on the same path.

I thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Naomi.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I congratulate Hon. Kemei for coming up with this statement that is affecting the entire nation. As the Chair prepares the report for Kericho, I also want him to add my request. Marsabit is one of the counties that is highly affected. We even have young people, as young as six months and three years, who are suffering from cancer. Women specifically, have suffered a lot. I also request that Marsabit County be considered.

Thank you.

Hon. Adan, please proceed and be brief.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me this opportunity. I sincerely thank Hon. Kemei for bringing this issue. This is a nationwide problem. Cancer is a serious killer. Nowadays, all we hear is that so and so has died of cancer. Almost 40 or 50 per cent of deaths in the country are now as a result of cancer. Honestly, we are not taking this issue with the seriousness it deserves. If the Cabinet passed a resolution for asbestos roofing materials to be removed from this country over more than six months ago and no action has been taken, this is a very serious issue.

Secondly, as a country, we should look at the root causes of those cancers and prevent them because treatment has failed, and where it is available, it is so expensive that ordinary people cannot afford it at all. Therefore, I support the request for statement. I hope the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Health has heard us. This is a nationwide issue. We want a report that can satisfy us all.

Thank you so much.

Dr Makali, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. We all agree that this problem is countrywide. It is not unique to Kericho or any other county. Hon. Members, since this is the House that allocates resources, can we resolve that in the next Budget, we will provide enough resources to address issues that are related to cancer. If we do that, we will have no reason to be lamenting here that this is not happening. We should set aside enough resources. We can do that.

I have heard the Chair many times pleading with this House to give him more resources, and we always tell him we do not have. Let us just resolve to provide enough resources for cancer treatment, even as we talk about providing support for other diseases.

I submit, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

I will take comments from Hon. KJ, the Member for Garissa, Hon. Pukose and Hon. Mutunga. Take a minute each to build on this. I hope Hon. Nyikal is taking note.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I know your seat has the authority to ask the Departmental Committee on Health to expand the scope of this investigation to be slightly broader, to address two very key issues. Firstly, the issue in the area where you come from has a historical tie to the causes or issues that are making cancer more prevalent in North Eastern Province, up to and including the dumping of radioactive material during the Moi era, which is now mushrooming into this cancer prevalence all the way down to Eastern Province and even Meru.

Secondly, there is the issue that Hon. (Dr) Makali has just mentioned: that this is not a House of lamentations. This House will have to move to allay the fears of Kenyans by going out and giving great proposals that would see the stoppage of cancer, not only through medicine, but also through other alternative means that are available. When we limit ourselves to medicine, we lack the knowledge that Africans may have had, or other alternative medicine models that would help Kenya address this cancer issue beyond just investing in health alone, be it preventive measures, nutritional issues and all the other lifestyle matters that go beyond health.

I thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Member of Parliament for Garissa.There is a pattern that is building up in here and I can see a serious pattern. One is the dumping of radioactive toxic waste in certain parts of the country. The other one most likely has a lot to do with the kind of pesticides that we use in our cash crop areas where we have tea, coffee and miraa. We might, therefore, need to conduct powerful scientific research. Hon. Dekow, proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the same issue was raised by the Member of Parliament for Wajir South on the dumping of radioactive materials in the Northern part of this country. The direction was given by the Speaker to one of the Committees to start some investigations and visit the area, but that never materialised.

I also urge the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Health to consider the fact that there are three regional cancer centres in this country: Garissa, Mombasa, Nakuru and an upcoming one in Kisii. We need those centres to take care of cancer patients because it is a prevalent and a killer disease in the country. The problem with the cancer regional centres is that even counties are unable to manage them. Cancer patients do not come from one county but from the entire region. We, therefore, ask the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Health to consider the suggestion that the national Government takes over those regional cancer centres so that they are properly run under the Ministry of Health. Counties are no longer able to run those facilities. Even paying for electricity bills and buying consumables for those facilities is a problem to the counties. Those facilities are not operational most of the time.

Hon. Mutunga.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have been researching on the causes of cancer in this country and in my opinion, the Report needs to be very comprehensive so that we know the carcinogens that we are dealing with. In agriculture, there are many suspected carcinogens agrochemicals included. There is also aflatoxin which is highly suspected to cause cancer. For example, what is happening in Meru could be as a result of feeding on grains that are already affected by aflatoxin and not chemicals. Those toxicants could be the ones causing cancer.

Are you sure that it is not the kind of pesticides used on miraa and other cash crops that could be the cause of cancer in Meru?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, we do not use any pesticides on miraa. What has been suspected is the use of any chemical that has a carcinogenic component. That regular chemical needs to be checked. There has been a lot of literature floating around but some of it is not true, authentic or reliable and, therefore, cannot be referenced. However, there is some literature we can rely on. We need a thorough study on this so that we know whether glyphosates and aflatoxin cause cancer as has been suspected.

Hon. Pukose.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The Members are talking about cancer in general but there are various types of cancer and the epidemiological preference per are varies. A type of cancer that is common in Kisii might not be common in North Eastern. Just the way Hon. Makali Mulu has suggested, it is important we finance the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NIC-Kenya) so that it can assist us to do a proper survey on the types of cancers in different regions and their possible causes. What we are expressing here is general talk without an action that can help our country. For example, the Nairobi Cancer Registry which is done by KEMRI, is financed by foreigners. The Eldoret Cancer Registry is also funded by foreigners. And as a country and a responsible Parliament, we need to take charge of our country and health by adequately financing our own institutions so that they can give us proper data. This way, we will have a way forward on how to manage cancer. Some of the regional cancer centres are poorly managed. There are few trained doctors and proper consumables. The maintenance of those facilities is a problem.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. (Prof) Guyo followed by Hon. Wangwe who will be the last to contribute on this.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. It is true that there are regional cancer centres. It is also true that those centres do not serve one county. When the Committee visited the Garissa Cancer Centre, it found that it serves Kitui, Tana River, parts of North-Eastern, parts of Meru and even Somalia border. There are different cancer centres in the different regions and probably, at different levels of completion. The fact of the matter is that those centres cannot be managed by the counties. The Departmental

Fair enough. Professor, you have made your point. Hon. Wangwe, take a minute only and then Hon. Nyikal will respond to the concerns. I gave a leeway on this matter because of the concerns that Kenyans have on cancer.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I would like to make a request to you, the way Hon. KJ has done, that you expand the mandate of this request from the great Member. I chair the Public Investments Committee on Social Services Administration and Agriculture, where NIC-Kenya reports to in terms of their finances. And when you look at the Report I have submitted to this House, the dilemma NCI- Kenya has is the issue of funding. Once we fund NCI-Kenya, they can carry out the required research; out of which, the issues that are bedevilling cancer shall be dealt with.

Member for Ndhiwa.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. As a Member of the Departmental Committee on Health, I would also like to add my voice and tell Hon. Kemei that we are discussing a national crisis. Hon. Temporary Speaker, we are not challenging your ruling of giving the response in two weeks, but if it is to be done in a way that will also picture cancer funding, we need more time as a Committee, so that we can look at all the parameters involved.

Fair enough. The Chair will always ask for more time. Member for Mosop, I will give you a minute.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am in support of Hon. Kemei. Yesterday we buried a young boy in my constituency who was suffering from cancer. In another area, three people from one family have cancer. We are burying another one next week who also died of cancer. This has become a big menace. Almost 28,000 people die of cancer every year in this country. My request is that the Ministry of Health does cancer screening because what kills people is that they discover cancer in the third or fourth stage and there is nothing they can do at that point.

If one can catch it at stage I, it can be cured using medication, and that person will survive. Otherwise, it is a menace. It is the third largest cause of death in this country. The Ministry of Health has to do something about it.

You have made your point. Hon. Makau, please take one minute so that we can proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I join the thoughts of Hon. Kemei. He joins the long list of Members of Parliament in this House who have raised concerns about the increasing incidences of cancer in this country. When you listen to Members of Parliament here, they are concerned because, as we are told, we do not know the causes of that cancer. However, if we look at agriculture, we know that the inputs we are using, such as pesticides and insecticides that are entering Kenya, contain traces of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), which was banned many years ago.

I come from Lower Eastern. When you see the way Athi and Tana Rivers are polluted, you need not ask where the cancer is coming from. However, I wish to convince you that, sitting in the seat you are in, you can invoke Standing Orders 42A and 36B, read together with 25A, to summon Cabinet Secretaries for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry and Health here.

We have a lot of money in this country that can be allocated to cancer treatment and cancer research. In every district hospital, every Level 2, 3, 4, or 5 hospital in this country, you will find patients who are seriously suffering from cancer. From infants to old people. I invite this House to visit any of the cancer wards in this country. When we come back here, we will declare and force the Executive to call for a national disaster in matters of cancer. This is because if we leave it like this, we will not be doing justice to this country, and our generations will be wiped out by this animal called cancer.

I thank you.

Prof. Nyikal, you have a serious undertaking.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for actually giving the space for Members to comment. Cancer is a serious problem. As I was

How much more time do you need?

I think we will need at least a month.

Okay. Fair enough. It is so directed. Make sure that... (Hon. Raphael Wanjala spoke off the record) Order! The Chairman has asked for a month. He is not just an ordinary Chair. (Hon. Raphael Wanjala spoke off the record)

Order, Hon. Raphael Wanjala. Let me finish my communication. The Chair is not just an ordinary chair. He is a professor of medicine who has taught many people, including members of my own family. So, when he says he needs more time to come up with something good enough to satisfy Kenyans, I have a responsibility to grant him that leeway. Therefore, it is so granted that you take a month.

Yes, what is your problem, Hon. Raphael?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I just wanted to agree with the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Health. Asbestos was banned in this country in 2006. The departments responsible for implementing it have deliberately refused to do so. In 2013, the Hon. Member for Wajir brought a Petition, even to my Committee. On several occasions, we have called the Principal Secretary to come before our Committee…

Order, Hon. Raphael Wanjala. Thank you very much for that very powerful concern. But I do not know whether you are in the House or outside it. That asbestos matter was given serious leeway. It is part of that whole totality that Hon. Nyikal will come and report to this House. All the sentiments that were expressed in here.

Hon. Members, we want to make some progress. (Hon. Raphael Wanjala spoke off the record) Order! Please, Hon. Raphael. What is it? The lamentation you are making has already been addressed. Proceed and tell me if you have anything else. Do not repeat yourself.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am not repeating myself. I am just giving this matter a lot of weight. Cancer is now bigger than even HIV/AIDS. The Government officers are not seeing this. Even when they are summoned to our committees, they do not want to come. Today, we have issued a summons to the Principal Secretary for Environment. I notify this House that if he does not come this time, I will ask this House to sanction him. That is all I wanted to say.

Very well taken. I promise you that the Chairperson will fully co-operate on that.

Thank you.

Hon. Nyikal, I hope you get the gist of this thing. It is not purely medical. You have to coordinate with the Ministry of Environment

Hon. Temporary Speaker, first of all, I appreciate the teachers and the students who have travelled all the way to Nairobi and to this House. Busia is the farthest county in this country. It must have taken them more than 12 hours to arrive in Nairobi. I thank them and thank God for enabling them to reach here. I pray that He also enables them to go back. It is good that they have come to see what we do. I want these students to know that I came to this House at only 30 years old. I have stayed here till today. I ask them that now that they have seen what happens here, they should aspire so that when some of us retire, they can take over from us.

Thank you.

You do not tell them when to prepare themselves.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to take this singular opportunity to welcome the learners and teachers from Moody Awori Comprehensive School in Funyula Constituency.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, you remember you served here, probably with Uncle Moody. The school was started through the benevolence of Uncle Moody's family, who walked all the way from Eldoret, through Busia, to Funyula Constituency, to raise funds from his many friends to start the school. As I speak today, it is one of the biggest primary day schools in terms of enrolment in Western Kenya. It has over 2,000 learners at the moment. Luckily, they have always been among the best in all primary school examinations across Busia County. As a result, through NG-CDF, we have supported their development to ensure we provide a conducive environment. The learners who are here have heard a robust debate about cancer. I hope most of them will become doctors and oncologists so that we can address this menace in the country.

Fair enough.

I also wish that they will work hard to become good economic managers so that they can solve the country's economic challenges. As they go home, I will probably take on the Whip of the Minority Party. Many of them have televisions in their homes, unlike what was asserted yesterday.

Thank you. Travel well. We will see you outside Parliament.

Member of Parliament for Mosop, please give a word of encouragement to the visitors from Mosop and Kesses constituencies.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I welcome our children from Kimong Upper School. I am very happy to see them here. I did not expect to see them here, but I am so happy they are. I did not have the chance to attend such proceedings when I was their age. I want to tell the children that their school is among the best schools in Mosop Constituency. I challenge them to make sure that, as they watch the proceedings, there will be a day and time when they will be in this House. I believe it is possible.

I thank the parents and teachers for everything. Ahsante.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

What is out of order, Hon. Millie Odhiambo?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. You know that I will be the President in 2032. I leave the men to fight over it for now. That is their problem. However, in 2032, I will be the President. Consequently, correct things must be stated about me because I am going to become the President.

Hon. Oundo has just reported that the Whip of the Minority Party said that his constituents cannot afford a television and, therefore, cannot watch one. I am the Whip of the Minority Party, but I did not say that. Can he please correct the statement by saying that Hon. Millie has said that the people in Hon. Oundo’s constituency have and can watch television?

Fair enough. The Temporary Speaker has noted your sentiments and agrees with you. Hon. Members, we need to make progress. I now call upon the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party to make a Statement. I will break the tradition and allow him to attend to other business.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(a), I rise to present the following Statement, on behalf of the House Business Committee, which met on Tuesday, 11th August 2026 to prioritise business for consideration during the week, and the business coming before the House in the next week.

With regard to business scheduled for next week, Tuesday, 18th August 2024, the House is expected to consider the following Bills at various stages, some of which are listed in today’s Order Paper:

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Go ahead, Hon. Oundo.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, Hon. Baya is being ridiculous and mischievous. It is the Government that he currently serves that has refused to roll out development projects. He is now trying to hide behind other Members of Parliament to fight this regime’s failure. No Kenyan will be hoodwinked or cheated. Kiboko ni kile kale and it is going to be a tough one. It should go on record that their failure cannot be transferred to anybody else. Thank you.

The provision of electricity is a national Government function, not a function of a Member of Parliament. That should be noted. We have two more requests for statements that were swapped. Hon. Ikiara, please be very brief.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Labour regarding the harmonisation and strengthening of maternity leave entitlements for female employees in the country.

Article 41 of the Constitution guarantees every worker the right to fair labour practises and reasonable working conditions, while Article 53 of the Constitution provides that the best interests of the child are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child. The Constitution guarantees and underscores the need for policies and laws that adequately protect mothers and children during the critical period following childbirth. Section 29 of the Employment Act 2007 provides female employees with three months' maternity leave with full pay. The statutory entitlement falls below the minimum period of 14 weeks provided for under the International Labour Organisation Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No.183).

The duration and conditions of maternity leave have a direct bearing on the health and wellbeing of both mothers and children. Adequate maternity leave is critical to enabling mothers to recover from childbirth, initiate and sustain breastfeeding, provide essential early childhood care, and establish healthy mother-child bonds. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of the infant's life. The disparity in maternity leave also presents a broader question to different periods of leave depending on their sector or employment arrangements. There is, therefore, a need to consider whether the existing framework adequately promotes equitable maternity protection.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Labour on the following:

Is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Labour around? Who is a member of that Committee? When you seek a statement, it is self-explanatory. I will give those interested one minute each. We do not have to take all the time on this.

Yes, Mama Zamzam.

Ahsante sana, Mhe. Spika wa Muda. Kwa akina mama ambao wanajifungua watoto, hata ukiangalia katika sheria yetu ya dini, mama anashurutishwa kumnyonyesha mtoto mpaka miaka miwili. Katika sheria ya kimataifa, wanawake wengine wamepewa miezi sita, lakini hapa wengine wanapewa siku 120 na wengine siku 90. Kwa hivyo, inatofautiana sana. Kama Mama Mombasa County, ili mtoto apate huduma bora baada ya kuzaliwa, mama apewe siku za kumnyonyesha kulingana na sheria ambayo imewekwa kimataifa ya kukaa na mtoto nyumbani. Aweze kumjua ili wakati akimwacha na kurudi kazini, awe amemtengenezea mazingira mazuri ambayo mtu mwingine anaweza kumwangalia nyumbani.

Ahsante sana.

Hon. Millie.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I want to thank Hon. Dorothy for requesting for the statement. It is very important, as the request for statement suggests, that children remain with their mothers for an extended period, especially for breastfeeding. It was only yesterday, or the day before, that we were dealing with the Breastfeeding Mothers Bill by Hon. Sabina Chege.

Once the Committee takes up the Question, it should inform us of which agencies fall below the statutory provision and what action can be taken. But above that, I want to say that sometimes people challenge us and say that it is not possible. I know people might even challenge us and say that some of us are Members of Parliament; that is why we can do that. But when women who work under me go on maternity leave, I do not give them anything less than six months. Sometimes, I give them a year. This is because we must also practise what we preach. It is not only in my house. Even when I worked as a Director of The Cradle, that was the condition, and we sometimes gave up to a year. It has to come at a cost to you as an employer, because if you also want your children to be well cared for…

Thank you. You have made your point.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Donya, I thought you were going to give an undertaking on behalf of the Committee.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. You know, other countries give workers maternity leave allowance. They are given money for bringing forth a human being into this world. But we are not asking this country to give women the allowance. We are asking that they have the appropriate amount of time to rest with their babies, breastfeed, bond, and do some activities with their babies. Above all, there is nothing worse than having any disparity in leave days. As members of the Labour Committee, we will commit ourselves to providing the feedback within two weeks, and will consider this to the letter.

The last one is Hon. Dawood.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I agree with Hon. Donya’s request. The Committee should also consider paternity leave to align with maternity leave. This is to ensure that it is structured. Thank you.

Hon. Donya, how long do you need to bring a response? It is a comprehensive thing. It is harmonisation. It means you have to go through the broad spectrum of employers in the private sector, public sector and everywhere else to come up with a comprehensive report. To say: “This is how the practice is now, and this is how we intend to seek harmonisation,” whether through an amendment to the labour laws or whatever it is. So, give yourself enough time. Do not say two weeks, then come back and say you need more time. Proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, if you had not mentioned the complexity of the matter, I would have told you that, on this issue, if we sit down as women, we will give you a response in two days because we know what we are going through. This is practical, not theory. We know what women go through. So, when I say it is two weeks, it is two weeks. It is a serious matter. Thank you.

When you look at the question, it is not the emotional aspect here. The question says “harmonisation.”

The truth of the matter…

Order. Hon. Donya, I do not think you understand what the request for statement seeks to achieve. It is about harmonisation. This means you first of all study exactly what the current state is in the public and the private sectors, and how much time they give. Then you come together with that, collect the report, collate it and say: “We intend to harmonise by saying six months, or one year, or two months, or two weeks.” It is up to you.

So, do not under-estimate the complexity of the matter itself, as you are answering a sought statement. You are not answering your heart.

Proceed, my dear lady from Samburu, if I am not wrong.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this chance to contribute on the issue of breastfeeding and the leave allowance for mothers. This is a very serious matter that needs to be given a lot of attention because during delivery, mothers go through a lot of difficulty. Not all deliveries are easy. Even bonding with the children requires a lot of time. Mothers need to recover. They need to take time to heal. They even need to get their bodies back to working well. So, they need to be given enough time as proposed by the Member who has just read the request for statement.

So, this issue needs to be discussed in depth not only by women, but by all employers in this country. This must be clearly put into our legislation such that, if an employer employs a lady and she gets pregnant, she needs to be taken care of during her pregnancy. She needs to be given enough time after delivery. We are proposing six months and beyond so that she can heal and regain the energy to perform her work.

Secondly, after women have given birth, our institutions need to consider those breastfeeding women because, sometimes, some come to work while carrying their children. Even getting a place to sit and breastfeed their children is a problem. So, we need all institutions, including Parliament, to set aside a special place for breastfeeding, so that those ladies who have given birth can continue breastfeeding their children after the expiry of their maternity leave. This will enable us to take care of the children and their mothers well. We need all the institutions, including Parliament, to set a special place for breastfeeding of our children so that ladies who deliver can continue breastfeeding even after the expiry of the maternity leave period. By doing so, we will take care of the children and mothers as well.

Fair enough. (Hon. Amos Maina gestured with his hand) I will give you an opportunity. Just relax. We have certain traditions, even within the wider spectrum of our own community. For example, in one or two communities, I know the wives are supposed to breastfeed for at least two to three years. The Maa Community. Am I right? In that time, women were not even allowed to consummate love with their husbands. Am I right?

That goes also for the Boranas. It used to go for the Somalis in the olden days. I do not know whether it is still there and so, you need to do something. You need to do psychosocial support in the private and public sectors.

Yes, Hon. Maina

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I want to put my thoughts into this because I represent a rather different constituency, where most of my constituents, mostly women, are single and are independently employed. They are the people who are working in the markets and employing themselves. Let it not be lost to us that a few days ago, the President said once a person gets pregnant, they can start getting paid.

Yes, that is what he said from State House.

Order! Order. The honourable Member has the right. Proceed.

That is what he said, and I think it will also be advantageous to us if those women who work in those markets also get some stipend during that leave so that they can survive during their maternity leave. There is no woman who is more woman than the other. They also deserve that stipend as they are breastfeeding their children for a period of six months. I think this is something that should be looked at generally. We should not subject only those women who are...

Order! You have made your point very well. I do understand. The Chair understands what you have said. You are talking about maternity leave for people who are in gainful employment. How about the ones who are self- employed? How about the casuals? You see what I mean? What he is actually saying is that not all women are in employment. There are women who do not have employment, but who still need to bond with their children. Now, how do you go about it? You are right. I think you have a very strong point on this.

Hon. Millie, you should weigh in on this. Yes.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have brought a Bill which the Departmental Committee on Health has deemed not necessary to bring. It is called the Family Reproductive Healthcare Bill. It looks at the entire spectrum. It looks at all women as a whole. However, we must realise that what the Member is saying is true. There is a challenge because of the economic situation of the country. As I said, there are women who work for me, whether as house helps or otherwise. They are not self-employed. The challenge is what about that woman who is self-employed?

Absolutely.

And who earns Ksh2,000 or Ksh3,000 per month? How do they survive? The only thing that I am not too sure he got right is that the President said all women who are pregnant will be paid by the President.

I am not too sure about that. I have not heard that too.

I am not too sure because I will get pregnant tomorrow. I also want that money. I do not think the President said that.

I have not heard that but, nonetheless, do not invoke the President’s name. You are not a Cabinet Secretary. You know what I mean. The only people who can invoke the President’s name or rather Government policy are the people who are in the Government. Anyway, proceed.

Hon. Donya, based on the complexities of what you have heard, how much time do you need? The House is trying to help you.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, as much as we want to help Hon. Donya, I also want to help the workers to get the information adequately.

How much time do you need?

This is not rocketing science, Hon. Temporary Speaker. We already have it in the Employment Act, 2007. Just allow me to be firm with my two weeks. There is nothing… (Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona spoke off the record) I am the one who has been asked, Hon. Millie, and we will work on it. I insist we will do the report in two weeks. So, you dare us. It is okay.

It is so directed that you should have this report in two weeks’ time.

Hon. Dido Raso. MP for Saku on lands.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provision of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands regarding the reversion of land previously acquired by the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) in Qilta Korma Location, Saku Constituency.

The Temporary Speaker, in 1995, the local community in Saku Constituency surrendered a parcel of community land situated in Qilta Korma Location, which was then held in trust by the former Marsabit County Council, to the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation through compulsory acquisition. The acquisition was undertaken in the public interest to facilitate the establishment of a KBC earth-ground station intended to enhance and expand FM radio broadcasting services from the northern region of Kenya.

Technological advancements in the broadcasting sector have, over time, rendered the earth-ground station obsolete. Consequently, the facility has been abandoned and is no longer operational, while the land on which it is situated has remained idle and unutilised for several

Departmental Committee on Lands. Yes. Give an undertaking.

I give an undertaking of two weeks. You will have a reply on this issue.

It is so directed. (Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe spoke off the record) Is it on the same? No! This is a specific request. It is not a general countrywide issue. This is for Saku. (Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe spoke off the record) What is it? No. You see this business of riding on…

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. It is just enriching what Mheshimiwa has said. Allow me to request that the House benefits from me as the Chairperson of the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PIC-SSAA). While he will be doing the report, let him also include if that property has ever been attached in terms of it having been used by the KBC to secure any loan.

Used by KBC to secure loan?

Yes. Let him go a step further to make sure he also reveals it to the House.

If it is free of any encumbrances.

Yes. Thank you.

Okay. You have heard that, Hon. Rtd. Major.

I have taken note of that, The Temporary Speaker.

Yes.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Riding on what the Member for Saku has said, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation has land all over the country. In each town, be it Kitale, Mombasa or the one in Kisii Town, they are now moribund. There are people who are doing mitumba business from the premises. Honestly, we believe that some of those assets should just be returned to the Government. We have gone digital. Look at Royal Media Services (RMS). For example, Royal Media Services (RMS) has offices in Hurlingham, three floors only, but their channels are digitally available and can be heard even in Australia. Why does KBC need all those parcels of land which they are not using?

Thank you.

Fair enough. We have taken note of that. Hon. KJ.

The retired military officer, Hon. Ali Raso, has raised a real concern, and great comments are coming from the House. However, I must notify this House that KBC is in the process of undertaking a good survey of what that agency has been in the last 50 years. There is even a Cabinet Paper being processed as we speak. It is on how to deal with the lands that are across the country.

If anyone did a diligent observation, they would realise that there has been reclamation of land that had been encroached into. More importantly, for taking the debate forward, the plan is to ensure that the land KBC owns first benefits the corporation up to and including retired members of staff and other people who have worked for KBC. That agency owes them to the tune of billions of shillings. That is also crippling the core function of the broadcaster. The National Treasury and Economic Planning, the Executive, and even this Parliament are taking steps of modernising KBC. We must first take stock of all the assets they have. Affordable housing projects are as well coming into some of the lands that KBC is not utilising. Some of those land issues shall be sorted out for good with the modernisation of KBC, rationalisation of their staff, and working on legacy problems at KBC.

I thank you, The Temporary Speaker.

Okay. Let us go to the next matter which is the responses sought. On the response from the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, I am made to understand that the honourable Member who asked is not around. The response to the request for statement will be made available to her and the House at a later date. (Statement deferred) Is Hon. Machua Waithaka in the House?

No, he is not around.

I can respond.

You better wait.

Okay, table the Statement. (Hon. John Kiarie tabled the Statement)

Then, we will proceed to the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Energy on response to electricity connectivity in public schools in Isiolo County. Proceed.

Hon. Mumina is present. Hon. Mumina, do you have a copy of the response?

Fair enough. Summarise it.

Thank you. Following the submissions as requested by Hon. Mumina Bonaya, the Member of Parliament for Isiolo County.

On the first question, the response is that the Ministry, through the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Cooperation (REREC), has been electrifying public primary schools in Isiolo County to date. The corporation has connected a total of 112 public primary schools have been connected to electricity in the two constituencies of Isiolo North and Isiolo South. Out of the 112 schools, 96 schools are connected to the grid and 15 are both on grid and solar, while one school is on solar. Over time, the schools on solar require regular maintenance of solar batteries to ensure they are in good working condition based on the available budget. Annex 1 provides a detailed list of all schools REREC has connected to electricity in Isiolo County.

Regarding question two, the response is that the Government, through REREC continues to implement the Solar for Schools and Solar for Schools Maintenance Programme to provide reliable electricity to public learning institutions located in areas where grid connectivity is unavailable or requires system enhancement.

To increase power connectivity in Isiolo, the Government has come up with off-grid initiatives such as the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP) in Isiolo County where REREC and Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC) are already implementing solar mini- grids and standalone Photo Voltaic (PV) systems to control around 800 beneficiaries at a cost of Ksh456 million.

The initiatives aim to improve electricity access and promote renewable energy solution in Isiolo County. The KPLC is installing a standalone PV system in public facilities and REREC is installing five mini-grid systems as indicated on Table 1 below. It will be completed by September 2026. Table 1 indicates 12 KOSAP mini-grid and standalone solar in Isiolo County. The interventions intend to improve reliability of electricity supply in schools and support implementation of competency-based education through enhanced access to digital learning infrastructure.

On question 3, the response is that the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum through REREC continues to identify and plan electrification projects to public learning institutions across the country, subject to availability of budget allocations. Currently, 17 public schools and secondary schools in Isiolo County have been identified and included in the Corporation’s planning database for future electrification. Implementation of the remaining identified school’s electrification projects will be undertaken progressively based on availability of funds under future Government budgetary allocations. The new schools that are from time to time identified in Isiolo County will be considered alongside other public facilities subject to availability of budgetary allocation.

In addition, the number of new public schools being established kept on increasing throughout the country. Hence, the Corporation has continued to lobby a dedicated budget line for electrification of public institutions that include secondary schools, primary schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs), community water projects, among others.

The Temporary Speaker, I beg to respond.

I wish to thank the Ministry for the response but, I must say I am disappointed. The response given did not address my concerns nor speak to the specific questions that I asked in my request for statement. My request for statement provided a list of schools that are yet to be connected to electricity and asked specific questions.

My first question was the status report of electricity connection to public primary and secondary schools. In the response, the Ministry did not talk about secondary schools. It only focused on primary schools and yet, my request for statement had both public primary and secondary schools.

Secondly, in their response, they listed 112 primary schools as having been connected. If you compare the 112 schools listed as connected with the 58 schools that I listed as not connected, then the report you are giving is misleading. Why is the Ministry misleading this House? Most of the schools they have listed among those 112 schools as connected are yet to be connected. Further, I asked about the short-term measures that the Ministry has put in place to provide alternative energy sources for schools that are still unconnected. The Competency- Based Education (CBE) requires digital learning as part of the curriculum, which requires a source of energy. Therefore, there was no response to the question on the alternative measures in place.

On the plans and budgetary allocation by the Ministry to ensure that the schools are connected, the only response they gave, which they did casually, was that this would be done subject to the availability of funds in future. There are no plans, no budgetary allocation and nothing.

Finally, The Temporary Speaker, they have listed mini-grids to be established in seven areas. However, they have not shown how the schools will be connected thereafter. Those are my concerns. Nothing in that response has addressed the issues I raised in my statement.

I thank you. (Hon. (Dr) Ojiambo Oundo raised his hand)

Yes, Hon. Oundo. What is the issue? Go ahead.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the other side gets so jittery whenever I am given a microphone. I do not know why. I thank the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Energy for being a forthright and hardworking Member of Parliament and Chair. Sometimes, I sympathise with him, as I do with many of the Chairs, because they come to this point. The point raised by my colleague here is about connectivity to public institutions. It is unacceptable that in the context of CBE, you find primary and secondary schools, and even technical training institutes that are not connected to mains electricity. As a country and as Parliament, Chair, if you go to consider the Supplementary Budget or any other budget, please drop everything else. Make sure all public primary and secondary schools, and technical training institutes have electricity connected.

I will move a substantive Question. I have five primary schools in my constituency built by the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) during my term that have no power. I have a youth technical institute that was built by NG-CDF before it was passed over to the national Government.

Order! You have made your point. Once you say “all”, you have made your point. Do not engage in a debate on your constituency when, indeed, what we are discussing is Mumina’s constituency. (Hon. Ali Raso raised his hand)

Yes. Do you wish to?

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Hon. Mumina was specific about the schools. She did not ask about settlements, new areas and all that. If education is the single equaliser and half the schools in the county do not have electricity, it means they cannot access computers, social media or the new gadgets that learners use to access education. For that reason, when a colleague raises such a question, the answer should never be pedestrian. The Department must take stock of the issues. How can they come in and support that particular region? The issue of marginalisation is clear in this case. The children in Isiolo cannot perform well in national examinations.

Fair enough. You have made your point, Hon. Dido Raso. Chair, Hon. Mumina asked about specific institutions. You have gone to areas that she did not seek. Can you go back and, instead of saying that this will be done when funds are available, give a definitive undertaking that you will seriously look into this and see how those institutions can also be provided for? Mini-grids do not cost so much. It is different for somebody coming from Mumina’s constituency and my constituency, where children have not seen electricity for more than half of the constituency all their lives. You need to be sensitive to this and give a definitive undertaking on how you intend to tackle that problem. If you do not have the answer right now, ask the Chair to allow you to go back and return with a more comprehensive answer.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Exactly, that is what I wanted to say, and it is unfortunate. If she did ask specifically for the 58 and they are not listed here, then—

Secondly, it is also important because we had shared this before I was given an opportunity to respond.

Fair enough, Hon. Chair. How much more time do you need to come back with a specific undertaking?

Two weeks, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Two weeks is sufficient. It is so granted. It is directed that you come back with this answer in two weeks’ time. We have exhausted that matter. (Hon. Ali Raso raised his hand) You are lucky that the Temporary Speaker comes from an area similar to yours and is prosecuting the matter for you, not just yourselves.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg your indulgence for Hon. Mumina to sit with the Chairman, so that the Committee Members—

The Chair has already given that indication that he is willing to sit down with Hon. Mumina, and he regrets the fact that the schools she listed are not covered here. Am I right, Chair? (Hon. David Gikaria spoke off the record) You are going to sit with Hon. Mumina and go through this. Go back to your principals and come back with a specific, time-bound undertaking on when those children will have electricity like the rest of the country. I am sure you are satisfied with that.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Member for Starehe.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(e), I rise to make a Personal Statement regarding the withdrawal and transfer of my personal bodyguard, Constable George Mwirigi Muturi, Service No. 201/506/2670, from my official security detail. He had been assigned to me in the course of my official duties as a Member of Parliament. However, recently, he was recalled from my security detail and re-designated to his former duty station in Keiyo North Sub-County, thereby ceasing to serve as part of my designated security detail.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am particularly concerned that the recall and transfer of the officer was effected on 8th July 2026, during the heated campaigns for the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election. This was done without prior consultation or communication to me on the reasons for the action and without a replacement being assigned to my security detail.

I wish to be on record that the withdrawal of a security officer assigned to a Member of Parliament is a matter that ought to be handled with due regard to the security requirements and official responsibilities of the Member concerned. The absence of my designated personal security officer has implications on my safety and may adversely affect my ability to discharge my constitutional and parliamentary responsibilities effectively, particularly, in the course of undertaking official duties and engaging with constituents and members of the public.

I, therefore, seek directions of the Hon. Speaker on the matter and, in particular, request that the appropriate authority inquire into the circumstances leading to the transfer of constable George Mwirigi Muturi, establish the reasons for his removal from my personal security detail and clarify measures being taken to ensure that my personal security is reinstated.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Personal statements are not debated. But just for the curiosity of the House, does it mean that you now do not have security?

Yes, I do not have any.

How many were you allocated in the first place?

I had one.

And that one has been withdrawn?

He was withdrawn during the Ol Kalou by-elections. I do not know for what reason. (A Member spoke off the record) I am in Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). I am in Wantam. Nevertheless…

Order! Order. Zima hiyo. You know, when the Temporary Speaker gets sensitive and is worried about your own security, do not politic. Do you see what I mean?

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

You cannot have a point of order; you cannot have any debate; and you cannot raise anything. That was just for the curiosity of the Chair.

Next Order.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to prosecute this matter in the Order Paper. I beg to move that the Equalisation Fund Appropriation Bill, (National Assembly Bill No.39 of 2026), be now read a Second Time.

This is a very short Bill. It should take this House about five minutes and we are done with it and then proceed to the Committee of the whole House. The House, having approved the allocations to the Equalisation Fund in the Budget Estimates, it is now the turn of the House again to give the Government powers and authority to withdraw the required funds for implementation of the programmes that are outlined in the Bill.

The Bill proposes to appropriate Ksh10.25 billion for the 2026/2027 Financial Year, representing 0.5 per cent of the audited national revenue for Financial Year 2022/2023, which was Ksh2,050,000,000,000.1, as mandated by Article 204 of the Constitution.

This allocation is consistent with the Division of Revenue Act, 2026, and the Financial Year 2026/2027 Budget Estimates, which were approved by this House in June 2026. The Fund is established under Article 204(2) of the Constitution to progressively uplift marginalised areas to the level of development enjoyed by the rest of the country, under the provision of basic services, including water, roads, health facilities and electricity.

Under Articles 204(4) and 216(4) of the Constitution, the Commission on Revenue Allocation is mandated to identify marginalised areas and publish the criteria for such identification. I would like to just inform Members that the formula which we are applying in this Bill is new and was developed by the Commission on Revenue Allocation.

For Members who come from North Eastern and who may be in the House, we have been having difficulties convincing Members that this new formula should obtain. The reason being that this new policy, which we call the Second Marginalisation Policy, has identified about 1,424 marginalised sub-locations across 34 counties and 107 constituencies, using a deprivation index that is constructed from indicators of access to safe water, sanitation, electricity and school attendance. This index forms the basis for sharing funds from the Equalisation Fund.

Most Members have argued that the intention of the Equalisation Fund was not to distribute these resources to sub-locations, and that, indeed, the Fund was supposed to act or be used to put in place infrastructure, in most cases, in the North Eastern parts of the country. Actually, from my understanding, and because I was also alive when the Constitution was being drafted, my opinion is that this Fund is supposed to serve and uplift North Eastern areas. But it has come to a situation where regions in Central and Nyanza are classified as marginalised. Those are some of the issues we are having with Members from certain areas who think that the formula should not obtain.

In the total allocation of Ksh10,025,000,000, Ksh307,052,000 is reserved for secretariat recurrent expenses, being not more than 3 per cent of the total allocation as provided for under the Public Finance Management Act. The balance of Ksh9.94 billion is allocated for development expenditure based on the deprivation index.

The development allocation of Ksh9.94 billion is distributed based on the allocation factor that is assigned to each marginalised area under the Second Marginalisation Policy. The bulk of the funds are directed towards arid and semi-arid areas, with Turkana receiving the

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Yes, what is your point of order, Hon. Kore?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. This is a very important Bill. Members from Northern Kenya, in general, have a lot of interest. We have neither internalised nor discussed this at length. I am not even sure whether we have the quorum to discuss this important Bill at this stage.

Are you raising a question of quorum?

Yes.

Clerk-at-the-Table, check if we have quorum.

(The Clerk-at-the-Table took a head count of Members present) Ring the Quorum Bell. Where are the Whips? Go and look for your Members. (The Quorum Bell was rung) (Several Members stood in the gangways)

Order, Hon. Members. Hon. Wangwe, order! Take the nearest seat. Hon. Murugara, Hon. Rozaah Buyu, take a seat. Take a seat, Hon. Dawood.

Hon. Members, the time being