Tuesday, 21st June, 2022

Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence, in the Speaker’s Gallery this afternoon, of a visiting delegation of potato and barley farmers from Entontol Melil Ward, Narok North Constituency, Narok County. They are in the Senate on the invitation of the Senator for Narok County, Sen. Olekina.

I request each member of the delegation to stand, when called out, so that you may be acknowledged in the Senate tradition.

They are-

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to join you in welcoming to the Senate a delegation from Narok North Constituency. I understand from your Communication that they are potato and barley farmers. There are some jurisdictions in this world where a farmer is like a king because farmers are respected and taken good care of.

In my interaction with the Senator for Narok County, I have heard him many times, because I sit in the Standing Committee of Roads and Transportation, pushing our Committee to ensure that there is proper road network in the farms around Narok North for purposes of ensuring that their barley and potatoes can be taken to the markets without much difficulty. However, that is yet to happen.

I believe that in the next dispensation, somebody will make sure that those roads are done because, as I speak, there are a lot of potatoes in Narok North, but people are starving in most parts of the country. We need to find away of connecting the farmers with the consumers and ensure that the work of representatives of farmers from Narok does not go to waste.

Lastly, having served with Sen. Olekina, at times we take different positions on matters because we believe in proper representation. I have no doubt in my mind that in Sen. Olekina, the people of Narok have the right representative in the Senate.

Therefore, I would like to ask the visiting delegation to pass this message to the people of Narok, to make sure that they re-elect this able Senator who has been very firm even in defending the Maasai culture.

As you can see, even now, he is donning a Maasai attire to ensure that you bring him here to continue serving you and representing your interests.

I welcome the delegation.

Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve, please, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. I join you in welcoming the delegation from Narok County. This delegation must be aware that they have a champion in the House in the name of Sen. Olekina.

Anytime issues are brought on the Floor of this House, Sen. Olekina ensures that he is also asking a take for Narok County. He has been keen to ensure that money goes to the counties. He is never embarrassed of his people. He is so proud of his own.

In the House, you can see that he represents the Maasai community. There is no question about it because non-verbal communication speaks more than words do. I hope that the people of Narok County will give him the desire of his heart, of representing them once more in this House.

Sen. Olekina is also a strong champion of Azimio La Umoja. He is one person who is solid and reliable. I hope that they will give him a chance to continue being as solid as he is for the sake of the development of Narok County.

Sen. Poghisio, please, proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I join you and the Senators in welcoming the delegation from Narok North Constituency and all the other delegations that are here. A lot has been said about the representation here in the House.

I am sure that the whole House agrees with the fact that Sen. Olekina has done a splendid job, not only by representing the Maasai community, but also all the people who are disadvantaged. He has taken firm stand and solid positions, for example, the issue of Mau forest and other things.

This is not because he is here. This is the last chance for us to say something about your representative here. He represents the Maasai community all over, and I thank him.

I would like them to know that they are probably going to be in the annals of history as the last guests to this House as it is now constituted. They have come on a day when we are adjourning Sine Die. Therefore, it would be very interesting for them to say they were the last guests to be in the Senate of the 12th Parliament.

I do not know about all the others who have come. You are all welcome to the Senate. I know that sometimes when you come to the Senate, you might have an appetite to come and sit in here. That is your own progress.

I wish you well. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you for the tradition that we have of welcoming our guests. It has been unique to the Senate. We have had the privilege of being the ones welcoming most members and explaining to them the role of the Senate, and why it is important for them to support the Senate. This is where devolution lives, thrives and breathes. Therefore, those of you who go out there, speak well of our Senate.

Thank you.

Sen. Omogeni, please, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I join you and Sen. Olekina in welcoming our visitors from Narok North Constituency. Some of us who are neighbours of Narok County know that the best potatoes come from Narok North Constituency. Therefore, when we see these farmers here, we know that they contribute a lot to our food basket and the food security of our country, which is very commendable.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, as you know, more than 70 per cent of our rural population depends on agriculture. They contribute 33 per cent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) . Therefore, these are important people to our economy.

I thank Sen. Olekina for making the initiative of inviting these farmers to the Senate. I want you to go back with a message to the people of Narok County that we value and respect your Senator. He has been very active on the Floor. I hope that when you decide to vote on 9th August, 2022, you will consider re-electing Sen. Olekina.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, while our friends, the farmers from Narok North Constituency are here, it is also good to say that as a Government, we need to work hard to ensure that we have good infrastructure for our rural population.

I know that Narok North Constituency has poor road network. Therefore, Sen. Olekina, I hope that when the ‘Fifth’ becomes the President, you will fight hard so that Narok gets a good improved road network.

I have seen how good road network benefits farmers and their businesses. Just by getting a tarmac road from one of my constituencies in Borabu, from Tinderet, Metamaywa, Mecheo to Nyansiongo, we are now able to move our tea easily. Tea reaches Nyansiongo Tea Factory faster than it used to. My farmers expect good returns from tea. The bonus will most likely improve this year because of having a good road network.

I know that if we fix the roads, these farmers will have good returns from their potato farming. Sen. Olekina, I hope you will fight for your farmers. I hope they will also give a promise that they will re-elect you.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, finally, they also need to know that they need to support a Government that promises to fight corruption. People must know that unless we tackle the disease called corruption, we will never improve the lifestyles of our people.

Therefore, good people of Narok County, when you go back, look at the manifestos of all the parties that are seeking Presidency. I hope that you take time to read the manifesto of the Azimio La Umoja Coalition that has given a promise that it will fight corruption. Once we fight corruption, there will be a trickledown effect. It is people of Narok County and other parts of Kenya, who will have good roads.

We thank you for visiting us and wish you a safe trip back to Narok County.

Sen. Kinyua, please, proceed.

Asante sana Bw. Spika kwa kunipa fursa hii. Nataka kuungana nawe kukaribisha ujumbe kutoka Narok Kaskazini; wakulima wa viazi na shayiri.

Ni dhahiri shahiri kwamba ukitembelea sehemu nyingi za Kenya, hasa sehemu ambazo kuna wakulima, unapata barabara sio nzuri. Kwa hivyo, inakuwa vigumu kwao kupeleka mazao yao sokoni.

Nimekuwa nikiongea na Sen. Olekina tukiwa naye kwenye Kamati ya Kawi. Alikuwa akiangazia akisema ya kwamba hakuna umeme. Hilo ni jambo ambalo limekuwa kizungumkuti pale. Kwa hivyo, vile ambavyo ningependa kuwaambia, kwa sababu wanawakilisha watu wa kutoka upande huo, ni vizuri waseme ya kwamba Seneta amekuwa akipigania mambo ya umeme iweze kupelekwa sehemu ile, kama vile ndugu yangu alivyosema kuwa amekuwa kipau mbele akipigania mambo ya barabara.

Ni vizuri ijulikane ya kwamba Serikali inapaswa kuwa ikiangazia mambo ya barabara. Sio barabara pekee yake, kwa sababu ukipata kitu kama shayiri na vile vile viazi, inakuwa ni vigumu wao kupeleka sokoni.

Kama kungekuwa pengine na umeme sehemu zile wangeweza hata kutengeneza coldrooms mahali ambapo wanaweza kuweka viazi vyao na wakati bei imekuwa nzuri wakaviuza. Hilo ndilo jambo linalopaswa kushughulikiwa.

Tunampongeza Sen. Olekina leo kwa sababu yeye ni mmoja wa wale ambao wamesema ya kwamba utamaduni mpaka udumishwe. Yeye ni kielelezo tosha katika nchi yetu ya Kenya kwa kuzingatia utamaduni. Si utamaduni peke yake, vile vile, amekuwa akipigania haki za kabila la Wamaasai. Sisemi yeye ni mkabila, lakini anajua mahali ametoka na amekuwa akiwapigania zaidi.

Nikimalizia, wakulima watafaidika Zaidi, na tunapaswa kuwainua watu ambao wanaishi maisha ya chini. Wajiunge na serikali ambayo inakuja itakayoongozwa na Mhe. William Samoei arap Ruto, kwa sababu inazingatia watu walio chini kuwainua juu.

Wakulima walio chini watainuliwa; wale wote wanaoitwa “mahustlers”. Watu wengi Kenya ambao ni “mahustlers” wataweza kujimudu kimaisha. Hata wale wote ambao wanavaa nguo za mtumba wa haki kisheria katika nchi yetu ya Kenya kufanya ile biashara yao ndogo ile waweze kuinuliwa. Tukiwainua kiuchumi, itakuwa ni jambo ambalo litasaidia sana.

Ninajua hata kama Sen. Olekina ako ule mrengo mwingine, yeye ana imani ya kwamba ‘hustlers’ mpaka wainuliwe waweze kuwa watu wanaotegemewa katika nchi yetu ya Kenya.

Asante sana.

Sen. Shiyonga.

Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to join you in welcoming the delegation from Narok, where our able Sen. Olekina comes from. You are most welcome and feel at home.

I encourage the delegation from Narok, who are potatoes and barley farmers, that they are in the right track. As you are aware, potato farming falls directly under agricultural crops. Agriculture is devolved. When we talk about devolution, that is the work that we do here in the Senate. We protect the counties and agriculture falls directly under us.

Your Senator here does a lot to protect you as citizens of Narok. You have chosen the right leader. He is a leader I would admire if I were a citizen of Narok County. Re- elect him so that he can continue with the good work that he started. Despite the fact that every term must end, always think about what your leader has done for you. Re-elect him because he deserves it.

Agriculture plays a very vital role. We are looking at agriculture employing around 40 per cent of Kenyan citizenry. Therefore, you are employers of your own people. I encourage you to continue because potatoes and barley are just part of the farm products that we encourage our citizens to plant. Even when it comes to importation, they contribute much to the economy of this country.

In conclusion, farmers enjoy their products when the economy is good. We are praying that the economy of Kenya improves, especially in the agricultural sector.

Feel most welcome and at home. I urge you to re-elect Sen. Olekina, so that he can come here and we continue working together.

The Speaker (Hon. Lusaka): Sen Nyamunga, please, proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to join you in welcoming the delegation from Narok to this Assembly.

We want to thank you very much for visiting us. Although it is the last time we are sitting, still you are welcome. I wish you had come much earlier because from the Senate you will learn a lot. Even if you are a farmer in Narok, you will also learn a lot from the Senate and your able representative, Sen. Olekina. He has been very active in issues affecting county governments.

We know very well that Agriculture is the backbone of this country. Without it, we do not have anything else that we can show the world or anybody in this region. Farmers should always be supported to do their work. For example, if you are a potato farmer, it is not only farming potatoes, but you should also do value addition on that potato in order to get the maximum returns. Farmers just get the minimum because the product is bought at the farm, and there are so many middlemen.

If we can work on things like industries in Narok, so that there is chain reaction from the farmer, we can own those things. We can be the middlemen and you can be the manufacturer. That is allowed. I encourage you that farming is good.

We want to encourage our Senator, and hope that you are going to re-elect him again because he is a very able young and pragmatic leader that should continue to lead the people of Narok and this country from this platform.

Thank you so much for visiting us and thank you, Sen. Olekina. I believe and know that these people believe in you and will give you another chance to serve them in the capacity as the Senator.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to join you in welcoming the delegation from Narok to this Assembly.

We want to thank you very much for visiting us. Although it is the last time we are sitting, still you are welcome. I wish you had come much earlier because from the Senate you will learn a lot. Even if you are a farmer in Narok, you will also learn a lot from the Senate and your able representative, Sen. Olekina. He has been very active in issues affecting county governments.

We know very well that Agriculture is the backbone of this country. Without it, we do not have anything else that we can show the world or anybody in this region. Farmers should always be supported to do their work. For example, if you are a potato farmer, it is not only farming potatoes, but you should also do value addition on that potato in order to get the maximum returns. Farmers just get the minimum because the product is bought at the farm, and there are so many middlemen.

If we can work on things like industries in Narok, so that there is chain reaction from the farmer, we can own those things. We can be the middlemen and you can be the manufacturer. That is allowed. I encourage you that farming is good.

We want to encourage our Senator, and hope that you are going to re-elect him again because he is a very able young and pragmatic leader that should continue to lead the people of Narok and this country from this platform.

Thank you so much for visiting us and thank you, Sen. Olekina. I believe and know that these people believe in you and will give you another chance to serve them in the capacity as the Senator.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, let me begin by thanking you for your magnanimity in allowing the delegation from Narok North to sit in the Speaker’s Gallery.

Thank you for your contributions. I have another Communication to make.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I want to thank you for welcoming the students from Nakuru. I met with some of the students who came to say hello to me outside Parliament.

I want to encourage them to dream higher. I always believe that your dream cannot chase you. You are the only person who can chase your dream. If you believe it, you can achieve anything you set your goals to.

We were once students and always continue being students. You never stop being a student. This is an opportunity for you because the Bible talks about generations. You are in a completely different generation from our generation. You are what we call now Generation Z.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is an opportunity for you to learn from the previous generations like the millennials - and I believe I fall in that category - and see the mistakes we have made, so that you do not make them. Technology is something that you must embrace, so that you can improve how you live and communicate.

Most of you have smart phones; we never had smart phones. Most of you wear shoes when you go to school; we did not have shoes when we were going to school. This is an opportunity for you to dream higher.

I want to end by encouraging you to chase your dreams. Remember, your dream will never chase you back.

I thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me an opportunity to welcome the students to this Chamber. All of us were students a long time. I want to remind the students that we are who we are because of the tips we were given by leaders and teachers at that time.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me an opportunity to welcome the students to this Chamber. All of us were students a long time. I want to remind the students that we are who we are because of the tips we were given by leaders and teachers at that time.

Proceed, Sen. Kinyua.

Asante Bw. Spika. Ninajiunga na wewe kuwakaribisha wanafunzi katika Kikao hiki cha Seneti. Ningependa kuwaambia kwamba ni muhimu kuweka masomo mbele. Masomo ndio uti wa mgongo wa maendeleo katika nchi yetu ya Kenya. Viongozi wote walio hapa walitilia mkazo masomo wakati walipokuwa vijana.

Huu ndio wakati wa kutengeneza maisha yenu ya usoni. Waswahili husema, udongo ufinyange ukiwa mbichi. Mkitia bidii katika masomo yenu, mtapata kile ambacho mnatazamia katika maisha ya mbeleni. Mambo mawili ya kufanya ni kutilia masomo mkazo, kisha kuwa na nidhamu pia.

Proceed, Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to welcome the students to this Senate Sitting. Having been a Professor at the University

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to welcome the students to this Senate Sitting. Having been a Professor at the University

Proceed, Sen. Shiyonga.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to join you in welcoming students from Kongoi Secondary School in Nakuru County. You are most welcome in this House, where you can learn more. I know you are in the right institution. That is why your teachers thought it wise to bring you to Parliament, where the laws and policies of this country are made.

Education shapes one into a responsible person in society. For you to become responsible in society, you must have an educational background. Your teachers thought that Parliament is the right place for you to be, so that you come and see your leaders. Your leaders are here and they represent you well. It is good that you came to be here with us.

For those proceeding to the next class, I wish you all the best in your exams. If you are completing your secondary school education and proceeding to the next level of education, I wish you well too. Be the best version of yourself. I know that some will come here. We shaped our lives through education and made it here. We followed exactly what our teachers told us. Teachers spend with you 75 per cent of the time, unlike your parents. Follow what your teachers tell you, and you will be the best.

God bless you all.

Proceed, Sen. Charargei.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I welcome our very good students from Kongoi Secondary School in Nakuru City County. I know you are aware that Nakuru is now a City County. A number of us who come from the Rift Valley normally pass through Nakuru as we go home.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, may I ask them to learn. These are our future leaders. I want them to work hard and smart in school, so that they sit here one day to legislate and represent the people across the 47 counties.

I wish they came early. They may have heard or read in books about some Senators. Today, they are lucky to meet Sen. Wako, the longest-serving Attorney General

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I welcome our very good students from Kongoi Secondary School in Nakuru City County. I know you are aware that Nakuru is now a City County. A number of us who come from the Rift Valley normally pass through Nakuru as we go home.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, may I ask them to learn. These are our future leaders. I want them to work hard and smart in school, so that they sit here one day to legislate and represent the people across the 47 counties.

I wish they came early. They may have heard or read in books about some Senators. Today, they are lucky to meet Sen. Wako, the longest-serving Attorney General

(AG) of Kenya and the current Senator for Busia County. I know that it is an honour. Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri is also here. He is the former Minister for Education and Minister for Health. He held other dockets in Government, and was an Ambassador.

Other Senators who have served this nation in other capacities include Sen. (Prof.) Kamar, who was the CS for Higher Education, Science and Technology. Sen. Wambua here was a teacher. I believe the students have spotted the only Maasai who wears traditional Maasai clothing in the Chamber, Sen. Olekina.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for also giving me this opportunity to welcome the students from Kongoi Secondary School, Nakuru County.

I welcome you to this great House, the Senate of the Republic of Kenya. This is a great place to learn a lot of history and civics. I also thank the teachers who decided, with a lot of wisdom, to bring you to this particular House, for you to learn many things.

You will get an opportunity to learn a lot from the Parliament of Kenya. We have the “Lower House”, which is the National Assembly and the “Upper House,” which is the Senate.

This is a very important House, on matters to do with legislation, the oversight projects of our counties and many other good functions. Therefore, I welcome the students.

Chinua Achebe in ‘Things Fall Apart’ says that, “when you see the king’s mouth, you might be tempted to think that he never suckled the mother”. When you see the Senators here, you might be tempted to think that we were not students, but we were students and young like you. The difference is only a matter of time and you will be here.

Students, you need to be very discipline in school and work very hard because we have seen that things have changed. People with a lot of education will be required to be in such places, so that you become very informative.

Additionally, work very hard in your school and be very disciplined. We all admire Nakuru County for so many things. I am very happy because I was also a student in Nakuru County. I was in Nakuru High School in Menengai. Whenever I see students from Nakuru County, it makes me proud.

I thank their teachers as well. The work that teachers are doing to this country is great. I would like to encourage you teachers to continue with the good work that you are

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for also giving me this opportunity to welcome the students from Kongoi Secondary School, Nakuru County.

I welcome you to this great House, the Senate of the Republic of Kenya. This is a great place to learn a lot of history and civics. I also thank the teachers who decided, with a lot of wisdom, to bring you to this particular House, for you to learn many things.

You will get an opportunity to learn a lot from the Parliament of Kenya. We have the “Lower House”, which is the National Assembly and the “Upper House,” which is the Senate.

This is a very important House, on matters to do with legislation, the oversight projects of our counties and many other good functions. Therefore, I welcome the students.

Chinua Achebe in ‘Things Fall Apart’ says that, “when you see the king’s mouth, you might be tempted to think that he never suckled the mother”. When you see the Senators here, you might be tempted to think that we were not students, but we were students and young like you. The difference is only a matter of time and you will be here.

Students, you need to be very discipline in school and work very hard because we have seen that things have changed. People with a lot of education will be required to be in such places, so that you become very informative.

Additionally, work very hard in your school and be very disciplined. We all admire Nakuru County for so many things. I am very happy because I was also a student in Nakuru County. I was in Nakuru High School in Menengai. Whenever I see students from Nakuru County, it makes me proud.

I thank their teachers as well. The work that teachers are doing to this country is great. I would like to encourage you teachers to continue with the good work that you are

Proceed, Sen. Ngugi.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to join you in welcoming students from Kongoi Secondary School.

This school is special to me because I also schooled in Rift Valley, at Boron Secondary School. This school was our sister and brother school. It is, therefore, a school that I know well.

The reason I have decided to contribute to the Communication by the Chair is because I know that place very well. It is a place of hardship, but I want to assure you that having come all the way to Senate today, you can also make it in life. Do not look at what is surrounding you and do not look at your background. With focus and determination, you can be anything that you want in life.

I was at Boron Secondary School, which is not as prestigious as your school, but by the grace of God, I went all the way to the University of Nairobi, and here I am. If I made it, you can also make it. All the best to all that are graduating, all the best in your endeavour.

I hope to have a photo with you after this session, because it reminds me of the journey that I have walked this far.

God bless you.

Proceed, Sen. Wako.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity in joining you and others in welcoming the students of Kongoi Secondary School.

My colleagues have said it all, and I do not want to repeat what they have said. I want to tell the student that, normally, we are a full House with a lot of activity. Therefore, what you are seeing here is not typical of a normal session of the Senate. In a secondary school, you are at a very critical stage in forming the basis, the foundation of your future. It is at this stage that you become teenagers and develop a vision of what you want to be in future.

It is at this stage that you develop your character properly. I want to assume that because your sponsoring body, I suppose, is the Ecumenical Lutheran Church of Kenya. The school is also founded on a firm moral, Christian or religious basis. That is important to me because one of the key evils in our society today is the fact that we lack a national ethos; a proper, positive national ethos to govern our society.

It is just that we applaud issues such as corruption and negative aspects of ethnicity. I believe that your school is bringing you up in a way in that you will grow up ethically with a strong moral foundation, discipline and fear of the Almighty God, which our Constitution recognises in the preamble and the opening Articles of the Constitution. We recognise God.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity in joining you and others in welcoming the students of Kongoi Secondary School.

My colleagues have said it all, and I do not want to repeat what they have said. I want to tell the student that, normally, we are a full House with a lot of activity. Therefore, what you are seeing here is not typical of a normal session of the Senate. In a secondary school, you are at a very critical stage in forming the basis, the foundation of your future. It is at this stage that you become teenagers and develop a vision of what you want to be in future.

It is at this stage that you develop your character properly. I want to assume that because your sponsoring body, I suppose, is the Ecumenical Lutheran Church of Kenya. The school is also founded on a firm moral, Christian or religious basis. That is important to me because one of the key evils in our society today is the fact that we lack a national ethos; a proper, positive national ethos to govern our society.

It is just that we applaud issues such as corruption and negative aspects of ethnicity. I believe that your school is bringing you up in a way in that you will grow up ethically with a strong moral foundation, discipline and fear of the Almighty God, which our Constitution recognises in the preamble and the opening Articles of the Constitution. We recognise God.

Sen. (Dr.) Mwaura had put in a request to speak, but he left.

Let us move to the next Order.

Sen. (Dr.) Mwaura had put in a request to speak, but he left.

Let us move to the next Order.

Sen. Olekina, kindly approach the Chair.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I am looking at the Order Paper and there are two critical Motions that we need to deal with. One of them is about the debt ceiling and the other one is about going on recess sine die. However, looking around, we do not have numbers at the moment.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I am looking at the Order Paper and there are two critical Motions that we need to deal with. One of them is about the debt ceiling and the other one is about going on recess sine die. However, looking around, we do not have numbers at the moment.

It is not a Motion. Using my discretion under Standing Order No.1, I suspend the Sitting for 15 minutes.

Hon. Senators, I call the House to order. Let us move to the next Order.

Hon. Senators, I call the House to order. Let us move to the next Order.

Let the Division Bell be rung for five minutes.

Leaders, please approach the Chair.

Let us have the Tellers for the Ayes and Nays. Members, can we start voting?

Okay, thank you.

Sen. Malala has just sent a message and said Sen. Shiyonga should vote on behalf of Kakamega County.

Hon. Senators, please take your seats. These are the results.

Hon. Senators, please take your seats. These are the results.

Teller of the Ayes:

Sen. Sakaja, Nairobi City County; Sen. Cherargei, Nandi County and Sen. Cheruiyot; Kericho County.

Hon. Senators, the results are as follows:

Order Senators, I am now rearranging the Order paper. Let us move to order Number 20.

Order, Sen. (Dr.) Langát! You can sing that after this out there in a rally maybe in Jacaranda or somewhere else.

I wish to make an announcement before the Senate Majority Leader proceeds. After this, we will have a caucus at the new restaurant after we adjourn Sine Die. I hope that we shall not die there.

The Senate Majority Leader, you may proceed.

Order! Hon. Senators, let us consult in low tones.

I congratulate this House beginning with you, the Speaker of the Senate, the Right Hon. Kenneth Lusaka who has guided this House for the last five years in a way that everyone agrees that it has been very fruitful and has brought us together.

This is a very important day because in the past two years, under my leadership we have passed several Bills in this House originating from the National Assembly. The

I congratulate this House beginning with you, the Speaker of the Senate, the Right Hon. Kenneth Lusaka who has guided this House for the last five years in a way that everyone agrees that it has been very fruitful and has brought us together.

This is a very important day because in the past two years, under my leadership we have passed several Bills in this House originating from the National Assembly. The

two Houses of the Parliament worked tirelessly under very difficult circumstances. Sometimes not agreeing at all. Not seeing eye-to-eye and even proceeding to court to challenge some of the things that were done.

We have also gone through months of COVID-19 pandemic and we braved it under your own supervision and guidance. This House managed to wade through COVID-19 lockdowns and when we had a chance, you taught us to obey the regulations in 2019 and we did. Thus, we survived the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the House that has come out of it purified and strengthened.

Time in the Parliament gave us opportunities to bond as Senate. In spite of our political divides, we accorded each other respect, decorum and focus on the most important mandate of the House to attend Petitions, Statements and Bills, among others, aimed at the betterment of the House.

We know each other better now. After five years, we know who will be afraid to say things and those who would stand up to challenge. All those are attributes of a Legislature; we did not always have to agree. We can remember the times when we did not even agree at all even from the side. Those of us from the same side did not agree during the division of revenue formula at one point. That did not remove any of the values that we had for each other.

I do not want to take long to speak today. It is just that I have chance to say thank you to some people in a particular way. I like to use this opportunity to single out the Speaker of the Senate and say thank you for the way you and I have worked. I presume that we sharpened each other. I can say that as iron sharpens iron, you and I, in my roles, in your roles, we have sharpened each other. I agree that we have come out better people.

I would like also to single out the Senate Minority Leader in the House, Sen. James Orengo, whom all things being equal and things favouring him, he might be the next Governor of Siaya County.

That means that from this House, and I do recognize all the other Members who are aspiring to be governors from this House. The Governor of Nairobi City County, the man from the northern most point, the Senator for Wajir County, Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri who is also going for Governor of Kisii County and all the others.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I do not know when Sen. Cherargei will go for Governor. Maybe the next term. All those people who are going to be governors will take some experience and richness from this Senate. Those of us who are running for various positions in the National Assembly and others who will be nominated. Wherever their stations will be, they will remember this Parliament and this Senate.

I say thank you for the way we did our work which was bipartisan. I thank the team in leadership in the Minority side that was led by Sen. Orengo. The team of Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., Sen. Kwamboka and Sen. Madzayo. I also thank the team in leadership of the Majority side as well.

I want to single out the Deputy Majority Leader, Sen. Dullo, who I know is campaigning to come back here.

The other one is the indomitable Sen. Farhiya who has worked so hard and she has always been present to represent us. From our side, we have two Whips who left office. Therefore, I would like to thank Sen. Kanga’ta and Sen. Wamatangi.

All that time we have been working, the Senate has stood tall. The Senate will be remembered for a number of decisions that were made. One of the decisions was when the Senate stood firm to challenge matters that were taken to court and sought the courts’ opinion. At the same time, you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, and the Speaker before have walked to court to ensure that the integrity of this House is maintained for years to come.

As I said in the morning, there is an existential threat to this House. Unless we guard against that threat, there are people who are hell-bent on lowering the Senate in order to ensure that it does not get the recognition. However, the Senate has a special role. Under our Constitution, the Senate has to be there for devolution to exist, flourish and grow. Those who think they can diminish the light of the Senate, I want to tell them that the Constitution protects this Senate and its membership. Whoever comes back here should continue to defend the rights and privileges of the Senate.

I thank all the colleagues of mine from both sides of the aisle. There are those we have interacted with and those who have given us problems. I do not want to name them because they know themselves. Some of them come from as far as Mwingi.

As I conclude, because I know everybody would like to have a chance to give their goodbyes as we go on recess sine die, there is something that the Senate Minority Leader said this morning, that the Executive needs to be careful not to contribute to the divisions between the Houses. That is important. For Bills that have been passed and assented to, there was need to have consultation by the Speakers of both Houses, so that it is easy to have concurrence.

The two Houses have the fundamentals responsibility of passing and enabling laws, which can make the two level of government answerable to the people of Kenya and better their lives. It is my prayer that in future, the two Houses will focus on this purpose and not engage in sibling rivalry, which will only curtail their performance without adding value to Kenya. Both Houses have their constitutionally given mandates which neither House should try to erode.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I want to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Senate, led by the Clerk, the Deputy Clerks, Table Clerks, all the directors and those who made our lives here easy. It was easy to do the work of the Senate because we have staff who supported us. I thank all of them and wish them well in their endeavours.

I will give whatever support I can to those who will be vying for different positions. For those who will become governors, please make a difference where you go.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I know that you and others here who will become governors will be different. I was a bit disappointed that those who left here in the previous Senate did not show much difference. I hope that when you become governors, those who have been here will respect the Senate and make sure you change governance at places that you will be.

For those of us who are trying to retain our seats, I wish you success. When we come back, I hope we will continue from where we would have left. Pray for me too, so that I come back here as the Senator for West Pokot. I also pray that you will be here with me.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, sine die recess is a Motion without the reverse gear. Once it is moved, there is no going back. So, I would like to get the Motion rolling. If I have not said anything about you or thanked you, please know that I have thanked you enough.

There is a point of order from Sen. Farhiya before we proceed.

There is a point of order from Sen. Farhiya before we proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I second.

Before we proceed, I wish to guide that we will have to limit the time to do this within two hours like we had resolved. Looking around, I know everybody would like to say something. Everybody will get an opportunity, but we must also respect what we resolved.

If we agree, we started at 5.32 p.m. and so we must end at 7.32 p.m. That means everybody will have 10 minutes maximum, except the Senate Minority Leader.

I want us to agree. Proceed, Senate Majority Leader.

I want us to agree. Proceed, Senate Majority Leader.

We started at 5.32 p.m.

But you do not have to speak for 10 minutes if you do not have something to say. Sen. Orengo the Floor is yours.

The Senate Minority Leader (Sen. Orengo) : Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to second that the Senate do adjourn sine die. This may probably be my last speech in a Chamber of Parliament.

Maybe, I will address the House in other capacities, but this is probably my last speech.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to, first of all, thank everybody, the Senators with whom we have had wonderful journey in the last four or five years. I would also like to thank the leadership, the Senate Majority Leader, the Deputy Majority Leader, the Whips in the Majority Side, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, and the Leadership in the Minority Side.

I would have said more about everybody in the Leadership, but because of time I will not say why I thank them specifically.

It has been a wonderful journey together. I hope that in my memories of Parliaments that I have served in, the 12th Parliament and this particular Senate will have a chapter in my book which I am writing.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, Parliament cannot be a House of ‘yes’ and ‘no’. I am afraid that in the last two Parliaments, we almost became a Parliament of ‘yes’ and ‘no’. When it comes to the vote, that is when we make judgement of the contributions of both the National Assembly and the Senate.

Many Parliaments are remembered not by the speeches of those who went away with the majority. Many parliaments are characterised by the centres. This is why John Kennedy wrote a big book about profiles in courage of people who said things that should not have been said at their time.

To that extent, I have enjoyed being in this Senate. Where we have disagreed, I have taken it in good spirit. For instance, when we were confronted with the issue of the formula and the debates that took place in this Parliament. As a matter of record, it may go as some of the most virulent debates of the Senate and the National Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you for presiding over those sessions which were very critical. When you go back to Bungoma, we shall forever thank you for taking us through the Senate at that time.

Whenever I think about Parliaments, I always think about Benjamin Disraeli, the British Prime Minister, who had great contestation with another Prime Minister who was called Gladstone. They called each other names. However, down in history, they are probably some of the best leaders that emerged from the House of Commons because of the debates. Disraeli was Jewish. Remember that, at the Victorian time in that Parliament to have a Jew as a Prime Minister of an Anglo-Saxon nation was not easy. Yet, they used to have these wonderful debates those who respected Gladstone would call him the grand old man and Disraeli would call him the God’s only mistake and it was taken in good measure.

But you do not have to speak for 10 minutes if you do not have something to say.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to second that the Senate do adjourn sine die. This may probably be my last speech in a Chamber of Parliament. Maybe, I will address the House in other capacities, but this is probably my last speech. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to, first of all, thank everybody, the Senators with whom we have had wonderful journey in the last four or five years. I would also like to thank the leadership, the Senate Majority Leader, the Deputy Majority Leader, the Whips in the Majority Side, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, and the Leadership in the Minority Side. I would have said more about everybody in the Leadership, but because of time I will not say why I thank them specifically. It has been a wonderful journey together. I hope that in my memories of Parliaments that I have served in, the 12th Parliament and this particular Senate will have a chapter in my book which I am writing. Mr. Speaker, Sir, Parliament cannot be a House of ‘yes’ and ‘no’. I am afraid that in the last two Parliaments, we almost became a Parliament of ‘yes’ and ‘no’. When it comes to the vote, that is when we make judgement of the contributions of both the National Assembly and the Senate. Many Parliaments are remembered not by the speeches of those who went away with the majority. Many parliaments are characterised by the centres. This is why John Kennedy wrote a big book about profiles in courage of people who said things that should not have been said at their time. To that extent, I have enjoyed being in this Senate. Where we have disagreed, I have taken it in good spirit. For instance, when we were confronted with the issue of the formula and the debates that took place in this Parliament. As a matter of record, it may go as some of the most virulent debates of the Senate and the National Assembly. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you for presiding over those sessions which were very critical. When you go back to Bungoma, we shall forever thank you for taking us through the Senate at that time. Whenever I think about Parliaments, I always think about Benjamin Disraeli, the British Prime Minister, who had great contestation with another Prime Minister who was called Gladstone. They called each other names. However, down in history, they are probably some of the best leaders that emerged from the House of Commons because of the debates. Disraeli was Jewish. Remember that, at the Victorian time in that Parliament to have a Jew as a Prime Minister of an Anglo-Saxon nation was not easy. Yet, they used to have these wonderful debates those who respected Gladstone would call him the grand old man and Disraeli would call him the God’s only mistake and it was taken in good measure.

Sen. Sakaja, please proceed.

I hope that we meet again in other circumstances and, of course, on the 9th August this year, there will be an Azimio la Umoja Government which will be of the people, by the people and for the people.

I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Uber, Bolt, Taxify drivers et cetera are still sitting on the desk of Cabinet Secretary (CS) Macharia. Our drivers are suffering and crying.

We need to push that he passes them to legislation. Today, we have had a bottom up economic forum and that is one of the issues that has come up from our drivers because they are losing a lot.

We have lobbied against double taxation on my traders in Eastleigh by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). We have stopped impunity of regulations on importers in Nyamakima, Kamukunji and Dubois Road. We have helped to stop demolitions in Mukuru kwa Njenga from where they had reached. We have spoken about what has been happening to a lot of our people.

We have stopped the ban of importation of motor vehicle spare parts for Kirinyaga Road traders. We have lobbied for Kshs1.7 billion for rehabilitation of our roads. There was an incident in Kasarani and I am glad that through this House, I was able to get Kshs350 million to complete Kasarani-Mwiki Road and to get an additional Kshs1.4 billion for the roads in Nairobi City County as the Senator.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we lobbied and secured the resumption of the stalled Dandora Stadium Project which I will be sure to complete as Governor of Nairobi City County. We have pushed for the release of funds for completion of stalled projects in this City.

I want to remember our fallen colleagues whom we started this House with in

Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you for this opportunity to support this Motion that the Senate do adjourn sine die. We have been in this House since 31st August, 2017. Meaning we have been here for four years, 9 months and 21 days or 57 months and 21 days or 1,755 days.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, it has been a journey that is bitter sweet. There has been joy, tears, pain and happiness. I want to use the words of Max De Pree who says that the first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you in between the leader as a servant.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we are not leaving our leadership roles. However, for some of us, this is a very special moment. The Bible in Proverbs 16:3 says man may plan, but the final outcome is the Lords.’ I do not intend to be a legislature again. I have done and presented many Bills. I have been a legislature since I was 28 years old. I hope I will be signing Bills into law moving forward.

I have deeply enjoyed my time as a legislature since I came in in 2013 as a nominated Member of Parliament (MP) up until the time I got elected by the people of Nairobi City County to serve as their Senator. I believe I have served them diligently. I have put my best foot forward. We have proposed Bills and Motions.

Some of those include Bills that will forever go down the history of this country as monumental. The 30 per cent procurement opportunities for young people, women and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) is a Bill I sponsored in the last Parliament. The National Employment Authority Act which exists is another one we sponsored.

I also sponsored The Private Security Regulations Bill, The Disaster Risk Management Bill with Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, The Prompt Payment Bill with Sen. Farhiya, the Start-up Bill to promote our start-ups, The Pandemic Response and Management Bill. There was also a legislative proposal on national school lunch feeding programme which did not go through, but I intend to implement it in Nairobi City County if elected Governor. Which I pray happens.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am proud that in this time as Senator, I have been able to lobby for an increase of the revenue of Nairobi City County from Kshs15 billion to Kshs19 billion. That is an increment of Kshs3 billion. Ordinarily, it would take more than five cycles of the revenue formula which is 15 years.

Through our Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, we have been able to lobby for artists; our musicians to get skiza tunes, an increment from 16 per cent from when we started this fight with the late Bob Collymore and President Uhuru Kenyatta to the current 41 per cent. We hope it gets to 51 per cent for our artists.

My colleagues here and I have advocated for better rates for digital taxi drivers and initiated favourable regulations. I thank Sen. Faki. However, those regulations for

Hon. Senators, I really want to seek your indulgence because the list is very long and we may go on up to very late, yet we have a caucus. Please, I know we can recollect our thoughts and put all that we want to say in five minutes. In any case, we have been talking for the last five years.

Sen. Wako, you have the Floor.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity. I stand up with mixed feelings because I am not standing for re-election. So, this may very well be the last time I am speaking in this House.

I recollect the first time that I spoke in Parliament which was about 14th May,

Hon. Senators, I really want to seek your indulgence because the list is very long and we may go on up to very late, yet we have a caucus. Please, I know we can recollect our thoughts and put all that we want to say in five minutes. In any case, we have been talking for the last five years.

Sen. Wako, you have the Floor.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity. I stand up with mixed feelings because I am not standing for re-election. So, this may very well be the last time I am speaking in this House.

I recollect the first time that I spoke in Parliament which was about 14th May,

Mr. Speaker, Sir, because of the challenges---

Your time is now up, Sen. Wako, but I will add you one minute.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in one minute I can say that I would like the country to re-read the Building Bridges Initiative’s (BBI) First Report. Everybody accepted the BBI’s first report. It talks about what I am talking about but it also talks about how we must fix Kenya through having a proper national ethos.

This Senate, being the Upper House, should be on the forefront in ensuring that this country has a positive national ethos, which includes issues of integrity, anti- corruption and ensuring that we do not have negative ethnicity in this country. This Senate can lead in approaching national issues in a bi-partisan manner in the same way the First Senate was approaching these types of issues to the extent of coming up with amendments for the Constitution.

I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for the extra time you gave me.

Your time is now up, Sen. Wako, but I will add you one minute.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in one minute I can say that I would like the country to re-read the Building Bridges Initiative’s (BBI) First Report. Everybody accepted the BBI’s first report. It talks about what I am talking about but it also talks about how we must fix Kenya through having a proper national ethos.

This Senate, being the Upper House, should be on the forefront in ensuring that this country has a positive national ethos, which includes issues of integrity, anti- corruption and ensuring that we do not have negative ethnicity in this country. This Senate can lead in approaching national issues in a bi-partisan manner in the same way the First Senate was approaching these types of issues to the extent of coming up with amendments for the Constitution.

I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for the extra time you gave me.

now been revived. A number of things came to mind at that time and they touched on Petitions. I thank this House and the Committee on Roads and Transportation because they went ahead to deal with a Petition that had to do with compensation for families that had sacrificed their land for a bypass that connects Uasin Gishu – Kakamega and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we also met farmers on the investigations of the maize issue. This House has done a great job. Even as I thank the people of Uasin Gishu, I cannot forget to thank this Senate for their great participation and the contribution that they have had. My impact on Uasin Gishu has come from that.

I thank the Committee on Finance and Budget on the issue of blocking the buying of the National Bank Building. It has become a landmark in Uasin Gishu. This Senate stopped extravagance in the County Government of Uasin Gishu that was about to buy that building at double the price.

I wish my colleagues well, the Members who are going to come back to the Senate as well as those who will become governors. I ask those that will become governors to make a difference in that level, to become more accountable and have an impact on the ground. We owe to this nation and we owe it to our people.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you. I have served under you, first in the panel and now as your Deputy. You are a great leader. I appreciate the way we have worked with you in the Speaker’s Panel. You have been a considerate Speaker and a nice teacher to all of us. You have guided us well and we have done well.

I wish you well, Mr. Speaker, Sir and my colleagues too. I believe we are going to meet in various capacities. Let us not forget that we became a family in the 12th Parliament. It has been great. May God bless all of you.

I thank you.

Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri.

now been revived. A number of things came to mind at that time and they touched on Petitions. I thank this House and the Committee on Roads and Transportation because they went ahead to deal with a Petition that had to do with compensation for families that had sacrificed their land for a bypass that connects Uasin Gishu – Kakamega and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we also met farmers on the investigations of the maize issue. This House has done a great job. Even as I thank the people of Uasin Gishu, I cannot forget to thank this Senate for their great participation and the contribution that they have had. My impact on Uasin Gishu has come from that.

I thank the Committee on Finance and Budget on the issue of blocking the buying of the National Bank Building. It has become a landmark in Uasin Gishu. This Senate stopped extravagance in the County Government of Uasin Gishu that was about to buy that building at double the price.

I wish my colleagues well, the Members who are going to come back to the Senate as well as those who will become governors. I ask those that will become governors to make a difference in that level, to become more accountable and have an impact on the ground. We owe to this nation and we owe it to our people.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you. I have served under you, first in the panel and now as your Deputy. You are a great leader. I appreciate the way we have worked with you in the Speaker’s Panel. You have been a considerate Speaker and a nice teacher to all of us. You have guided us well and we have done well.

I wish you well, Mr. Speaker, Sir and my colleagues too. I believe we are going to meet in various capacities. Let us not forget that we became a family in the 12th Parliament. It has been great. May God bless all of you.

I thank you.

As a Member of Select Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, under the chairmanship of Sen. Cheruiyot, we brought a Bill before this House. That is the Tea Bill. Farmers are the beneficiaries of that Act of Parliament which has benefited them enormously.

One thing I would like to say is that the role of county governments is to channel resources to the right places, so that they can be spent equitably and ensure access to opportunities by both the less privileged and the ordinary citizens of a county.

One of the reasons I want to be the Governor of Kisii County, by God’s grace, is the fact that I have served nationally. I have been a Member of Parliament for 15 years and I was also a Cabinet Minister. I have served nationally as a diplomat for 10 years in various capacities.

Now it is time for me to plough back that enormous experience to the County Government of Kisii. I am sure they will be better off with that experience being poured. With the contacts I have made locally, internally, internationally and regionally, it will help to enhance the capability of Kisii County to that level.

The other thing I would like to talk about is the issue of devolution and the support from the national government, especially the National Treasury. Timely exchequer releases are a critical factor because some of the pending bills have come about as a result of delayed release of exchequer to the counties.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I know you know it because you have been a governor before. One of the headaches we are going to face is the untimely exchequer releases by the National Treasury to the county governments. This is an area where incoming Senators must devote their time on.

Finally, as I go to compete with others in Kisii County, there is one notorious candidate whose business is to say that I am not vying and that I will support him. Let it be known to all and sundry that I will be on the ballot on 9th August, 2022. Wait for me and may God help you. I think God is also helping me.

God bless you all.

Proceed, Sen. M. Kajwang’. You have just come on time.

As a Member of Select Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, under the chairmanship of Sen. Cheruiyot, we brought a Bill before this House. That is the Tea Bill. Farmers are the beneficiaries of that Act of Parliament which has benefited them enormously.

One thing I would like to say is that the role of county governments is to channel resources to the right places, so that they can be spent equitably and ensure access to opportunities by both the less privileged and the ordinary citizens of a county.

One of the reasons I want to be the Governor of Kisii County, by God’s grace, is the fact that I have served nationally. I have been a Member of Parliament for 15 years and I was also a Cabinet Minister. I have served nationally as a diplomat for 10 years in various capacities.

Now it is time for me to plough back that enormous experience to the County Government of Kisii. I am sure they will be better off with that experience being poured. With the contacts I have made locally, internally, internationally and regionally, it will help to enhance the capability of Kisii County to that level.

The other thing I would like to talk about is the issue of devolution and the support from the national government, especially the National Treasury. Timely exchequer releases are a critical factor because some of the pending bills have come about as a result of delayed release of exchequer to the counties.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I know you know it because you have been a governor before. One of the headaches we are going to face is the untimely exchequer releases by the National Treasury to the county governments. This is an area where incoming Senators must devote their time on.

Finally, as I go to compete with others in Kisii County, there is one notorious candidate whose business is to say that I am not vying and that I will support him. Let it be known to all and sundry that I will be on the ballot on 9th August, 2022. Wait for me and may God help you. I think God is also helping me.

God bless you all.

In terms of representation, I have been very fortunate. Perhaps, I am the only Member who has been a Chairperson of two committees in the life of the 12th Parliament. For that, I thank the leaders of my political party, the leadership of this House and the Office of the Speaker as well as my fellow Senators for entrusting me with the leadership of the County Public Accounts and Investment Committee and thereafter, the leadership of the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations

In terms of legislation, I have been a robust advocate for legislation touching on the agriculture sector especially, fisheries. During my time in the Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, we unbundled the super agency that was established during the days of the late President Mwai Kibaki.

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) was one super agency. and subsequently, we have now devolved livestock, fisheries, cotton and tea from the purview of AFA. That bring greater focus.

I sponsored amendments to the Fisheries Management Act which were meant to operationalize the fish marketing authority. Unfortunately, we are adjourning before passing that amendment because of issues of Article 110. There was no concurrence between the two Houses.

In terms of legislation, we need to ensure that the Senator has a link to the county. It is for that reason that I moved amendments to the County Governments Act and proposed the County Assemblies Forum (CAF). This was meant to cure the issue that had been raised on Sen. Sang’s initial proposal to have county development boards.

I hope we can prioritize that particular amendment in the next Parliament so that a Senator and a governor have got a forum where they give instructions to each other and share the priorities of the counties.

In terms, of oversight, when you made your Communication there is one very important report that we came up with in this House. It was the fiduciary risk report. It was the first time the Senate and the County Public and Investments Committee was doing that.

I do hope that the next Senate will reflect on the Fiduciary risk report, alongside the hundreds of reports that my Committee brought before this House for the financial years from 2013 to 2016 and ensure that implementation of the findings of the Committee and various Committees of this House are put into effect.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank you and my colleagues too. We have made friends and as they said, when a child washes his hands clean, he can sit and dine with elders. They said education is one of the greatest equalizers but the Senate has been the greatest equalizer for many of us.

If left on our own, we would not have had the privilege of sitting with the former Attorney-General, hon. Amos Wako. I would not have had the privilege of sitting next to Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri who was my father’s school mate. The Senate is truly a great equalizer.

I do hope that with that spirit, we shall ensure that there is equity across our counties but more importantly, we shall ensure that the funds that are sent out to the counties transform the lives of the people that they are meant to transform.

Of course, I came here ahead of you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise to support this Motion of Adjournment sine die.

I have been in this House for seven years, four months and three days. I thank all the colleagues that I found here. When I joined this House on 18th February, 2015, I was accompanied to the Speaker by Sen. Wetangula and Sen. Orengo.

Of course, there was a little competition amongst them because Sen. (Prof.) Anyang’-Nyong’o also wanted to have the honour of accompanying me to the Speaker but only two Senators were able to do it. I the three Senators and Speaker Ekwee Ethuro, who welcomed me to the Senate on the 18th February, 2015.

In those seven years and four months, I have been faithful to the people of Homa Bay, the Constitution and to this House. The three critical functions of a Senator are representation, legislation and oversight.

Proceed, Sen. Kasanga.

Proceed, Sen. Kasanga.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity. Indeed, five years is a short time. I still have memories of my maiden speech, and I cannot believe the time has come to give the farewell speech.

I give my gratitude to my party leader, and party the Wiper Democratic Movement for having given me this opportunity and honor to serve in the 12th Parliament, in this House of Senate.

I also give gratitude to my family for all the support they gave me, standing with me and taking care of my children whenever I was busy. That enabled me to concentrate on all the work I was doing.

I thank God for giving me the courage to rise to the occasion of being in this House and serving as a nominated member of Senate. I attribute my success to several things and people here in this House.

challenge. I thank him for that advice because it is due to that that I have I been able to see the Mental Health Bill going for assent.

I thank the Clerk of the Senate and his entire team. I have met incredible people who love the work they do. They include Dr. Okello, for his guidance and encouragement in all the legislative work. Sombe Toona, Dr. Sagini, Charles Munyua, Victor Bett, Deputy Clerk - Madam Gichangi, Zakayo Mogere and all the others who have served in the various committees where I was and who have guided and encouraged me. I have to thank them all because I saw a lot of passion in the Clerk’s team and in the work that they do.

I am grateful to the Members of the ad hoc Committee on Covid-19. I believe we did a great job. We came in at a time when the country needed direction. We worked with a lot of synergy and achieved a lot. There was a lot of learning for me in that Committee especially when I became the Chairperson.

I thank all the Senators for all the support in all my Motions, Statements and of course, in the Bills; and also for a lot of encouragement from my fellow Senators. I have made friends along the way. I wish each one of you Godspeed in your endeavors wherever you go and in whatever it is you are going to do.

To the Senators we have worked with in the Committee of Lands Environment and Natural Resources, and Roads and Transport specifically-a lot of work has happened there. We have done a lot of petitions especially in the Committee of Lands, Environment and Natural Resources with our able Chairperson Sen. Mwangi.

Managing petitions to the number and the level in which we did in the Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources is honestly, we can rate ourselves as having done extremely well. Up and till last week, we were able to finalize quite a number of petitions that had come our way. What an impact petitions have when you resolve them. It has a great impact on our people. I am grateful to our Committee members.

The five years has been a journey of tremendous personal growth for me. I have learnt very critical things in politics that I would not have learned otherwise. That is a great privilege. I have also learnt matters negotiation when you are dealing with political matters and about lobbying. Most importantly, I have learned that power is not given; that you have to be clear in your mind that you want it and you have to go for it. You have to take it.

What I have learnt from this journey, my biggest take home in these five years, of course, has been the impact of the work on the mental health, with the help of this House. We have seen the impact that it has and continues to have, and it will continue to have to the citizens of this country.

It is not just for me, but this House we have to be---

Your time is up.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Sorry, I did not see the red light. I just wanted to say that I continue to inspire the young people with the work that we have done.

Finally, I thank all the Senators and to wish them Godspeed. I hope and look forward to the next Government that will indeed strengthen the work of the Senate as the protector of devolution.

I thank you.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to make my last remarks as a legislator. I am one of the few Senators who did not begin this Senate at its beginning. I want to appreciate all my colleagues, who we have worked very well with. I also want to appreciate you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and the substantive Speaker, for the tranquility and sobriety you have created in the environment in which we debate.

Madam Deputy Speaker, through your leadership, this House has lived to its billing as a mature House and as a House of decorum, unlike its sister and younger House.

I joined Parliament many years ago. It was a Parliament that was vulnerable. This Parliament that I joined recently, is a Parliament that is maturing and it is a Parliament that is fast growing. I want to appreciate the professionals who are in the Clerk’s Chambers, who have contributed immensely to the maturity and delivery of services and legislation policies in this House.

I believe that they are up to the calling and serve the Members very diligently. I want to appreciate their courtesy, professionalism and want to encourage the Parliamentary Service Commission to continue training and building their capacities because they are excellent public servants.

I do not want to say more about my experience here. I share the sentiments and experiences that my colleagues have articulated very well. I have been in and out of Parliament many times and this is my last time as a parliamentarian. I want to encourage those who are going out of Parliament the way I am exiting Parliament that there is a lot of life out there. Whether you win, lose or go out by choice, there is a lot of life out there.

I want to plead with those of us who are going out for whatever reason, not to lower the image and the credibility of former parliamentarians. Go out there and make it big and successful. Carry all the dignity and privilege you had here and apply it out there. There are many occasions and opportunities where you will be called upon to offer leadership. Live up to the experience and billing that you acquired here.

I also believe that I am on the right course to taking up my next assignment of being the Governor of Migori County. I have had the privilege as the Chairperson of the County Public Accounts and Investment Committee (CPAIC) to see some of the infractions that are done by some of the governors.

I have also had the privilege of looking at most of our counties and seeing the ones that are doing well. I hope with God’s strength, I will have the wisdom to steer the great County of Migori better than it has been steered in the past. I also hope that I will have the humility to understand that being a governor is a privilege, but being a people’s servant is a duty.

I should, hopefully, serve my people as their servant and as a duty that will be conferred on me upon my election.

Many Senators, including my namesake, Sen. Khaniri, Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and others, are going to be governors. I plead with those returning to this House, to form a powerful partnership between governors and Senators. Through that partnership, we will agree on the role that the Senate should play to midwife, anchor and catapult devolution as an engine of development.

On our part, if the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) comes as it should come, I believe as governors in counties, we will support a referendum that will make the Senate what it is supposed to be.

(Sen. (Dr.) Ochillo-Ayacko’s microphone went off) Madam Deputy Speaker, some of our senior colleagues such as Sen. Khaniri are leaving. There are more senior ones like Sen. Kajwang’, Sen. Madzayo and others who will be here. While here, ensure that the partnership between the Senate and county executives strengthens devolution and the Senate, so that we have a wonderful Senate.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker and be blessed.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for this opportunity. From the onset, I wish to thank the leadership of this House, both the Minority and the Majority for all the support they gave me during my tenure. I also wish to thank Senators for responding to my call whenever I looked out for them for a vote or two. I am grateful, and I do not take it for granted.

I wish to thank the Speaker of the House in absentia. Madam Deputy Speaker, thank you for being my mentor and friend. Whenever I had a problem that I did not know how to go about, you were always there to support me.

The other person I sincerely thank but is not with us anymore is the late Sen. Haji. From the time I joined this House, he was always holding my hand and giving me guidance, telling me to be focused, do what is right and sharing life moments. I used to call him Baba out of respect and I miss him and all our departed colleagues.

Madam Deputy Speaker, I had never imagined that I would meet senior counsel in my life. For many years, I only saw them on television. It felt good to see them in real life.

One of my moment of highlight, was during the debate for the formula for county revenue allocation. I have never spoken about this on the Floor of the House. Today, being my last day, let me speak about it. It was a challenging time especially for Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and I who are in leadership. On the other hand, we had to take into account the interests of our people to ensure they got justice in terms of the formula. I thank all the Senators who were not losing funds in that formula, yet they supported us.

Madam Deputy Speaker, as a result of that, Wajir County got an extra Kshs3 billion. If the fight was not there and we did not get support from those who were gaining, then Wajir County would have been worse off today by a good Kshs3 billion. I am grateful for that big achievement.

Another thing that I am grateful for is securing Kshs17 million for the ex- members of the Land Tribunal Committee in Wajir County who, the Governor for

reasons known to him, had not paid them for 23 months. However, because of my statement here, they got paid. I feel gratification since most of them were old people. I feel proud that through the help of this House, they got that money.

Madam Deputy Speaker, when I was nominated to this House, I was from a profession with a lot of work and time put in so that you achieve your targets. When I came here, I initially felt that there was not that much work to do compared to where I came from. One of my former colleagues and mentor as well, who is also currently contesting to be a governor of Wajir County. Mheshimiwa Mohamed Elmi told me; “The way I know you, you will always create work for yourself”. True enough, I started sponsoring Bills.

I was passionate about many other things but I was very passionate on two issues; gender and fight against corruption. I was successful in sponsoring four Bills around corruption. One, with Sen. Sakaja and one gender Bill with Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. Unfortunately, none of my Bills passed because of our position in the Senate and the relationship with the National Assembly---

Your time is up but I will give you one more minute.

Give her the microphone.

reasons known to him, had not paid them for 23 months. However, because of my statement here, they got paid. I feel gratification since most of them were old people. I feel proud that through the help of this House, they got that money.

Madam Deputy Speaker, when I was nominated to this House, I was from a profession with a lot of work and time put in so that you achieve your targets. When I came here, I initially felt that there was not that much work to do compared to where I came from. One of my former colleagues and mentor as well, who is also currently contesting to be a governor of Wajir County. Mheshimiwa Mohamed Elmi told me; “The way I know you, you will always create work for yourself”. True enough, I started sponsoring Bills.

I was passionate about many other things but I was very passionate on two issues; gender and fight against corruption. I was successful in sponsoring four Bills around corruption. One, with Sen. Sakaja and one gender Bill with Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. Unfortunately, none of my Bills passed because of our position in the Senate and the relationship with the National Assembly---

Your time is up but I will give you one more minute.

Give her the microphone.

Madam Deputy Speaker, I also wish to thank the Jubilee Party for appointing me as the Deputy Majority Whip in the House in May 2020. I wish to thank the party Leader H. E Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and the Senators who voted for me to be the Deputy Majority Whip, a position that has never been held in this Senate by a nominated Member on our side. I am grateful that I was able to secure that.

Madam Deputy Speaker, I also had an opportunity of being the top 10 nominated Senators for four years running. I am also grateful that I was able to contribute to the success of this House.

I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

I also appreciate our colleagues, many of whom have had long lustrous careers. Speaking of Sen. Wako; over 40 years in public service. Sen. (Prof) Ongeri, my good friend though young but very long serving in terms of public experience. The good Senator for Vihiga County, Sen. Khaniri. I also appreciate our colleagues who have decided to serve the country in other capacities other than coming back to this House.

Madam Deputy Speaker, it was a privilege to serve with the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Orengo. Although we are on different sides of the political divide, there are many things that we have learnt through the exchanges we have had every afternoon in this House.

I appreciate the legislative work that we have carried out. Top on the pick of the draw, the other thing I feel proud about, is the work we did with our colleagues in the tea sub-sector.

Every time I attend a public function, I see the joy on the faces of tea farmers that I represent in this House. They thank and remind me that it is because of the legislative work that we did in this House, that now they receive their pay by 3rd as opposed to 28th of every month.

They get their bonuses twice in a year. They got some in April and next week, they will be getting a second round of bonuses. I feel proud about that. That is work that we did together here as colleagues. We went round the country and many of them contributed. I can never be prouder of the work we did.

I celebrate each day the contribution of parliamentary staffers, whom we did that great exercise together. I always salute them when we meet in the corridors of Parliament because they are a testament of what good legislative work can do to a country, that indeed, we should not just come here to speak good English. It means that we can change the lives of our people with good legislation. That legislation is a testament.

We also did some good work in the coffee sub-sector. I regret that we were not able to conclude the Sugar Bill that is before this House. That is unfortunate. It is something that keeps on ringing in my mind. If God grants us another opportunity, it should be the first piece of legislation to be laid on the Floor of this House, so that we liberate our sugarcane farmers from their oppressors.

As a Member of the Committee on Energy, I made a promise to my wife, which I regrate. Having the platform, we needed to work on bringing the cost of power down because it would have created more jobs and make our country competitive globally and our country would be a hub of investment. Unfortunately, we have not succeeded on that. It is one of the things, together with the Sugar Bill, that are on top of my mind.

I appreciate my colleagues for granting me an opportunity to represent them in the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC). It has been a great honour. There are many things we have pulled out for them. Unfortunately, since this is a public session and you understand how this country operates, we cannot speak publicly about many of the issues. However, I am proud of the work we have done.

I was the Chairperson of PSC Staff Welfare. I thank the staff of Parliament for the cooperation and support they have given to Members of Parliament and Parliament as a whole, which has enabled Parliament to succeed in achieving its overall objective. I look

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. It is quite uplifting listening to the valedictory speeches of our colleagues many of whom have decided to cast their lots elsewhere and choose to serve the people of Kenya in other capacities, and those also who are pitching to make a comeback here.

Madam Deputy Speaker, first, I thank God for the opportunity to serve my country. I was thinking while jotting down the few quick things that I am going to say in the next five minutes that, if in the year 2015 you had told me that in 2022, I would be seeking a third term to come back to Parliament. I would have thought that you are a mad person. God works in mysterious ways. Here I am today.

I appreciate God for that opportunity. I also thank the people of Kericho County for the faith that they have shown in me in the last two terms as their Senator and hoping that they confirm again on 9th August, so that we can carry on the good work that we have done together with colleagues.

Let us have Sen. Wambua.

forward to working with them because they are competent. Some of the best brains you can find in this country are actually staffers of Parliament.

Finally, I plead and pray that God willing, when we come back, we will achieve the long serving dream of having an Oversight Fund. Many Senators are not able to answer difficult questions that are asked during campaigns.

We are told that we did well in this and that but why did we allow governors to get away with mismanagement of funds? How much can you do with the salary alone? Therefore, I plead with the next administration to be gracious with us and ensure that this House is properly funded.

I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity.

Athi-Ikutha- Mutomo-Kitui-Kabati-Miguani up to Mbondoni. The Senate’s Committee on Roads and Transportation has been at the forefront in pursuing compensation for pubs.

I the Committee on Information Communication Technology led by Sen. Moi.

I will add you one minute Sen. Wambua.

Athi-Ikutha- Mutomo-Kitui-Kabati-Miguani up to Mbondoni. The Senate’s Committee on Roads and Transportation has been at the forefront in pursuing compensation for pubs.

I the Committee on Information Communication Technology led by Sen. Moi.

I will add you one minute Sen. Wambua.

The Committee on Information and Technology led by Sen. Gideon Mo has helped my people of Kitui in erecting connectivity masts at a place called Nthangani in Tharaka-Thangicu Ward, Shiambiru in the same Ward, Nguku in Mumoni Ward and Inyanzae in Ngomeni Ward.

I thank the Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries led by Sen. Peter Ndwiga for making several visits to Wiki-Ithuki Irrigation Scheme in Kitui and for helping us to revive that project.

Madam Deputy Speaker, to County Accounts and Investments Committee (CPAIC) , for standing with me and with the people of Kitui County to hold the Governorship of Kitui county to account on issues of the management of public resources. On the account of great work, the Governor of Kitui County has decided that she will not defend her seat.

Madam Deputy Speaker, lastly, because of time, I thank the Almighty God for the privilege to work with distinguished leaders in this country. They include my senior colleagues Sen. Orengo, Sen. Wako, all the other. For you, Sen. (Prof.) Kamar, my teacher and lecturer at Moi University, it was a privilege to serve the people of Kenya in the same Senate with my teacher. To God, I say we give all the glory.

In one minute, allow me to just say that ---

Half a minute. It is already red

Madam Deputy Speaker, you see that Sen. Khaniri is taking up my time. I pay tribute to my friend, dear brother the Late Sen. (Dr.) Boniface Mutinda Kabaka. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

I thank you.

are great people and heroes of Koitalel arap Samoei and other world beating heroes like Eliud Kipchoge.

It was an honour to serve as the Chairperson of Committee on Justice Legal Affairs and Human Rights. I can see that many of my Members are in the House. I am happy that we were able to accomplish the same. Not because I was the Chair but because of their guidance, support and prayers.

I can see my Chair, Sen. Shiyonga, who chaired the Committee on National Cohesion Equal Opportunity and Regional Balance where I was a member. They were able to sponsor two Motions. I was able to push and succeed in one Bill- The County Attorney Act of 2018 that was assented to which is now the law of the Republic of Kenya.

Madam Deputy Speaker, as the Chair, I was able to steer nine Bills that were passed by the Senate and referred to the National Assembly. I also assisted and steered this House when it was under attack by ensuring that pleadings were drafted with my Committee and that was Petition No. 284 of 2019. That was when the National Assembly decided to pass 24 legislations without the concurrence of this House.

It was an honour and privilege to work with your Secretariat and Committee Members. We successfully challenged that unconstitutionality and illegality that was being performed against the Senate. I am happy the Petition came into fruition.

I thank colleagues who were able to be on record on that matter led by Senior Counsel, Sen. Omogeni, the future governor of Makueni County Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., Sen. Madzayo J, Sen. Faki and all those seniors and pother colleagues who ensured that the people and this great Senate was given its priority.

I would like thank many Senators. For the first time during that petition, we were able to walk from here all the way to Milimani High Court. It was an honour and privilege. When history will be written, the name of Sen. Cherargei, the Senator of Nandi County shall feature prominently on the HANSARD and the books of the 12th Parliament of this Republic.

Having been one of the youngest elected Senators, it was an honour and privilege. I never felt less. I would like to challenge the young people, please, run for these seats; get elected, come here and let us make these decisions and Bills.

The problem is that our young people are being misused. They are being told that they are supposed to relegated to be only voters or to be used only in rallies. Being an example of a young person who fought my way through until I was able to be elected as Senator of Nandi County, I want to challenge them.

I was disappointed when the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) revealed that among the millions of voters, youth are not among the voters yet we were expecting to get 8 to 9 million new voters. I want to challenge the youth to get registered and go to vote. Let us vote for people who will ensure that they speak the language.

I am a product of bottom up because if you look at my history, I used to sell milk and meat as a butcher in Mosoriot Trading Centre. Madam Deputy Speaker, please, give me one more minute because you are my good neighbour

So, what God can do is miraculous. It was and it has been an honour to serve in this 12th Parliament. Those of us who are coming back will steer this ship to where it is

Thank you, Madam, Deputy Speaker, for this opportunity. Being in the Senate has been bitter-sweet. When we took oath four to five years, now, it is a nostalgic moment because this was the time I had been allowed to serve the people of Nandi County and also the nation.

On the onset, I want to thank the Almighty God for the opportunity and health that we have been able to navigate through this unique time. The great people of Nandi County gave me an honour to serve them. It has been an honour and privilege. The other day, they just renewed their contract.

Madam Deputy Speaker, if all things remain constant, I might go unchallenged on 9th August,2022 as the second term Senator of the great people of Nandi County. These

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. What shall I say? Shall I start by saying c’est la vie or the thrill is gone? It has been an amazing journey for me. There are so many things that I have learnt in the Senate of the Republic of Kenya. I am going to try and name a few in the shortest time that I have.

One, that black is not black and white is not white. When you come into this Senate, you think things are done in a certain way but ultimately by the time you finish the debate, you end up realizing that black is not black and white is not white.

The other big thing that I have learnt in the Senate which will help me grow as a leader is never burn your bridges. This is a big challenge. I think some of us will learn it the hard way. As part of my journey, I attempted to burn my bridge but God was right there looking after me when I was appointed as the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. God was there and the wisdom of my elders propelled me to greater heights and I was able to mend my fences.

Madam Deputy Speaker, what can I say as part of my achievements which I hope that the people of Narok will be able to judge me on? One, I played a critical role and I thank the good Lord for giving me that courage because I come from a people who have been terrorised, stigmatised and subjected to extremist measures for over 100 years.

When your people love you so much, nothing stops you from fighting for them. One of the biggest challenges that I had to face had to do with the issue of Mau forest. I am grateful that even after being arrested, two days ago I managed to get that burden off my shoulders and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) was able to see that I am a good man who loves peace and forgave me for those few challenges of learning.

Madam Deputy Speaker, I am very proud of this Senate and the Team Kenya which came in to save this country and talk about the issue of revenue formula.

Madam Deputy Speaker, it is very important for Kenyans to understand that we have people who have been left behind. We have had a big challenge with the Equalization Fund. So, putting extremist measures on those people again by denying them resources because of their vast land, would destroy them.

The revenue formula gave me an opportunity to send more money to Narok County. The people of Narok County would be glad to know that when I took over from the former Senator, Narok County was receiving Kshs4 billion. As I end this journey of the 12th Parliament today, Narok County is getting Kshs8.8 billion. I thank the Senate for standing up with me.

Madam Deputy Speaker, the 13 debates that we had taught us a big lesson. That sometimes when you believe in something, go for it. The moment you go for it and you fight so hard for it, you will definitely achieve the goal that you set out to do.

I submit to you that when people love you, you have nothing to worry about. This is why as I stand here, I am an extremist for fighting for freedoms and liberty. I am also radical when it comes to making sure that my peoples’ rights are protected. This is why I have hatred for anyone who affects or hurts my people.

What is happening today to the Maasai people in Tanzania is sad. When I see them being shot with bullets, small children carrying babies running around, being evicted from their land, you build so much hatred. You wish that at least the people of the East African Community (EAC) can remember that those people are human beings and that land belongs to them.

Madam Deputy Speaker, I see that my time is running out. I wish to end by recognising a few people who have meant so much to me in this life. My family donated me to the people to serve them. There are so many times that I do not sleep at home because I am running up and down to serve the Maasai people of Narok County who elected me. I have so much love for them and that is why I fight so hard for them.

There are things which I regret. I hope that in future and if God is kind enough, the people of Narok County recognise the things I have done for them and give me a second chance to serve them again in the 13th Parliament.

With the new President – I believe it will be none other than Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga – we will be able to end the atrocities and extremist measures being levied against our people. The people have been shot in Laikipia and many Samburus cows were killed. This is so painful for our people.

I hope that when we get into the next Government, we will ensure that we deal with corruption and land grabbers.

Hon. Senators, this is a timed Motion. If we were to follow the two hours, it would be over in four minutes. I want to use Standing Order No.1 to take care of the remaining Members. The other Members kept ‘eating’ one or two minutes more. We will be kind to those who are yet to speak but I urge them to try as much as possible to do less than five minutes so that they can finish early.

Sen Madzayo, you have the Floor.

Asante Bi. Naibu Spika kwa kunipa nafasi hii. Kwanza, ninataka kushukuru mwenyezi Mungu. Pili nawashukuru watu wa Kilifi kwa jukumu walilokuwa nalo la kuniweka katika nafasi hii ya kuwa katika Bumge hili la Senate.

Siku zote ukisema kwaheri, huwa kuna ugumu fulani, maanake ni neno rahisi kulisema lakini ni gumu sana kulitimiza japokuwa mioyo huwa, watu huwa wanawachana.

Tukiwa hivi leo tukiweka historia ya kwamba tunalimaliza Bunge la 12 na tuaambiane kwaheri ni kwa sababu tunapendana na kwa sababu tuna imani ya kwamba ipo wakati tutafika Mwenyezi Mungu atatuweka pamoja tena.

Jambo la muhimu ni kwamba Bunge la Seneti limefanya kazi yake kisawasawa. Tumekuwa na sintofahamu zetu ambazo hatuelewani hapa na pale lakini tumefanya kazi kisawasawa na hatimaye temefika mwisho wa hili Bunge la Seneti. Kusema kweli, Bunge hili katika majadiliano yake ndani ya Bunge liko juu sana na ndiyo sababu tukajiita The Upper House.

Bi. Naibu Spika, tumekuwa na mashindano tofauti tofaufi, kati ya Bunge hili na lile Bunge la Kitaifa, lakini kwa sababu ya umuhimu wa kundi moja kufafanua zile sheria tumeweza kuenda kortini kama Bunge la Seneti na kumekuwa na ushindi katika zile kesi ambazo tuliweza kuzifanya ndani ya muhula huu wa miaka mitano. Ninataka kuwashukuru wale mawakili waliochukua hizo kesi na hatimaye wakalifanya hili Bunge likaweka heshima yake mbele ya Wakenya.

Jambo la kusikitisha ni kwamba, ni jambo la Mungu mwenyewe anapenda tulikuwa na mwenda zake Sen. Haji, alikuwa anapenda kuketi mahali pale. Tulikuwa na ndugu yetu Sen. (Dr.) Kabaka, alikuwa anaketi hapa nyuma yangu, tuliwapoteza katika muhula huu. Tulikuwa na ndugu yetu mwingine kutoka Kaunti ya Homa Bay ambaye tulimpoteza mapema baada ya kuingia ndani ya Bunge la 11. Wote hawa tunawaombea Mwenyezi Mungu alaze roho zao palipolala wema.

Lingine, kuna mchakato huu wa kuenda kwa kura sasa na tuna hakika na imani ya kwamba katika kura hizi ambazo tutapiga, tunapiga ili tuweze kupewa nafasi tena kule tunakotoka kuridi hapa Seneti. Tuna imani ya kwamba kiongozi wa tano wa Taifa la Kenya atakuwa si mwingine bali ni baba Raila Amolo Odinga. Akiwa yeye yuko hapo, tuna imani ya kwamba nci hii katika uchumi, itaweza kuendelea, maanake ataweza kumaliza mambo ya ufisadi.

La mwisho, sisi sote maseneta ambao tunaenda nyumbani, ninataka tujiombee ikiwa mimi ni mmoja wao ninajiombea na ninawaombea wale wote ambao wanaenda kupigania viti tofauti tofauti. Wale wanaotaka ugavana kama ndugu yangu, Sen. Khaniri, yeye akienda kupigania ugavana, mimi nitapiga magoti kwa Mwenyezi Mungu na nitaomba ili aweze kupata nafasi hiyo.

Nitamuombea pia ndugu yangu Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., pia yeye aweze kupata hiyo nafasi ya kuwa gavana wa Kaunti ya Makueni pamoja na wengineo wanaowania hizo nyadhifa zote.

Kwa wale ambao wanawania useneta kama mimi, ninawaombea pia. Ninawaweka katika maombi pia hao wapate nafasi ya kurudi hapa Seneti.

Akina mama wanaowania viti katika Bunge la Taifa kama Sen. Shiyonga wanawez kupata nafasi. Tunamjua kwa jina la utani. Pole kwa kutumia jina hilo lakini yeye anajulikana sana. Ukisema hivyo, inajulikana ni nani.

Hon. Senators, this is a timed Motion. If we were to follow the two hours, it would be over in four minutes. I want to use Standing Order No.1 to take care of the remaining Members. The other Members kept ‘eating’ one or two minutes more. We will be kind to those who are yet to speak but I urge them to try as much as possible to do less than five minutes so that they can finish early.

Sen Madzayo, you have the Floor.

Let us listen to Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve. (Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to give my last speech in this Senate of the Twelfth Parliament.

I want to begin by thanking the Almighty God for the gift of life, good health and the opportunity He has given me as a cancer survivor to serve in this House. It is something I will forever be grateful to Him. I also thank my Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) partly leader, ‘Baba’ Raila Amolo Odinga, for nominating me to serve in this House.

I thank my family for giving me an enabling environment at home. I thank my children Brenda and Mathew for being there for me. I also thank Damaris, Steve and Laura for being there for me. I also thank my last born daughter. That is Charlotte, an upcoming doctor, who has also been there for me.

My family, including my five grandchildren have been very supportive. That is something I cannot fail to acknowledge nationally and even internationally.

Madam Deputy Speaker, my life in this House has been productive. I want to confess that when I came here, I became frustrated from the first day because of young Senators, some of whom I equated to Masters and PhD students that I used to teach at the university.

I heard the debates that Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., Sen. Cheruiyot, Sen. Murkomen and Sen. Olekina were making in this House and I became frustrated from the outset. Honestly, I had to take time to learn from them. So, they ended up being good mentors for me. As a result, I scaled up.

Therefore, I thank God for enabling me get two Mzalendo Awards in two consecutive years; one being on health and the other on education. I would not have made it were it not for God.

I also thank the team that I found here in the Senate. The legal team led by Dr. Okello did a commendable job. Most of the time, I would call Mogere any time even at night when I had a Statement. Any time I sent my Statements, they would be fine-tuned and I would not believe when I read them.

I also thank the team for legislative Bills that I brought. Were it not for Dr. Okello and his team, I would not have made it, though it is regrettable that they have not seen light at the end of the day.

I also thank the Clerk of Senate, Mr. Nyegenye, for having a sober mind. Most of the times, I would go to his office and he would always listen to me. I thank all the clerks in the Senate and the Serjeant-at-Arms also. For many trips that we went to, the Serjeant- at-Arms were always there and I felt that I had the security that I needed.

I thank God for this opportunity. God blessed me when I was in the Senate and the blessings spilled over to my family, my extended family and the people of Lugari because I was able to impact on them. I thank God that He allowed me an opportunity to impact the lives of others.

As we come to the close of this Senate, I know and believe that God will put me to greater heights where He will use me magnificently. My desire is to be alive and productive for God to use me so that glory can go back to him.

Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Proceed, Sen. (Dr.) Lang’at. It is an exchange programme with Sen. Omogeni.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for giving me this chance to say my last words in this very important Senate, at this particular point of time in history.

Allow me to thank God so much for having touched the hearts of the people of Bomet in 2017 who elected me as their Senator. I thank the people of Bomet for giving me that opportunity to serve them with diligence and courage. I thank God that he gave me that opportunity.

Secondly, I thank my colleagues with whom we have been here together. Many a times coming together to champion some Bills, opinions and Statements that have really supported our counties.

I remember during the time of the revenue sharing formula, most of us from the Opposition and Government side came together for the common good, for the sake of our people. I thank colleagues with whom we stood together as ‘Team Kenya’ to support our counties.

I would also like to thank the Members whom we served together in the Committee on Education. Sen. Omogeni, really guided us on legal matters to support so many things concerning education. During that time, we managed as Members of the Committee on Education to save this country from a lot of confusion on matters to do with the Early Childhood Development Education Bill.

We managed to go through it together. We went to public participation, many a time in very challenging areas. We finally succeeded to come up with the Early Childhood Development Education Bill, which now is guiding Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) in this country especially in providing uniformity on the service of ECDE teachers.

I would also like to thank the same team for advising the Ministry of Education on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) progress in this country. We are the people who championed and advised the Ministry of Education to emphasize on capitation of Kshs30,000 and a loan to TVET students of Kshs40, 000. I remember that very well.

Before then, we were having around 81000 students in TVET colleges in the country. However, when we were winding up, 1.8 million students had succeeded to join TVET colleges. Therefore, I thank those colleagues, people like Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri, who had overwhelming knowledge and intelligence on matters to do with education. He contributed so much towards the development of TVET education in this country.

However, we had some challenges, for example, when we were following up on the laptop project that was supposed to be given to standard one children in this country. We really regret that the policy was not taken seriously and most of our schools never received those laptops.

I encourage the incoming Government to take that policy seriously to make our children digital and digitize education from the basic to the highest level of education.

We also attempted at Committee level to shape the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) program, which we felt by then that it was not the right time to

implement it in our country economically. However, we managed to advice accordingly to the point the program is taking shape. It is my prayer that the Ministry of Education and the next Government will put more funding to that program so that it succeeds. I would like to thank this Senate and all our colleagues.

I would also like to thank Sen. Shiyonga. She has been my Chair in the Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration. You did very well. You managed myself and Sen. Cherargei thus reducing hate speech that---

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to give my last speech in this Senate of the Twelfth Parliament. I want to begin by thanking the Almighty God for the gift of life, good health and the opportunity He has given me as a cancer survivor to serve in this House. It is something I will forever be grateful to Him. I also thank my Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) partly leader, ‘Baba’ Raila Amolo Odinga, for nominating me to serve in this House. I thank my family for giving me an enabling environment at home. I thank my children Brenda and Mathew for being there for me. I also thank Damaris, Steve and Laura for being there for me. I also thank my last born daughter. That is Charlotte, an upcoming doctor, who has also been there for me. My family, including my five grandchildren have been very supportive. That is something I cannot fail to acknowledge nationally and even internationally. Madam Deputy Speaker, my life in this House has been productive. I want to confess that when I came here, I became frustrated from the first day because of young Senators, some of whom I equated to Masters and PhD students that I used to teach at the university. I heard the debates that Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., Sen. Cheruiyot, Sen. Murkomen and Sen. Olekina were making in this House and I became frustrated from the outset. Honestly, I had to take time to learn from them. So, they ended up being good mentors for me. As a result, I scaled up. Therefore, I thank God for enabling me get two Mzalendo Awards in two consecutive years; one being on health and the other on education. I would not have made it were it not for God. I also thank the team that I found here in the Senate. The legal team led by Dr. Okello did a commendable job. Most of the time, I would call Mogere any time even at night when I had a Statement. Any time I sent my Statements, they would be fine-tuned and I would not believe when I read them. I also thank the team for legislative Bills that I brought. Were it not for Dr. Okello and his team, I would not have made it, though it is regrettable that they have not seen light at the end of the day. I also thank the Clerk of Senate, Mr. Nyegenye, for having a sober mind. Most of the times, I would go to his office and he would always listen to me. I thank all the clerks in the Senate and the Serjeant-at-Arms also. For many trips that we went to, the Serjeant- at-Arms were always there and I felt that I had the security that I needed. I thank God for this opportunity. God blessed me when I was in the Senate and the blessings spilled over to my family, my extended family and the people of Lugari because I was able to impact on them. I thank God that He allowed me an opportunity to impact the lives of others. As we come to the close of this Senate, I know and believe that God will put me to greater heights where He will use me magnificently. My desire is to be alive and productive for God to use me so that glory can go back to him. Thank you.

Thank you so much Madam Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to give my last remarks in this House, hoping that I will come back. In whichever House that God will bless me with, be it the Senate or the ‘Lower House’, I will be able to serve.

As we come to the end of this Twelfth Parliament, I take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for granting me a gift of life to be here and for enabling me to associate, share and contribute to this wonderful House; the Senate of Kenya.

It is only through God that I was able to do what I was mandated to do. I am grateful for being given opportunity to serve as Chair of the National Cohesion Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration through the “handshake”.

I appreciate and congratulate my able leader of Azimio Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga and his Excellency President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta. They enabled me to become the Chair, being a first nominated Senator and as a woman to serve as a Chair in this House. It was not easy.

When we came here, it was not easy but it was made easier when the changes were made. They immediately recognised my capability and gave me that responsibility. I enjoyed working with the Committee with the success of those Members who I will mention here including Sen. Pareno who is in the Speaker’s Panel.

There is also Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve, who was the champion for the People living with Disabilities (PWD) and who contributed a lot towards that. Also, Sen. Chebeni, Sen. Iman, Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe, Sen. Cherargei and Sen. (Dr.) Lang’at who are really on me but I was able to contain them. I was very happy because they contributed a lot to the Committee.

I will not forget my Secretariat was able to make my work easy in the Committee after being introduced to that new job. This enabled me to run the Committee very well. I will mention Veronica Kibati, the Principal Clerk, Leruk, Ann Kagogo the researcher, Munyua and Reuben Kimosop and the Serjeant-at-Arms. They made sure that my Committee was working and we improved a lot in fast tracking the legislative agenda of this House.

I am so happy to extend my gratitude to the other Members of the Senate especially the many lawyers who are n this Senate that enabled me to know how the Bills are made. They made some of us grow very fast especially by coming up with legislation, Motions and Petitions.

They enabled us to make that friendship. We worked hand-in-hand just to make sure that we learnt very fast. People were thinking we were second term Members

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for giving me this chance to say my last words in this very important Senate, at this particular point of time in history.

Allow me to thank God so much for having touched the hearts of the people of Bomet in 2017 who elected me as their Senator. I thank the people of Bomet for giving me that opportunity to serve them with diligence and courage. I thank God that he gave me that opportunity.

Secondly, I thank my colleagues with whom we have been here together. Many a times coming together to champion some Bills, opinions and Statements that have really supported our counties.

I remember during the time of the revenue sharing formula, most of us from the Opposition and Government side came together for the common good, for the sake of our people. I thank colleagues with whom we stood together as ‘Team Kenya’ to support our counties.

I would also like to thank the Members whom we served together in the Committee on Education. Sen. Omogeni, really guided us on legal matters to support so many things concerning education. During that time, we managed as Members of the Committee on Education to save this country from a lot of confusion on matters to do with the Early Childhood Development Education Bill.

We managed to go through it together. We went to public participation, many a time in very challenging areas. We finally succeeded to come up with the Early Childhood Development Education Bill, which now is guiding Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) in this country especially in providing uniformity on the service of ECDE teachers.

I would also like to thank the same team for advising the Ministry of Education on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) progress in this country. We are the people who championed and advised the Ministry of Education to emphasize on capitation of Kshs30,000 and a loan to TVET students of Kshs40, 000. I remember that very well.

Before then, we were having around 81000 students in TVET colleges in the country. However, when we were winding up, 1.8 million students had succeeded to join TVET colleges. Therefore, I thank those colleagues, people like Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri, who had overwhelming knowledge and intelligence on matters to do with education. He contributed so much towards the development of TVET education in this country.

However, we had some challenges, for example, when we were following up on the laptop project that was supposed to be given to standard one children in this country. We really regret that the policy was not taken seriously and most of our schools never received those laptops.

I encourage the incoming Government to take that policy seriously to make our children digital and digitize education from the basic to the highest level of education.

We also attempted at Committee level to shape the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) program, which we felt by then that it was not the right time to

Not two minutes, just 30 seconds.

Madam Deputy Speaker, that is why I earned the name “scoop”. I have just scooped one second. It was a privilege to work with all the Members of the Senate, having good friends like Sen. Kwamboka and working with young and old men who actually made my life very easy in this Senate.

I thank God for them and may the Lord God give them blessings and also give my family blessings because they offered me to Kenyans to serve them. I hope that I am coming back soon. God bless you all. I wish to meet them very soon in different capacities.

I thank you. Sen. Omogeni: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to make my very final remarks as a Senator who served in the 12th Parliament. These remarks elicit some emotional moments because there are colleagues

Thank you so much Madam Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to give my last remarks in this House, hoping that I will come back. In whichever House that God will bless me with, be it the Senate or the ‘Lower House’, I will be able to serve.

As we come to the end of this Twelfth Parliament, I take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for granting me a gift of life to be here and for enabling me to associate, share and contribute to this wonderful House; the Senate of Kenya.

It is only through God that I was able to do what I was mandated to do. I am grateful for being given opportunity to serve as Chair of the National Cohesion Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration through the “handshake”.

I appreciate and congratulate my able leader of Azimio Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga and his Excellency President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta. They enabled me to become the Chair, being a first nominated Senator and as a woman to serve as a Chair in this House. It was not easy.

When we came here, it was not easy but it was made easier when the changes were made. They immediately recognised my capability and gave me that responsibility. I enjoyed working with the Committee with the success of those Members who I will mention here including Sen. Pareno who is in the Speaker’s Panel.

There is also Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve, who was the champion for the People living with Disabilities (PWD) and who contributed a lot towards that. Also, Sen. Chebeni, Sen. Iman, Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe, Sen. Cherargei and Sen. (Dr.) Lang’at who are really on me but I was able to contain them. I was very happy because they contributed a lot to the Committee.

I will not forget my Secretariat was able to make my work easy in the Committee after being introduced to that new job. This enabled me to run the Committee very well. I will mention Veronica Kibati, the Principal Clerk, Leruk, Ann Kagogo the researcher, Munyua and Reuben Kimosop and the Serjeant-at-Arms. They made sure that my Committee was working and we improved a lot in fast tracking the legislative agenda of this House.

I am so happy to extend my gratitude to the other Members of the Senate especially the many lawyers who are n this Senate that enabled me to know how the Bills are made. They made some of us grow very fast especially by coming up with legislation, Motions and Petitions.

They enabled us to make that friendship. We worked hand-in-hand just to make sure that we learnt very fast. People were thinking we were second term Members

whereas we were first time Members. It is because of those Members who held our hands to make sure we delivered.

The leadership of this House, Sen. Orengo, Sen. Wetangula, Sen. Wako, Sen. Murkomen and others, I cannot be able to mention all of them. I am so delighted to have worked with such a wonderful team.

Not forgetting Speaker, Hon. Lusaka, whom we come from the same place. The Speaker was so good. It was wonderful for us to get such a Speaker. Some get a very hard time. However, the Speaker, and you as the Deputy Speaker under the Speakers Panel were able to make sure that you gave an equal opportunity to all Senators to speak and also contribute.

While in this House, I was awarded by the Global Empowerment Award from the America Empowerment Institute for being the best because I really empowered women in my County of Kakamega. I was very happy because this House gave me an opportunity to get it.

Not forgetting the Clerk of the Senate Mr. Nyegenye, who gave us the atmosphere of a brother to work with him. He fast tracked the process for us when we wanted to go outside the country to perform our mandate. He did marvelously. He made Parliament a home for some of us and not a place of fear as we thought.

I want to conclude by saying that there is so much that we can say but I want to appreciate and say that it was unfortunate that we lost four of our Members. I will not repeat because God decided that he will take them before us. May their souls rest in peace because we lost them when we did not really want to because we wanted to conclude this House with them as we came.

I have served with people who served in the Government of Kenya from the Kenyatta era, Moi era up to President Uhuru era. It was good and enjoyable working with former Ministers in this country; people like Sen. (Eng.) Maina and others here, including you, Madam Deputy Speaker. It was nice serving with them.

I want to say that those who are going to vie for the governor---

Not two minutes, just 30 seconds.

Madam Deputy Speaker, that is why I earned the name “scoop”. I have just scooped one second. It was a privilege to work with all the Members of the Senate, having good friends like

I hope that the next Senate, the 13th Parliament, will allow liberals to also thrive in this House. The tenure of Senators should not be synonymous with the surrender of liberals. Those who are passionate in defense of the Constitution, human rights and ensuring that there is fairness, must be given room to thrive in this House.

With other Members of the Justice Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee, we pride ourselves for having stood firm and tabled a Report before this House, in defense of the six judges who have never been appointed by the President. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had recommended that they should be appointed.

Madam Deputy Speaker, I hope that in the fulness of time, the State will be convinced that it is in the interest of fairness and justice, that those six judges should be allowed to assume office as Judges of the Court of Appeal, so that they can continue to dispense justice.

Finally, for those of us standing for various elective positions, be it senatorial or gubernatorial, I wish them all the best. May we have peaceful campaigns and elections. May victory come their way.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to make my very final remarks as a Senator who served in the 12th Parliament. These remarks elicit some emotional moments because there are colleagues

Huyo ni kitinda mimba.

person who will become the President of the Republic of Kenya, who will be voted in on 9th August this year, will unite this country and look at the interest of both the people who will have voted and those who will not have voted for him. I believe that man is the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga.

God bless you and I wish everyone all the best.

Sen. Faki, you may have the Floor.

Bw. Spika, kwanza, nachukua fursa hii kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu kwa kuchaguliwa kama Seneta wa Kaunti ya Mombasa. Pili nashukuru watu wa Mombasa kwa kunipa fursa ya kuwatumikia kwa miaka mitano kama Seneta wao.

Furaha niliyo nayo ni kwamba safari yangu ya kuingia Bungeni ilianza mwaka wa

Thank you, Senator. Proceed, Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.

Finally, the guru, the one and only Sen. Khaniri of Vihiga.

Bw. Spika, kwanza, nachukua fursa hii kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu kwa kuchaguliwa kama Seneta wa Kaunti ya Mombasa. Pili nashukuru watu wa Mombasa kwa kunipa fursa ya kuwatumikia kwa miaka mitano kama Seneta wao.

Furaha niliyo nayo ni kwamba safari yangu ya kuingia Bungeni ilianza mwaka wa

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I really want to thank you for this opportunity and state that it is a very emotional moment for me. It is emotional because this place has been my work place for the last 27 years. For the last 27 years I have known nothing else other than coming to this place to serve the people of Hamisi Consistency as their Member of Parliament and later on the people of Vihiga County as their Senator.

Even, though Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. says that we should not be saying goodbye that we will be serving from the other side for me, it is extremely emotional to imagine that I am now making what would be my last speech in this August House, should we adjourn today as we intend to do.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me at the very outset to take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God from the bottom of my heart for having given me the opportunity to serve my people for that long period of time, of 27 years. Six terms is not a mean fete; four terms in the National Assembly and two terms in the Senate of the Republic of Kenya.

I thank God for the opportunity and for giving me health. I thank God because during that period I survived a plane crash in Busia where we lost some of our colleagues including Cabinet Secretary Minister Khalif who was with me on that plane and others. I survived that. Shortly after that a few years later, I survived another horrific road accident in Nairobi on Mombasa road. I thank God, I would not be here.

In my last 27 years of life here I have buried so many colleagues, some who were so dear to me. These were: My friend hon. Tony Ndilinge MP for Kilome; hon. Joshua Orwa Ojode; hon. Khalif; hon. John Peter Onokhumutere; hon. Munene Kairu and many others.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I had the privilege to serve even with the freedom fighters.When I came in the 7th Parliament, I had the opportunity to serve with the late President Moi who was the MP for Baringo Constituency and I was the MP for Hamisi Constituency. I served with the late, hon. Jamarogi Oginga Odinga; late hon. Ochieng Oneko, late hon. Denis Akumu, late hon. Martin Shikuku and the late Vice President Michael Wamalwa Kijana. It is a privilege and honour.

I really want to thank my people for giving me that privilege for having confidence in me and giving me that opportunity to serve for that length of time. Not many have achieved that. Many people come for one term. Those who are lucky do two terms and those extremely lucky do three terms. I did not do three, four or five but I have done six.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, my people have been gracious to me, I really thank them. I am looking forward to serve them in another capacity. During my campaigns, I keep telling my people that I do not have to be your governor. Even, if you do not elect me to be your governor I will still be grateful to you the rest of my life for the opportunity that you gave me.

During this term, I had the privilege to sit in the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) . The Commission that runs this institution. In the Commission, I chaired the Security and Development Committee.

I want to thank my coalition leader hon. Raila Odinga for giving me that opportunity. We did the best we could and under my watch we have managed to complete the office block. I want to assure that the Members who are seeking to come back to this House and the other House our sister House that by the time they report---

Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for this opportunity to speak for the last time. Allow me to thank my family for supporting me during the period I was here and wife Anita for understanding the times that you have kept us here until

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I assure the Members who will be elected into the next Parliament that when they come, their offices will be fully operational and ready for occupation. They will enjoy the comfort of serving in the new tower.

Under my watch, we have been able to do the Integrated Security Management System for Parliament. You can imagine the House of Parliament did not have even CCTVs. We initiated that project and it is on course. Very soon, it is going to be launched.

I will not finish my speech without thanking you, Mr. Speaker, Sir and your Deputy, for the way that you steered this House in the last five years. You do not have the background of being a Parliamentarian. However, you fitted in very well. You have run the House very well, professionally and we will always be thankful to you and your Deputy.

We are thankful to the technical team led by my good friend and brother, Mr. Nyengenye, the Clerk, for their professionalism in running this Institution. We would not have come this far without their support.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I know you added me three minutes. For me it would be very difficult to make my final speech in this House in even ten or twenty minutes. I needed a whole hour. However, I will confine myself to the time that you have allocated me.

Therefore, I take this opportunity to wish all our colleagues in this House all the best in their next endeavours. This is in particular to those who are going for governorship – Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., Sen. Orengo, Sen. Kihika, I and the rest. We wish them well. I am sure if we get that opportunity, we should be able to improve the relationship between the CoG and the Senate because we understand the Senate very well.

I am one of the advocates of strengthening the Senate. As I go to be a Governor, God willing, we will still insist that Senate has to be strengthened and given the necessary instruments, to undertake proper oversight over county governments. Therefore, those who will come after us must ensure they continue with the war that we started so that the Senate is empowered.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish all well. With those very many remarks, I now officially declare the 12th Senate closed.

Hon. Senators, this is the moment that we have been waiting for. The curtain finally comes down on the 12th Senate and Parliament. I must also say that it is a very difficult moment, given that we have to part with friends that we have met here. We have related very closely and like they say, friends meet to part and part to meet. I am sure that the experience that I have learnt here will be very useful in my other life. I have learnt a lot.

When I was sworn in on the 31st August, 2017, I was not very sure how I was going to run this House, given that I did not have any background on parliamentary

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I really want to thank you for this opportunity and state that it is a very emotional moment for me. It is emotional because this place has been my work place for the last 27 years. For the last 27 years I have known nothing else other than coming to this place to serve the people of Hamisi Consistency as their Member of Parliament and later on the people of Vihiga County as their Senator.

Even, though Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. says that we should not be saying goodbye that we will be serving from the other side for me, it is extremely emotional to imagine that I am now making what would be my last speech in this August House, should we adjourn today as we intend to do.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me at the very outset to take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God from the bottom of my heart for having given me the opportunity to serve my people for that long period of time, of 27 years. Six terms is not a mean fete; four terms in the National Assembly and two terms in the Senate of the Republic of Kenya.

I thank God for the opportunity and for giving me health. I thank God because during that period I survived a plane crash in Busia where we lost some of our colleagues including Cabinet Secretary Minister Khalif who was with me on that plane and others. I survived that. Shortly after that a few years later, I survived another horrific road accident in Nairobi on Mombasa road. I thank God, I would not be here.

In my last 27 years of life here I have buried so many colleagues, some who were so dear to me. These were: My friend hon. Tony Ndilinge MP for Kilome; hon. Joshua Orwa Ojode; hon. Khalif; hon. John Peter Onokhumutere; hon. Munene Kairu and many others.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I had the privilege to serve even with the freedom fighters.When I came in the 7th Parliament, I had the opportunity to serve with the late President Moi who was the MP for Baringo Constituency and I was the MP for Hamisi Constituency. I served with the late, hon. Jamarogi Oginga Odinga; late hon. Ochieng Oneko, late hon. Denis Akumu, late hon. Martin Shikuku and the late Vice President Michael Wamalwa Kijana. It is a privilege and honour.

I really want to thank my people for giving me that privilege for having confidence in me and giving me that opportunity to serve for that length of time. Not many have achieved that. Many people come for one term. Those who are lucky do two terms and those extremely lucky do three terms. I did not do three, four or five but I have done six.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, my people have been gracious to me, I really thank them. I am looking forward to serve them in another capacity. During my campaigns, I keep telling my people that I do not have to be your governor. Even, if you do not elect me to be your governor I will still be grateful to you the rest of my life for the opportunity that you gave me.

During this term, I had the privilege to sit in the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) . The Commission that runs this institution. In the Commission, I chaired the Security and Development Committee.

I want to thank my coalition leader hon. Raila Odinga for giving me that opportunity. We did the best we could and under my watch we have managed to complete the office block. I want to assure that the Members who are seeking to come back to this House and the other House our sister House that by the time they report---

Okay, I give you three more minutes.

Hon. Senators, it is now time to adjourn the Senate. The Senate stands adjourned sine die.

Thank you and God bless. The Senate rose at 8.28 p.m.

Hon. Senators, this is the moment that we have been waiting for. The curtain finally comes down on the 12th Senate and Parliament. I must also say that it is a very difficult moment, given that we have to part with friends that we have met here. We have related very closely and like they say, friends meet to part and part to meet. I am sure that the experience that I have learnt here will be very useful in my other life. I have learnt a lot.

When I was sworn in on the 31st August, 2017, I was not very sure how I was going to run this House, given that I did not have any background on parliamentary

procedures. When it occurred to me that there were 15 lawyers who constitute a whole quorum in this House, that made me even more scared. I thank God that we managed to work together closely.

I must thank God that today, I stand here and officially finish the Plenary Session of the 12TH Senate. I will be forever grateful to God because there are moments that I thought I would not even finish my tenure. There were nights I would go to bed and not even sleep because I was not sure whether this was going to work.

I prayed to God saying, ‘God I know you did not give me this position to a shame me. Protect me to steer this House to the end.’ One thing I will always pride myself in is that the Senate remained united on matters that affected our counties. We remained as one House. It was very difficult to tell which side was the Government and which was the Opposition. For that, we shall be remembered.

I am happy that even at our lowest moments, people would say they will impeach me. I remember during the sharable revenue; it was one of my most difficult times. I had to find an escape route because people were baying for my blood. At the end of the day, we were all victorious. I remember during the impeachment Motions, it was also a difficult moment but again, the Senators assisted me. I must thank the Secretariat led by the Clerk, who gave me very good guidance on what steps to take to ensure that I do not shoulder the blame but we know we move together as a House.

I cannot forget His Excellency the President and the Deputy President who are my party and deputy party leaders respectively for proposing my name as Speaker of the Senate. I will forever be grateful to them for giving me that opportunity and for the Senate accepting and voting for me to be their Speaker. If I had an opportunity, I would have wished to continue because this has been a good experience but I am sure we shall meet as we go to other stations to serve the Republic of Kenya.

To all the Senators, thank you very much. I thank the Leadership. I thank experienced Senators like Sen. Khaniri. I thank Sen. Faki and Sen. Madzayo for the Kiswahili lessons that they took us through.

I thank Sen. Shiyonga for introducing new vocabulary in the Senate. I also thank Sen. (Dr.) Zani for coming up with a new vocabulary ‘mzungumzushi’ that saw her thrown out of the House but again, that was a learning experience.

I thank Sen. Kasanga, as young as she is, for championing a great Bill. I am happy that today, her Bill which she was so passionate about, has been assented to by the President. You will go down in history. In other places, it would have been referred to as the Kasanga Bill. I hope that those who will come after us will remember.

We shall forever be grateful to the Serjent-at-Arms, all those who have been escorting me to the House and all those who have been taking care of us in the offices. As we go home, I wish you God’s mercies for all those looking for other positions. I did mention the Chairpersons of committees in my speech last Thursday when we were going home.

I say thank you and may God bless you abundantly to everybody who contributed to our success. Wherever you will be, I am sure we shall continue meeting. I am sure, I

may not get this opportunity again to stand here and be in this regalia as the Speaker of the Senate.

May God bless you and now with those remarks; Hon. Senators, a Motion of this nature does not require the Question to be put.

Hon. Senators, it is now time to adjourn the Senate. The Senate stands adjourned sine die.

Thank you and God bless. The Senate rose at 8.28 p.m.