THE SENATE

Asante, Bw. Spika. Nasimama kwa mujibu wa Kanuni ya Kudumu ya 53(1) ya Kanuni za Kudumu za Seneti kuomba kauli kutoka kwa Kamati ya Usalama wa Taifa, Ulinzi na Uhusiano wa Kimataifa kuhusu kutokea mara kwa mara kwa janga la moto katika ofisi za Shirika la Usambazaji wa Maji na Usafi wa Mazingira ya Mombasa

(MOWASSCO).

Kutoka mwaka jana, kumetokea visa viwili vya moto katika ofisi za MOWASSCO. Mnamo tarehe 10 Mei, 2025, moto mkubwa uliteketeza ofisi za MOWASSCO. Hivi majuzi tena, mnamo tarehe 26 June, 2026, kulitokea kisa kingine katika ofisi hizo hizo.

Katika kauli hiyo, kamati izingatie yafuatayo-

(1) Chanzo cha visa vya mara kwa mara vya moto katika ofisi za Shirika la Usambazaji wa Maji na Usafi wa Mazingira ya Mombasa (MOWASSCO);
(2) Stakabadhi na mali zilizoteketea katika moto iliyotokea tarehe 26 June, 2026, ikiambatanishwa na taarifa kuhusu jinsi ambavyo kuteketea huko kwa stakabadhi na mali hizo zitaathiri utekelezaji kazi katika shirika hilo;
(3) Sababu za kuchelewa kwa huduma za dharura za kudhibiti moto katika kisa cha

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hivi karibuni cha tarehe 26 June, 2026, pamoja na maelezo ya hatua ambazo Serikali ya Kaunti ya Mombasa inachukua kusuluhisha changamoto zilizochangia kuchelewa huko ili kuboresha huduma za kudhibiti moto kwa ujumla katika siku zijazo;

(4) Hatua ambazo MOWASSCO inachukua ili kuzuia kujirudia tena kwa mikasa ya moto katika ofisi zao. Bw. Spika, niko na Taarifa nyingine ya pili.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Has it been approved?

It was approved, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Okay, proceed.

UAJIRI WA WANAJAMII KATIKA CHUO CHA KITAIFA CHA UFUNDI ANUWAI CHA PWANI

Nasimama kwa mujibu wa Kanuni ya Kudumu ya 53(1) ya Kanuni za Kudumu za Seneti kuomba kauli kutoka kwa Kamati ya Elimu kuhusu uajiri wa wanajamii wa eneo husika katika Chuo cha Kitaifa cha Ufundi Anuwai cha Pwani kiliyoko Kaunti ya Mombasa. Katika kauli hiyo, kamati izingatie yafuatayo-

(1) Hatua zilizochukuliwa na Wizara ya Elimu kuhakikisha ya kwamba ajira katika vyuo vya ufundi anuwai vinawajumuisha wanajamii wa jamii husika;
(2) Mikakati iliyowekwa kuwawezesha wanajamii wa maeneo husika kupewa kipaumbele katika ajira, hususan nafasi za uongozi wa vyuo vya anuwai;
(3) Orodha ya wafanyikazi wa chuo cha Kitaifa cha Ufundi Anuwai cha Pwani ikiambatana na kaunti wanazotoka na vyeo wanavyoshikilia.

Asante, Bw. Spika, kwa kunipa fursa hii.

BUSINESS FOR THE WEEK COMMENCING TUESDAY 21ST JULY, 2026

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

The statement pursuant to Standing Order No.57(1) is deferred. (Statement deferred) Senator for Nandi, you may proceed to read your request for statement.

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF COUNTY REVENUE AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

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

Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you for your indulgence. I rise pursuant to Standing Orders No.53(1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on a matter of nation-wide concern regarding the management and effectiveness of county revenue automation systems and their impact on county governments' own-source revenue collection.

County governments have invested substantially public resources in automated revenue collection systems to improve efficiency, accountability, and own-source

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revenue. However, reports by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) indicate persistent revenue leakages, incomplete implementation of systems automation, limited revenue growth and concerns over value for money in the procurement of goods and services. These findings raise serious concerns about the prudent financial management accountability and effectiveness of county revenue mobilization.

In the Statement, the committee should address the following-

(1) The current status of county revenue automation systems across all counties, including integration of all revenue streams and linkages with the Integrated Financial and Management Information System known as IFMIS;
(2) The total public funds spent on procuring, implementing and maintaining revenue automation systems since devolution, including commissioning payments to private providers or vendors and the impact on own-source revenue, value for money and reduction of revenue collection systems;
(3) The continued concurrent operation of manual and automated revenue collection systems in counties, the effectiveness of measures to curb revenue leakages and the contractual arrangements governing private service providers, including payment of commissions, data ownership and security;
(4) Whether the procurement and management of county revenue automation systems complied with applicable procurement and finance laws, the implementation of recommendation by oversight institutions and any action taken when noncompliance was identified; and,
(5) The policy, legal reforms and administrative measures being undertaken by the National Treasury, CRA, the Council of Governors (CoG) and other relevant agencies to establish minimum standards for county revenue automation systems and strengthen accountability, efficiency and value for money in county-owned source revenue collection.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Senator for Kisumu County.

NON-FUNCTIONAL STREET LIGHTS IN KISUMU COUNTY

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53(1), to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Défense and Foreign Relations on a matter of county- wide concern regarding rising security concerns associated with non-functional public street lighting within Kisumu County. While the national Government is responsible for internal security, county government plays a complementary role by maintaining public infrastructure that supports public safety.

In Kisumu City and in other urban centres, prolonged failure to repair street lights along roads, walkways, markets and bus termini has heightened insecurity, disrupted evening economic activities and hindered effective policing and emergency response. It is, therefore, necessary to establish the measures being undertaken to restore and maintain public street lighting as part of efforts to enhance public safety and protect lives and property.

In the statement, the committee should address the following-

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(1) The extent to which non-functional street lighting has contributed to insecurity in Kisumu County, particularly in identified crime-prone areas and whether the county government and relevant security agencies have undertaken any assessment of the link between inadequate public lighting and criminal activity;
(2) The measures being undertaken by the county government to restore and maintain street lighting along county roads, public markets, bus parks, recreational areas and other public spaces affected by insecurity;
(3) Whether the county government maintains an inventory of non-functional street lights; indicating how long they have remained inoperative, reasons for delaying their replacement and timelines for restoring functionality;
(4) The collaborative measures being undertaken by the county government, the National Police Service (NPS) and other relevant agencies to enhance security in areas affected by inadequate street lighting, including increased patrols and other crime prevention initiatives; and,
(5) The long-term measures being implemented to ensure that public lighting infrastructure remains functional, sustainable and responsive to the security needs of residents and businesses across Kisumu County.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Hon. Senators, I will allow comments on the request for statements for a period of not more than 15 minutes. If you have an opportunity to speak, kindly do so for not more than three minutes. However, before I allow comments, I have this communication to make.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

REMOVAL OF SEN. EDWIN SIFUNA FROM LEADERSHIP OF THE MINORITY PARTY

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Hon. Senators, I have a communication to make related to changes in the Senate's Minority Leadership.

By the letter dated 16th July, 2026, I received correspondence from the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Justice (Rtd) Stewart Madzayo, EGH, MP, regarding changes in the Minority Party Leadership affecting the office of the Deputy Senate Minority Whip.

As you are aware, Standing Orders No.23(4) provides as follows: “A Senator elected under Paragraph (1) may be removed by a majority of the votes of all Senators belonging to the minority party.

Further, Standing Orders No. 23(6) states as follows- “Upon a decision being made by the minority party under this Standing Order, the decision of the party shall be communicated to the Speaker in writing together with the minutes of the meeting at which the decision was made –

(a) in the case of the removal of the Senate Minority Leader or the Deputy Senate Minority Leader, by the Senate Minority Whip; and
(b) in the case of the removal of the Senate Minority Whip or the Deputy Senate Minority Whip, by the Senate Minority Leader. Hon. Senators, pursuant to Standing Orders No.23(6), the said letter from the Senate Minority Leader was accompanied by the following documents.

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(1) The minutes of the Minority Party meeting dated the 15th July, 2026 which is a record of the proceedings of the meeting together with the resolution.
(2) Duly signed lists of Senators in support of the resolution. From the correspondence, the minutes indicate that a resolution was passed to remove the Deputy Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Edwin Sifuna, CBS, MP, in accordance with Standing Orders No.23(4). The minutes further indicate the Minority Party elected Sen. Eddy Gicheru Oketch, MP to serve as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip in his place pursuant to Standing Orders No.23(5).

Hon. Senators, Standing Orders No.23(7) provides as follows- “The Speaker, upon receipt of the decision under Paragraph (6) shall verify the correspondence received and deliver a communication to the Senate within three sitting days.”

In this regard, I have verified the correspondence received and hereby communicate that the Minority Party has effected a change in the office of the Deputy Senate Minority Whip. The new office holder with immediate effect is Sen. Eddy Gicheru Oketch, MP.

I thank you.

(Applause)

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

We are on the comments on the statements that have been made.

Senator Maanzo?

Sen. Maanzo:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me an opportunity to comment on the Statements. I would like to comment on the Statement by Sen. Faki on Mombasa Technical Institute.

I sit in the Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration. We have been inspecting government institutions to make sure that there is a balance of the gazetted ethnic communities in the country. We do that to ensure that an institution does not just take the locals. The unfortunate situation with this institution in Mombasa is that the locals have not had an opportunity to serve in their own institution.

What happens is that when someone heads an institution and they are from a different part of the country, they tend to bring their people who then end up occupying positions in that institution. The locals are then left with no chance to make use or enjoy their own institution.

I believe this Statement will go a long way and serve as an example to other institutions. The ethnicity of the country should be reflected in Government institutions in a balanced way. There has been failure to comply with the law. People with disabilities have not had an opportunity to serve equally in the republic as the rest of the people.

We should have five per cent of every Government institution in this republic accommodating people with disabilities. There are always all manner of excuses on why people living with disabilities have not been accommodated. The council dealing with the people with disability is never consulted yet they have a proper database. There are many Kenyans who are abled differently who can serve in different positions in the Republic of Kenya.

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I support this and when it will come to the Committee, we will make sure that justice is done.

Sen. Munyi Mundigi:

Asante sana, Bw. Spika, kwa kunipa nafasi niweze kuchangia Kauli ya Seneta wa Kaunti ya Kisii, Sen. Onyonka. Kauli hiyo inahusiana na ile ya Seneta wa Kaunti ya Nandi kwa sababu zote zinazungumzia mambo ya kaunti. Zinazungumzia shida ambayo wafanyikazi wa kaunti wanapitia. Wafanyikazi katika kaunti zetu na wanakandarasi huwa hawalipwi. Mali ya wanakandarasi yamechukuliwa ilhali tunapea kaunti pesa.

Ninaomba tutengeneze kamati ambayo itafanya uchunguzi ndiposa tuweze kujua sababu ya watu wengi kutolipwa na kaunti hizo. Tutaweza kujua pia sababu ya hizo kaunti kutokupeleka pesa ya kustaafu pahali inapofaa. Hiyo shida haithiri kaunti ya Kisii na Nandi peke yake. Kaunti ya Embu pia iko na shida kama hizo.

Kaunti ya Embu imekuwa na pending bills na wage bill. Hizo deni zimesimamisha kazi zote. Sisi kama Seneti tumekuwa tukipea kaunti pesa ilhali kazi haiendelei vile inavyofaa. Naomba tutengeneze kamati ichunguze kile ambacho kinasababisha shida hii. Tunapaswa kujua kama shida iko katika kaunti ama National Treasury.

Mimi kama Seneta wa Kaunti ya Embu, ninaunga kauli hii mkono.

Sen. Oketch Gicheru:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for the opportunity. I want to comment on the Statement by Sen. Sifuna on the status of staff in Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

This is a serious crisis. When you go to that hospital, you will experience the problem of the staffers. Time without number, we have discussed how the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staffers suffer serious financial instability. This is also happening at JOOTRH. Without financial stability, we cannot guarantee the services and the stability of the services that the staffers in that hospital give to the people.

The status of the hospital was conferred in June, 2025. I do not know how the audit of JOOTRH will be done because a year has gone. The staffers in this hospital experience stringent rules and audit with the Public Service Commission as well and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. It will be good for this Committee to look at how the year in question is being audited with regards to the benefits of the staff.

The committee should also help us understand the terms of service. If the terms of service were based on Level V hospital, we need to know how the new terms of service will take care of the staffers having in mind the stalemate with the SRC that---

Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. We want to be fair to the communities of Nyanza and western on two accounts. The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and the Kenyatta National Hospital are run by sons and daughters from western and Nyanza. That is a fact and I am one such a son.

The communities of those two areas, running into an excess of eight million people, have no access to Level 5 and Level 6 services. I want to remind the decision- makers, especially the Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Duale, to go and ask the Principal Secretary or the Director of Medical Services to define to him the meaning and the difference between a Level 5 hospital and a Level 6 hospital. The services rendered in Kakamega, Nakuru, Embu, Kisumu and Mombasa are not Level 5 services. They are Level 6. The former provincial hospitals ought to automatically transit to Level 6 hospitals and the Government is supposed to give the necessary budgetary back-up.

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My last comment is on the Statement by the Senator for Kisii County on the issues of salary arrears. The issue of salary arrears in counties cuts across very many counties. The Committee should now make a list of shame showing governors who are comfortably enjoying super payments from the county governments yet, they do not want nurses, doctors and Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) teachers to also enjoy their perks.

Why would a man who dreamt of becoming a governor ever think of running a county using the so-called contract staff? Employment of contract staff cannot apply in professional cases such education and medicine. Contractual staff are usually casual laborers.

This Senate must---

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Just one minute---

Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale:

Mr. Speaker, Sir, this Senate must compel these lazy governors to transit all doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and ECDE teachers in all counties to Permanent and Pensionable (PnP) employment terms.

I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Sen. Osotsi, proceed.

Sen. Osotsi:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I wish to make a comment on the Statement by Sen. Sifuna on elevation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to Level 6. When this announcement was made, there was a huge celebration in the region. I remember some people saying that this is the first benefit of being in the Broad-Based Government. However, you can see that nothing much has changed apart from just the level, which is not clear.

Most referral hospitals are not compliant to the Ministry of Health’s quality model that looks at issues of Human Resource (HR) and equipment. Most of the hospitals are non-compliant, including this particular hospital. According to the last audit report by the office of the Auditor General, this hospital had not complied with the level 5 requirements but still, it was elevated to level 6. I think there is need for the Committee to analyse and see exactly what prompted the Government to promote this hospital to a level 6 yet, they have not done what is supposed to be done to make it a proper level 6 hospital.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, these are things that we keep on pointing out that some things are done for political reasons without looking at the deeper issues. As I conclude, since this Statement was made by Sen. Sifuna, I ask him to remain firm. It is unfortunate for whatever changes that have been made; we will soldier on. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale was removed, now, it is Sen. Sifuna’s turn. Most of us are going to be removed; it is fine. We will move on because we have a bright future coming very soon.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Sen. Kisang--- Now, Sen. Osotsi, if you look at the Standing Orders, there is a Standing Order on relevance. (Sen. Sifuna spoke off record)

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Who has died? I do not remember losing a Senator. I could have made the announcement. My Senators are intact. I still have them, so nobody is allowed to mourn. We are all healthy.

Sen. Kisang, proceed.

Sen. Kisang:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. My comment is on the Statement raised by Senior Counsel, Professor Tom Ojienda, on street lighting.

This was a very noble idea of ensuring that we have street lights in our estates and streets to enhance security. However, it looks like when the idea was mooted initially, the national Government and county governments did not agree on who was going to pay the bills. That is why after a while, if a bulb breaks or bills are not paid, they get disconnected by the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). That is why you saw the mess between the Nairobi City County Government and KPLC last year. They did not know who was supposed to pay the bills.

The Council of Governors (CoG) and the national Government, through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration need to sit down and have a Memorandum of Understanding on who is supposed to pay what bill. Everywhere the President goes, the governors ask for street lighting yet, they are not budgeting for payment of bills. This was a good thing; it enhances security in our cities, towns and estates across the country but most of them are no longer working.

I also want to comment on salary arrears. In the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPISFC) where I sit with Sen. Osotsi - I do not know if he is scared that he might be removed soon.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Sen. Kisang, stick to the statements you are commenting on.

Sen. Kisang:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Governments are not remitting deductions such as Pay As You Earn (PAYE), pension funds and even loans. An employee’s deductions such as Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) savings and loans are not remitted. After a while, if an employee seeks for an additional loan, they are told that they are listed with Credit Revenue Bureau (CRB). This is something that we need to relook at.

If an employer has not remitted a deduction such as a bank loan, who is supposed to be listed? Is it this particular employee who has already been deducted or do we need to find a way of punishing the employer? It is unfair for the employees because they have worked and earned it. It is employers who are messing them up.

Thank you.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Sen. Sifuna, proceed.

Sen. Sifuna:

Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is a Statement such as the one requested by Sen. Hezena that puts me in problems. You can imagine, ever since I was born, I have been hearing about disarmament in Baringo specifically, Tiaty Constituency. I remember when the current Deputy President was the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, he told us that this menace of bandits in Baringo was over. You can see that up to today, the people of Baringo still have to suffer under this scourge.

Listen to the concerns that the Senator is raising; that there is harassment, intimidation, misconduct of the police officers and the Army personnel involved in this particular disarmament. Why is this happening? When we speak about it, they come for the things that my late father left for me. This is the reason Sifuna is in trouble in case

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anybody is wondering. The country has a software problem and we will continue pointing it out.

The beauty with life is that for as long as you are alive, whatever it is that is taken, you can get it back. We will continue to speak truth to power. The misconduct in the police forces is not just limited to these disarmament processes.

You saw us in Keumbu; the police were so shameless. I would rather you even send police in plainclothes to throw stones but these days, they come in uniform, there is no shame at all. They ride along with the goons and throw stones. Thereafter, they claim they have a country because they have built a stadium and named it after Raila. We will say no, bana, this is not the country we want to live in. We have to rescue our country; we have a software problem in this country. We cannot continue to live like this.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, when will those children in Tiaty ever see a bright future? If I have grown up all these years hearing about disarmament in the Tiaty Constituency and it continues to happen to this day, I do not know what else these people can take. I think there is a Bible verse. It is Jesus who said, when somebody takes your coat, give them even the shirt. I want them to come for my shirt. I am prepared.

I take this opportunity to very humbly thank the leadership and the Members of the Minority Side and the Majority Side for the cooperation that they have shown me in the time that I have been Deputy Minority Whip. I congratulate my young brother, the Senator from Migori, on his new role.

You remember, Sen. Eddy, how many times I have called you as a Whip so that you can give us quorum. I am happy that that is now going to be your job to look for quorum in this House so that we can transact business.

I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Sen. Cherarkey, you have the Floor.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, let me make a comment on the statement by the former Secretary General (SG) of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and immediate former Deputy Minority Whip of the House. I am happy disloyalty has been punished shrewdly and heavily.

Let me make the following comments---

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Senator for Nandi! Senator for Nandi,

Yes, please.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

You are out of order, and I am giving you the first caution. If you proceed with that line, I will throw you out. (Several Senators consulted loudly)

Mr. Speaker, Sir, you know, we are used to such noise. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we must congratulate the government for elevating Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital. The Senator of Kisumu expressed happiness. I also congratulate Sen. Eddy. This is the first fruit of Broad-Based government.

The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) was overwhelmed. The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) was overwhelmed. I am happy that in the Financial Year 2026/2027, Kshs3.93 billion has been allocated to the elevation of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital, which was formerly known as Russia Hospital.

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It is not rocket science that President William Ruto is the one elevating the hospital. We have had four Presidents. Where were they? Since these gentlemen want to play politics, we will play when the time comes. I am happy the maker of the statement is now a proper backbencher. These are the questions that you should ask the government, and it is welcome.

So, I agree there could be challenges in the health sector. Even here in Nairobi, most of the facilities run by the county government are doing badly, but the Nairobi Senator oversees the national Government in his primary role of oversighting county government.

If you go to Mbagathi, it is not a going concern. Go to City Mortuary; the bodies are stinking. We must tell the truth not only to power, but to people who should do oversight. Therefore, regarding the matter of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital, I want to ask my law lecturer, Sen. (Prof) Tom Ojienda, through you, that they have the opportunity to continue lobbying and ensure this hospital is properly elevated because, from Nandi County, the border of Nandi County to Kisumu is less than 30 to 40 minutes. So, it is also in our interest as Nandi County to ensure that we have access to and limited access to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital.

I am embarrassed today that one of us is suggesting that since the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital is in Luo Nyanza, somebody from that region should run it. That is a shame. These are the same people who are calling out tribalism, yet they come to the Floor of the House and tell us that since MTRH, JOOTRH or KNH, they should run from those regions. They should be embarrassed.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Order! Order! Sen. Onyonka. Sen. Onyonka. Very well, Senator. Proceed, Sen. Korir. (Sen. Korir was not in the Chamber) Sen. Ali Roba, you may proceed.

Sen. Ali Roba:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sir, since the time is limited, I will take the opportunity to comment on the Mombasa Water and Sewerage Company. These service providers, as you are aware, because you have been there, were formed under devolution to enhance service provision and protection of the public and public interest and the safety of the public, both in terms of provision of clean water as well as protecting the resources allocated to them by way of putting the right measures in place.

The viability of these water companies needs to be tested, both in terms of their entire existence, which is to provide clean water for use by households.

Hon. Speaker, their own viability need to be tested, need to be evaluated from the perspective of the fact that if a water company exists in Mombasa or Mandera, we need to look at how many households every quarter are getting connected to reliable, safe water so that we can really determine that they exist just because it is an exercise, an entity that needs to be there into making sure that they can provide the services for which they exist to give clean drinking water.

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As I conclude, I would also like to congratulate our brother, Sen. Eddy, for this new appointment as Minority Whip. His predecessor has done a fantastic job in the House. As a member of this House, he contributed immensely to the debates in this House as well as the coordination of issues that affect the Senate of the Republic of Kenya, impartially, not as minority or majority, but objectively, wherever it was so required.

We all hold positions that are transient and it is just nothing but a process. He has earned our respect and my brother, Sen. Eddy, you have a big shoe to fill and hopefully, the role of Minority Whip or Majority Whip is a role that is extremely demanding for the functioning of the Senate.

I hope and pray that you understand what it calls for, and you will do the best that is required for the House to function.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Sen. Mwinyihaji Faki, you have the Floor.

Asante, Bw. Spika kwa kunipa fursa hii kuchangia maombi ya Taarifa iliyoletwa Bungeni na Mheshimiwa Seneta wa Taita Taveta, Sen. Mwaruma.

Ni masikitiko kwamba Mwenda zake Bw. John Kilakhe Joshua mwenye umri wa miaka 24 alipoteza maisha yake kupitia kwa mob justice baada ya kutuhumiwa kuwa amepoteza sehemu nyeti za mtu mwingine.

Mambo haya ya kupoteza sehemu nyeti ni mambo ambayo yalikuwa yamekithiri katika Kaunti ya Mombasa, Kwale na Kilifi. Mambo hayo yote ni kwa sababu ya ushirikina na ni mambo ambayo hayawezi kuelezwa kihalisia.

Polisi walisimama mtu akishambuliwa na mpaka akafa. Ni jambo la kisikitisha. Ijapokuwa watu kadhaa waliokolewa katika hali kama hizo, ipo haja kubwa ya hawa polisi ambao walihusika katika kisa hicho kushitakiwa kwa makosa ya kutozuia uhalifu.

Mtu kupigwa mpaka kufa ni makosa makubwa katika sheria. Wale waliompiga na wakamuua wanapaswa kushtakiwa na mashtaka ya mauaji na wale polisi ambao walikuwa wanaangalia kisa hiki wanafaa kushtakiwa kwa makosa ili iwe funzo kwa polisi wengine.

Bw. Spika, kupitia kwa elimu na baraza zilizofanywa na machifu pamoja na serikali za mitaa masuala haya yameweza kupungua. Wengi walikuwa wakiamini kuwa ni kweli visa vya ushirikina kama hivi vipo, wameona kwamba hivyo sio visa nya ukweli. Watu sasa wameelimika kwamba hauwezi kupoteza sehemu nyeti kwa sababu mtu amekushika bega.

Bw, Spika, ninaunga mkono kauli hii ya Sen. Mwaruma. Asante.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Hon. Senators, before I give the Floor to Sen. Wambua, allow me to make this communication because this school is just about to leave the Senate. (Sen. Gataya Mo Fire stood at the door) Senator for Tharaka-Nithi, please, take your seat.

(Sen. Gataya Mo Fire entered the Chamber without bowing)

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The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Senator for Tharaka Nithi, kindly take your seat. You are out of order. Go back to the bar, bow and take your seat. (Interruption of Statements)

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CHAIR

VISITING DELEGATION FROM ISLAMIA COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Honourable Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence of a visiting delegation of six teachers and 51 students from Islamia Comprehensive School in Nairobi County, who are seated in the public gallery. The delegation is visiting the Senate for an academic exposition. On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, I extend a warm welcome to the delegation and wish them a fruitful visit.

VISITING DELEGATION OF MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST COMMITTEE FROM PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA

Also, I wish to acknowledge the presence in the Speaker's Gallery this afternoon, a visiting delegation of members of the National Prayer Breakfast Committee from the Parliament of Uganda. The delegation is in the Senate to gain insights into the functioning of the parliamentary prayer breakfast movement in Kenya, while also strengthening fellowship and continued engagement through sharing of experiences and lessons learned over the years.

Honourable Senators, these are the Members of Parliament from Uganda, comprising of this delegation are-

The Honourable Tom Bright Amoti, MP The Honourable Algon Silas, MP. On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, I extend a warm welcome to them and wish them a fruitful and enriching visit. I ask the Senator for Makueni to welcome both delegations.

Sen. Maanzo:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to welcome the school and welcome the two Members of Parliament. Honourable Silas is now serving his 20th year in the Parliament of Uganda and his colleague, her 15th year. There are two other members who are not with them. They came four of them, yesterday. There is the Honourable Endakasi, who is the current chair of the National Prayer Breakfast in Uganda.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, you may remember, during the last prayer breakfast in Kenya, a huge delegation came and fellowshipped with us. Similarly, Uganda invites us every 8th of October to attend their National Prayer Breakfast.

I also welcome the students and hope that they will learn and also get encouraged and inspired so that one day they could also be representatives of the people and can be in the Senate or National Assembly.

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Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you. (Resumption of Statements)

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I want to make my comments on two statements. One is the statement by Sen. Sifuna on the upgrading of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu to Level 6. As Sen. Khalwale has suggested, first things first, let the staff of the facility enjoy the full benefits of the new status of that facility. That way, then, we will be talking about accruing benefits to the people.

Secondly, a consideration should be made that all former provincial hospitals then be elevated to Level 6 facilities so that they serve people from the regions that they established. That would be a policy decision that will help this country now and into the future.

On the statement by Sen. Hezena Lemaletian on insecurity in Tiaty. As a country and as representatives of the people in this country, we must call ourselves to order and begin to speak truth to power irrespective. I say this because we are playing with fire as a country. I see outlaws walking around with police officers. For as long as that is happening for the convenience of a political side, it is okay.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I want to bring to the attention of this House and I wish the Senator for Tana River was here; a few weeks ago, bandits in Tana River killed an Officer Commanding a Police Station (OCS). If OCSs are not safe in the hands of bandits, who will be safe in this country? That issue of bandits in Tiaty and other regions in this country, should prick our conscience and make us act shifty.

On the matter of my friend, my colleague, my brother, Sen. Sifuna, allow me to say this, the Senate is producing a star in the name and character of Senator Sifuna. I ask my brother not to look back and soldier on. The future ---

Sen. Kavindu Muthama:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the statements.

One, the statement from Sen. Onyonka about delayed salaries for county workers. This is a big problem in almost all the counties, because like in the County Assembly of Machakos staff has not been paid for months now. There are employees of Machakos. They have appointment letters. I have sought for a statement in this Senate about them. It has delayed to be discussed. They were employed in 2023, and to date, they have not received any salary yet they go to work every day. I do not know what is really happening with the counties because they receive money.

We fight for the monies for the counties in this Senate so much and they receive this money. They do other things with them. The staff who are serving in the counties, who are enabling the governors to deliver, are never paid their salaries. These people are living in rented houses, they have children to take to school, they have children to take to hospital and buy food. I do not know what the governors are thinking about this staff. This should stop. As a Senate and a House which defends the counties, we should do something about the staff of the counties.

Two, on the statement from Sen. Hezena about security, I do not know why we should not have security in this country. Some people are living like they are not living in Kenya and as if there is no government in Kenya, and yet they should be protected. The

July 16, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 23249

law is very clear and the Constitution is very clear that every citizen of this country has a right to be protected by the government. So, when we are hearing of these killings and insecurity, we wonder where is the government, what is the government of Kenya doing about its citizens. We need security. Every Kenyan's life counts and we should not hear of Kenyans being killed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I wish to comment on the statement by the Senator for Kisii, Sen. Onyonka, on delayed salaries. As has been stated, it is common ground that counties are struggling with two things. Most counties with the ability to raise own-source revenue are not able to live up to the standards expected of them. Number two, as a consequence, we have delayed salaries out of delays of remittances from the Exchequer, but also out of certain frameworks that are not clear to understand.

I relate to the statement raised by the Senator. In Kisumu County, workers have not been paid for two months. It was only after the county workers’ union negotiated that one month’s salary was released. This exposes workers to suffering and embarrassment because they cannot meet basic needs.

Many counties are also unable to pay crucial staff. In my county, village administrators have not been paid for over two years. They now have a pending court case against the county. Counties must hire only the labour they can afford. That is part of oversight.

Another category of workers who have suffered are Community Health Promoters (CHPs). They earn only an allowance of Kshs2,500. We need to legislate to create an obligation on counties to provide proper remuneration to CHPs. They play a big role in helping communities and upholding primary and preventive health care in our counties.

I thank you.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Sen. Mutinda:

Sen. Tabitha Mutinda:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I wish to comment on the statement by the Senator for Nairobi City County regarding the elevation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. What catches my attention is that staff have not been confirmed officially as employees. For a hospital to be upgraded to Level 6, it must meet the requirements. The aim is to ensure that people from Kisumu and neighbouring regions can access referral services.

Last month, before recess, through the Committee on Finance and Budget, we allocated Kshs8.9 billion through Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) for Universal Health Care (UHC) workers. This issue of arrears had also been raised in the Committee on Health. UHC workers have not been absorbed at the county level on permanent and pensionable terms.

These issues keep repeating. I urge all 47 governors to act. The Senate has ensured funds are available through SAGAs. The UHC workers deserve permanent and pensionable employment. They served diligently during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is time governors addressed this issue quickly.

The staff at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital should be confirmed immediately. Gazette Notices should be issued so that workers are motivated to continue delivering services.

Thank you.

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The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Sen. Kajwang’.

Sen. M. Kajwang’:

Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me to also comment on the statement by Sen. Sifuna regarding the elevation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital to a Level 6 National Referral Hospital. I thank Senator Sifuna for raising this matter. This is what a national leader does. You do not only raise issues from your backyard.

We, the leaders from Nyanza region, received the news of the upgrade with pride. This request for a statement should add value, fast-track the transition process and not be used to criticise that historical move.

Since Independence, marginalisation has been most evident in the medical space. Most Level 6 hospitals in Kenya are concentrated within 50 miles of Nairobi. Before Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital was elevated, the Level 6 hospitals were the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital in Nairobi, the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital in Nairobi, Nakuru Level 6 Hospital not too far from Nairobi and Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kiambu.

The elevation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital should not be the end. We must also see a Level 6 hospital at the Coast, Western and all regions of Kenya. We welcome this move because it will enhance financing for health care.

For a long time, people from Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya and neighbouring areas have been going to Eldoret. When a sick parent requires cancer treatment, dialysis or advanced care, the cost of travel and upkeep in a foreign town equals or exceeds hospital fees.

We celebrate this move. It should not be politicised. When Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital becomes a parastatal, it will receive focused attention, unlike when run as a department under the Health Ministry.

I hope the Committee will unlock and fast-track the transition as they prosecute this matter. It should recommend appropriate budgetary allocation for staff and facilities. Whereas Kenyatta National Hospital receives Kshs8 billion, we must also scale up allocations. Ultimately, all the nine traditional regions of Kenya should have a Level 6 hospital, not just concentrated around the mountain.

Thank you.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Sen. Richard Onyonka.

Sen. Onyonka:

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish to add to what colleagues have said about medical facilities in our regions. As Sen. Kajwang’ has mentioned, it is embarrassing to see hospitals in such poor condition. In reality, most health facilities in our regions face the same challenges. There are no medicines, technical personnel are victimized, some are on strike and CBAs signed are not honoured. Governors collect revenue from hospitals and claim it is their own, yet that money should improve facilities.

As the Senator for Kisii County, I ask colleagues to reflect. I am fortunate to serve in the Committee on Health with members like Hon. Tabitha. We must agree on what to do with the health sector. Some facilities are handed over to the national Government, which provides grants, yet others remain neglected. Kisii Level 6 Hospital has nothing. It is partially closed. There are no medicines. There is no running water. Everything seems to be going wrong.

July 16, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 23251

The Committee on Health must interrogate this. Should we make a deliberate decision to ask the national Government to take over all Level 6 hospitals? Piecemeal action is not working.

Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, a beautiful facility built by former Governor Hon. Oparanya, was also upgraded. It is amazing. The National Government has provided about Kshs3 billion. Once completed, it will treat 3 million people a year. We are now upgrading at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. We face the same challenge in Trans Nzoia County.

Why do we not call governors and ask them if they are willing to relinquish management of Level 6 hospitals to the national Government and see how best that can be done? If not, because that is a devolved function, then can we sit with our governors---

(Sen. Onyonka’s microphone was switched off)

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

If you are not done, you have one minute to conclude.

Sen. Onyonka:

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I was saying that if we find that that is an option they cannot accept, then why do we not sit and ask our governors how they want us to solve the problems because they are too many and all the facilities are becoming dysfunctional?

I thank you.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi):

Next is Sen. Madzayo. The Senate Minority Leader (Sen. Madzayo): Asante, Mstahiki Spika, kwa kunipa nafasi hii kuchangia Taarifa iliyoletwa na Seneta wa Taita Taveta ndugu yangu, Sen. Mwaruma.

Ni jambo la kusikitisha kwamba leo hii Mkenya anaweza kupoteza maisha yake kwa sababu ya vitu visivyojulikana kama kusalimiana halafu anagundua kuwa amepoteza sehemu zake za siri. Hilo ni jambo la ajabu. Ikiwa kuna mazingaombwe kama hayo, ambapo mimi naamini kwamba hakuna---

Kule kwetu, Kilifi, wazee wakianza kuwa na nywele nyeupe, wakati mwingine utapata kitendo kama kile kilichotendeka kule Mwembe Tayari karibu na soko la zamani kinatendeka kwao. Mzee akionekana kuwa na mvi, wanajiuliza kwa nini hajafa ama kwa nini anaendelea kuishi ilhali watoto wadogo pengine kwa sababu ya ugonjwa ama mambo mengine yaliyowakumba wanapoteza maisha yao. Wanaamini kuwa ni kwa sababu mzee huyo bado yuko hai. Wakati mwingine, mzee kama huyo hupigwa hadi akapoteza maisha yake.

Ni jambo la kusikitisha kwamba Kenya yetu ina askari. Vilevile ni jambo la kusikitisha kuona kwamba askari wanaweza kusimama kando na kuangalia Mkenya akipigwa na mwishowe kutolewa uhai. Kazi yao ni kuchukua mwili na kuweka kwenya gari na kuupeleka katika chumba cha kuhifadhi maiti.

Nina swali moja ambalo ningependa kuuliza. Wewe ulipewa bunduki na una uwezo wa kuchukua hatua ili kuokoa maisha ya mtu. Kwa nini unasimama kando na kuacha uhai wa mtu kutolewa?

[The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) left the Chair]
[The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) in the Chair]

July 16, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 23252

Bw. Naibu Spika, polisi wawili ambao walionyeshwa katika video iliyochukuliwa wanaonekana vizuri. Kuna ushahidi wa kutosha na kuna mashahidi ambao wamejitolea.

Kuna Inspekta Jenerali wa Polisi. Lazima Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) ichunguze na kukamata watu waliofanya kitendo cha kinyama kama hicho ili liwe funzo kwa wengine wanatoa uhai wa watu bila sababu yoyote na kwenda zao nyumbani kujumuika na familia zao ilhali wengine wanalia kwa sababu mtu ametolewa uhai kwa njia isiyo ya kisheria.

Jambo la pili ni kuhusu askari wetu ambao mafunzo yao hugharimu pesa nyingi sana. Wanafaa kujua kwamba wao ndio watetezi---

(Sen. Madzayo’s microphone was switched off)

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri):

Una dakika moja na nusu. The Senate Minority Leader (Sen. Madzayo): Asante, shemeji yangu. Ni kweli kwamba tunawapeleka vijana wetu kule Kiganjo ili kupata mafunzo. Baada ya kupata mafunzo, wanafaa kujua kwamba wanapaswa kutetea uhai wa kila Mkenya bila upendeleo wa aina yoyote.

Asante, Bw. Naibu Spika.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri):

That brings us to the end of comments on Statements.

Clerk, please call the next Order.

MOTION

ADOPTION OF REPORT ON PETITION ON ENACTMENT OF A LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO PROVIDE FOR CITIZEN INITIATED RECALL OF THE PRESIDENT AND COUNTY GOVERNORS

THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights on its consideration of a Petition to the Senate by Mr. Laban Omusundi regarding the enactment of a legal framework to provide for recall of the President or a Governor through a citizen initiative, laid on the table of the Senate on Thursday, 11th June, 2026.

(Sen. Maanzo on 14.07.2026)

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri):

Debate on this Motion was concluded. Now we need to put the question but first confirm whether we have quorum. (The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Deputy Speaker) Hon. Senators, putting of the question is deferred.

July 16, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 23253

Let us go to the next Order.

BILL

Second Reading

THE KENYA ROADS (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILLS NO.34 OF 2025)

(Sen. Oketch Gicheru on 18.06.2026)

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri):

Any Member can make a contribution on this Bill. We will start with Sen. Wambua. (Sen. Wakili Sigei spoke off record)

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I can see the Senator for Bomet saying something but I do not know what the issue is. Perhaps, he needs to approach the Chair. (Sen. Wakili Sigei spoke off record)

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri):

I am wondering whether the Senator for Kitui is the one in the Chair because he has given you an opportunity to raise an issue.

I did not give him an opportunity. I just said I can see---

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri):

You stood to raise a matter that you have. Proceed, Sen. Wambua. Kindly take note that you are not the Chair.