May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1

Thursday, 14th May, 2026

Clerk, do we have a quorum?

Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly, ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.

Hon. Senators, let us settle down for business because we have the quorum. Clerk, please, read out the first Order.

Senators, please, find your way to your seats, or even the nearest one. There is no specific seat for any Senator. Sen. Wamatinga, please, have a seat.

Hon. Senators, I have two Communications to make at this juncture.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 2

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

I join you, on behalf of my colleagues, to welcome the guests, visiting Members of Parliament and their staff from the Parliament of the Republic of Gambia, who, as you have communicated, are here on a study tour and have interacted with quite a number of our staff. If they have not, they soon will with some of the Members of this House.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I hope that in their interaction, they will extend an invitation because one of the biggest tragedies of us parliamentarians in this House, is

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 3

Thank you, the Senate Majority Leader. In my opinion, you should not complain, but compliment them that they have a strong team. Harambee Stars should learn from them.

The Senate Minority Leader, please, proceed to your seat. Hon. Senators, I have another Communication.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 4

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I welcome the students from Kericho Day Secondary School. This is one of the largest day schools that we have in Kericho County and has been there for quite a while.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, these students are welcome. I hope they get to interact with as many Members as possible. Certainly, the Senator will spare a minute or two to walk to the back of the Chamber should the business of the day ease a bit.

Currently in my office, I have a staffer by the name Lillian who is an alumnus of this school. I hope, since I know she is watching, that she will also find time to welcome these students and inspire them. I wish you well as you travel around the city and back home. Pass my regards to your parents.

I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Hon. Senators, today, we have enough visitors visiting the Senate, so, just so relax, so that we welcome all of them.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 5

Next Order. Sen. Mumma, you have a Petition.

Thank you, honorable Deputy Speaker, Sir. Kindly allow me to read a Petition to the Senate concerning the Shanta Gold Kenya Limited proposed underground mining project in Isulu-Bushiangala, Ikolomani Constituency in Kakamega County.

We, the undersigned citizens of the Republic of Kenya and members of the Isulu- Bushiangalai, Ikolomani Constituency in Kakamega County, draw the attention of the Senate to the following in regard to the ongoing process of prospecting and licensing of Shanta Gold Kenya Limited and other actors to undertake gold mining in Isulu- Bushiangala, Ikolomani in Kakamega County.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 6

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 7

Hon. Senators, pursuant to Standing Order No.238 (1) , I commit the Petition to the Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources.

In terms of Standing Order No. 238 (2) (a) , the Committee is required, in not more than 60 calendar days from the time of reading the prayer, to table its report in the Senate for consideration. The Senate shall, therefore, consider and adopt the report of the Committee.

Chairperson, Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources, you are appropriately guided.

Hon. Senators, I now wish to reorganise the order of business this afternoon. We defer Order Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and go straight to Order No. 12.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 8

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 9

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 10 ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, INDUSTRIALIZATION AND TOURISM ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON COUNTY PUBLIC ACCOUNTS ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON COUNTY PUBLIC INVESTMENTS AND SPECIAL FUNDS ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON DELEGATED LEGISLATION BUSINESS OF THE WEEK COMMENCING TUESDAY 2ND JUNE, 2026

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 11

Hon. Senators, the three minutes are over. Serjeant-at-Arms, close the doors and draw the bars.

We are going to the Division and we are voting electronically. Sen. George Mbugua and Sen. Beatrice Ogola---

Okay, good. Sen. Mbugua, know that you have been enabled to vote electronically on behalf of the Nyandarua County Delegation. For those who are not familiar with the new system---

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 12

Hon. Senators, I will now give the results of the Division on the Forest Conservation and Management Amendment Bill, National Assembly Bill No.38 of 2025.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 13 ABSENTIONS: Nil

You know, on several occasions I have advised Senators what to do when the Chair stands up in the Committee of the Whole. You look at the Chair and bow to this side and to that side.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, together with my committee, we do not wish to proceed with the amendments.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 14

Yes, Madam Chairperson.

Division at the end. Clauses 11, 12, 13 and 14

Division at the end. Clause 15

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Mumma) : Chairperson?

Madam Chairperson, upon consultation with the Committee, we do not wish to proceed with the amendments.

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Mumma) : I propose the question that the amendments to Clause 15 be dropped as proposed by the Chairperson.

I put the question that the amendments to Clause 15 be dropped as proposed by the Chairperson.

Division at the end. Clauses 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20

Division at the end. Clause 21

Chairperson?

Madam Chairperson, upon consultation with the Committee, we do not wish to proceed with the amendments. The Temporary Chairperson (

Madam Temporary Chairperson, upon consultation with the Committee, we do not wish to proceed with the amendments.

The Temporary Chairperson

(Sen. Mumma)

: Division at the end. The Title and Clause 1

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Mumma) : Division at the end. Hon. Members, we have finished canvassing the clauses. We will now request that the Division Bell be rung for five minutes.

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Mumma) : You can stop the Division Bell. I think we have the numbers. Please, draw the Bar and close the doors.

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Mumma) : Hon. Members, you may now vote. Hon. Members, please vote.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 15

Madam Temporary Chairpeson, upon consultation with the Committee, we do not wish to proceed with the amendment.

Division at the end. Clauses 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27

Division at the end. Clause 2

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the Committee has considered the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.38 of 2025) and its approval thereof without amendments.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 17

Hon. Senators, I can see the Bar is already withdrawn. Can you also open the doors? Hon. Senators, kindly do not leave because we have another Division.

Chairperson to report.

Division at the end. Hon. Members, we have finished canvassing the clauses. We will now request that the Division Bell be rung for five minutes. (The Division Bell was rung) The Temporary Chairperson (

Hon. Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.38 of 2025) and its approval thereof without amendments.

You can stop the Division Bell. I think we have the numbers. Please, draw the Bar and close the doors. (The Bar was drawn and the door closed) The Temporary Chairperson (

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

I request Sen. Olekina to second.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 16

Sen. Kinyua, what is it you are doing on the chairs?

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 17

Mover.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.38 of 2025) and its approval thereof without amendments.

Mover.

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

I request Sen. Olekina to second.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 19

Order, Senators. These are the results of the Third Reading of the Bill-

Sen. Kinyua, what is it you are doing on the chairs?

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 18 THIRD READING THE FOREST CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILLS NO.38 OF 2025)

Mover.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.38 of 2025) be now read a Third Time. I request Sen. Olekina to second.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I too second.

Sen. Olekina has never seconded any Bill without taking almost 20 minutes to second or to---

Honorouble Senators, you know I have been around for quite some time. The reason the Speaker pauses when the Bill is read a Third Time is to give an opportunity to any Member who wishes to contribute or to say something at that point, right? So, I must school some of the Senators who do not know why the Chair must pause.

Members, we are going to the Division again, and I request that the Division Bell be rung for two minutes. If we have a Quorum, then we can proceed.

If we have a quorum, Serjeant-at-Arms, close the doors and draw the Bar.

Remember, I did put the question. So, we can go directly to the voting.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 19

Order, Senators. These are the results of the Third Reading of the Bill-

There is a notice to be given by the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Delegated Legislation.

Order, Senators. If you are retreating, kindly do it serenely.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 20 EXTENSION OF TIME FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE TRAFFIC RULES, 2026 AND NTSA (OPERATION OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, 2026

Thank you, Honourable Speaker. I beg to give a notice of the following Motion-

THAT AWARE THAT, the Traffic

(School Transport)

Rules, 2026

; the Traffic

(Drink-Driving)

Rules, 2026

; the Traffic

Rules, 2026

; and the National Transport and Safety Authority

Regulations, 2026

were tabled in the Senate on 26th February 2026, and referred to the Select Committee on Delegated Legislation for consideration pursuant to Section 12

(1)

of the Statutory Instruments Act; COGNIZANT THAT pursuant to section 15

(1)

and

(2)

of the Statutory Instruments Act the Committee is required to consider the regulations and make its determination within twenty-eight sitting

(28)

days after the date of referral of the instruments by the Senate which period will lapse on Tuesday, 2nd June, 2026; AWARE THAT Section 15

(3)

of the Statutory Instruments Act provides that, by a resolution, Parliament may extend the time for consideration of a Statutory Instrument by a period not exceeding twenty- one

(21)

calendar days; NOTING THAT the Committee requires additional time to hold meetings with key stakeholders, including the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport; NOW THEREFORE, the Senate, pursuant to Section 15

(3)

of the Statutory Instruments Act, resolves to extend the timeline for the consideration of the Traffic

(School Transport)

Rules, 2026

; the Traffic

(Drink-Driving)

Rules, 2026

; the Traffic

Rules, 2026

; and the National Transport and Safety Authority

Regulations, 2026

for a further twenty-one

(21)

Calendar days to enable the Committee to conclude its consideration on or before, Tuesday, 23rd June,

Hon. Senators, again, I want to rearrange the Order Paper. We will defer Order Nos.7 and 8 for a while and proceed to Order No.9.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 21

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 22 ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL COHESION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY, DEFENSE AND FOREIGN RELATIONS ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, INDUSTRIALIZATION AND TOURISM ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON COUNTY PUBLIC ACCOUNTS ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON COUNTY PUBLIC INVESTMENTS AND SPECIAL FUNDS ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON DELEGATED LEGISLATION

There are Members interested to in contributing to this Motion.

Proceed, Sen. M. Kajwang’.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to move the following Motion-

THAT AWARE THAT, the Traffic

(School Transport)

Rules, 2026

; the Traffic

(Drink-Driving)

Rules, 2026

; the Traffic

Rules, 2026

; and the National

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 23

Sen. Mungatana Danson.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to thank the honourable Chairperson, Sen. Gataya Mo Fire, for moving this Motion on extension of time.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I ask to be protected from Sen. Cherarkey.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I need to be protected from Sen. Kinyua.

Order, Sen. Kinyua and Sen. Cherarkey.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the reason that we seek this House to give us an extension of time at the Committee on Delegated Legislation is because there are four important traffic regulations and rules that are being introduced.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 24

Order, Senators. Order, Senate Majority Leader.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 25

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think it is fair even though this looks like a Procedural Motion. Ideally, this is not a Procedural Motion. When you extend time that is prescribed in the Standing Orders, it is no longer procedural, but substantive because there is a reason those timelines were put in place.

Whereas I rise to support the request because I know the Chairperson of the Committee and the Seconder of the Motion are men of good intentions, the only reason I have risen is that there is a problem when it comes to delineation of the role of the national Government and county governments when it comes to traffic control and management.

My Committee just returned from a visit to South Africa. While in South Africa, we sat with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. Looking at the books of one of the metropolitan cities, it emerged that in that metropolitan city, the leadership decided to turn off instant fines and as a result the municipality lost R2 billion. You can imagine how much money that is. That is almost Kshs18 billion lost through instant fines that were turned off.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to point or raise the attention of this House that the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution gives county governments the responsibility of county transport, including traffic and parking, street lighting, public roads transport et cetera. When the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) comes up with an instant fine system, is that a national or county function? We have seen in jurisdictions like South Africa that those then go to devolved or decentralised governments.

The reason I rose is to ask the Chairperson of the Committee that with the extension that we have given him, let him not allow the national Government to get away with functions that are clearly marked as county functions. I know this is a concurrent or a function assigned to both the national Government and county governments.

Part 1 (18) of the Fourth Schedule assigns the national Government transport and communication, including road traffic. Part 2 assigns county governments county transport, including traffic and parking. Let us not encourage a situation where the national Government monopolises issues to do with traffic, transport and parking. I hope that the Chairperson of the Committee will scrutinise these regulations and ensure that the national Government does not take them away.

Instant fines collected within Nairobi City County ideally should go to the County Revenue Fund (CRF) rather than to the national Government. That is the situation in other countries with similar devolved structures. If the Governor of Nairobi implements an instant fine system, Nairobi City County would pay all its obligations. Therefore, it will not have to rely on the national disbursements for it to continue operating.

I hope that we are not just ticking boxes. I hope that we are going to annul any regulation that attempts to take away the power of county governments. I hope that the Council of Governors (CoG) will come out strongly to ensure that we defend their territory as provided for in Part 2 of the Fourth Schedule.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 26

Fair enough. Proceed, Sen. Kisang.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also rise to support the Motion seeking to extend the time of the Committee. From what the Chairperson and the Member who seconded the Motion said, the NTSA wants to come up with a raft of measures, especially doing inspection on all vehicles that are over four years since being manufactured.

If you go to the streets, I am sure you will find that over 95 per cent of the vehicles are over four years since they were manufactured. I do not know if the NTSA has the capacity to undertake inspection of all the vehicles, unless they want to use that particular avenue to raise money for themselves. If in the process they employ our youth, we will not have a problem with that.

We would like the Committee to undertake thorough public participation on these particular regulations, so that people do not go to court. Remember the other day when the NTSA and traffic police wanted to implement instant fines on the roads, people went to court to stop it because there was no proper public participation and engagement with the public.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we should allow the Committee to have 21 more days they have requested, but they should do a thorough job, so that Kenyans do not go to court. As Kenyans, we are used to doing a lot of litigation. It is like our second job is to go to court.

I thank you.

Hon. Senators, there is no other Senator wishing to contribute. Before I allow the Mover to reply, let me make this Communication.

Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence, in the Public Gallery this afternoon, of a visiting delegation of four teachers and 58 students from Nkuene Girls Secondary School in Meru County. The delegation is visiting the Senate for an academic exposition. On behalf of the Senate and on my one behalf, I extend a warm welcome to the delegation and wish them a fruitful visit.

I thank you.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 27

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I join you in welcoming Nkuene Girls' Secondary School, which is one of the best performing schools currently in the entire Meru and Tharaka Nithi regions. We are proud of you as a region and country. This time around, I hope you will have some opportunity to interact with the big names in this country; the likes of so many Senators that you have been hearing on television and the media in general. This is the House of reason. We are the “upper House.”

I am happy that you have found time to come and join the Senators. You can see your Senator is sitting at the helm as our Speaker today. He is the Deputy Speaker of the Senate. I am also happy because I can see some future leaders among the students. I can see Senators, governors and all sorts of leadership in this delegation.

So, in this respect, we welcome you. I hope we shall have an engagement once you are out of this House. You are most welcome. Pass my regards to your parents once you go home. There is no difference between Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties. We are one people, except that administratively we come from different jurisdictions. I come from Tharaka Nithi County and your Senator is my very good friend. Tharaka Nithi and Meru are just one and the same.

You are most welcome, students and teachers from Nkuene Girls School. I know quite a number of students from my home county, Tharaka, who school in Nkuene Girls School.

Thank you.

The Chairperson, the Senate Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, you can proceed and reply.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir for the opportunity. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a matter of national concern regarding teenage pregnancies in Kenya.

Kenya recorded over 232,000 teenage pregnancies in 2025. Busia County has recorded over 65,000 cases, making it one of the most severely affected regions, followed by Nairobi, 14,291; Kakamega, 11,630; Nakuru, 10,934; Bungoma, 10,444, among others.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 28

Clerk, can you confirm that we have quorum, so that we can put the question?

Members, this matter does not concern counties. Therefore, I now put the question.

The Senate Minority Leader, you cannot just walk like you are walking in the streets of Kilifi County. Have your seat.

Hon. Senators, I now put the question.

Hon. Senators, we are going back to Order No.7.

Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I understand.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 29

Decide whether it is Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on a matter of inter-county concern regarding administration of the County Pension Fund (CPF) .

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in the statement, the committee should address the following-

Madam Temporary Speaker, Kenyan skater, Kelvin Kiarie recently won gold and silver medals at the International Skating Challenge in Benin and double gold at the African Skating Championships in Egypt. We congratulate him. These victories were achieved without Government sponsorship or institutional support. The athlete relied on public appeals for financial assistance.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 30

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to request for statement from the Standing Committee on Energy on a matter of countywide concern regarding the proposed construction of Kanthenge Dam in Embu County.

While expanding power generation is essential to increasing national grid connectivity and while dam project can enhance agricultural productivity through irrigation, it is unacceptable for such a critical project to proceed without the clarity, transparency and due consideration for the people it will directly affect.

In the statement, the committee should address the following-

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 31 DELAYED COMPLETION OF KAMBURU WATER SUPPLY PROJECT

Thank You, Madam Speaker. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to request a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a matter of national concern regarding Government support for Kenyan skater Kelvin Kiarie and athletes participating in emerging and non-mainstream sports disciplines in Kenya.

Mr. Speaker, Madam Speaker, Sir, the Kenyan skater---

Decide whether it is Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker, Sir.

I will stick with Madam Speaker.

Okay.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on a matter of national concern regarding the status of operationalisation, funding and infrastructure for newly gazetted administrative units across the country.

In November, 2024, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, through Gazette Notice No.15341, established 578 new administrative units comprising of 27

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 32

Thank you, Sen. Mwenda Gataya.

Sen. Alexander Mundigi, proceed.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) on a statement requested by a Senator from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare.

At the sitting of the Senate held on Wednesday, 6th May, 2026, the Speaker directed the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to provide a response to the House on a statement sought by Sen. Fatuma Dullo, CBS, MP, regarding the unlawful removal of County Assembly staff from their payroll and denial of salaries and benefits in Isiolo County, not later than Wednesday, 13th May,

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 35

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 33

Thank you, Sen. Joyce Korir. Sen. Mwenda Gataya, you have a statement?

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (1) (B) to make a statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare for the period between February and April,

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 36

Okay, proceed.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on a matter of national concern regarding the status of operationalisation, funding and infrastructure for newly gazetted administrative units across the country.

In November, 2024, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, through Gazette Notice No.15341, established 578 new administrative units comprising of 27

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 34

Thank you, Sen. Mwenda Gataya.

Sen. Alexander Mundigi, proceed.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) on a statement requested by a Senator from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare.

At the sitting of the Senate held on Wednesday, 6th May, 2026, the Speaker directed the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to provide a response to the House on a statement sought by Sen. Fatuma Dullo, CBS, MP, regarding the unlawful removal of County Assembly staff from their payroll and denial of salaries and benefits in Isiolo County, not later than Wednesday, 13th May,

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 35

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 39 PAPER LAID REPORT ON THE FOREST CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT AMENDMENT BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILLS NO. 38 OF 2025)

Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (1) (B) to make a statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare for the period between February and April,

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 36

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I want to comment on two statements. One is---

Madam Temporary Speaker, thank you for this opportunity. I am reading a request for a statement on the expulsion of female recruits from the National Police College, Kiganjo, on account of pregnancy.

I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on a matter of national concern regarding the expulsion of 18 female recruits from the National Police College, Kiganjo, on account of pregnancy.

Madam Temporary Speaker, the National Police Service, based the decision on its existing training regulations and justified it on account of the physically demanding nature of police training. This reflects a deeply concerning lack of gender sensitivity and institutional responsiveness towards women, particularly expectant mothers seeking opportunities in the public service and professional advancement.

Pregnancy is neither misconduct nor incapacity and motherhood must never be construed as a disqualification from service, leadership or employment. The expulsion of these young women sends a disturbing and regressive message that women are still expected to choose between their biological realities and their aspirations to serve this nation. Such an approach undermines the constitutional principles of equality, inclusivity and social justice enshrined under Articles 27, 28 and 41 of the Constitution.

The continued implementation of such policies and practices that disproportionately disadvantage women demonstrate the urgent need for stronger gender-sensitive reforms within the National Police Service and across the public service.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 37

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 38

Sen. Veronica Maina, that might be a contentious statement. Hon. Senators, allow me to interrupt the Statement for a short while to allow Sen. Nyamu to lay a report on the Table of the Senate.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 39 PAPER LAID REPORT ON THE FOREST CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT AMENDMENT BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILLS NO. 38 OF 2025)

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I beg to lay the following paper on the Table of the Senate, today, Thursday, 14th May, 2026-

Report of the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources on the Forest Conservation and Management Amendment Bill (National Assembly Bills No.38 of 2025) .

We are back to the Statements. We will hear from Sen. Cherarkey.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. This is a request for a Statement on the status, transparency, disclosure and community benefits of carbon credit projects in Samburu County.

I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources on a matter of countywide concern regarding growing concerns over the secrecy or limited disclosure of community benefits arising from carbon credit and carbon market projects operating within Samburu County and other pastoral regions of Kenya.

While these projects are expanding under global climate initiatives, local communities - the primary custodians of these lands - remain largely uninformed about agreement, terms, revenues and long-term impacts on land rights and livelihoods. Despite providing the resources that attract international financing, there is a troubling lack of public disclosure regarding contractual obligations, entered carbon valuation and the actual percentage of benefits reaching local communities.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 42

Thank you, Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi. We are moving to statements pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) . I want to call the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Energy, Sen. Kisang, to make a statement relating to the activities of the committee for the period February to April,

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 40

Madam Temporary Speaker, the second Statement is on the remittance of staff deductions and other payables by the County Government of Taita Taveta.

I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a matter of countywide concern regarding the non-remittance of staff deductions and other payables by the County Government of Taita Taveta.

There has been continued delay and non-remittance of staff payables, including loan repayments to banks and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) , contributions to superannuation institutions and other contractual deductions due from staff salaries. This has exposed staff of the County Government of Taita Taveta to financial penalties, adverse listing by lending institutions, delayed access to benefits and prolonged uncertainty for the retirees and officers nearing retirement. The continued non- remittance of these obligations despite deductions having been made from staff salaries has affected service delivery and caused financial distress among employees of the County Government of Taita Taveta.

In the statement, the committee should address the following-

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 41

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. This is a quarterly statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology for the period between February to April, 2026, pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) of the Senate Standing Orders.

I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) of the Senate Standing Orders to make a statement for the first quarter of the Fifth Session covering activities of the Standing Committee on Information Communication and Technology undertaken for the period February to April, 2026.

Madam Temporary Speaker, during the period under review, the committee held a total of 15 sittings which it considered two Bills, five statements and one inquiry.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 45

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 46

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 42

Thank you, Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi. We are moving to statements pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) . I want to call the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Energy, Sen. Kisang, to make a statement relating to the activities of the committee for the period February to April,

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) to make a statement on the activities of the Standing Committee on Energy for the first quarter of the Fifth Session, covering the period commencing 1st January to 30th April, 2026.

During the period under review, the committee held a total of 39 sittings. During this time, it considered and concluded the ratification of the Production Sharing Contracts and Field Development Plan for Blocks T6 and T7 in the South Lokichar Basin, and commenced an inquiry into the petroleum crisis in the country.

During the period under review, the committee considered and concluded four statements. Eight statements are pending consideration by the committee. Responses on

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Thank you, Sen. Kisang. The next is statement pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) from the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology relating to the activities of the committee for the period February to April 2026.

Sen. Cherarkey, proceed, on behalf of the Chairperson.

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Yes, Madam Temporary Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I am rising on behalf of the Chairperson, Sen. Fatuma Dullo, who also happens to be a close friend and neighbour. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.56 (1) (b) of the Senate Standing Orders to make a statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations for the period of February to April, 2026.

During the period under review, the committee held 15 sittings where it considered various Statements, Petitions, Motions, Session Papers, inquiries and stakeholder engagement as set out below-

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 47 (f) Inquiries

Next is Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi.

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Thank you, Sen. Mbugua. Do you have a report from the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPI&SFC) , so that you can finish with it?

Yes, Madam Temporary Speaker.

You can make the statement relating to the activities of the CPI&SF for the period February to April, 2026.

Madam Temporary Speaker, on behalf of the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds (CPI&SF) , I rise pursuant to Starting Order No.56 (1) (b) to make a statement on the activities of the CPI&SFC for the period commencing 1st January, 2026 to 31st March, 2026.

The committee examined 516 reports tabled by the Auditor-General in the Senate as of December, 2025 relating to county government entities for the Financial Year 2024/2025. These entities include county water service providers, urban areas and cities municipalities, Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals in counties, special funds established by counties and other county entities such as the authorities and the corporations.

Madam Temporary Speaker, pursuant to Article 229 (8) of the Constitution and following the High Court judgement affirming the mandatory nature of constitutional timelines in the audit process, the committee and the Senate at large undertook deliberate measures to align their procedures and operations with the aim of meeting the timelines. Some of the measures adopted by the committee include-

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Next is Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi.

Madam Temporary Speaker, on behalf of the Majority Leader, I read this statement.

Pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , I hereby present the business for the week commencing Tuesday 2nd June 2026.

As hon. Senators are aware, in accordance with the calendar for the Fifth Session, the Senate will proceed on a two-week recess at the rise of the Senate today. Regular sittings will resume on Tuesday 2nd June, 2026.

Before I proceed with the statement, hon. Senators may recall that during the sitting of Tuesday 12th May, 2026, the Senate considered and passed the following Bills at Second Reading-

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Sen. Gataya, please proceed. You can read one for the Parliamentary Service Commission and also for the Delegated Legislation.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker.

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May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 58 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE NUTS AND OIL CROPS DEVELOPMENT BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.47 OF 2023)

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Madam Temporary Speaker, on behalf of the Majority Leader, I read this statement.

Pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , I hereby present the business for the week commencing Tuesday 2nd June 2026.

As hon. Senators are aware, in accordance with the calendar for the Fifth Session, the Senate will proceed on a two-week recess at the rise of the Senate today. Regular sittings will resume on Tuesday 2nd June, 2026.

Before I proceed with the statement, hon. Senators may recall that during the sitting of Tuesday 12th May, 2026, the Senate considered and passed the following Bills at Second Reading-

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Hon. Senators, we will defer Orders 10, 11,13,15 up to 24. We can now move on to Order No. 25.

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 58 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE NUTS AND OIL CROPS DEVELOPMENT BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.47 OF 2023)

May, 14, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 59 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE COUNTY HALL OF FAME BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.18 OF 2023)

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Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the Autism Management Bill (Senate Bills No.19) of 2025 be read a second time.

Madam Tempoary Speaker, the Autism Management Bill is not just another piece of legislation before this House; it is legislation that promotes compassion, equality and inclusivity. For far too long, many families in Kenya have struggled alone with autism. Many families are left to figure it out without any support from the State. This Bill seeks to change that.

Families move from hospital to hospital before they get a diagnosis and understand what is happening to their children. Autism is not a curse or witchcraft, but a neurodevelopmental condition. One of the proposals in this Bill is a vigorous public awareness campaign to deal with the stigma associated with autism.

Mothers and many caregivers who deal with autistic children are left to struggle alone, often not knowing what is happening to the children. In Kenya, a child is usually diagnosed with autism very late, often after the age of four years. This Bill seeks to change that reality for many families. It proposes early diagnosis, access to therapy and healthcare services for all families.

Many schools reject autistic children because they do not have the right environment or the support to keep an autistic child in school. This Bill provides for provisions to ensure that autistic children are included in schools. We must train professionals in this field because autism has been viewed as a medical issue. My Bill proposes to shift that to a human rights issue and that is why we are talking about inclusivity and all that.

Another key strength of this Bill is the recognition of a multidisciplinary approach. We cannot leave it to doctors alone. We need occupational therapists, speech therapists, caregivers and every other person who comes into contact with autistic children.

I also welcome the proposals that came from the Committee on Health. When the Bill was subjected to public participation, there was a lot of interest. Parents came and gave their deeply personal perspectives on this matter and have enriched this, Bill.

Another key provision of this legislative proposal is that therapy, treatment and everything that affects the autistic child should be catered for under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ease the financial burden that parents of autistic children face. Therapy is extremely expensive and very few families can afford autism therapy. We are proposing that the national health insurance cover takes this up. These children are also discriminated by insurance providers when someone discloses that a child is autistic. The insurance companies are skeptical and do not want to cover those children.

We are proposing that research and data collection be undertaken for us to know the number of autistic individuals and children that we have in this country. That will

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Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I will try to be as quick as possible. I want to second the Bill and pick from where the Mover, Sen. Nyamu, has left.

Autism causes lifelong neurodevelopment conditions and affects social communication and interaction behaviour. Autism is caused by genetic factors rooted in brain development. It is not caused by vaccines or poor parenting. Autism is normally caused either by genetics or sometimes, spontaneous mutation.

Children can be checked or assessed at two years of age. I think one in every six children suffers from autism. However, this can be managed through occupational and speech therapy. This is still a new concept in the country. In Africa, you know, we associate it with the Western world. Therefore, no one should blame any parent by saying it is because of poor parenting.

Saying this, I remember the Chairperson of the Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) was talking about women who got pregnant as recruits in Kiganjo. You know, that is a biological issue. No one should be punished for getting pregnant. I agree, through KEWOSA, that all young girls who got pregnant during the Kiganjo Police Recruit Training should be allowed to defer, go and give birth. It is not an accident and it is not an offence under the law. Thereafter, they can go back to their training. I want to thank you and your colleagues for taking that lead.

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