Thursday, 25th June 2026

Hon. Members, it is very impressive that we have quorum. That is very good. Congratulations. Clerks-at-the-Table, proceed.

Hon. Members, we have a Message from the Senate. Pursuant to provisions of Standing Order 41 (4) , I wish to report to the House that I have received a Message from the Senate regarding the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill (Senate Bill No. 8 of 2026) . The Message conveys that the Senate considered and passed the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill (Senate Bill No. 8 of 2026) on 17th June 2026 with amendments.

The County Governments Additional Allocations Bill (Senate Bill No. 8 of 2026) was published vide the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 61 of 16th March 2026. It seeks to provide for additional allocations to county governments for the 2026/2027 Financial Year and the responsibilities of the national government and county governments pursuant to the said allocations.

Having passed the Bill, the Senate now seeks the concurrence of the National Assembly on the Bill in accordance with the provisions of Article 110 (4) of the Constitution. Standing Order 143 (1) requires the Speaker to cause a Bill received from the Senate to be read a First Time upon conveyance of its Message.

I therefore direct the Clerk to have the Bill listed in the Order Paper for First Reading at the next sitting. Thereafter, the Bill stands committed to the Budget and Appropriations Committee for consideration pursuant to provisions of Article 110 of the Constitution. The Committee is to report to the House on the Bill to enable its consideration within set timelines.

The House is accordingly guided and I thank you.

Deputy Leader of the Majority Party.

I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table:

Thank you. Next Order.

Is Hon. Chege Njuguna, Member of Kandara, in the House? If not, Hon. Dick Oyugi, Member of Luanda, will be next. Go ahead.

He is the Chairman.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. My Leader of the Minority Party has drawn your attention to an important matter.

Pursuant to Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding rising cases of insecurity in Luanda Constituency.

Hon. Speaker, since the beginning of 2026, insecurity in Luanda Constituency has escalated sharply, causing widespread fear among residents. More than 20 people have been killed in a series of violence attacks, triggering a resident-led protest to demand urgent interventions. There has been a notable increase in criminal activities with the border operators singled out as frequent targets. In several reported cases, young operators were allegedly lured by individuals posing as customers only to be attacked or left with serious injuries while their motorcycles were stolen.

On 27th May 2026, Mr Brian Amatea, whose ID number is tabled, a resident of Mwibita Sub-location, Ibona Location, went missing. His body was subsequently recovered and held at a mortuary as an unidentified person but his motorcycle remains missing. The matter was reported to Luanda Police Station under OB No. 2/28/05/2026.

Additionally, a bodaboda operator from Ebbusundi sustained severe head injuries following brutal attacks in which the assailants fled with his motorcycle. Although he survived, the injuries are serious and underscore the high level of risk that bodaboda operators and other residents continue to face.

Hon. Speaker, there has also been a rise in household burglaries, including a recent incident in which a household was burgled and suffered the loss of an unspecified quantity of household items, including over 50 chicken. The matter was reported at Luanda Police Station under OB No. 27/3/06/2026. This continued occurrence of such crimes without any corresponding resolution, therefore, threatens livelihood, public safety, local transport services, and small businesses and the overall well-being of residents across the constituency and neighbouring areas.

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

Hon. Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security? Hon. Tongoyo? You give him the microphone.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. We can respond the first week once we resume from recess. But if we can get the response...

You can do something next week. You have heard of those strings of brutal attacks on bodaboda riders or what did I hear?

Yes, I did. I know I put too much on the table.

Can you bring us some preliminary statement on Wednesday next week?

Maybe on Thursday, Hon. Speaker.

Thursday, next week.

Yes please.

Yes, Hon. Nyikal, do you want to joyride on it? Give Dr Nyikal the microphone.

Actually, Hon. Maungu is my neighbour and the problem of motorbike riders being attacked at night is actually the same. The pattern is the same. Even in my constituency, when some were traced, we found there is a link with Luanda. At least the bodaboda riders say there is a link between what is happening in Luanda and what is happening in my constituency. So, when Hon. Tongoyo is actually investigating this matter, he should look at Seme Constituency as well because we think there is a link between what is happening in Seme and Luanda Constituencies. In Luanda, people even demonstrated because they said they know who the suspect may be but nothing is being done. Hon. Tongoyo, look a little further. You may help all of us.

Thank you.

Rindikiri.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I think there is a wave targeting the bodaboda riders. Hon. Speaker, yesterday, the Isiolo County Women Member of Parliament brought up a matter on funny attacks and rapes. Four days ago, a rider from my constituency, which borders Isiolo town, was attacked. When it was reported to the police, instead of the police taking up the matter, they referred it back to my constituency, which is outside the jurisdiction of where the attack happened.

Last night, there were attacks again on bodaboda riders along Nanyuki-Meru Road. So, this is something that is coming up and I support what Hon. Maungu has done. It is something that really needs to be addressed very seriously by the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Mhe. Tongoyo, umesikia hiyo?

Hon. Speaker, this is a situation that may not just be isolated to Luanda or Seme Constituencies. It is something that is all over the place. Maybe we can lump together with the question that we will be processing before the Committee when we will be seeing the Cabinet Secretary next week. I can also invite the concerned Members to...

Bring a preliminary response to the House on Thursday. Ambassador Sigei?

Suppose we are able to meet the Cabinet Secretary before Thursday, we can process it and still bring the response to the Floor.

Excellent. Amb. Sigei. STALLED AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT IN SOTIK CONSTITUENCY

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. This is a request for a statement regarding the Stalled Affordable Housing Project in Sotik Constituency. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a Statement regarding the stalled Affordable Housing Project in Sotik Constituency.

Hon. Speaker, Sotik Constituency was identified as one of the beneficiaries of the Government’s Affordable Housing Programme, with 596 housing units together with associated social amenities and infrastructure earmarked for construction under the initiative. The project, which commenced in 2025, was expected to improve access to decent and affordable housing, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic activity within

the constituency. However, implementation has experienced significant delays and has since stalled despite the contractor having been mobilised to the site and commenced works in accordance with the contract.

Hon. Speaker, it is alleged that the contractor has not received any payment since the commencement of the project and he has, therefore, issued notices to suspend works and subsequently terminate the contract, citing breach of contractual obligations by the procuring entity. The continued delay has denied the residents of Sotik Constituency the intended benefits of the Affordable Housing Programme and raises concerns regarding project management, contract administration and the possible exposure of public funds to contractual claims, compensation, and cost escalations. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works

Hon. Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works? Yes, Hon. Emathe? Hold on, Hon. Chairman. Hon. Emathe. Give him the microphone. There you are.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. When you listen to such kind of reports about stalled projects under the Affordable Housing Programme, it is too unfortunate. This is because this is a levy which means money is available. Why should they delay paying and works stall? What are we communicating to Kenyans? Our payslips are reduced. Pay contractors and let the projects be implemented. This is because even in Turkana, the same is happening. It is the same thing. Projects that were started are still dragging. They are not completed within the specified timelines.

Hon. Karitho

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to ride on the same because in my constituency of Igembe Central, on the Technical and Vocational Training Institute housing project, the contractor came and dug the trenches, brought some building materials and he left for the last four months. Now everybody is worried and questioning what is happening.

I wish bring it to the attention of the Committee that this is a very important project because even the president himself has been moving around on it and we have the funds. We need to see the work going on. The committee should pull up their socks and complete these projects on time.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Keynan.

Hon. Speaker, I thought I was the only one, coming from a region that has been neglected over the years. When these projects were first launched, we were all excited. I have two projects in my constituency and both have stalled. Somebody should tell us where the housing levy is. Where is the money? Why were these projects started?

Why have they stalled? What message are we sending to the taxpayers? I think this is something that the Committee should address as a matter of national importance because you know the significance of this. We cannot afford to have those stalled projects under the housing levy. It will be a national shame. Hon. Chairman and your Committee Members, that question is not an isolated one. It is something that cuts across the country. Can this be addressed as a matter of national importance?

Hon. Bowen.

Hon. Speaker, the issue of stalled affordable housing projects in our constituencies now looks like a concern to many Members. I even thought it was only in Marakwet East, where the contractor came and disappeared. It is almost one year since the contractor was handed over the site. Up to date there is nothing, absolutely nothing. I have even written letters to the Principal Secretary asking if there is need for the contract to be cancelled and re-advertised afresh if the contractor does not have the capability. However, it seems now that it is not about the issue of the contractor because it cannot be that all the contractors in the country are not capable. It means that there is a problem in the Ministry.

Hon. Speaker, I think as a House, we need to summon the Cabinet Secretary in charge.

Yes. I think there is sabotage at the ministry and actually they are sabotaging the President. This is because the President has been going around launching these projects and now there is nothing going on.

Hon. Pareyio.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to this issue. I initially thought we were discussing Narok North, as we have about four markets there, and nothing is happening in one of them. Women who were actively running their businesses were moved out to facilitate the construction of this market. To this day, these women are loitering around; they come to me seeking answers, and I have none to give them. Therefore, I feel there is a need for us to call in whoever is concerned to provide clarity on the situation so that we can address these women's questions. Thank you.

The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, do you hear that round of concern?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I have taken note of the statement from the Member for Sotik, Hon. Sigei.

And everyone else.

I promise…

Hold on, Chairman. Yes, Hon. Cynthia Muge, what is it? Chairman, hold on. More concerns are coming.

Thank you. If you recall, I raised a concern last week about the markets, which you ruled was affecting everyone. Regarding the housing situation, I know everyone is complaining, and the Member from Turkana has said the problem is indeed widespread. However, the housing project in Kapsabet, Nandi County, was completed on schedule and has been handed over to the people. I am personally impressed by the progress made in Kapsabet town, particularly on the Chisumei side. There are problems, but there are also positive developments, including those in Kapsabet. I want to express my appreciation and also request that the remaining projects be completed.

Yes, Hon. Cherorot.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute. Last time, this became a concern for the entire House, and I

recall you ruling that we would call the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development here. I believe this is a concern and some contractors are incompetent. The only solution is to have that Kamukunji, as you mentioned last time.

Hon. (Dr) Oundo.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I just wanted to bring to your attention that, if I recall correctly, you had mentioned something about a Kamukunji between the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary to come and address the concerns of the Members here and the general public. The issue of stalled projects funded under the Housing Levy is a matter that we will revisit later. It is important that you ask them to come. I do not wish to pre-empt any statement I might make when they are here. That is what we had requested. Thank you.

Hon. Owen Baya, I had indicated to the House that, due to the round of concerns triggered by Ambassador Sigei's request for a statement, we should have the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary come to Kamukunji on Thursday morning.

Much obliged. We will communicate.

Therefore, it is directed that the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, the Principal Secretary, and any other relevant person appear before the House for a Kamukunji on Thursday, 2nd July, at 10.00 a.m. All those with concerns should raise them on that day.

Yes, Hon. Atandi.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I had another concern, but regarding a different ministry. I am unsure if we could have two Cabinet Secretaries appearing on that day. I have received reports that the academies programme has stalled everywhere. It would interest the House to have the Cabinet Secretary in charge come and explain this issue. Thank you.

I have not received any request regarding that, Hon. Atandi. Please write to me so that I can assess and determine the need to call the Cabinet Secretary. If I find that you make a compelling case, I will include him.

Next, we have responses to statements. Is Hon. Ali Abdi in the House? He is the Member for Ijara. Hon. Tongoyo, are you ready? The Member is in the House. Please proceed.

Hon. Speaker, the Member has two sets of questions, and I would like to start with a light one. The first question pertains to the operationalisation of administrative units in Ijara. Hon. Speaker, I request your indulgence. I have indicated that he has two sets of questions: one concerning the operationalisation of administrative units, and the other focuses on...

The question I have called out relates to the killing of a chief and a primary school teacher. You may respond to that. Once you have finished, if you address the interventions, we can move on to the next. However, since both questions concern the same Member, Abdi, can we take them together?

Yes.

Go ahead, Hon. Tongoyo.

Regarding the first question,

Luanda. The response from the Cabinet Secretary has consistently been the same; it has always centred around the budget. Therefore, the creation and operationalisation of the new units remain a key government strategy aimed at enhancing governance, improving security coordination, and bringing government services closer to the people.

In this regard, the State Department for Interior and National Administration is developing regulations intended to guide the modalities for the creation and operationalisation of administrative units across the country. One of the key requirements in the gazettement process is the approval of adequate public participation, in line with the provisions of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Furthermore, the Government must consider the financial implications associated with establishing new units, including authorisation to incur expenses, payment of personal emoluments, and facilitation of officers deployed to the new stations. These requirements must be fully budgeted to ensure sustainability and to avoid a situation where officers are deployed without adequate operational support or remuneration. Subsequently, these factors have contributed to the delayed gazettement of various units, not only in the Ijara constituency but also in other parts of the country.

Regarding the timeline for the full operationalisation of administrative units, it is dependent on the availability of adequate budgetary resources appropriated by this House. Once funds are available, the Ministry will commence the deployment of personnel and provision of the necessary infrastructure and logistical support required for the operationalisation of the gazetted administrative units.

Concerning the measures being taken, even as the Ministry continues to pursue the establishment of the proposed unit, steps have already been undertaken to strengthen administration and service delivery in the Ijara constituency, as well as across the rest of the country. Between November and December 2025, the State Department operationalised two locations, Bulla Haji and Bulla Dahir, along with two sub-locations, Qalanqal Derow and Dabar Matan. Currently, Ijara sub-county has a total of four divisions, 19 locations and 22 sub-locations. These measures have significantly enhanced administrative coordination, improved access to government services, and strengthened security management within the constituency, as the Ministry continues to work towards the eventual operationalisation of the proposed administrative units. Signed by the Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen.

I submit. Should I proceed to the second response?

Proceed to the second one.

On the second question, which is about the very unfortunate killing of a chief and a teacher, I respond as follows: It was reported at Uluogbo Police Station vide OB No. 3 of 2026, on 26th January this year, at about 13.00 hours, that approximately 20 Al-Shabaab militants stormed Hulugho Township in three groups. The first group, comprising about five militants, engaged officers at Hulugho Police Station through probing. The second group, consisting of about seven militants, proceeded to the homestead of the late Chief Abdifarah Gani Mohamud, where they broke into his house and fatally shot him.

The assailants subsequently detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) , destroying his motor vehicle and kiosk. The third group invaded the residence of the late teacher, Stephen Musili Vundi, and they frog-marched him for approximately 100 metres before fatally shooting him. A multi-agency security team promptly responded to both incidents, conducted a search of the area, and subsequently initiated a pursuit operation to track and intercept the attackers. The case remains under investigation.

I will now speak to the second part of the question regarding the reasons for the persistent inadequate security. Hulugho Sub-County lies along the Kenya-Somalia border and is characterised by expansive and porous terrain. Due to the asymmetric tactics employed by Al-Shabaab, attackers at times exploit soft targets and swiftly shift through cross-border

incursions. Such tactics present operational challenges in preventing every isolated incident, particularly within the border environment. However, the Government has progressively enhanced personnel deployment, mobility assets and operational support within Garissa County to strengthen overall security preparedness.

Security operations in Hulugho and other high-risk border areas within Garissa County are undertaken through a joint multi-agency approach. These operations include coordinated border patrols, surveillance, disruption of militant networks, and the arrest of suspects, as well as the recovery of weapons and other logistical materials. Within Hulugho Sub-County, there are three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) camps located at Sinai, Hulugho and Sangallu, as well as Special Operations Group (SOG) camps stationed at Hulugho and Gezreb. These security teams have significantly strengthened deterrence and response capabilities within the Sub-County.

The National Service sector continues to review and reinforce security strategies in Hulugho and other high-risk areas of Garissa County and, of course, the Northern part of the country through sustained patrols, inter-agency collaboration, community engagement and capacity enhancement to address evolving threats. The rest are the standard interventions and methods being employed; therefore, I submit, Hon. Speaker.

Yes, Hon. Abdi, are you satisfied with the response?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I am not satisfied with the answer the Chair has given. On the specific issue of the budget, I understand there is a challenge in creating administrative units due to budgetary constraints. However, since he is the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security. Therefore, I believe the Committee should make decisions to allocate resources to areas that are affected by the lack of administrative units. For example, in Hulugho Sub-County, we have a whole division and a whole location called Elkambere Location, which borders Somalia. We have people living along the border in a place called Warqo, and until now, that place has no Location. Therefore, I request that the Chair and the Committee allocate more resources to address these administrative unit challenges.

On the other issue regarding the killing of the chief, from that day until now, the people of Ulugbo Sub-County have been in a state of panic since the incident. People are worried because of the insecurity issues in my Sub-County. I note that the Chairperson replied that the matter is still under investigation. However, I request that this issue be addressed because, right now, the teachers are not there in Hulugho Secondary School, Hulugho Girls, and Hulugho Primary School, because of the killing of the teacher. For the last two terms, we have not had teachers in those schools. This is not a matter that can simply be answered by saying that it is still under investigation.

We have over 40 teachers who have left Hulugho Secondary School, Hulugho Primary School, and Hulugho Girls. Up to now, those teachers have not returned. They cannot go back to Hulugho to teach the students. As a result, we are now looking for other mechanisms to address the situation. Therefore, I am not satisfied with that statement, specifically on the incident of insecurity in Hulugho Sub-County.

Thank you.

Yes, Hon. Raso.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. We take note of what Hon. Abdi has raised. I think the problem in the North…

Are you responding?

I am not responding, just that we experience the same problem.

You are joyriding.

Yes, I am doing both.

Because you cannot take over the response from your Chairperson.

I am not taking the response from the Chairperson. The Chairperson is doing his duty.

Okay.

As a Member from Northern Kenya, I think the two questions that Hon. Abdi has raised are actually interconnected. The absence of governance in most of these areas is what is allowing criminal syndicates like Al-Shabaab and others to take over most of these areas. It is true that there is an issue of finances. However, the important thing is that security agencies must look at these issues, particularly in the North, from a different perspective. The porous borders, the availability of guns, and the presence of criminal gangs make teachers from other regions and civil servants uncomfortable working in those areas. As a Committee, we also take note of this. As people from the North, we think the Government should do better.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Tongoyo, how far are the investigations into the killing of the teacher and the chief?

Hon. Speaker, from the report, these attacks and killings by Al-Shabaab make it complex because these guys come from across the border. This is a problem that we have continuously faced. The issue here is that this is largely a multi-agency matter. Of course, the manner in which the agencies undertake their work is somewhat secretive. However, we want to assure Kenyans and our colleagues that the Ministry and the security agencies will do everything possible to ensure that Kenyans are not subjected to such killings by Al-Shabaab….

Thank you.

Hon. Speaker, let me also say a word. The events of today, and noting that the House is full and our roads are safe, have demonstrated the capacity and capability of our officers. Once they are trained, properly equipped, their morale is boosted, and they are given what they need, they can equally do a good job. Therefore, I want to assure the Member and the rest of us that the investigations are ongoing and, more importantly, that efforts are being made to ensure that such acts are deterred and contained.

On the second question, regarding the operationalisation of administrative units, it is true, and you may recall, that this has been a recurring question. When we came in, we required about Ksh2.4 billion to operationalise a long list of pending units. I want to report that about 24 or 26 sub-counties across the country have now been operationalised. Regarding the remaining units, including the Ijara ones, we have got a little money from the 2026/2027 Budget that we just passed in this House. I will follow up on that but Ijara will be among the beneficiaries of operationalisation in the country.

Thank you. Is Kazungu Tungule in the House? Yes, I can see him. Hon. Tongoyo, are you ready with the response to Hon. Kazungu Tungule, Member for Ganze?

I do not have that response, Hon. Speaker.

You do not have it?

Yes, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Kazungu?

Sorry, Hon. Tongoyo, this is not your Committee’s response. This is by the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. Where is Hon. Koech?

Hon. Speaker, I will read the response on behalf of the Chairperson.

Hon. Bashir, are you ready?

Hon. Speaker, yes.

Go ahead, the Member is in the House.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Hon. Kazungu Tungule, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , requested for a Statement from the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs regarding the death and burial of the late Jesca Kashutu Ziro in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Committee specifically sought clarification of the following:

Yes, Hon. Tungule Kazungu.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker for this opportunity. Much as I appreciate the response by the Prime Cabinet Secretary, it has not addressed the most fundamental issue.

It has been almost one year since Jesca died, yet the ministry remains non-committal on whether they can repatriate her body. It has not provided any timelines on when they will bring the body. I do not know whether we should tell the family that it is not possible or that, at some point, they will be able to bury their loved one.

Hon. Speaker, I am not very happy with the Statement, as it has been read here by the Vice-Chairperson. I wish that the Ministry could do more than it has. I appreciate the other measures they have taken to protect diaspora workers. However, on this issue, more needs to be done to alleviate this family's suffering. The family has waited for over one year for their loved one. They need to give her a decent send-off, but they cannot. This is because they are not getting any good responses from the Ministry. I am not happy with the ministry's response. Thank you.

Hon. Bashir, can you make Hon. Kazungu happy?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I have noted the concerns of Hon. Tungule. The main issue is the ministry's failure to provide timelines for the return of the remains. That concern will be raised with the ministry to ensure they issue a timeline for the return of the remains. I will ensure the ministry addresses those concerns. Thank you.

Thank you. Hon. Kazungu. If you need any further support or assistance on the matter, I direct the Chairperson and you to contact the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs jointly.

Much obliged.

That is the end of our Statements. Is there any other?

Deputy Leader of the Majority Party, present the Thursday statement.

Hon. 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 (HBC) , which met on Tuesday, 23rd June 2026, to prioritise business for consideration during the week and the business coming before the House next week.

As Members may be aware, on Tuesday this week, the President assented to the Finance Bill, 2026 and four other Bills following their passage by the House. Permit me to commend Members from both sides of the aisle for the maturity shown during the Committee of the whole House undertaken last week on the Finance Bill in particular. The sobriety with which we considered each clause and the proposed amendments thereof, based on facts and responsiveness to the views gathered through public participation, is a testament to our ripening democracy.

With regard to business scheduled for Tuesday next week, the House is expected to undertake the following:

Thank you, Hon. Baya. Hon. Members, let us go to the next Order. As we do so, is the Majority and Minority leadership here? Can they approach the Hon. Speaker? Where is Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah? Hon. Millie, you can come.

Hon. Members, I wish to give directions on the Supplementary Order Paper. We will proceed as follows. We will temporarily stay Order No. 8. Hon. Mishi has already approached me, wishing to contribute. She will have her time. We shall go to Order No.9. After that, we shall proceed to the Committee of the whole House. In the Committee, at Order No.10, we shall dispose of (i) and (ii), the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, which is time-bound, and we need to finish up with it. We will then do the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill. The Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill will be put off to next week. The Fisheries Management and Development Bill will be stayed, but we will return to it later after disposing of Order No. 8 on the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill.

Call out Order No. 9.

Hon. Sirma.

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

THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Committee on the National Government Constituencies Development Fund in its Report on the approval hearing of nominees for appointment as members of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Board, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 17th June 2026 and pursuant to the provisions of Section 15 of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Act (Cap. 414A) and Sections 3 and 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act (Cap. 7F) , this House approves the appointment of the following persons as Members of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Board:

Hon. Gitonga Murugara.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. I rise to second this Motion. Hon. Sirma and his Committee continue to do a good job. Although NG-CDF has nothing to do with Members of Parliament, it is the lifeline of development, especially in rural areas. Therefore, this House must make a very candid decision when required to do so under the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act (Cap. 7F) . This is one of the instances in which we look at it.

With those remarks, I beg to second the Motion.

Order. Hon. Members on their feet, take your seats. Hon. Bashir, take your seat. Order, Hon. Bashir.

Put the question!

Do I put the question?

Yes.

Yes, Hon. Ngogoyo, what is it?

Hon. Speaker, this is a very important Board. I want to contribute to it. I want to go on record in support of the approval of the members of the NG-CDF Board as proposed by the Committee. The elements of approval include the NG-CDF Act (Cap. 414) . All four members meet the requirements of the NG-CDF Act (Cap. 414) .

The second requirement is the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act. All four members meet the requirements. We have Morris Putita Kaaka from Kajiado County. When I served as a Member of County Assembly (MCA) , he was the Chief Officer in the first county government. He meets all the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution. There is a lady from Garsen in the list who is a graduate. She has never had the opportunity to work in any other institution, but she will have a chance to serve on this Board. We also have a lady from Nyamira. Why do you want to deny her an opportunity to serve? The governing instruments in NG-CDF are three. The first one is the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

Hold on, Hon. Ngogoyo. Yes, Hon. Kimani.

Hon. Speaker, I rise on a point of order on anticipation of debate. Hon. Ngogoyo is in his rightful place to debate. However, what he is saying amounts to anticipating a decision of the House, after a Motion is seconded, you should debate, but not anticipate debate. I do not know who he is talking to.

I would also like to correct Hon. Ngogoyo in his contribution. Being a member of a Board, unlike being in management, is not recommended if you have not worked elsewhere. Even in your endeavour to support somebody, you may say things that may point in a different direction. Hon. Ngogoyo has conceded that someone has never worked anywhere before and is now being appointed to a Board to supervise people who have worked for NG-CDF for many years. I caution him on that.

Yes, Hon. Ngogoyo.

Hon. Speaker, I rise to support the Motion as it has been proposed. I served in the Kajiado County Assembly. I worked with the Chief Officer.

You have already said that.

Hon. Speaker, allow me to finish.

Go on.

I will not offend you in any way. As someone who believes in fairness and in giving everyone an opportunity, I ask this House to approve these members. For the first time, we have somebody from Kajiado County. I ask you to support the members. Hon. Ichung’wah cannot teach me how to do things. Do your things the way you want. Do not bring your way of doing things here.

With those many remarks, I support the approval of the appointment of the members of the NG-CDF Board. I would like to see Members who want to bring down an individual who supports this Government.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker.

Yes, Hon. KJ.

Hon. Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to contribute. You have a discretion, according to Standing Order 1. You have opened this Motion for a debate on how we will vote. We are not beyond that stage to get into the full debate on the veracity of the Report brought to us and the qualifications of the people therein. The debate is totally out of order until you call for the debate. You asked us how we want to vote on this Report.

Thank you.

Hon. KJ, the Motion was moved, seconded, and I proposed the question. Yes, Leader of the Minority Party.

Hon. Speaker, I stand to reject this Motion. This is a House of debate. I can see one member, Mr Morris Putita Kaaka, who is very qualified. I know him. However, that does not make the whole list okay. This is a very important Board to this country. It will manage and handle Ksh65 billion on behalf of Kenyans. We must have the most competent people on this Board.

Secondly, this House is not a conveyor belt. We must scrutinise whatever we are passing in the House. Do not come here with a mindset that whatever is presented in the Plenary must pass. We also have the constitutional mandate to reject it if we feel so. I urge my colleagues, Members of Parliament, to give this Report the scrutiny and consultation it requires. It also requires us to consider people of high integrity who can manage this Fund in the best way possible.

With those reasons, I urge my colleagues to reject the Motion in totality.

Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon. Speaker, I also rise to reject this list of the members of the NG-CDF Board. I associate myself with the sentiments of my colleague and Leader of the Minority Party, Hon. Junet. This House has a constitutional mandate to oversee the work of the Executive and everybody in the Executive.

When I listened to my brother, Hon. Ngogoyo, I was tempted to change my mind, until he disclosed that some on this list had never worked anywhere before.

Yes!

We must be certain that the people we approve in this Board are beyond reproach. I know some of us have attempted many times to speak to the gallery, which is why you see the anger Hon. Ngogoyo is exhibiting today. It is probably because the people he follows, the day before yesterday, told their thuggish supporters not to appear in the streets. That is why we have had very peaceful processions. I join many Kenyans in remembering those who lost their lives and those who lost property two years ago and last year. Let me also use this platform to say this, since it annoys the Hon. Member for Kajiado North. That, the people he follows in Wamunyoro, the day before yesterday, asked their supporters, whom he called his supporters... It is now clear who the owner of the violence that was inflicted on people’s properties is. It is now clear.

Yes, Hon. Ngogoyo, what is it?

Hon. Speaker, I rise under Standing Order 106 on relevance. What does the issue of NG-CDF have to do with Wamunyoro, and what is Wamunyoro? What is it that you are talking about? What is that? How is that relevant to NG-CDF? I ask for your indulgence so that this Member remains relevant to the debate that we have—the Member for Kikuyu.

Give him the microphone.

Hon. Speaker, you know what I said yesterday when the Member for Manyatta rose on Standing Order 105. I see that at least the Member for Kajiado North has read one Standing Order. I am obligated, as his leader, to continue educating him, including on issues of relevance. This is how this debate is relevant to NG-CDF. The police posts that were burnt last year in Dagoretti. My NG-CDF office, which was burnt the year before. The Dagoretti South NG-CDF office, which was burnt the year before by the thuggish arsonists. They were mobilised by those people who were calling off the same thuggish characters from the streets the day before yesterday. I was saying it is now clear to Kenyans who the owners of these thuggish arsonists are. Hon. Speaker, the Leader of the Minority Party may inform me.

Hon. Speaker, I wanted to inform the Leader of the Majority Party that, regarding the NG-CDF offices and police stations that were burnt in Kikuyu and Dagoretti South, I am told the burning was instigated by a group called Wamunyoro. I wanted to inform him that.

Go on.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. In conclusion, I have heard some people claiming that today is a public holiday. I just came from the Bomas of Kenya, where the President was inspecting the work being done. People were working in the Bomas of Kenya. We are here because we are working and we must work. Therefore, what we are doing in considering this Motion is what the people of Kenya pay us to do. We must never use this Floor to tell untruths, such as the one the Member for Kajiado North, Hon. Ngogoyo, told this House. This Board had in place the Hon. Janet Teia, the former Woman Representative for Kajiado, who has served on it. So, it is not true that this is the first person from Kajiado County to serve on this Board. We are not approving members into the NG-CDF Board. This is a national board. Not county, regional or ethnic board. This is the political board of the NG-CDF supervising projects for which we have allocated Ksh61 billion. Therefore, this is a Board that we should have an opportunity to reconsider. Should any of these people, Maurice Butita, Mutua, Fidelis Kiety, Yvonne Boyani, Yvonne Susu, want to make their way back, the process is open for any one of them to reapply. Therefore, at this juncture, I strongly oppose.

Yes, (Dr) Pukose. Who do you want to inform?

She wants to inform me. I will allow her to inform me if she wants.

Hold on. Hon Leader of the Majority Party is no longer on the Floor, so you cannot inform him.

Order, Hon. Fatuma. Hon. Fatuma, you cannot be on a misadventure to inform everybody.

Hon. (Dr) Pukose is on a point of order. So, he has not even said anything worth being informed about. Yes, Pukose?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I stand under Standing Order 95, that the mover be called to reply. I think the only person supporting this Motion is Hon. Ngogoyo, for his best reasons. Hon. Leah, we will allow her to support together with Hon. Sunkuyia. I think that will go into a vote. But allow us, Hon. Speaker, that the mover be called to reply.

I will call the mover, but let me hear Sunkuyia and Hon. Leah for a minute.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I stand to support the appointment of this nominee, and especially Maurice Kaka. It is true, he is a Kenyan. He is a very competent nominee, and I have known him for many years. He comes from my constituency, ward, and location, which I also represent as a Member of Parliament. Since the committee has approved him, I urge this House to approve him as a very competent nominee who should not be rejected here. He is also a supporter of this Government and a very competent person. So, in any case, all of us, at the end of the exercise, are all voters.

Yes, Hon. Fatuma. Hon. Sunkuyia, hold your horses.

Hon. Speaker, this is what has been itching me. The Hon. Member has just mentioned that the person is a supporter of this Government. This House does not reward those who support the Government or those who do not support the Government. We will pass the nominees on merit, not on who you support. So, I think that should be clear. Even in Migori, some men and women can be given that position. After all, we support the President 101 per cent, but we have not been rewarded. It means this House does not reward. So, if that is the reason you want us to pass, I reject in advance.

Hon. Sunkuyia

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Make your point.

I am just urging the House to support and approve this nominee because he is competent and has the right to be heard and approved. He should not be rejected. I urge the House to approve this nominee.

Keynan.

Thank you. Hon. Speaker, I wanted to say two things, and you are a living testimony of this. This House has fought for two things. From 1963 to 1989, Parliament was under state capture, and you know it. We did two things which must always be jealously protected. First, we enacted the NG-CDF Act proposed by Hon. (Eng) John Karue. Secondly, we formed the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) . The NG-CDF is independent. Members of Parliament became independent as soon as the NG-CDF Act was enacted. You know what I am talking about. If a Member wanted development in their constituency, they previously had to go and kneel before

the Executive. Therefore, appointees to the NG-CDF Board must understand the history, functions, and geography of the NG-CDF. We cannot take chances.

As one of the fathers of this House, I totally reject this list of appointees. We should send it back to the appointing authority. The Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Sirma, who is an astute Member of Parliament, seemed hesitant as he was moving the Motion. He was not sure about it. My friend, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, was not sure what to say. He was asked to second the Motion, and he just mimicked the Mover’s words. He wanted to oppose the Motion, but he seconded it because procedures have to be followed. We must reject the Report. Let us go back to square one and select people who understand the tenets and functions of the NG-CDF.

I oppose the Motion.

Hon. Leah, you have two minutes.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise to support the Report of the Committee on the appointment of NG-CDF Board Members. I support the Report because, before a Committee tables a report in the House, all the relevant prerequisites have been considered. The House should adopt the Report.

I want to talk about Mr Morris Kaaka Putita from Kajiado County. He is a very competent civil servant. The Leader of the Minority Party said that of the four nominees, he was the most competent and qualified. If the Report is not approved, Morris will become a victim of the unqualified people alongside whom he was nominated. Is it possible to present a report on each nominee and debate them individually? We will then be able to approve those who qualify and reject those who do not. I respect this House and the rule of law. Qualified persons should not become victims of circumstances.

I know that Morris will apply for the position again. I hope the House will approve his appointment if he is nominated.

Let us have Hon. Tandaza.

Let Hon. Tandaza contribute, and then I will call the Mover to reply.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. As the Vice-Chairman of the Committee on NG-CDF, I rise to support the Motion on three grounds. First, this House passed a Bill stipulating that independent directors of the NG-CDF Board must be vetted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) . This is the first time we are debating the appointment of NG-CDF directors whom the PSC has vetted. The previous directors were only vetted by this House.

Secondly, the nominees’ qualifications were in line with the Act. They were expected to have experience in fields such as finance, accounting, economics, engineering, law, or public administration. The nominees met all those qualifications.

Lastly, the NG-CDF Board has never had a director from the Coast. I am not talking about tribe. I am talking about a recognised region in our Constitution. All public appointments must consider regional balance. This is the first time that a person from the Coast has been appointed to the Board.

I support the Special Motion for those reasons.

Let us have Hon. Musa Sirma.

Hon. Speaker, I want to thank the Members who have contributed to this Motion. I beg to reply.

Order, Hon. DK. Take your seat. In 1997, Parliament debated a Motion on land clashes. The Member for Konoin Constituency, Hon. Chebelyon, served on the relevant Committee and appended his signature to the report. When he saw the mood of the House, he nearly fainted. He took off through the back door. He went and called the Press and apologised for appending his signature to that report.

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

Legal Notice No. 99 of 2026 relating to the Public Finance Management

(Amendment)

Regulations, 2026. Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for your indulgence as the Paper came slightly late. That is why we have laid it now.

Call out Order No. 10. Members, will you be upstanding?

During the Committee of the whole House, you will only be considering the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No. 10 of 2026) and the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 27 of 2026) . You will consider the Fisheries Management and Development Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 29 of 2023) after

you debate the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 7 of 2026) in Order No. 8.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, I beg to move that the Committee do report to the House its consideration of the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No. 10 of 2026) and its approval thereof without amendments.

THAT, clause 2 of the Bill be amended in the proposed new subsection (2) —

Yes!

Clause 5

THAT, clause 5 of the Bill be amended in the proposed new subsection (1) —

THAT, clause 6 of the Bill be amended in the proposed new section 36—

Put the Question.

Clause 7

THAT, clause 7 of the Bill be amended in the proposed new section 46A by deleting the words “Subject to section 37

(1)

of the Banking Act,” appearing at the beginning of the proposed new section. Now that section 37

(1)

of the Banking Act has been repealed, this amendment deletes its reference in the Bill.

(Question, that the words to be left out

be left out, put and agreed to)

New Clause 4A

THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following new clause immediately after clause 4— Amendment of section 26 of Cap. 491. 4A. Section 26 of the principal Act is amended in subsection

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, I beg to move that new clause 4A be read a Second Time. This amendment seeks to introduce the term “any other precious metals” for harmony, complete alignment and to align it with proposed amendment in Clause 5 where precious metals, including silver and platinum, are recognised under the Mining Act.

(Question, that the New Clause be read a Second Time, proposed) (Question, that the New Clause be read a Second Time, put and agreed to) (Question, that the New Clause be added to the Bill, put and agreed to) (Title agreed to)

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, I beg to move that the Committee do report to the House its consideration of the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.27 of 2026) and its approval thereof with amendments.

I request Hon. Sunkuyia to second. The Temporary Chairlady (Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai) : We are not yet there, Chair. First of all, I will put the Question.

I call upon the Chairperson to report to the House.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the whole House has considered the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No. 10 of 2026) and approved the same without amendments.

Departmental Committee Chair, move the motion for agreement with the Report of the Committee of the whole House.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said Report. I request Hon. (Dr) Pukose to second.

Proceed, Hon. (Dr) Pukose.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I second.

I now call upon the Mover of the Bill to move Third Reading.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No.10 of 2026) be now read a Third Time.

Before I request my Vice-Chairperson to second, let me make some brief comments on what is happening in the country. I saw something today during the public protests. While I was here, I also received a message from my constituents in Siaya that power had been disconnected from all the water facilities. The residents of Siaya are not able to receive water today. I also saw my Governor on the streets in Nairobi. The only Governor who was leading protests in Nairobi today is the Governor of Siaya County. I would like to call him out for coming all the way to Nairobi to lead demonstrations, leaving the people of Siaya without water.

Do you wish to be informed by Hon. Kiborek?

Yes.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I would like to inform the Chair that Hon. James Aggrey Orengo demonstrated with my grandfather and father, but they left him on the streets. He is demonstrating with my generation

now. He will soon be demonstrating with my children. He is a shameless man who does not have any other agenda other than demonstrations. He has left the people of Siaya County to suffer and came to the streets of Nairobi to loiter. Shame on him!

Order, Hon. Kiborek! You cannot disparage somebody who cannot defend himself in the House. You are allowed to enumerate facts, but you cannot use words that disparage him.

Yes, Member for Nyando. We are on the Third Reading of the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No.10 of 2026) .

Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to join my brother, Hon. Atandi. Yesterday, Hon. Atandi and others….

Order, Hon. Okello. I can only allow point of information, which he accepted, but he needs a seconder now. You must be seconded first.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. With those many remarks, I beg to move and request the Leader of the Majority Party to second.

Leader of the Majority Party, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to second. As I said yesterday during the Second Reading debate of this Bill, which we are about to approve in Third Reading, it will become the County Allocation of Revenue Act. Effectively, from 1st July 2026, the governors will have money in their counties.

As I said yesterday, the governors must be accountable to Kenyans because all our constituencies are in the counties. Many of the governors, including the one who was demonstrating on the streets of Nairobi, are not able to account for the monies they receive through the County Allocation of Revenue Act, the Additional County Allocations Act, and the Conditional Grants Allocations from the national government to cater for Universal Healthcare (UHC) workers totaling to a whopping Kshs8.6 billion. Many governors recruit people they refer to as casual workers, most of whom are goons. That is why you saw the Governor of Siaya County rampaging in the city with goons.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, today is not a public holiday. I saw a Former Vice President of this country celebrating saying that today is a public holiday in Kenya, and he dares to tell the people of Kenya that he wants to be president. If you were in position of leadership for 50 years but you achieved nothing for this country, let Kenyans work. Kenyans want to work. We heard another former one-term Member of Parliament for Mathira asking his people to stay at home today, and not to be on the streets rampaging. It is now evidently clear who mobilises goons to loot people's businesses in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) .

I take this opportunity to thank the people of Kenya, especially young Kenyans, who have seen through the hypocrisy and the scavenging nature of these groups of politicians who have been scavenging on anything and everything. The other day I said that they tried to scavenge on the Ebola issue. Thank God, Ebola never found its way to our country. They tried to scavenge on the Finance Bill; we dissipated their lies and propaganda. They hoped to scavenge on the 25th June Gen Z memorial, when hurting family members congregated together to remember their loved ones. The wanted to scavenge on that events of that day when businessmen and businesswomen who lost property are remembering in pain the property that was touched. I remember the people who died in a building on Kimathi Street and the hundreds of hardworking Kenyans who lost property in 2024 on this day, not forgetting the many young

people who had been made to believe in the propaganda, misinformation and disinformation that had been peddled around the question of the Finance Bill, 2024.

I thank these young people because I saw a number of them on television saying that at least they brought to the attention of Kenyans issues touching on the Finance Bill and we are now able to converse with them. How I wish we had conversed with them then as we have done now. How I wish people listened then as they this year. We must thank the people of Kenya because they have listened. They separated the propaganda and lies from the truth. They have seen those who speak truth, those who speak facts, those who speak to the issues that are in a Bill and those who propagate lies about land taxes, rental income taxes and mitumba taxes. They have seen even among us, the Members of Parliament who read the Bills that are enacted in this House, and those who do not read. The young people of this country have seen those who create their own 160 clauses in a Bill with less than 60 clauses. They are able to differentiate between fake Bills and genuine Bills.

I urge that whenever we commemorate the dead, we do so peacefully. Lay your wreaths and allow other Kenyans who want to work to report to work. Let peace prevail so that we continue to shame the political scavengers and agents of death, merchants of violence and masters of political deceit. They are ashamed, and they will continue to be ashamed even at the ballot next year. When the President told them to come up with agenda and alternative policy proposals, they settled for insults. I now hear that they are calling themselves an alternative government. You cannot be an alternative government if you do not have alternative policy propositions. You do not have alternative policies, and you cannot have any.

Hon. Mwenje, what is your point of order?

I usually do not like interrupting the Leader of the Majority Party but I rise under Standing Order 106 to point out the fact that he has consistently gone off the topic yet these are issues we have discussed in this House before. Therefore, I request that you guide the Leader of the Majority Party so that even as he puts his point across, he tries to stay within the bounds of the County Allocation Revenue Bill, and avoids repeating the things he said earlier on when we were dealing with Statements under Order No. 7. He is just repeating what he said earlier on. I do not understand why he feels that he needs to just keep on saying the same things over and over again.

I am raising this issue because we are about to move to the Sovereign Wealth Bill. We want to discuss this issue. We have only two-and-half hours left for us to deal with this issue. I believe that there is also a Bill to be sponsored by Hon. Irene Mayaka. I am, therefore, asking the Leader of Majority Party to, kindly, for the sake of some of us, allow us to raise the issues on the Sovereign Wealth Bill rather than repeating the same things he said earlier today and yesterday.

You have made your point. Proceed, Leader of the Majority Party.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Wait until he gets out of order again, then you raise your point of order.

I am trying to guide my brother Hon. Mwenje. I know it hurts because the truth always hurts. For those who had not read the Finance Bill, it is still hurting. If he had the patience to wait, I was talking about the irrelevancy and what is seemingly idiocy of talking about forming an alternative government when you have no alternative policy proposals. I have even said that the governors, who are getting money through the law that we are enacting now, will be competing with some of you seated here, who want to run for the position of governor. When you go to your people, you must give alternative policy propositions. The people yapping out there cannot have alternative

government at national or county level if they do not have alternative policy proposals that can be funded through a Bill like the one we are approving. If you want to run for county governorship or a leadership position at national government level, you must have alternative policy proposals to convince the people to elect you.

Therefore, I urge Hon. Mwenje to be patient. I hope you have read the Sovereign Wealth Bill and understood what it is about even though I do not want to anticipate debate. Those who were here up to 9.00 p.m. yesterday debated the Bill in great detail. About 90 per cent of them had read it. Therefore, I invite you to also give it a shot when the time comes. In the meantime, have the patience to wait. Do not be like the Member for Kajiado North, who was purporting to be supporting someone from Kajiado North then when it came to voting, he voted against that person by walking out. All he wanted to do was to speak to the galleries. That is why I keep on telling the people who are pretending to be in the opposition to at least be honest because Kenyans live through honesty.

This Bill is very important because once it is enacted, money will be disbursed to the county governments.

With those remarks, I support.

Let us have the Member for Nyando.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to join my two brothers, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, the Leader of the Majority Party, and Hon. Atandi, the Member for Alego Usonga and the Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, in condemning yesterday’s occurrences in the strongest terms possible.

Hon. Atandi, a few other Members and I held a presser during which we implored our people to continue with their lives as usual. I want to thank them in a very special way for heeding our advice. I want to thank the Luo nation for refusing to be mobilized by people who do not connect with their plight. Their lives continued as usual. There was peace in Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Kisii, Nyamira, and in all the adjacent counties. We must applaud the people in those areas because peace is paramount.

The demonstrations today reminded me that Baba is no more. If Baba had been alive and had ordered for demonstrations, what we saw today would have been a child’s play. The so-called “united opposition” convened at Serena Hotel this morning, addressed the Press and started walking towards the city in a bid to access Parliament Buildings to lay wreaths. At the sight of one police officer along Kenyatta Avenue, they were all quickly whisked away into their vehicles by their security personnel, never to be seen again. Sadly, they were accompanied by families that lost their loved ones in the brutality. The politicians got into their vehicles and sped off, abandoning all those family members on the streets.

We cannot compare the so-called “united opposition” with what Baba did for this country. It is high time that our nation engaged in dialogue. That is the only solution. Sadly, Dr Matiang’i was a no-show. I see people from his backyard in the House. The dethroned Deputy President was a no-show, yet he has taken big acreage in the Press, advising people to go to the streets. Our youth must know who their partners are on the journey to prosperity.

I want to thank…

Member for Nyando, be relevant and brief. The Chair can only give you a bit of leeway. Please, proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to thank the Inspector-General of the National Police Service, Mr Douglas Kanja; the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, my brother, Hon. Murkomen; and the super Principal Secretary, Mr Omollo, for exhibiting a great degree of professionalism today. Times have

changed. Combatants have no place in our society. We must come together to develop the only country that we have.

I applaud Hon. Atandi for tabling the County Allocation of Revenue Bill. Our counties should be funded. Sadly, many projects at the grassroots level can only be attributed to the National Government-Constituencies Development Fund NG-CDF. The county governments are hardly doing anything. We should engage in dialogue with our county leaderships so that in addition to the devolved functions, we also come up with clear boundaries on what they can or they cannot do. Let us remember that money follows functions.

Conclude your contribution, Member for Nyando. This is not a Second Reading debate. We are the Third Reading of the Bill, and comments must be brief.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I support the Bill.

Hon. Pukose, this is not a Second Reading debate. We are in the Third Reading. Be very brief.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I want to thank Members for supporting the Bill. I especially want to thank the Chairperson of the Committee for leading the debate on the County Allocation of Revenue Bill. My county, Trans Nzoia, is getting Ksh8.2 billion. I am happy that Governor Natembeya was not on the streets today. My people of Trans Nzoia did not demonstrate today. They continued with their day-to-day activities. The governor was in Mombasa at a meeting with school principals. That is a good gesture.

We should see tangible effects of funds allocated to counties. Trans Nzoia County should account for its Ksh8.2 billion allocation. It is concerning that nurses and other county officers have not been paid for three months. Therefore, as we allocate funds to Trans Nzoia County and the other 46 counties, the governors should ensure that those funds do what they are supposed to.

With those few remarks, I support the Bill.

Member for Manyatta Constituency, take as few minutes as possible.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I also rise to support the Bill.

Proceed. You have a maximum of two minutes.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, while we allocating funds to the counties, they have completely failed at generating their own revenue. Many counties do not engage in any income-generating activities.

Do not interrupt the Member for Manyatta.

Embu County’s own source revenue is decreasing instead of increasing. That tells you that funds are being wasted through corruption. The counties are increasing the national government’s burden instead of reducing it. This House should compel its Senate counterparts to implement measures to ensure that counties’ own source revenues are not pocketed by individuals.

In conclusion, since it is 25th June, the House must be very careful about the information it is relaying out there. Young people lost their lives, yet I have not heard any Member offer condolences. We just condemn them.

You are digressing from the matter at hand.

We should remember the youths who were fighting for their voices to be heard.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

What is out of order, Member for Dagoretti South?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, is the Member for Manyatta in order to misinform the House and the county that Members of Parliament have not observed the unfortunate incidents of 25th June 2024?

Member for Manyatta, take your seat.

We have taken time to observe the 2024 protests as well as earlier protests of the 1920s and the 1990s, including the 1965 Kisumu massacre. Each Member who spoke yesterday took time to condole with the families who lost their loved ones. Most Members reminded our country that the 2024 protests were not unique to this administration. There have been instances of injustices and excessive use of power by the State in many dispensations. The events of 2024 are only the latest. Therefore, he is out of order.

You have made your point. Order, Hon. Members. For the information of the House, it was not in 1965. It was in 1969, if my memory serves me right. Am I right?

An. Hon. Member: Yes.

Yes, 1969. Order, Hon. Members. We are moving to the Third Reading of the Bill.

Order, Hon. Member for Manyatta. Be silent when the Chair is speaking. I am a stickler to enforcing House Rules and you know that very well.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, proceed to report on the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the whole House has considered the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 27 of 2026) and approved the same with amendments.

Mover, Hon. Atandi. Sorry, it is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. Hon. Kuria Kimani, please, proceed and move agreement.

Thank you. I beg to move that the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 27 of 2026) be now read a Third Time. I also take this opportunity to thank all the Members who contributed to this particular Motion.

Order, Mover. You first agree with the report that the Chairperson has reported. You should say, "I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report." Proceed. Do not go down, go up. There is a Mover after a Chairperson has spoken. Please, guide him.

Thank you. I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report. I also request Hon. Sunkuyia to second.

I second.

Hon. Oundo, I have a responsibility to protect the minority’s right to be heard also. Proceed and take the shortest time possible.

May the Almighty God bless you forever. May you be given what Muslims are supposed to be given when they become martyrs. I cannot say it now.

I rise to support. As the CBK gives out loans, I pray and hope that we will not be saddled in non-performing loans as is the common practice in the financial and banking sectors. I totally agree that we need monetary stability and ensure that we save banks from collapsing at all times. They go under with much public money when they collapse.

As I conclude, today we commemorate our boys and girls who lost their lives through police bullets in 2024. I must commend the people of Kenya for heeding the call to stay at home. If you drive through Nairobi CBD, as my colleagues have said, it is a completely dead city today. That means everybody heeded the call for a public holiday. Baba Raila Amollo Odinga might not be here, but many other Baba Raila Amollo Odingas have resurrected.

Order, Hon. Members.

Member for Nyando Constituency, you cannot have your small meeting.

Mover.

I beg to move that the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 27 of 2026) be now read a Third Time. I echo the words of Hon. Oundo on the measures we are extending to the Central Bank of Kenya to safeguard the interests of depositors in our commercial banks, especially when those banks are in distress. We hope that these monies will be spent correctly and that this extended mandate will not be abused by commercial banks that may deliberately misuse their resources then seek assistance from the Central Bank of Kenya.

At the same time, I am very pleased that I had a conversation with the great people of Molo on Saturday, especially members of the business community. We agreed that anyone coming out to protest today has a constitutional right to do so. We also agreed that we would not allow the destruction of property, particularly our businesses. I am happy that our banks remained open today. Our businesses also remained open. Not a single case of violence has been reported in Molo. People's homes are safe. Our businesses are also safe.

I second.

Hon. Raso, Member of Parliament for Saku Constituency.

Thank you very much. I had actually wanted to speak on the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill.

Is it not coming in the next Order?

Please put the question.

Put the question.

Next Order. Second Reading

This is a resumption of debate. I am told you had exhausted it. There are Members who had not contributed.

Order! Order! Hon. Pukose, you do not help the Chair in running the House.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Are you on a point of order? What is out of order?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow us in this moment... You know you have been in this Chamber and you have learnt quite a lot. We have also learnt and so it is important that we guide you once in a while. However, the discretion is yours in Standing Order 1. When we tell you that there are three Members remaining, namely Hon. Mishi Mboko, Mayaka and Hon. Dido Raso, you should allow him to do that so that we move to the fishing Bill.

You are out order! Order, Deputy Leader of the Majority Party. You are out of order. Hon. Mishi Mboko. Proceed. The sequence is not determined by anybody, not by Hon. Baya, Hon. Ichung’wah or the Member for Nyando, but the Hon. Speaker. I am aware that we are time bound and we have a lot of business to process. Proceed.

Ahsante, Mhe. Spika wa Muda. Hata mimi nasimama kuunga mkono Mswada huu ambao unazungumzia mfuko wa utajiri wa kitaifa. Unazungumzia vile ambavyo raslimali zetu au mapato tunayopata kutoka kwa rasilimali katika taifa letu zinaweza kuwekwa katika mfuko mmoja ili kusaidia hata vizazi vijavyo.

Mfuko huu utapata mapato kutoka kwa vitu kama petroli, madini, na zile tunaita bonasi au kwa kiingereza bonus. Tuziweke katika mfuko mmoja na ziweze pia kusaidia vizazi vijavyo. Tusitumie zote kwa wakati mmoja. Mswada huu ni mzuri sana na utasaidia kuhakikisha kwamba Wakenya wengi wamefaidika na rasilimali ambazo zimetoka sehemu zao. Kwa mfano, kule Pwani, tuna Titanium sehemu za Kwale. Wakati ule, watu wengi walitolewa katika mashamba yao na wakapata fidia ndogo sana. Tulipata wawekezaji ambao walichimba madini yale lakini vizazi vichanga havikufaidika na pesa zile. Mswada huu unazungumzia mirahaba ambayo kwa Kiingereza inaitwa royalties. Itawekwa kwenye akaunti na pesa hizo zitasaidia vizazi ambavyo vinakuja.

Jambo hili halijafanyika Kenya pekee maana nimeona Wakenya wengine wakiweka propaganda na mambo ya uongo kuhusu Mswada huu. Jambo hili pia limefanyika kule Ghana, Algeria, Norway, Singapore, Malaysia na nchi nyingine tofauti. Iwapo tutakuwa na mfuko huu wa kitaifa wa utajiri, tutaweza pia kusaidia kudhibiti uchumi wetu wakati wa shida au wakati

tumeona bajeti yetu imekuwa na matatizo au hata wakati maisha ya Wakenya yamekuwa na shida changamoto fulani. Hivo basi fedha katika mfuko huu zitaweza kusaidia wananchi.

Mswada huu pia umezungumzia sheria kuhusu petroli, madini, na KRA. Mapato yatakapokusanywa, yawekwe pamoja katika akaunti maalum. Pesa zitatumika katika kuwekeza kwenye miundomsingi ya taifa na biashara kubwa za kimataifa zinazoitwa global financial markets au pia zitumike katika financial bonds. Fedha hizi zitawekezwa ili kutumika na vizazi vijavyo.

Fedha hizi pia zinaweza kusaidia katika kufaulisha miradi ya kitaifa. Hivyo, tutakuwa na viwanda katika taifa letu. Nafasi za ajira kwa vijana wetu zitakuwepo na uchumi utaboreka. Kama taifa, tunakumbwa na madeni mengi. Ikiwa tutahifadhi fedha hizi ambazo zinatoka kwa raslimali zetu kama mafuta na madini, zitaweza kutusaidia. Sehemu kama Taita Taveta kule pwani imekuwa na madini mengi lakini ukiuliza kizazi kichanga: “Je mumefaidika na nini na madini haya? Je, mmepata mirahaba?” Jibu utakalopata ni, 'Hakuna jambo kama hilo'. Tunashukuru sana tulipitisha sheria ya mirahaba au royalties ambayo inaileza vile ambavyo pesa itagawanywa katika serikali kuu, serikali za kaunti, na jamii ambazo madini yale yametoka.

Tukiwa na mfuko huu, tutaweza kuhifadhi fedha na kuhakikisha zinawasaidia Wakenya hususan wale wametoka kwenye sehemu ambazo raslimali hizi zimepatikana. Kwa hivyo namshukuru sana Rais wa Taifa la Kenya kwa sababu sisi tunatembea kama Wabunge na kama serikali katika nchi tofauti. Huwa tunasoma na kuiga mambo ambayo wenzetu wamefanya ya kufaidi nchi na tunaleta katika taifa letu. Hivyo basi jambo la kuwa na mfuko wa kitaifa katika nchi yetu litaboresha uchumi wetu na hali zetu za kimsingi hasa wakati tunapopatikana na changamoto nyingi ambazo pengine tutashindwa tujisaidie kivipi.

Watu wengi wamekuwa na wasiwasi wakisema fedha hizi zitatumiwa vibaya kisiasa. Naona Mswada huu umeeleza kuwa kutakuwa na muundomsingi wa kuweka taasisi na bodi ya kuangalia jinsi mapato haya yatakavyokusanywa. Hayatakuwa yanakusanywa na kupelekwa kwa mawakala au agencies kama vile yamekuwa yakipelekwa kiholela huku na kule bila mustakabali wa kisawasawa. Hivi sasa kutakuwa na taasisi na muundomsingi ambao utajumlisha kabisa. Director General wa KRA atakuwa mkubwa wa kukusanya fedha hizi na kuhakikisha zimeenda katika mfuko maalum ambao umepangwa kuzihifadhi. Tutawekeza ndiposa ziweze kusaidia kizazi cha sasa na cha baadaye.

Hivi sasa kule Turkana tuna mafuta lakini hatujakuwa na mpango mzuri wa kutengeneza Mswada kama huu. Tunahitaji kuwa na muundomsingi wa kudhibiti na kuhakikisha faida ya mafuta inawaendea Wakenya. Kila jambo litakuwa linawekwa kwa njia inayofaa. Faida zinazopatikana zitaenda kwa taifa, kwa jamii na kwa kaunti zetu, Yaani kutakuwa na ushirikiano maalum ambao umezungumziwa katika Mswada huu. Hazina ya mfuko wa utajiri wa taifa iwe hazina ambayo itawekwa vizuri. Tuna mambo makubwa sana katika taifa na miradi mikubwa ya miundomsingi ambayo tunatakikana tuifanye ili ilete faida na kuzalisha.

Kwa hivyo Mhe. Spika wa Muda, Mswada huu umeangalia kila kitu. Sioni kama kutakuwa na fedha ambayo itapotea hapa. Mswada pia umeziba mambo ya ufisadi katika kukusanya fedha hizi ambazo zinatokana na raslimali zetu na zile ambazo zinatokana na faida tulizopata kwa biashara za kitaifa katika masoko ya kibiashara.

Tutaunganisha hizi fedha ili zitufaidi. Kwa hivyo nataka kuwaambia ndugu zangu wakubaliane na Mswada huu. Ninamshukuru Kiongozi wa Chama cha walio Wengi, Mhe. Ichung’wah, Rais wetu wa Taifa la Kenya, pamoja na Wizara husika kwa kuuleta Mswada huu ambao utamfanya mtoto wa Kenya anayetoka mahali penye rasilimali apate faida. Hiyo faida itajenga miradi ambayo itawasaidia wenyeji wa pale papatikanako madini, petroli, na raslimali zingine.

Ninashukuru sana na nauunga mkono Mswada huu kwa dhati ya nafsi yangu. Ahsante kwa Kiongozi wa Chama cha walio Wengi na Rais wa Taifa la Kenya. Mbele iko sawa. Tunaendelea kubuni mambo ya kusaidia Taifa hili. Ninashukuru sana polisi wetu kwa sababu wameweza kulinda amani katika Taifa…

We will have Hon. Raso, the Member of Parliament for Saku followed by Hon. Mayaka.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Bill. It is a milestone. We have been around this country long enough and we have passed many Bills in this House. This is a landmark Bill that has been brought to the Floor of the House. For many years, this country has depended on taxation; taxation here and there. However, nobody has thought out of the box to see how we can develop a war chest or group of funds that will stabilise the economy and save the future generation from borrowing, which is a big burden to this country.

The real objective of the Bill is to stabilise the economy, guard the current generation, and safeguard the future generation. I really want to thank the Mover and sponsor of the Bill, the Leader of the Majority Party, and the Government agency that thought outside the box to generate and bring the Bill on the Floor of the House.

This is a very important Bill. So, we should not be restrained in terms of making contributions. That, I must say as it is. A Sovereign Wealth Fund is a government-run pool of assets invested to benefit the country's citizens economically. It is that important. A few days ago, we passed the Finance Bill which is about how we will get money from the traders, merchants and people like us who have a few assets here and there.

However, this Bill is about how the Government of Kenya will look for sources of revenue outside what exists in terms of assets or goods that merchants sell. We have examples of countries like Norway that holds a Sovereign Fund of about USD2 trillion. It established this Fund in 1990. To date, it is one of the richest countries in the world by having a sovereign fund that is properly managed and not by borrowing or doing anything speculative.

The Sovereign Wealth Fund is a state-owned vehicle funded by foreign exchange reserve, trade supplies, and commodity exports. That simply means that individuals who have put together this Bill came around saying that we should go to the Bretton Woods institutions, China and the West but now we should look at how …

What is out of order, Hon. Marianne?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I am rising on Standing Order 95 to call upon the Mover to reply.

No!

Order, Hon. Members!

Hon. Baya, what is your point of order?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I would like to say this, one of the things that we must do is to take care of the whole country. The people from the coast and Nyanza have waited for the Fisheries Bill for the last three years.

Order! Order!

No, just allow me... If we do not pass this Bill, it will lapse and if it lapses, we will have a long way to go. We must stand by the people of every region in this country. These Bills will come and go but the people from the coast will require an opportunity. Whatever happens, we have to pass the Fisheries Bill….

Order! Order! Take your seat. Take your seat. Hon. Members, this is a House of rules. Order, Hon. Baya! Please, do not stretch my patience on this because I am a stickler for rules. You are out of order. Hon. Members, this is a House of rules. As a Member of Parliament for a constituency in this country, I appreciate, understand and see the need for what Hon. Baya is talking about. I also see a situation in which no Member stood in his place seeking to move a Procedural Motion to limit the debate. The minutes for debate are 10 minutes. If Members keep repeating themselves, the Speaker has very little option other than to wait until their 10 minutes is over. However, you can always put in an interjection on relevance. I can only enforce the rules. When a Member stands up on a point of order and invokes Standing Order 95 and the debate has been on for a while…

Order, Hon. Baya! I know you are a second-term Member of Parliament and a leader in this House. I want you to respect the rules of the House. Do not engage the Chair from where you are. Do not! As a Deputy Leader of Majority Party here, you would have done your own lobbying within the Members of Parliament privately. Do not tell the Chair to use his discretion. What discretion should I use? Would I force somebody to do only two minutes? No, I cannot. There is time limit for debating the Bill. However, you can close a debate on any Bill, depending on how much time is sufficient and has been taken debating it, but I cannot do that myself, from the Chair. So, it is up to you Hon. Members of Parliament to appreciate, respect and understand the need for people from certain parts of the country to have the benefit of a Bill if passed and use very limited debating time the Bill. When you take a long time debating, there will be a problem. I have no way of enforcing rules beyond that. We cannot have a Procedural Motion to change the debating time now. It cannot be done at this stage.

Hon. Raso.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. In the interest of the Fisheries Management and Development Bill, I will take the shortest time possible. Just three minutes is enough.

You have already done two minutes, so take less than a minute if you want to be sensitive to the Fisheries Management and Development Bill. Otherwise, I cannot stop you if you want to take your full time.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have been interrupted enough. I just want to say that this Bill is very important, and we should pass it as a House.

Thank you.

Hon. Mayaka.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to add my voice to this very important Bill. As previous speakers have said, both yesterday and today, this is a milestone Bill. It is a Bill that seeks to take care not only of the current generation but also of future generations.

This Bill seeks to establish a framework for managing, investing and saving funds derived from Kenya's extractive industries, including the oil, gas and minerals sectors. The Bill has been divided into three distinct components, which are very important. One is the stabilisation component, which is elaborated in Clauses 9 to 11. The second is the strategic infrastructure investment component, covered in Clauses 12 to 14. The third is the future generations component, covered in Clauses 15 to 17.

Looking at the main objectives of this Bill, one of the most important is economic buffering. This objective speaks directly to the stabilisation component because it seeks to cushion the national economy and manage revenue flows from the extractive sector. The second important objective is sustainability. We want to ensure that the benefits derived from these industries outlive the extraction process, thereby safeguarding future generations.

Another key objective relates to infrastructure financing through the strategic infrastructure investment component. This component seeks to channel capital towards national development. If you look at the provisions of the Bill relating to public finance management principles and their relationship with the Public Finance Management Act, it sets out the fiscal responsibilities under which the Sovereign Wealth Fund is to operate.

Another very important aspect of this Bill concerns the investment of the Fund. It provides a detailed framework on prohibited instruments, including speculative derivatives and unlisted real estate, while also establishing clear guidelines on permissible investment instruments.

Conclude.

As I conclude, I want to give three examples. There has been feedback suggesting that this Bill is isolated, but it is not. Similar sovereign wealth fund models exist in Norway, Ghana and Nigeria. The Nigerian model is particularly relevant because it also adopts a tripartite structure similar to the one proposed in this Bill.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, it is important for us to safeguard the future of our children and ensure that the benefits we derive from our natural resources today are properly managed through strong systems and structures.

With those few remarks, I beg to support. I thank you.

Hon. Oundo, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me also to comment on this Bill. The intentions appear good, but the design, as it stands, presents several challenges and issues that we must carefully consider. First, the idea of creating a separate fund to receive money from royalties and related activities suggests that we either have a weak accounting system that cannot isolate different sources of revenue within a single account, or there are other intentions behind the establishment of this Fund. The Government has been pushing all government entities to deposit their revenue into a single account. To create another fund may therefore be an admission of structural weaknesses.

Second, a major concern is that one of the purposes of the Fund is to provide the national government with a buffer against fluctuations in resource revenues or extraordinary shocks. The term "extraordinary shocks" is defined in Clause 2 of the Bill. Essentially, this means that an Executive in power at any given time may choose to mismanage the economy or act recklessly, knowing that there is a fallback position through this Fund. That is a point of concern.

Further, the structure of the Fund means that the role of the National Assembly largely comes at the tail end of the process. At the Committee of the whole House, we must move amendments to ensure that the National Assembly takes appropriate measures and treats this Fund like any other public fund, subject to appropriation through the budget-making process, rather than being informed of decisions after the fact.

There are many more issues that could be discussed, but I will keep my word. Let us proceed and address them during the Committee of the whole House stage.

Thank you.

There are only two Members left. Member for Wajir North, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. In supporting this Bill, I wish to say that the title itself speaks to sovereignty. That is very enticing,

alluring and appealing. It speaks about investments for future generations. Where will the resources come from? The Bill says they will come from budgetary surpluses. If the Fund is to be sourced from budgetary surpluses, then we must be serious about our budgeting. We must deal with deficits. If we continually operate on budget deficits, reliance on surpluses will always raise questions.

The Fund will also be sourced from foreign exchange reserves and our own natural resources. Areas such as Wajir North, Wajir County, Garissa and Tana River are endowed with natural resources. Unfortunately, Kenya still lacks a comprehensive and up-to-date inventory of its mineral resources. If we properly exploited our mineral resources, we would significantly reduce our dependence on foreign debt. We would have the budget surpluses envisaged in this Bill. It is important that we exploit resources such as gold deposits in counties including Marsabit and Wajir, among others, so that we can strengthen our economy and reduce reliance on external borrowing.

The Bill also provides for resources from privatisation. I understand that time is of the essence. The objectives of this Bill are welcome. It seeks to stabilise the economy during periods of recession and cushion the country against shocks arising from commodity price volatility. That is commendable.

One aspect I particularly admire is that, unlike the Infrastructure Fund, which operated outside the normal budgetary framework, this Fund is anchored within the Public Finance Management framework. Our Standing Orders did not envisage a situation where government revenues would be managed off-budget, as was the case with the Infrastructure Fund. This Fund remains within the oversight framework of the House, notwithstanding concerns regarding certain delayed accountability mechanisms.

I support the Bill. I can see you are urging me to conclude. Thank you.

Member for Manyatta, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me this opportunity.

I was here yesterday but I did not get a chance to speak to this Bill. I appreciate the opportunity.

I am sceptical about this Bill. It sounds good and progressive but we have to be very careful. What happens when the wheel starts rolling? I have been reading about some scandals around sovereign wealth funds around the world.

Hon. Naomi, are you on a point of order or you want to contribute?

I want to contribute.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, there was a very serious scandal in Malaysia between 2009 and 2015. The country lost over US$4.5 billion on shenanigans around the running of their sovereign wealth fund. One questionable thing is when companies, resources and minerals we are endowed with, and have been profiting this nation, are sold. This is because the funds will not go into the Consolidated Fund Account of this nation as provided for under Article 206 of the Constitution. That leaves a lacuna in the grip of this House regarding what will happen to the Sovereign Wealth Fund. I am aware that the Bill provides for the Controller of Budget to approve. This is not only about approvals but the whole line of transactions, from selling our assets and minerals, to the deposit and withdrawal of funds.

I appeal to this House to be very keen because we are giving an alternative budget to the Executive, other than the one we passed in this House. We passed a Budget of close to Ksh4.8 trillion. We might be introducing another budget we are not in control of, and we will only audit after years. We know how far back, our audits are. We are currently auditing 2015 books of parastatals. This House is way behind.

We also need to learn about the funds that have been established in this House. We have the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund and the Affordable Housing Levy, which we have almost lost grip on. We need to be very careful and ensure that the Sovereign Wealth Fund passes through the Consolidated Fund account so that this House has a grip on its transaction.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I do not want the Chair to interrupt me. They are used to doing so every time.

As I finish, I want to caution the House that as we pass the Bill, we should make relevant amendments. If the amendments are not done, let us completely refuse to pass this Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Members, as I said before, if you are conscious and considerate of one another, take a short time to make your contributions.

Hon. (Dr) Mutunga.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me this opportunity. I will only take two minutes. I will try and say what has not been said. First of all, I appreciate the fact that the Sovereign Wealth Fund has been created as a State investment vehicle for equity. In most cases, we forget that resources accrued from various places need to benefit the people living now and generations to come. Equity can be spread across generations.

It is also important that this Fund can be invested globally. I know the opportunity still exists but it is important to have a separate investment vehicle at the global level. It also has a characteristic of maximising returns which is important, not just for the Fund but also, of what needs to be done. There was an attempt to create this Sovereign Wealth Fund in 2014 but it never went through. I thank the government for making sure that it comes early enough. I urge this House to pass the Bill in order for us to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Finally, the Bill establishes a management system, which is very important in this particular respect. I want to associate myself with Hon. Oundo’s sentiments on the precautionary principle. We need to be precautious as we manage our wealth for the long-term.

Thank you very much.

Hon. Mwenje.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I will go straight to the point. Article 223 has been a subject of debate here.

Hon. Sunkuyia, please allow me to speak because I need the Chair to hear. Hon. Temporary Speaker, you know how Article 223 has been abused. Regarding the stabilisation component on withdrawal, as approved by the Cabinet and submitted under our appropriation and Supplementary Budget, allow us to amend this provision so that it can only be captured in the main Budget.

Secondly, I have an issue with the board because it is independent. Members will be appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning. If we leave it as it is, that the board members are not vetted by this House, we will have the same problem we have with the National Infrastructure Fund, where we have unqualified board members. Let us amend that provision and give this House control over who ends up in the board.

Lastly, let me speak about the debt component. It has three components. We should be allowed to amend it to create public debt as an independent component under this Act. Hopefully, as we bring our amendments, I hope the Chair will allow us under Article 114 of the Constitution and thereafter, we can consider at the Committee of the whole House stage.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Sunkuyia.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I support the Bill. This Bill will stabilise the country and solve many problems. Investments meant to stabilise the economy of this country and solve foreign debt is a prudent thing to do. This Bill has taken long. It should have been brought immediately President William Ruto took Office. Minerals, petroleum revenue and other resources will be helpful to this country.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, today I am not a happy man because one of my constituents was not successfully approved by this House. I am sure with time; the House will reconsider.

I support. Thank you.

Hon. Naomi, I hope you have had a conversation with your colleague.

Yes. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I will be very brief. I stand to support the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 7 of 2026) . Our country should be proud of this Bill. This should have happened a long time ago. Let us learn from countries like Norway with more than US$2.1 trillion, China with US$3.5 trillion, UAE with US$2.7 trillion and even Saudi Arabia with US$1.2 trillion in sovereign wealth funds. We choose to learn from them because of the advantages that such funds come with. This is a state-owned investment, funded by foreign exchange resources, budget surpluses or natural resources revenue. We know very well that this country is blessed with minerals. I am happy that, even from Marsabit, where people thought there was nothing, we are seeing potential...

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

What is your point of order, Hon. Ruweida? Hon. Ruweida Mohamed

: Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise under Standing Order 95. The Temporary Speaker

: Hon. Members, I will put the question.

Deputy Leader of the Majority Party, you may proceed.

Thank you very much. I thank everybody who has contributed to this Bill because it is very good. In replying, we welcome this kind of Bill. I now reply.

Who is seconding you?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I assure the Members who have raised several concerns about the issues of governance and the responsibilities of the fund, that this has been taken care of in our Committee, and when we get to the Committee of the whole House, we will be bringing amendments.

I beg to move.

Next Order.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman.

The Temporary Chairman

: Move it as it appears in the Order Paper.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move:

THAT, clause 40 of the Bill be amended in subclause (1) by deleting the words “and principles” and substituting therefor the words “principles and provisions”. Because it is a limitation of fishing and fishing-related activities, I am only adding the word "provisions" so that it reads: "The Director may take fisheries management measures to limit fishing and fishing-related activities in accordance with the objectives, principles and provisions." So, it is not only the objectives and principles but also the other provisions of this Act.

The Temporary Chairman

: Is it an additional amendment?

Put the question.

(Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move:

THAT, Clause 41 of the Bill be amended —

Hon. Temporary Chairman. The Temporary Chairman

: Yes, Hon. Owen Baya.

I would like the Chairperson to assure us that Clause 41, as he is amending it, has a transitional clause. Just an assurance that the gears, the seine nets, the monofilament nets and all the other nets remain in force until the transitional period is provided for, so that he is on record on the same. Otherwise, we are bound to oppose this.

The Temporary Chairman

: Yes, Hon. Ruweida.

Asante, Mhe. Mwenyekiti wa Muda. Nimeona kwenye kipengee cha mia mbili na kumi kuwa 2 Mwenyekiti wa Kamati akipendekeza wavuvi wapewe muda wa miaka miwili lakini haitoshi. Niko na marekebisho ya sheria pia. Naomba nipewe nafasi ili nitoe marekebisho hayo.

The Temporary Chairman

: Before we finish, let us put the question to the amendments proposed by the Chair. You will also move your amendment. Why not debate the issue of transition? You might convince the chair to change from two years to maybe five or ten years if you want.

Asante, Mhe. Mwenyekiti wa Muda. Nyavu zinazotumika sasa ni juya na za uzi mmoja. Kwa lugha ya kimombo, beach seine and monofilament nets. Ukifunga hii, umefunga maisha ya watu wetu. Kwa ufupi, kwa sababu nitazungumza wakati wa amendment yangu, haya marekibisho ya sheria ni kama kutuambia kwamba ushike watu mmoja mmoja kule Lamu Mashariki na uwachinje. Tuko tayari kuchinjwa kuliko kufunga hii mbinu ya uvuvi. Hiyo ndio maana ya hayo marekebisho, kwa lugha nyepesi. Sisi watu wa Pwani na haswa, Lamu Mashariki, hatuna kiwanda hata kimoja. Hatuna chochote. Uvuvi ndio njia yetu ya mlo; uvuvi ndio inatupea riziki ya kupeleka

watoto shule. Hii ni kuchezea maisha ya watu wetu. Ndio maana nikasema, kama inawezekana, sisi tuweke marekebisho yetu; maanake tumezungumza na Chair kule nje akakubali. Amesema atatoa suluhisho lakini sijaona akifanya hivo. Suluhisho lazima liwe kwenye sheria. Nasisitiza, kama ni kufunga hii, afadhali utuchinje mmoja mmoja kuliko kupitisha hii sheria. Hiyo ni kama kutuweka hai ilhali hatuna maisha. Kuna faida gani? Wabunge wenzangu, nawaomba mtuhurumie.

Asante, Mhe Mwenyekiti wa Muda. The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): Hon. Owen Baya.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, it is very important that we become sensitive to the issues that Hon. Ruweida have raised. If you look at Clause 41, and I will read it for the records of Members so that they hear this, it says:

41 (1) No person shall use, permit to be used or attempt to use or carry on board a vessel—

Yes.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, the amendment in Clause 210 (4) of the Bill states:

Section 41 (1) (e) , (h) and (i) of this Act shall not apply for a period of two years from the date of commencement of this Act. Let it be captured in The Hansard. This is the precaution that we are taking. Usicheke, Hon. Chair. Haya sio mambo ya kucheka.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Chairman.

The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): What is your point of order?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman. To enable us make progress, this is not the Second Reading of the Bill, but Committee of the whole House. If you look at what the Chair of the Committee is amending, it is not any of those we are talking about. Unless we are deleting the entire clause, what we are saying here is not helpful. We either bring amendments that delete the specific clauses or we provide a transitional period.

Some of what the Members are talking about affect our local fishermen because most artisanal fisherfolk are very poor. That is why even in my own proposed amendment, and I thank the Hon. Chairperson, we have made provision for a percentage in the Fund for artisanal fishers. However, I am also saying some things, in my amendment, about the welfare. Hon. Chairperson needs to inform us whether there is an amendment on transition. If there is, then let us pass this amendment so that we make progress.

Mhe. Mwenyekiti wa Muda, nimesimama nikiwa na wasiwasi katika suala hili. Wavuvi wetu waendelee kutumia nyavu ambazo wako nazo. Wasibadilishiwe kwa sababu hali ya uchumi upande wao iko chini sana, haswa katika Bahari la Hindi. Niko hapa kuona kwamba hilo jambo halifaulu. Ikiwezekana, hicho kifungu kitolewe kabisa kwa sababu wavuvi wetu hawana uwezo wowote wa kubadilisha jambo lolote.

Asante sana. The Temporary Chairman

: Hon. Saney.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, in as much as I feel the sentiments of my colleagues from the Coast who represent the fishing communities, I am a bit confused. What this Bill proposes is the sustainability of the fishing livelihood to the extent that you are sure of what kind of mesh, nets and thickness that you use as fishing gears. If you allow any kind of fishing gear, you should know that you will deplete the same livelihood we ought to preserve and conserve. We must allow fish to breed well so that our fishermen can always have stock and eke a living sustainably.

I am lost on what my colleagues are proposing. They want to finish fish in the ocean or water bodies in two years, and still allow for more transition. I am a natural resource manager. I do not accept this kind of amendment. We need a guaranteed sustainable livelihood for the fishermen. That means we should not overfish. We should be encouraged that there is sufficient stock all through. The Bill is quite in order and Hon. Chairman has met the threshold required at the international level. We need to preserve...

The Temporary Chairman

: Hon. Chairman, take your seat. Let us have Hon. Rindikiri.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the problem we are having right now, is that the debate has now been confined to the large-scale fishing areas, the coasts. We are forgetting that even those of us who do fish farming on the low scale, are part of the debate. The Bill is more on commercial fishing than small-scale fish farming, which we are confined to.

The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): Order, Hon. Saney. Take your seat and learn from what is being said. When you trample on the sensitivities of people who come from certain regions, maybe without listening well enough about what goes on with their livelihood, you should expect them to have an outrage on you. Order, you are not an expert in fishing but on environment.

Proceed, Hon. Rindikiri. Listen to what Hon. Rindikiri is saying.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, what I am asking...

The Temporary Chairman

: What Members from the Coast Region are basically saying is, if you eliminate the small-time fishermen and buyer, Hon. Owen Baya would probably...

Hon. Owen, what are you looking at? You should be listening because you are likely to be the one who was being referred to.

I am listening. It is the other Members who are not.

The Temporary Chairman

: When you leave the entire fish to the big timers in the ocean…

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I have the microphone. At least, we are doing commercial fishing but not on a large scale. We are the ones doing farming in fishponds, 100 by 50 square metres. However, we are now being forced to have the commercial meshes. Surely, we are not encouraging small-scale fish farmers. Therefore, we need to be sensitive with the kind of product that we are telling people to purchase. I agree with the requirement that we need to have a transition. In the process, we also need to be supplied with meshes that go with the sizes of a fishpond, not the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria.

The Temporary Chairman

: Hon. Chairman, you will educate the people later. Hon. Mishi Mboko.

Asante sana, Mhe. Spika wa Muda. Kwanza, ninamshukuru sana Mwenyeti kwa kuwa wakati mmoja alikuwa shemeji yetu kule Lamu. Watu wa Lamu na Pwani kwa ujumla, wamekuwa wakizitumia nyavu hizi ambazo, hivi sasa, zinataka kupigwa marufuku.

Nimeona Serikali ya Rais William Ruto, ikizungumzia Bottom up, yaani kuangalia watu wa chini. Leo hii ikiwa watu wa chini, wanaambiwa kwa ghafla kwamba, hawatatumia neti hizi wanazotumia ilhali bado hawajapatiwa hata mpito ili waweze kuhamasishwa, kuwezeshwa na kujipanga, basi mnadhalilisha maisha ya watu wa Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale na Pwani kwa jumla. Lazima tuelewane na tuzungumze kwa sababu tunataka kuwainua wale wavuvi wadogo wadogo na wachanga. Tukiwafinyilia wavuvi wadongo na kuwaangalia wavuvi wakubwa ambao watakuwa na uwezo wa kuweka hizo nyavu kubwa, tutakuwa tunaelekea wapi?

The Temporary Chairman

: Point made. Hon. Baya.

Allow me to speak to Hon. Saney because he has not participated in this Bill.

.

Yes. I am speaking to the Temporary Speaker, but I would also like him to hear. (Hon. Ibrahim Saney spoke off the record). The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): Order!

I want to say this with all due respect because he is my friend. In this Bill…

The Temporary Chairman

: Order, Hon. Ruweida. Take a seat.

I have the Floor. Hon. Saney, please. Please, Hon. Ruweida. The Temporary Chairman

: Order, Hon. Ruweida.

This Bill…

Hon. Millie, it is okay. The Bill gives the Director-General powers to close off certain areas to fishing if scientifically informed of the same. For instance, the Director-General cannot decide to close off an area like Kilifi to fishing so that fish can grow, and then later, prohibit the use of certain fishing nets. What would be the reason for demarcating certain areas to prevent fishing and then later ban the use of certain fishing nets? That is why that transition period is very important. We should protect fishing resources and our people’s livelihoods. That is the essence of law-making: To protect livelihoods and create sustainability. We cannot take everything from the farmer. We take a little but also give them something more.

The Temporary Chairman

: Let us have Hon. Oundo.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, we must promote sustainable fishing. Clause 210 of the Bill provides a transitional period of two years from the commencement date of the Act. I want to go on record that the Kenya Police and some Ugandan officials have more or less imposed restrictions on the type of fishing nets to be used in Lake Victoria. Transition to the correct nets and fishing gear is already underway. A two-year transition period is enough.

We must set up a fund to ensure that fisherfolk get the correct gear within the transition period. There may be a lot of fish in the Indian Ocean, but if we open this up, the fate that befell Lake Victoria could soon catch up with the Indian Ocean, resulting in similar problems. A two-year transition period is adequate.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman. The Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation went round the country visiting counties that engage in fishing, from Nyanza to Western. I was in Lamu and Kwale. We met Hon. Owen Baya and Hon. Ruweida in their Constituencies. I was there and the issue of fishing gear, especially fishing nets, is very emotive and close to the hearts of fishing communities.

Clause 41 of this substantive Bill bans current fishing nets that are monofilament and others because we as a House passed World Trade Organisation (WTO) treaties on fisheries in this House. They ban those kinds of nets. We also passed other international treaties on fishing. As a country and even in our Constitution, any treaties we pass as a House form part of our Constitution.

Again, Members of Parliament as representatives of the people and Members of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation who went round to do public participation, discussed with the ministry and government that we cannot ban these nets. You cannot tell the people not to use the nets without providing an alternative. They need to give them an alternative because there are people who depend on the fishing 100 per cent. They do not have other alternatives.

Under the transition clauses, for all the areas that people use those nets, my Committee gave transition that fishermen will use their current nets, sea nets and monofilament nets for a period of two years. I want to draw the attention of the House to a new Clause 41A that we have introduced on those two years. The amendment seeks to provide subsidies for manufacture of fishing gear during this time. We are telling the government to provide subsidy to manufacturers so that we have proper nets in two years.

The Temporary Chairman

: Chair, a manufacturer is an investor and a rich person. For the benefit of the Chair, a manufacturer is an investor and a rich person. What are you doing to empower local fishermen.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, we have a Fisheries Fund in this amendment. We passed it under Clause 27. We have also said funds under the Fund will go to help small artisanal fishermen to get the affordable fishing gear.

Under New Clause 41A, we are saying that the government is going to give subsidies to manufacturers in terms of taxation to be removed so that we make the right gear affordable to fishermen. That is enough if we have to have sustainable fishing in the country.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Chairman.

The Temporary Chairman

: What is your point of order, Hon. Ruweida?

The amendment of the Chair of the Committee in Clause 41 does not say what he is saying now. This is a story on the other page,

Marakwet East. The Temporary Chairman

: In Marakwet East, the people use wood fuel for cooking, am I right?

Yes. The Temporary Chairman

: You can say that we are going to ban wood fuel for cooking but we will have an investor come and establish a gas factory there so that they can buy gas. They are using wood fuel because they cannot afford gas. So, these people are using monofilament nets and the rest because they cannot afford the gears that you want them to use. Now, is there a way of helping them acquire those gears through this Fund? That is my question. Yes, Hon. Bedzimba.

Hon. Temporary Chair, it is clear. We already approved No. 27.

The Temporary Chairman

: We want an express provision and not a vague one. You had better be careful because you are legislating for posterity, and you cannot legislate in a manner that removes the livelihood of Kenyans. I am just telling you.

Let us have Hon. Bedzimba and then the Member of Parliament for Seme.

Mhe. Mwenyekiti wa Muda, kitu ambacho tunakitaka ni yale maelezo ambayo wewe, kama Mwenyekiti, umempa Mwenyekiti wa Kamati hiyo. Hayo ndiyo tunataka kuyaona. Huo ndio uchumi wetu. Mtu asicheze na uchumi wa bahari. Hatuna viwanda, hatuna kahawa na hatuna chai. Tuna hiyo pekee yake na watu wanasumbuliwa kule baharini kila siku Hatutakubali jambo hilo.

The Temporary Chairman

: Yes, Member for Seme, Hon. Nyikal.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, do you know what is happening here? Both sides are saying the same thing. The first thing is that the immediate livelihood of the fishermen must be protected. The next one is the long term.

Let me tell you. I am two kilometres from the lake and even over the weekend, I was with the fishermen. What is happening in Lake Victoria is that these nets that we want to ban, if they are used all the time, eventually there will be no fish. What has been provided for here is that they should be removed, but do not remove them immediately. There is a transition period of two years.

I agree with what they are saying—make the nets cheaper first, and then, after two years, people can transition. In my place, it is terrible. There is no fish now. I have talked to

the fishermen and they say if they are given a transition period and the nets are made cheaper, then they are okay and can make the transition. I think we should accept the transition period and also support the investment needed to make the nets cheaper.

The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): Order. Order. Member for Nyando.

Hon. Temporary Chairperson, thank you very much.

The Temporary Chairman

: Hon. Owen Baya, you are the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party in this House.

No, just listen to me. You are the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party with a lot of interest in this matter because your community depends on it. What you need to do is study the Bill very carefully. This should not come as a surprise during debate.

This concerns the future of your people. You can sit with the Chairperson and decide where to amend it. If need be, you can withdraw the Bill and do more serious work on it.

Hon. Jared Okello, proceed.

I know. Proceed.

Thank you very much, Temporary Chair. I appreciate the fact that there has been a provision for a two-year transition period. That is welcome. I also acknowledge the fact that there will be some subsidy on the purchase price of the fishing gear. However, I would urge the sponsor of the Bill, who is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation, to go a step further by providing the percentage of that subsidy on the purchase price. When it is left open-ended by simply saying there will be a subsidy, what if it is just one shilling? I think there should be a specified percentage, perhaps 50 per cent.

The Temporary Chairman

: Chair, if you had listened carefully to what the Member for Nyando was saying, you would have enriched yourself. He is telling you that you need to be specific in terms of assisting these subsistence fishermen. They are subsistence fishermen. They catch fish, sell it and live on the proceeds the same day. Am I right?

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Chairman.

The Temporary Chairman

: Yes, what is your point of order?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman. I urge Members to listen.

Yes, you are very right.

We are splitting hairs over the same thing. We are interested in conservation of the water bodies. I can see Hon. Saney has left the Chamber. There are also Members who are interested in livelihoods like myself. We must make sure that we conserve the water bodies, so that we have sustainable fisheries.

The Temporary Chairman

: We need to have a balance.

Yes, but we cannot conserve the environment, while killing people. We must provide for our people, even as we conserve the environment. A middle ground must be found.

The Temporary Chairman

: That is the bottom line.

Part of that middle ground was already done when we brought an amendment in Clause 27 of the Bill where the Fish Levy Development Fund was set up. We gave out 10 per cent to the fisherfolk. The only thing is that we need to recommit it because we did not then reduce it. I have calculated when you give it 100 per cent and it becomes 110.

We reduced it.

Did you reduce the percentage for the others? If you reduced the percentage for the others, it is okay, but confirm it in The Hansard.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I can read what was there before. The amendment in Clause 27 (13) states:

The Levy collected under subsection 12 shall be apportioned as follows:

On a point of information, Hon. Temporary Chairman.

Yes, I agree to be informed.

I want to be on record, Hon. Temporary Chairman, that indeed we made an amendment here which was moved by Hon. Millie. We reduced the percentage of the Fund for monitoring, control and surveillance, and then we gave 10 per cent to artisanal fishermen. We passed this amendment. I would like to speak to Hon. Ruweida on Clause 210 (4) of the Bill. It states:

Section 41 (1) (e) , (h) and (i) of this Act shall not apply for a period of two years from the date of commencement of this Act. It is very clear.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I have been informed. Can I continue?

The Temporary Chairman

: Yes, Hon. Millie Mabona. Order, Hon. Ruweida. You will get all the time you need to contribute.

Hon. Temporary Chairman. I have been informed. I thank the Chair. While he was informing me, he said exactly what I wanted to say. Under the transition clause, there is a transition of two years which is good.

There is also provision of 10 per cent of the Fish Levy Development Fund for artisanal fishers. I am an artisanal fisher. I protect artisanal fishers. Do not worry my sister, Hon. Ruweida. When I see the Fisheries Management and Development Bill in the Order Paper and you are not here, I look for you. I know you are my counterpart in the sea. I defend the lake while you defend the sea. As a lawyer, two years is good. But we must make sure that when the regulations are made, they have to be brought to the House because we want that Fund. The 10 per cent of the Fund will enable the artisanal fishers, jolupo, to buy nets.

The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): Just for the interest of the Chair, Hon. Millie. Order. Why? Forgive me because I am also a Member of Parliament of a constituency. I am not an ex-officio Member of the House. Why would you give all these big amounts of money to everybody else and the hundreds of thousands of the fishermen, people who live on that livelihood, you give them 10 per cent?

I can respond. There was nothing given to artisanal fishers.

The Temporary Chairman

: But that does not mean that they... Look at the coffee farmers and the tea farmers.

Yes, I know. The Temporary Chairman

: The kind of subsidies they get from the Government.

Yes, I would actually provide them.

The Temporary Chairman

: We have passed in here, many years back, when a billion shillings was the equivalent of the Ksh10 billion today, five billion, six billion for coffee farmers and tea farmers. So why would you just say, as that relates itself, and you get 10 per cent for fish farming? I know you come from that region and you need the support, but do you not think that is a little bit of a raw deal? Extremely raw deal for the fishermen?

Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona

: Actually, the reason why… And the Chair of the committee knows, I brought an amendment to set up a fund, a special fund, for artisanal fishers. But you see, because of a constitutional provision, it will be considered a Money Bill. So, I could not move forward with it. So, we agreed with the Chairman that he will incorporate by taking a percentage. But I would want to encourage us, because we are not likely to finish now, that we can pass this and then we can meet after this with Hon. Ruweida and the other Members and see whether we can convince the Chair that we recommit, that he adds for us from 10 to 20 per cent. I agree with you Hon Chairman.

The Temporary Chairman

: Or even to 40 or 50 per cent.

Even 40 or 50 per cent. I would be very happy. Hon. Chair, if you do that, I will be Member of Parliament milele na milele.

The Temporary Chairman

: Okay, what is your point of order Hon. Ruweida?

My role model. I am sorry to do this today, but are you in order to tell us that if we passed this, anticipating that we will pass a transition law? What happens if we do not pass it? This one will have passed. I have a suggestion. In the Clause 41, just put a further amendment of the transition here, just saying this one will work after two years. We have to pass...

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I think we are just moving in circles. You have given a very good proposal and the proposal is, we already have the transition. Let us ensure that we put some empowerment or some funds, which will go directly for the purposes of the net. You talked about 10 per cent, but you did not say that it is going directly for the purpose of the nets. It can be used for any other purpose and even the subsidies. You are giving the subsidies to the manufacturer; how do you know whether those subsidies will benefit the fishermen? They might not benefit the fishermen.

Let us have a subsidy which will go directly for the pricing so that it will ensure the fishermen will get a lower price on this matter. I think we go with the proposal which the Hon. Chairman has given us. This is law. We cannot just assume, because you have said there is 10 per cent somewhere, it will go to the issue of the nets. Let us do it directly, that the level you are putting, the 10 per cent or rather 20 per cent, will go there for those purposes.

The Temporary Chairman

Order! I think let us make progress. Hon. Ruweida, you cannot keep on jumping up and down. Sit somewhere and listen to everybody else. Yes, Hon. Member for Seme Constituency.

Hon. Chairman, there is provision. What we are talking about here is the amount and we are putting percentages. But really, if you look at it, we are actually going in a lot more detail. There are always regulations that will come. So, the percentages and where you apply the money can actually go easily on the regulation. We have put the transition time. We have put provision for this. Let us do the rest on regulation. One thing that Hon. Ruweida is concerned about is that, if we put it here then we go to 10 per cent and 20 per cent… I am also telling her that she is here all the time, you can have a recommittal of those clauses. All those provisions are present.

Let us move, Hon. Temporary Chairman. The Temporary Chairman

: Let us have the Member for Nyando.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, we are making progress. The Chairperson was deeply engaged when we proposed to align the subsidy with the fishing gear price. If we say, for instance, that it will be 50 per cent of the price, that needs to be captured. Otherwise, leaving it open will make it susceptible to abuse. Somebody may claim that they have given Ksh20 as a subsidy on that price. Therefore, that needs to be captured.

Again, and most importantly, we should know what percentage has been allocated for reproduction. Fish hatcheries may need to further reproduce. What percentage has been set aside for reproduction? At the end of the day, we may fish everything and have nothing left.

The Temporary Chairman

: Next is Hon. Oundo.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, my colleague, Hon. Jared, has put it very clearly. Sustainability is the major concern. I imagine that the Cabinet Secretary’s incentives come with conditions. One of those conditions will be to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) , Excise Duty and other taxes. In that case, the price of the nets will reduce. If it does not, it will call into question the incentives’ usefulness. We need to make progress.

The Bill provides for the transitional clause and the fund. The challenge is normally affordability. If we can reduce the cost, our fisherfolk will acquire the correct gear over time. We should also organise our fisherfolk into cooperatives to access funds, either through the Government, the counties or other mechanisms, so as to lower the costs of acquiring the correct fishing gear. We cannot leave it open.

The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): Let us have Hon. Raphael Wanjala.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman. First, I want to apologise. I came a bit late and I do not know whether the clause I wanted to comment on has already been considered.

I agree with the Committee on the cost of fishing nets. However, I want to remind them that as we decide on the size of the nets to be used in the lake, some people use fishing hooks of different sizes, which require bait. We mostly use smaller fish as bait. If we decide to stop using small fishing nets, what will happen to fisherfolk who require small fish for bait? The Committee should decide which nets will remain in use to catch appropriately sized fish for hook bait.

The Temporary Chairman

: Chairperson, billions of dollars worth of fish are taken from our exclusive economic zones. I am talking about East African countries. There are massive vessels out there in the sea. There are also trawlers and even factory vessels, which process and can our fish. While the Bill is timely, we should also be worried about how small-scale subsistence fisherfolk will cope with these measures. You mentioned that an international body wants you to pass this law. What did you call it?

If we pass this Bill even at this stage, we would already have a progressive law that was never there before.

I agree with you on that.

Some of the issues, Hon. Nyikal has just said, will be addressed through regulations. The Bill will not be cast in stone once it becomes an Act. Where necessary, we can bring amendments to various clauses even before the two years lapse. You realise that the Fund is at Clause 27 that we already passed. We can have a further discussion if there is a need for recommittal.

The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): That is the point. Can you give an undertaking that something will be done?

Let us proceed with the remaining clauses and make progress. I cannot commit to that at this time. I have to consult stakeholders, the Ministry, and the implementers.

The Temporary Chairman

: Yes, proceed.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, you mentioned the WTO. One thing we must recognise is that Kenya also belongs to the family of nations. Even though we have part of the Indian Ocean within our jurisdiction, which is partly the bone of contention here in terms of fishing gear, you cannot fish beyond what the international community has allocated under fisheries management. That is why they must take stock every year. They literally assess the number of fish in our ocean, record it, and ensure the data is factual. It then goes for discussion within the international community. Based on that assessment and allocation, countries are assigned quotas in percentage terms, determining how much they can fish. As you advise the Chair on the issue of recommittal, we may also need to fine-tune and adjust it accordingly.

The Temporary Chairman

: What is your point of order, Hon. Ruweida?

Is the Member in order to try to say that poor fishermen are overfishing compared to international operators? Why not stop the trawlers? The trawlers are there, and we seem to have no problem with them. Stop the trawlers. The poor fishermen are not the problem.

The Temporary Chairman

: Member of Parliament for Nyando, you probably do not know this. Chinese vessels, Spanish vessels, Thai vessels, and many others poach billions and hundreds of billions worth of fish from our East African waters.

Proceed now. I wanted you to give an undertaking on recommittal.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I cannot give an undertaking on recommittal because I will have to consult all Members on this Bill. However, I am open to recommittal after consultation with all the stakeholders including the Ministry and the Council of Governors. However, I want to assure the House that we are going to pass a progressive law that will not oppress fishermen but help them in their livelihood.

)

The Temporary Chairman

: The effect of that is that both amendments of Hon. Kassim Tandaza and Hon. Ruweida fall. However, they have to sit down, consult and agree on the percentages. If you were to ask me, anything less than 40 per cent for the farmers is a joke in my opinion if you want to have a vibrant fishing industry, particularly in the Indian Ocean where the resources are enormous in their multitudes and Kenya needs to cash in on that.

No, we can only go for recommittal. The point is that there has to be an understanding between the two of you then we go for the re-committal. So, the recommittal is what he has undertaken. Before you move that, clearly there is need for a serious consultation for there to be a re-committal because this Bill cannot be concluded today.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, the recommittal can either be done by the Chair or proposed by individual Members. Because the Chair seems to be afraid—I know he is a very bold person—to commit, I will move the recommittal.

The Temporary Chairman

: You will seek the right percentages. Order, Hon. Members. According to the Standing Orders 27, 41 and 42, all of them can seek re-committal. Now, a Member who decides to amend or delete a provision contained in a Bill reported from the Committee of the whole House or introduce a new provision in the Bill, may propose an amendment to add, at the end of the Motion for agreement with the Committee of the whole House, the words: “subject to the re-committal of the Bill” in respect of some specified clause, part or some proposed new clause or new schedule to our committee. So, that re-committal is possible. It can be done by an ordinary Member or the Chair.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Chairman.

The Temporary Chairman

: Yes, Hon. Millie, what is your point of order?

Hon. Temporary Chairman, can I make a special request? I know that before the House Business Committee, we have actually sought the pushing of this Bill quite a number of times. Originally, I was the one who had the most amendments. Because of that, at least on my part, I have managed to get a middle ground with the Committee. However the way we are progressing, we might end up completing this Bill next year. We have been here for an hour and we have only done one clause.

I am requesting that we refer this to winnowing between all the Members who have proposed amendments, and all the fisherfolk. It would enable us to progress much faster. The way we are proceeding now, I will give you an example. Some of the issues arise from defects in the Bill itself. I was just consulting with the Chair, and he was saying that Clause 42, to which I am proposing an amendment to include the lakes, appears to relate only to the sea. However, when I looked at the title of the Part, it has nothing to do with the sea. It is simply the way it was drafted by the Ministry. There are, therefore, some issues that we need to harmonise among ourselves, as the Chair, the Committee and the fisherfolk. I would request that, if possible, the Ministry be present at that meeting. Ordinarily, when you have a Bill like this, Ministry officials are also present so that we can hear their perspectives as well. If it is agreeable…

The Temporary Chairman

: Ordinarily, yes, I agree with you. So, you want us to adjourn debate on this?

Yes, I would do it.

Yes, Dr Nyikal.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I compare this

Bill to the one we considered with Hon. Millie on Assisted Reproductive Technology, where

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I have consistently maintained that this Bill appears to have been modelled for the marine fishing industry. I have said that there are people engaged in fishing who are not necessarily involved

in sea fishing. If a Bill is designed for only one segment, it will not address other emerging interests within the economy.

I am a fish farmer myself and I can see that my interests are being overlooked. They are not being adequately taken care of in this Bill. That is why I am saying that we should follow the recommendation made by the senior lawyer. Let us go back and address the concerns of all stakeholders and the interests of everybody involved in fish farming.

The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): Yes, Chair.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, this new Bill before us, is a result of the nullification of the entire Fisheries Management and Development Act, 2016 by the Malindi High Court. For the last two years, this Bill has been under consideration. At one point, it was intended to originate from the Senate, but it stalled there and no progress was made. It has taken us almost one year to reach where we are today. However, we are working against timelines imposed both by the court and by the legislative process. If this Bill is not passed during this Session, it will lapse, and we will have to begin the process afresh.

I agree with Hon. Millie, and I also wish to appeal to Members. You will find that many of the Members raising concerns now were not present during the First Reading and Second Reading stages of the Bill. Some were not present when the public participation report was tabled in the House, and some may not even have read the report. It is only now, when we have reached Clause 41 and specific provisions relating to fishing nets, that they are beginning to realise the implications of the Bill.

As we come to the close of today's business, I wish to appeal to Members. We have only next week to conclude consideration of this Bill and send it to the Senate. Like Hon. Millie said, if any Member has an amendment, please propose it. We can sit with the legal clerks and harmonise. When we come next week, we will move clause by clause.

The Temporary Chairman

: I chaired a session when we were deliberating the Coffee Bill here and Members from all the coffee farming areas were here. They debated and enriched it. A lot was changed, and eventually, we ended up with a very good Bill. Since the 2022 elections, coffee is doing better than it has ever done in the history of this country because there was a deliberate effort. At that time, we went to Meru. I am not a coffee farmer but I have been a part of the Coffee and Tea Parliamentary Association

(COTEPA)

as far back as 1993. So, the point is, the fishermen from the lake and the sea need to come together. You need to literally look at the best practices all over the world. You need to look at other agricultural sectors in the country so that you also get your fair share now because there is goodwill. Do you get my point?

We are also trying to navigate the same for the livestock sector because, for the longest time, livestock in this country has only been for the white farmers who used to farm dairy and beef cattle out there. It has never been for the local people out there, but right now we are taking it seriously. I agree with you but she has to move now.

As I was saying, we can all come to an agreement between now and Tuesday. I plead with the Leader of the Majority Party to prioritise it in the House Business next week. We will agree on all the contentious clauses.

The Temporary Chairman

: Chair, for someone who has never done fishing or have a fishing background, I am actually extremely happy with you.

I am a pastoralist. The Temporary Chairman

: You are a pastoralist who is willing to learn a lot. In the process, you are lumping all these committees together because of water.

The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): No, you cannot. We will make progress right now. Hon. Millie, this is your Bill.

No, it is a government Bill. The Temporary Chairman

: I know it is a government Bill, but you are part of the government. Your people depend almost exclusively on fish and sugarcane. I do not know whether you should move an Adjournment Motion. Okay, proceed.

No, we cannot proceed. It is almost time. Hon. Temporary Chairman, I feel very honoured that many people think this is a Private Member’s Bill when they listen to it because of the amount of energy and time I have put into it. I am largely voted in by fisherfolk. I represent fisherfolk. Most of my constituents live either directly of fishing or they are indirectly supported through fishing. However, because of the time, I think the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party can move reporting.

The Temporary Chairman

: Yes, report progress.

I think the Chair can report progress. Hon. Millie sits in the House Business Committee. As we are reconfiguring business for next week, we need to ensure this Bill is scheduled. I can see there is limited space for next week because of the issues but if we do not find space for it next week, it will lapse, which is dangerous. We trust you and our leadership to ensure that we have it on the Order Paper for next week so that we can complete it either on Tuesday or Wednesday. We cannot take the risk on Thursday.

Can I just inform? The Temporary Chairman

: Yes, Hon. Millie.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I know that there is quite a heavy business next week. Even if we are requesting the House Business Committee to load it, we may be forced, as somebody has suggested, to have an extra sitting. Some of us will be forced to make major adjustments to our schedules. I was not supposed to be around next week, but I will be forced to stay. There is no time. Members, if possible, can we find time either tomorrow or Monday to consider this? I know Members go to constituencies, but we need to agree to do the winnowing either tomorrow or Monday. Otherwise, we will return to the same issue. We need to agree to do it on Monday or Tuesday.

The Temporary Chairman

: Hon. Ruweida.

Mheshimiwa Mwenyekiti wa Muda, wasiwasi wangu ni hiyo transition period. Naomba tu tung’ang’ane kivyovyote kwa sababu haya ni maisha ya watu wangu. Nilikuwa nimejitayarisha na marekebisho ili kama jua hili linaharibu mazingira pande za mito, basi iruhusiwe tu kutumika upande wa bahari.

Mwenyekiti mwenyewe alikuja, akaona watu wangu, nao wakamweleza. Labda niwaeleze kidogo tu ili mnielewe. Mimi nimekubali kipindi cha mpito cha miaka miwili, lakini tuhakikishe… Jambo hilo linaweza kusababisha wizara kurudi hapa Bungeni. Haya ni maisha ya watu wangu. Hata hiyo recommittal niko tayari kufanya. Siku tatu nimekaa hapa mpaka saa tatu za usiku. Leo mpaka nataka kupigwa makofi hapa kwa sababu kosa nililofanya mimi ni kutetea watu wangu. Ananiambia atanipiga kwa sababu nilikuja kutunga sheria. Lakini angejaribu.

Nani huyo?

Si yule Mbunge hapa amesema atanipiga? Hamkuona hilo?

The Temporary Chairman

: Endelea.

Nimekuja hapa kwa sababu ya kutunga sheria na mambo mengine mawili. Nataka mnielewe. Watu wangu wa Lamu Mashariki saa hii wanatumia nyavu hizi aina mbili. Zile ambazo zimepingwa ni aina mbili. Nitafanya lolote ili…

The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): Order, Hon. Ruweida. This matter has the potential to transform your people into an economically empowered community. You are focusing only on a small aspect of it—the moral filament and other related issues. The Bill includes a provision for a transitional period, which, in my opinion, could be extended. You must engage in debate, sit down with the Chairperson, and consult the fishing community in this Parliament to secure substantial subsidies. A levy is being formulated, and the subsidy will assist your farmers in transitioning from basic fishing to becoming major players in the industry. Your people should not rely solely on subsistence fishing; they need to pursue commercial opportunities. This initiative is going to help you.

Hon. Chairperson, proceed and move reporting.

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move that the House reports its consideration of the Fisheries Management and Development Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 29 of 2023) up to Clause 41 and its approval thereof with amendments and seek leave to sit again.

Thank you.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the whole House has considered the Fisheries Management and Development Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 29 of 2023) up to the provisions relating up to Clause 41 and approved the same with amendments and seek leave to sit again.

The Temporary Chairman

: Mover of the Bill.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee of the said report…

The Temporary Chairman

: ‘In the said report’.

…in the said report and also request Hon. Rindikiri to second.

The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Farah Maalim): ‘To second the Motion for agreement’.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I second the Motion for agreement.

The Temporary Chairman

: For agreement with the Committee of the whole House. Okay.

Order, Hon. Mishi Mboko!

Put the question.