Tuesday, 28th April 2026

Members, we lack quorum. Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell.

Members, we now have quorum to transact business. Lead Clerk, call out the first Order.

Leader of the Majority Party.

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

Chairperson, Mediation Committee, Hon. Peter Lochakapong.

Hon. Lochakapong, you normally sit somewhere behind there. How did you find yourself here? Go ahead.

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

Are you done? Hon. Kawaya, Chairperson Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining.

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

Report of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining on its consideration of the Forest Conservation and Management Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 38 of 2025) .

Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations.

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

Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the Approval Hearing of Dr Julius Murori Mbijiwe, PhD., as a nominee for appointment as the Ambassador to Vatican, the Holy See.

Thank you, Hon. Bashir. Chairperson Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. Where is Hon. Kimani Kuria?

Next Order.

Hon. Lochakapong.

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

THAT, pursuant to the provisions of Article 113 (2) of the Constitution and Standing Order 150 (3) , this House adopts the Report of the Mediated version of the National Disaster Risk Management Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 24 of 2023) , laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 28th April 2026, and approves the mediated version of the National Disaster Risk Management Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 24 of 2023) .

Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. Chairperson.

Hon. Marianne, are you standing in for your Chairman?

You have the Report of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives on its inquiry into… You have three Notices of Motions. As she puts her house in order, let us have the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations.

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

THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental

Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations in its Report on the

Hon. Marianne, are you ready? As Marianne puts her papers in order, let us go back to the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on Papers.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper…

Record your apology for coming late. I called you earlier.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to issue my apology for stepping in after you had instructed. I did not know that our business would come so soon. I was consulting with the Clerk of the National Assembly.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on its consideration of the Income Tax Amendment Bill

(National Assembly Bill No. 20 of 2026)

.

Do you have more than one? You are listed with more than one. Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill.

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

Report of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on its consideration of the Public Finance (Amendment) Bill of 2026.

Thank you. Back to Order No.6.

Chairman, Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives on its inquiry into the illegal and irregular release of condemned sugar, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 4th June

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives on its inquiry into alleged discrimination of local investors in the transport logistics sector by multinational companies in the country, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 19th November 2025.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives on its inquiry into the proposed sale of shares in East African Portland Cement PLC, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 19th November 2025. Thank you.

Next is Hon. Makali Mulu.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order No. 33 (1) , I rise to seek leave for the adjournment of the House to discuss a definite matter of urgent national importance regarding the killing of innocent civilians in Kwa Kamari, Tseikuru Ward, in Mwingi North Constituency of Kitui County.

On Saturday, 25th April 2026, pastoralists believed to be from the North Eastern Region attacked and killed seven people in Kwa Kamari village in Tseikuru Ward, Mwingi North Constituency. The attacks continued until 26th April 2026, leaving a trail of death and destruction of property. These violent incidents have been going on every year as pastoralists seek grazing land and water for their camels in the neighbouring county of Kitui. The camel herders have not only been responsible for killing and maiming innocent citizens over the years, but have also caused wanton destruction of crops, farmlands and waterholes belonging to residents of Kitui County. The residents are witnessing heightened tension and deepening animosity between the two communities following the tragic killings reported in Kitui. In Mwingi, a group of residents frustrated by the perceived inaction by security agencies have resorted to barricading roads and stoning commuter buses operating along the Mwingi-Garissa Road.

Article 26 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to life. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the State to ensure the security and protection of all citizens without discrimination. It is regrettable that successive governments have not acted decisively wherever killings in this part of Kitui County have been reported in the past. That has left residents feeling abandoned and vulnerable.

The unfortunate incidents in Kitui County have also been witnessed in other parts of the country. There is a need for immediate and decisive action by the Government through the

Ministry of Interior and National Administration and other relevant agencies to prevent any further loss of life and poverty in Mwingi, Kitui County.

It is against this background that I seek leave for the adjournment of the House to discuss this matter of national concern with a view to exploring possible and lasting solutions to the problem.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Do you have the requisite support?

Yes. Members!

Yes, the support is overwhelming. You can take your seats.

Thank you.

Order, Hon. Members. Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu, I will allocate you time to move your Motion of Adjournment at 5.30 p.m. Hon. Caroli Omondi, do you also have a Notice of Motion?

No, Sir. I have a matter of great interest that has delayed in this House extensively.

We have not reached Statements yet. Hold your horses. We will get there.

Thank you.

Next Order is Requests for Statements. Hon. John Joseph Gitari, Member for Kirinyaga Central.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I wish to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the status of localisation of administrative units in Kirinyaga County.

Inoi Division in Kirinyaga County was commissioned in January 2026 to decentralise Government services. The administrative unit is expected to serve as a critical link between the national Government and the local community by enhancing coordination, improving response to administration and security matters, and strengthening public engagement. While this progress is commendable, several other administrative units within Kirinyaga County that include Kanyei, Kathare, and Kiaga remain non-operational. The delay has hindered deployment of infrastructure despite the Government’s commitment to create the administrative unit as part of the ongoing reforms aimed at decentralising services, strengthening governance, and ensuring equitable access to public administration.

It is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the following:

Thank you, Hon. Joseph. Tongoyo or Raso, when can you bring a response?

We will bring a response in the first week after recess.

Okay. Hon. Abdi Ali, Member for Ijara.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the status of creation of administrative units in Ijara Constituency.

Ijara Constituency is vast, expanse and grappling with profound security and developmental challenges thus enduring inadequate administrative structures. That undermines effective governance, security coordination, and service delivery. Similarly, many locations and sub-locations are undeveloped hence crippling the mandate of national Government administrative officers and denying residents access to vital Government services.

In 2025, following public participation that was carried out, it was proposed that administrative units be established to address the challenges. The administrative units include the following sub-counties:

Thank you, Abdi. Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Hon. Tongoyo.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. We can bring a response on the first Thursday once we resume from Recess.

It is so directed. Hon. Samuel Gachobe

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I wish to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding upgrading of Subukia - Mwangaza - Simboyoni - Kanyotu - Mbogoini Road in Subukia Constituency.

Hon. Speaker, the 35-kilometre road

is currently in a severely dilapidated condition, rendering it largely impassable, particularly during the rainy seasons when large sections become muddy and inaccessible. This situation has profoundly undermined mobility, safety and the overall socio-economic well-being of residents within Subukia Constituency. The affected area is predominantly an agricultural economic zone, where farmers depend heavily on the road for the timely transportation of produce to local and regional markets. The poor state of the infrastructure has, therefore, resulted in substantial post-harvest losses, escalated transportation costs, restricted market access, and significantly reduced incomes for both farmers and traders. Furthermore, the continued neglect of this vital link has impeded broader development in the area and severely limited residents’ access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and commercial opportunities.

Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on the following:

Thank you, Hon. Gachobe. The Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. GK, when can you bring a response?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. We will respond in the first week after Recess.

Okay. Is Hon. Edith Nyenze in the House? Hon. Tongoyo, are you ready for Hon. Edith Nyenze’s Question? Hon. Raso, are you ready? Unfortunately, she is not in the House.

Hon. Speaker, Hon. Edith was able to prosecute her issue before the Cabinet Secretary last week.

Did you conclude?

Yes.

So, table the Response.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Is Hon. Machua Waithaka in the House? Hon. Machua Waithaka. The Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Energy, Hon. Gikaria, are you ready? Is the Member who sought the Statement in the House? He normally sits at the back.

He sits around here. Can I table this and then he can get a written response?

No, hold it. Clerk-at-the-Table, defer that to Thursday afternoon. You can respond on Thursday afternoon.

Most obliged.

Hon. Caroli Omondi.

Hon. Speaker, I raised this and I request the Leader of the Majority Party pays attention. Member for Kikuyu and Leader of the Majority Party, please, pay attention. I requested a Statement from the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury on the leasing of the sugar mills over 6 or 7 months ago. I have sought that Statement twice and I believe when statements are sought in this House, there is a matter of urgency and they are issues of public concern that require immediate attention. The first time we raised this Question it was about the leasing programme and evaluation of the assets, which we discovered were given away for free. Over the weekend, we were in Kisumu and the sugarcane farmers came to see us. Right now, what is happening, Hon. Speaker, is that the Government is losing revenue…

Hon. Caroli, what was given away for free?

Hon. Speaker, when the leasing programme was undertaken, Muhoroni Sugar had a nucleus estate of 1,600 hectares.

Hon. Farah, that Statement is directed at the Leader of the Majority Party. So, give him time to listen.

Let me give the breakdown. Muhoroni Sugar…

I thought you already asked that and you are only asking when the response is coming.

There are new emerging issues that I must bring to the attention of the House so that we appreciate the urgency. We are supposed to address matters of interest to the country.

Under what Standing Order do you amend a pending request for a Statement?

Under the Constitution. Hon. Speaker, I cannot ask my questions in vain in this House. Even under Standing Order 1, you have the power to order that the Cabinet Secretary be brought to the House to answer the questions. Right now, the price of cane has been reduced from Ksh5,750 per tonne to Ksh4,800. The Government is supposed to get Ksh4,000 per tonne for sugarcane milling and Ksh3,000 per

tonne for molasses. What the millers are doing is that they are crushing the cane in their private companies and not in the public ones and so the Government is not even getting concession. Workers have been laid off, families are breaking up, salaries have been reduced, people are suffering in Muhoroni, Chemelil and everywhere else including Sony Sugar and Nzoia Sugar. However, the Leader of the Majority Party is shielding the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury from coming to answer these questions that affect people in Nyanza and Western Kenya. I demand that the Cabinet Secretary be dragged here by his tail or ear and this Question be placed as a matter of urgency to help the suffering people of Kisumu. That is the issue of concern, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you.

Leader of the Majority Party.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. In response to that issue by Hon. Caroli—I do not know if it is Hon. Caroli Omondi or Hon. Caroli Caroli— I have no business shielding any Cabinet Secretary. It is not part of my work to shield anybody leave alone a Cabinet Secretary and I know the Cabinet Secretary hails from Hon. Caroli’s constituency. In fact, he was his predecessor in the constituency and, therefore, I may not even want to get involved in the tiff between them on local issues.

However, the Cabinet Secretary shall be appearing before the House, not before you, when we resume from Recess. Hon. Caroli Omondi should know that this is the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the National Treasury and he has just come back into the country from Washington DC where he engaged with International Monetary Fund (IMF) on many issues. The fact that he was in the village over the weekend... I have said he just came back because he came back last week on Thursday and we are not able to have any Cabinet Secretary this week, being the last week before the short recess. The Cabinet Secretary will be here after recess and will also be coming for the Statement on Revenue Raising Measures. So, you will have a lot of time to spend with the Cabinet Secretary in the House. Be prepared with all your questions. I am sure and very certain Hon. Mbadi is up to the task to answer all those issues. Being somebody from the sugar belt, he knows and understands many of the issues.

The direct answer, Hon. Speaker, is that immediately after recess, we will schedule when the Cabinet Secretary will appear before the House. I am certain he will also appear before committees on engagements on the Budget process. These are some of the issues which will be addressed through the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock Development. I implore Hon. Caroli Omondi to use recess time, because the issues are very urgent, to engage the Cabinet Secretary through the Departmental Committee on Agriculture when he appears there on Budget matters.

Hon. Jared Okello.

Hon. Speaker, I thank you in a very special way, not just for giving me an opportunity to speak, but also to commend you for the intent you have expressed to bring the Social Health Authority (SHA) and teachers together over the matter on boarding teachers to SHA. It is a testament that SHA works and, therefore, teachers who may have other extraneous considerations not to onboard the scheme are neither here nor there. When I got word that you were going to bring the two warring factions together, it spoke to the leadership you have not only provided in this House, but also in our country, the Republic of Kenya.

As a nation, we have experienced many challenges. Hon. Speaker, it calls for a person of your integrity and worth to express intention to bring the country together so that we can walk as one unitary society.

You are protected.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. Our country has experienced many challenges, be they economic, political, or socio-economic. We need a person like you to always be the big brother to give direction to the country. Many times, the issues that divide us are so minute and trivial that they are not worth the time of a country such as ours that is now on a rapid flight to economic growth. Therefore, the initiative you have taken to bring teachers and the SHA together is a welcome idea. It is something that every Kenyan needs to support. The country is one and teachers are many. There are also many people, including myself, whose mothers are suffering from a terminal illness, who can bear witness that, indeed, SHA works. Therefore, I wish you well as you bring the warring factions together. I know that with your intellect and wisdom, which you have consistently employed in this nation, the two entities, the Teachers Service Commission and SHA, will come to an amicable solution on the impending issue.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Jared, for that comment. Hon. Gisairo, are you on the same issue?

No, Hon. Speaker, I am just making a last-ditch attempt on the issue regarding the response on Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) , because it has now been three months.

On KeRRA?

We are approaching another recess. The Chairman has always been promising to bring a response every other week. He had promised that today was the final day he would give a response on where Ksh13 million from every constituency was taken. If the Chairman is not able to answer that today, he should tell us that the money will not be forthcoming so that we plan on what to do with the roads in our constituencies, which are no longer passable due to the rains.

We cannot keep asking for statements while the Chairman keeps pushing forward the tentative dates for a response. This is the third month we are waiting for a response from the Chairman of Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.

From where you sit, you may have noticed the Chairman talked to me. He approached me and informed me that he received a response, which in his estimation and understanding is grossly inadequate. He does not want to present something that he himself does not believe in. I have, therefore, directed him to go back to the Ministry and bring a proper response when we resume because we are going on recess on Thursday, 30th April 2026. I also understand that the responsible Cabinet Secretary lost his father and the burial is on Thursday. I have instructed that the response be brought on the first Wednesday upon resumption from recess, which will be 27th May 2026. Chairman, is that the direction I gave you?

Yes. Hon. Speaker, that is the direction you gave.

Hon. Robert Mbui, are you on the same issue?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. As the Chairman prepares his response, it is important to note that the Budget had already been allocated and the amounts for every constituency had been shared with regional officers in charge of roads. The tendering process had already begun and contractors had been awarded the roads. So, it is going to be a very big problem if the money is not brought back.

What happens to a tender that has already been opened and a contractor assigned a job only for them to be told later that the funds are no longer available? This is a major issue that must be dealt with. The only solution is for that money to be brought back. Otherwise, we risk being taken to court by some of the contractors. The Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Act is very clear that there should be no procurement done if funds are not available. This is not a simple matter and the Chairman must treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

Indeed, that is the issue Hon. Gisairo has raised. It is important to emphasise it. Chairman, you better attend to that and bring a response that is satisfactory and one that you believe in.

Next Order.

Hon. Nyamoko, Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Lands.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to move the following Procedural Motion:

THAT, pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 (2) of the Petitions to Parliament (Procedure) Act (Cap.7E) and Standing Order 227 (2) , this House resolves to extend the period for consideration of Public Petition No. 28 of 2025 regarding the ownership of L.R. No. 7545/3 (IR. 21038) forming the nucleus estate of Miwani Sugar Mills Ltd., as succeeded by Miwani Sugar Company Ltd (in receivership) , by a period of 30 days from 26th April 2026.

The Petition was presented to the House on 3rd December 2025 by the Member for Suba South Constituency, Hon. Caroli Omondi, on behalf of the residents of Miwani in Kisumu County. It concerns the ownership of land LR No.7545/3 (IR 21038) , forming the nucleus estate of Miwani Sugar Mills Limited, as succeeded by Miwani Sugar Company Limited (in receivership) .

The Petition raises weighty and far-reaching matters that touch, not only on legal and policy questions, but also on issues of significant public interest. It is, therefore, prudent for the Committee to accord this matter the depth of consideration it deserves.

Hon. Speaker, in the course of our preliminary review, it has become evident that the issues presented before the Committee are complex and multifaceted. Therefore, they require careful interrogation, a thorough examination of legal frameworks, policy implications, and potential socio-economic impact of any recommendations that this House may ultimately adopt. The Committee also found it necessary to engage a wide range of stakeholders whose input is critical to achieve a fair and balanced determination.

Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that the Committee seeks more time to process or consider the Petition before it. I, therefore, move and request Hon. Joseph Gitari to second.

Hon. Gitari.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. The matter before our Committee is complex. There are some authorities we want to invite so that they can shed some light. If we are given an extension of 30 days from 26th April 2026, we shall conclude our consideration in a good manner.

Hon. Speaker, I second the Motion.

Members on their feet, take your seats.

Being a Procedural Motion, do I put the question?

Yes.

Hon. Kangogo Bowen and your colleague, you are out of order. Next Order.

Was any Member on the Floor of the House? No Member was on the Floor of the House. Hon. Kawaya.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this Bill. It was committed to the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining on 13th November 2025 for consideration and reporting to this House. First, I thank Leader of the Majority Party for introducing this Bill. It addresses most gaps that exist in this sector. Allow me to highlight some key provisions in the Bill:

We are going to propose an amendment in this particular Bill because these are uniformed forces. This amendment Bill allows us to have the Cabinet Secretary designate uniformed and disciplined officers for the purpose of serving as rangers. These people have firearms. For whatever purposes and reasons, they also need to be under the oversight of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). We will be proposing an amendment to have these designated disciplined and uniformed officers be under the direct oversight of IPOA. This is going to help us deal with the issues that we are facing with our rangers.

Finally, we have an issue around the chain of custody and timber grading. Our forests are worth billions of shillings. The products that we get from our forests need to be identified with the particular source from which they were harvested.

This Bill also seeks to extend the services of Kenya Forest Service to private and community land forests. Therefore, it is only fair that we are able to identify specifically which products are from which source. This is because we have had a lot of challenges with substandard materials or products getting to our markets, either through importation or exportation. The Bill has proposed the introduction of the chain of custody and timber grading. The timber grading will allow us to use professionals who are going to be licensed by the proposed Office of the Director of Forest Regulation. This timber grading system will work together with the chain of custody to help identify substandard timber or forest products and trace them back to their source.

As such, transportation of any materials will be accompanied by a permit. This Bill has proposed transportation as a crime. Currently, the available Act, as it is, recognises moving products within the forest and starting fires as a crime but does not recognise transportation as a crime. Because of this, Kenya Forest Service officers have been colluding with people: they cut down trees, harvest them and give the product to another person to transport.

In the past, there has never been an offence to transport stolen materials but right now, with a chain of custody, we will be able to track down every product. It will be a crime to transport materials without a permit. Therefore, every single piece of forest product that is being transported will be traceable to the forest from which it was harvested.

Hon. Speaker, this Bill, if enacted into law, will enhance sustainable forest management, strengthen governance and institutional coordination within the forest sector, promote conservation and rehabilitation of forest resources, and improve the participation of communities and stakeholders in forest management. The Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, having considered the Bill and facilitated public participation, recommends that the House approves the Bill with amendments.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Komingoi, are you queuing for this matter? Hon. Charles Ngusia, are you queuing for this matter?

Proceed, Hon. Bowen.

Hon. Speaker, the Bill has been debated extensively in the last few weeks.

Go ahead. You do not have to be distracted. You are addressing the Hon. Speaker. You are not addressing Hon. (Dr) Oundo.

Hon. Speaker, we had debated this Bill extensively. We were only waiting for the input from the public participation, and the Committee Chair has presented the same very well. I think it would be in order that we call upon the Mover to reply so that we make progress with other business of the House. We have debated this Bill for almost two weeks.

Let me see. Hold on, Hon. Shakeel. I can see that Hon. Shakeel and Hon. (Dr) Oundo have interest in speaking to this Bill. I will give chance to those two Members and Hon. (Dr) Pukose. The Mover will be ready to reply. Let me start with Hon. Shakeel.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Kenya's forest cover has depreciated by about 90 per cent since pre-independence times. We have the Forest Service (KFS) and the Chief Forest Officer. We have a very good Forest Service that has been working together with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) . I am an honorary warden of KWS. We interact very closely with KFS.

First, on college or academy, I agree with them. They do not need another academy. The most important thing is that forest rangers have been falsely accused many times. One out of five may be corrupt, but they are used by leaders to do what is not within their purview. Therefore, we look at forest rangers as culprits who are not disciplined. They are actually from the Service. They are trained. They carry guns, which they use to protect themselves.

I know that a number of people have been killed. The problem is the citizens. The citizens have always had the right to go into forests and collect pieces of dead wood and tree branches that may have fallen to the ground. It is something that has been done for many years. They never destroyed forests. What happened thereafter is shocking. If you fly across Molo, you will be shocked by the way the forest has been decimated in the middle. I am sure that KFS officers were involved.

At one time, we had Sandalwood in Kenya. Most of the Sandalwood was taken out of the country. The Leader of the Majority Party may want to hear what I am saying. It was done with the support of one gentleman who was in power at the time. He literally wiped out the Sandalwood in Kenya. I noticed that this is also a Money Bill, and we need to talk about it. Our uniformed officers are poorly paid. They are put into bad situations. They try their best to work on the basics. The Chief Forester needs support in terms of bringing in another department and ensuring that it works. They call it the Directorate of Forest Regulations. That is fine. Does that mean the Chief Forester has no say whatsoever? I thought he was like a director of forest regulations. The introduction of this directorate reduces the powers of the Chief Forester, who remains with the role of just being in charge of rangers.

Another thing I have noticed is on the board of the institute, which is no longer there. I just want to point out that there were about 11 officers on the board and KWS was not part of that board. I know that this is being dropped but it is very important to put together the KWS and the KFS. They work together. Even if you go to the Maasai Mara, you will find them working hand-in-hand.

Hon. Speaker, this is a Money Bill. There is a number of issues, including that of fines. I agree with my colleague that the fines must be increased to more than Ksh1 million or maybe a couple hundreds of thousands of shillings, so that these people can be followed. Including transportation of wood is also important because it is stolen property. Then there is the issue of the hard wood that comes from Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. We do not know for sure that the wood comes from there, but it comes to this country unabated.

The KFS needs to have some sort of policy in respect of importation of wood. About six months ago, His Excellency the President allowed harvesting of certain mature trees. Immediately thereafter, we saw lots of wood harvested along the road in Elburgon and in other places all over Kenya. That looked uncontrolled. My heart went out to this matter. I felt that we were losing the essence of forest management. By bringing in other people called forest regulators and others, we are isolating the rangers. Ideally, the rangers must work with the Chief Forest Officer. The Chief Forest Officer should work very closely with the Chief Forest Registrar.

I will be forwarding my amendments on the Bill to the Committee to ensure that we do not rush some of these things. We must protect our forests.

With those few remarks, I support.

Proceed, Hon. (Dr) Pukose.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I stand to support the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill with some amendments. Our forests are actually our life and therefore they must be protected. I come from a constituency which has three big forests, namely; Swam, Kimothon and Kiptogot Forests, which are within the Mount Elgon Water Tower. These are some key areas that we must make sure are protected even as our communities benefit from forests. In terms of resources, KFS has been harvesting trees from these areas. What goes back to the community is quite negligible. We cannot pinpoint any major projects that KFS has done within Suam and Sosio Forests in Saboti yet our people have been protecting those forests. Some of our women and boys have lost their lives in the course of looking for firewood.

Recently, in Kimothon Forest, a young man called Boaz was killed by KWS rangers just for carrying firewood. Killing of people by KWS and KFS rangers has been a frequent occurrence. This Bill will help rein in the rangers from the two services. Killing members of the neighbouring communities creates a bad relationship between the KFS and KWS on one hand and wananchi on the other. The Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016 created Community Forest Associations (CFA) to protect forests. We should discourage KFS rangers from behaving like wild animals whenever they find anybody within the forest catchment area.

The Bill should separate the command structure of rangers from that of civilian workers. The Chief Conservator is a civilian. He has not risen through the ranks as a ranger or an armed officer. Therefore, there is a disconnect between the Chief Conservator and whoever is in charge of the forest rangers. That creates a lot of indiscipline within the KFS and causes harm within the community.

We cannot achieve the target set by His Excellency the President of planting 15 million trees unless the KFS and the communities cooperate. The KFS should provide guidance and support to the communities to ensure that we move in the same direction. Harvesting timber from forests results in destruction of roads. Members of Parliament are then expected to repair those roads through the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) or the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) . The Appropriation-in-Aid (A-in-A) generated from harvesting timber should be pumped back into those communities to maintain the roads and replant trees. Communities living around forests should be allowed to harvest dead wood for cooking and other activities.

Many Members have contributed to this important Bill. Therefore, I will reserve some of my comments. With those remarks, I support the Bill with amendments.

Let us have Hon. Oundo.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I also rise to comment on the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025. I am reminded of a joke that rain does not come from forests; it comes from heaven. That probably lends credence to the fact that we can never underrate the impact of forests. We are always told, through literature and practice, that for us to guarantee a certain level of environmental protection, we need a certain percentage of forest cover. Our national forest cover is below the international acceptable threshold. Many researchers will tell you that this is due to excessive cutting of trees, which reduces the forest cover across the country.

The Bill introduces some new terminologies and definitions that are in tandem with the climate change regime that we are debating at the moment. A few provisions in the Bill require a rethink. I want to pick up from where Dr Pukose has left off on the issue of the abuse of firearms by forest rangers. I hope this amendment Bill will address that issue. You remember what happened in Nakuru, where Brian Odhiambo was allegedly killed by KWS rangers and nothing has been done to date.

Clause 6 of the Bill seeks to amend Section 16 of the principal Act to clarify the management of forests and designate a specific cadre of the staff of the Service to be uniformed and disciplined officers of such ranks as shall be determined by the Service, with the approval of the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. Uniformed officers should be under uniformed command. I have spoken to many Kenyans who seem to be a bit afraid of the abuse perpetrated by KFS rangers. If the Bill remains as it is, that abuse will get out of hand. I suggest to the Chairman of the Committee that KFS should operate like any other security force. It should be made up of trained uniformed officers, with a command structure like that of the National Police Service to ensure uniformity and accountability.

Are the rangers currently not uniformed?

They are uniformed but they need to be under a central command just like other disciplined forces as provided for in Article 244 of the Constitution. That will ensure that we do not have disparate cases where people who carry guns provided by the Government of Kenya through taxpayers’ money are not accountable to any disciplined command. We need to re-look at that anomaly. I hope they will agree to deal with that matter.

The Bill establishes the Kenya Forest Academy, which will offer training in forestry. A number of universities in the country currently offer degree courses in forestry and related activities. I do not know where the overlap, connection or synergy will be. Will it be a case of duplication or specialization of courses? Should it be that after one obtains a university degree in forestry, he will go to the forest academy to get more detailed training to enable him to get professional certification?

The Bill also indicates that one of the functions of county governments will be to implement national policies on forest management and conservation. Someone might ask how that will happen since county governments are independent but interdependent. The Bill also raises a number of issues that seem to overlap with the mandates of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) , the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation. I hope we will align these areas at the point of cleaning up. We must avoid duplication and unnecessary overlaps that may bring contention in implementing the Bill. The Bill also introduces many other offices. This may lead to another behemoth of a bureaucracy. I believe we will have a chance to clean up this mess as we proceed.

I urge the people of Kenya to appreciate that planting a tree today saves lives tomorrow. Planting a tree today saves our environment and our country. I urge Kenyans to plant trees adequately wherever they are and whenever they have space to increase our forest cover and restore the rains we experienced in the early 1980s and mid-1990s. I will introduce some amendments to enrich the Bill at the appropriate time.

With those remarks, I support.

Next is the Leader of the Majority Party, who is the Mover.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Allow me to begin by thanking Hon. Kawaya and the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining for the very good public participation they conducted. Those who have read the Report must have seen the many pertinent issues that people in Makueni and Kwale raised.

The Committee’s recommendations clearly show that they addressed the concerns raised, especially on devolution. They have ensured that we do not claw back on the gains of devolution. They also addressed duplication of work between KFS and other entities, particularly in providing technical assistance to private and community landowners. Upon its adoption by this House, the Bill will be sent to the Senate for concurrence. I believe the Senate will also work through its Committee to protect issues related to devolution and forest management.

Many issues, like that Hon. Oundo and Hon. Pukose raised, touch on designation of the proposed Kenya Forestry Academy. Following public participation, the Committee identified possible duplication of roles. As part of the proposed amendments under Clause 7 of the Bill, the Committee has rejected the establishment of Kenya Forestry Academy since we already have the Kenya Forestry College.

On the issue of disciplined officers or the officers uniformed, there must be a clear oversight mechanism. Following public participation and concerns raised about incidents involving KWS rangers in Lake Nakuru, as raised by Hon. Oundo, and the case mentioned by Hon. Pukose about a young person killed by KFS officers somewhere in his constituency, the Committee has proposed an amendment to subject these officers to oversight by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). This will ensure that IPOA addresses any transgressions against the citizens.

The Committee has also introduced provisions to regulate the import, export and re-export of forest products more strictly. This will ensure that local timber traders and experts are registered and protected from unfair trade practices by our neighbours or people outside our jurisdiction. Many issues raised during public participation have been addressed through proposed amendments. There was strong support, particularly for payment for ecosystem services.

From the Committee’s minutes, residents, especially from Kwale, strongly supported this provision. However, we must also protect private forest owners. The Committee has created clear distinctions between public, community and private forests. It also distinguishes the benefits arising from climate change initiatives and carbon credit trading across these categories.

I will not belabour the point any further. As Hon. Bowen noted, we debated this Bill extensively over the last two weeks. We adjourned the debate so that the Bill could benefit from the public participation report, whose preparation the Committee had not completed. Hon. Kawaya, Hon. Pukose, Hon. Oundo and Hon. Shakeel Shabbir, who spoke this afternoon, captured this aspect well. I urge Members to support the Bill as we proceed to the Committee of the whole House.

With those remarks, I reply.

Thank you.

Order, Members. Members on your feet, resume your seats.

Chairperson of Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, proceed.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to move that the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.20 of 2026) be read a Second Time.

Pursuant to Standing Order 245, the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning carefully looked at the Bill, examining its legal, policy and economic implications.

The Principal Object of this Bill is to amend the Income Tax Act to provide for exemption from Capital Gains Tax on transfer of property by a company to its shareholders as part of an internal re-organization, or on the transfer of property to a company by shareholders. The Bill seeks to support genuine internal corporate restructuring by ensuring that tax does not arise in transactions where there is no change in ultimate beneficial ownership.

Under the current provisions of the Income Tax Act, transfers of property between a company and its shareholders is treated as chargeable disposals and attract capital gains tax even through such transactions occur solely within the same economic group as part of a restructuring exercise. This has created a tax burden on transactions that are in substance tax-neutral and do not amount to a realization of gains in the ordinary sense.

Notice. This ensures that appropriate transitional mechanisms are in place to facilitate smooth operationalisation of the Act and provide certainty to taxpayers and administrators in the implementation of the proposed exemption.

The Committee observed that many corporate groups operate through layered ownership structures and may undertake internal re-organization for operational, regulatory or investment purposes without any change in ultimate beneficial ownership. The proposed amendment, therefore, provides necessary relief for such transactions while preserving the integrity of the tax system through clear qualifying conditions. This Bill is intended not only to remove ambiguity in the law but also to support a more effective, efficient and competitive tax environment that facilitates investment and allows businesses to undertake legitimate restructuring without unintended tax consequences.

I commend the Members of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for their diligence and commitment in scrutinising this Bill. I also acknowledge the Secretariat for the professional support and all stakeholders who provided valuable submissions that enriched the committee’s consideration of this legislation. It has been an honour for me to present and reemphasise the key provisions and the rationale of this important Bill to this House.

In summary, if a company wants to transfer part of its properties to its shareholders, the Finance Act of 2024 exempted that transaction from paying Stamp Duty to the Government. However, the Finance Act 2025 does not exempt such transfer from paying Capital Gains Tax. In substance, there is no beneficial ownership or any change in material because you are transferring your property from your left hand to your right hand. If the transfer is from self to self, then you should not pay Stamp Duty. Therefore, this Bill seeks to provide clarity. Just as we exempt that particular transaction from paying Stamp Duty, we are now exempting that transaction from paying Capital Gains Tax.

With those remarks, I beg to move and request Hon. (FCPA) Oyula, a ranking Member of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, to second.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I second the Motion.

That was very short.

Order, Hon. KK and Hon. Mukunji. Hon. Members, I now propose the Question.

Hon. Makilap, you are shouting from the wrong place. Hon. Parashina, are you interested in speaking on this this Motion?

Yes, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Please, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 20 of 2026) and commend the great work done by the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. Listening to the Chair, there are things that we need to see. The Bill seeks to make business easier and attract investment by making transactions more practical in our country. However, as the Mover said, it is important to ensure that genuine restructuring is

properly monitored. For example, if a company owned valuable assets like land and others, the exemptions on Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty could be abused if not properly regulated. We can open an opportunity for a company trying to take advantage of such exemption.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is the sole authority responsible for determining eligibility for these exemptions. To avoid abuse, everything should be stated clearly. Therefore, we need to tighten this provision during the Committee of the whole House. We should not leave room for abuse.

With those remarks, I support the proposal by the Committee.

Next is the Member for Funyula but he is not in the Chamber. Hon. Members, I do not see any more interest on this Bill.

Proceed, Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise to support the Bill. It is a very important Bill considering that many people would want to re-organise and restructure their companies at one point or another. You may have assets that you bought at a point when you were not a beneficiary of the company and then you buy the company. As you re-organise the company, you may wish to transfer those assets to yourself. Under the current framework, such transfers attract taxes, including Stamp Duty. It becomes very difficult for people holding properties in the names of companies, and who want to transfer such properties to the individual directors or shareholders. The hurdles of income tax and stamp duty that they are required to pay make it difficult. Therefore, this amendment will help such people to reorganise their businesses and transfer their assets without unnecessarily having to pay taxes on what they already own.

This being a two-clause Bill, there is nothing much to say. I support it and thank the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for its consideration and commitment to ensure that we continue to improve our tax administration and tax laws by making them more efficient and responsive to the needs of people, so that we do not lose much revenue in tax even as we make our systems more efficient.

With those remarks, I support.

Member for Funyula, I am told that you are back. Please, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am sorry, I had stepped out to attend to an emergency in my constituency. There is always an emergency.

The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill is long overdue. When we introduced the Capital Gains Tax in this country, this was one of the points of discussion to ensure that it did not become punitive to punish one’s right hand just because his left hand is holding something. This is a matter in respect of which I wish we could have extended its debate to the stamp duty issue. Many times, people reorganise their investments. Companies with the same ownership merge. It is punitive to ask people to pay Capital Gains Tax when there are no gains they get by transferring their property from one company to another where they are the hundred per cent shareholders or beneficial owners.

Whereas the Bill is long overdue and passing it is the desirable thing to do now, I hope that it will not be used as an avenue for tax avoidance. The problem we have in this country is that at times we make specific laws to benefit a particular forthcoming transaction. I hope the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning has applied himself to that possibility, and he has gone to his church to pray to his Almighty God that this Bill does not become a case of somebody somewhere wanting to do a transaction whose cost in terms of taxes will be very high, to evade paying tax to KRA. I also hope that the commencement date of the Bill is not tomorrow so that a transaction is hurriedly concluded to make sure that tax is evaded in respect to this matter.

The other issue, as I said, is stamp duty. For example, a spouse may acquire property before marriage and after he or she is in marriage, they are forced to pay a punitive Stamp Duty when they transfer that property. Nonetheless, this being a simple, short and straightforward Bill, I support it hoping that it has been brought for consideration with good intention and with no malice intended.

Thank you.

Very well. Next is the Member for Manyatta.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I also rise to support the Bill. It is true that we have to be fair to business people who may be undertaking reorganization of their own companies at stakeholder level. However, I also want to be very keen on this matter. People in power tend to abuse their authority to propose tax exemption laws when they intend to undertake major transactions. We are privy to many transactions that have been tax exempted, including buying shares of huge companies and conglomeration of companies. People in power use their power to make sure that they do not pay taxes. As we pass this Bill, we have seen tax exemptions that involve companies which deny Kenyans a lot of resources.

In previous regimes, there has been conversations in this House on tax exemptions that were questionable. I urge the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning to be very keen to review backwards some of the tax exemptions that happened. I do not want to mention names but Members are aware that there are some tax exemptions that deny this country a lot of resources. Misuse of power is denying Kenyan resources.

On ownership of companies, there are many companies that are owned by senior people through pseudo representatives. I would wish to get a response from the Chair of the Committee. I hope this House will not pass a suspicious Bill and then we get information later that there is something that is hidden in these transactions. As the Chair has explained, the Bill is very small. You may find that there is somebody who wants to do some crazy transactions and he wants to exempt himself from paying taxes. We should ensure that the Bill’s timeline does not come immediately, so that tomorrow we do not hear that there is an avalanche of transactions involving certain companies.

The Bill looks quite straightforward. If you are transferring property between shareholders in the same company, it does not make sense to pay Capital Gains Tax. That is basically transferring property from your left hand to your right hand. However, in this country we pass laws with a pinch of salt. We should be very keen to ensure that this Bill is not used as loophole for tax avoidance by some big shots in Government, or by some influential people.

With those remarks, I support.

Hon. Mayaka, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me an opportunity to also add my voice to the debate on this Bill. I beg to support the Bill because, as it has been stated by many Hon. Members, we are seeking to cure an issue of moving money from the left pocket to the right pocket. As a House of Parliament, we do not pass Bills because we want to cure an unknown problem. We pass Bills because we seek to help the people of Kenya. Therefore, we cannot live in fear like Hon. Mukunji, who fears that we may be passing this Bill for a few individuals. That is not why we make laws.

Some of the benefits of this Bill include facilitation of corporate restructuring and making that space clearer. When a lot of internal reorganization happens, the fear that shareholders have is that they may be affected by that restructuring. This Bill seeks to ensure that such disadvantage does not happen. There will be no additional Capital Gain payable when restructuring happens within the same shareholding.

One of the other things that this law has done, and this is very clear, is that there are very strict definitions in terms of the space within which this will be navigated. Therefore, nobody can take advantage of the issues raised by Hon. Mukunji, as they have been taken into account in this law.

The other advantage is that it eliminates internal tax transfer measures, which can affect either the shareholder or the company, especially in the context of dividend distributions. This makes it very clear how it should be navigated and approached. As has been said, this is a very simple amendment, but one that aims to be highly beneficial to the company and the corporate restructuring process.

With those few remarks, I support and submit. Thank you.

Hon. Makilap.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for noticing that I am present. This is a very progressive amendment in our business environment. If there are two partners, a man and his wife, and there is a need for the transfer of shares or ownership of a company, then there is no need for them to pay huge capital gains tax. This would otherwise affect the income of that business and the dividends of that company, and yet it is within their domain as shareholders.

I have read it and noted the restrictions that will protect this amendment from manipulation by the individuals Hon. Mukunji referred to. If these restrictions are adhered to, there will be no circumstances under which such individuals can manipulate the provisions, because the law is explicit. We have always said in this country that we want to make regulations and laws that make doing business easier. How do we attract investors? How do we ensure that people have the resources to do business in this country?

It is for Members of Parliament and representatives of the people to audit our laws and make it easier for people to do business, whether as a team of shareholders or individually. This ensures that Kenyans are relieved of heavy taxation, even on matters within their control and that can reasonably be addressed through capital gains tax provisions. Not every regime is malicious.

This regime is progressive, and I assure my colleague that every regime comes with ways to make life easier for Kenyans when conducting business so that they do not invest in other countries or jurisdictions, and our country does not benefit from revenue. I support the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning in ensuring that this progressive amendment is passed by this House, thereby creating a more conducive business environment.

Thank you. I support.

Very well. Member for Baringo County.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I also rise to support this Bill by Hon. Kimani Kuria. As Members have contributed, this is one of the progressive Bills that will help, specifically in the jurisdiction of companies and taxation, where many will benefit. For instance, if you have a company that holds land registered in its name, you should not have to pay double taxation due to transactions within the same company.

It is also important to note that we have various tax exemptions, including for persons with disabilities, which have contributed to attracting investment. This amendment will further encourage both local and foreign investors to invest in this country without the burden of double taxation. For example, if one acquires land and also operates a company using that same land, there should not be multiple layers of taxation on the same asset or activity. This is important because it is already expensive to establish and operate a company in this country. Sometimes it is easy to enact laws, but we must also consider whether businesses and taxpayers

can realise returns in their day-to-day operations. There are additional burdens, such as licensing, which the Chairperson of the Committee should also examine. Otherwise, I support this amendment.

Thank you.

Hon. Members, there appears to be no further interest in this Bill. I will call upon the Mover to reply.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I thank Members who have contributed to this discussion and to this critical amendment. I will also address the matters raised by several Members. In Chapter 2, No.8, we propose an amendment to introduce a new exemption under Item 6 of the Eighth Schedule to address the identified gap. It provides that transfers of property between a company and its shareholders, as part of a reorganisation, shall not be subject to capital gains tax, provided certain conditions are met.

It is important to inform this House that conditionalities have been set to ensure that the concerns raised about potential abuse are addressed. One key condition is that the property must be distributed in proportion to the existing shareholders immediately before the transfer. Therefore, property cannot be transferred to individuals who were not shareholders before the transaction. Where shares are involved, they must relate to a subsidiary of the company undertaking the reorganisation. This prevents transfers to third parties under the guise of internal reorganisation. Additionally, the reorganisation must be assessed based on the circumstances at the time the transaction occurs.

On the effective date, I will move amendments at the Committee of the whole House stage to propose that the effective date be immediate to unlock investment and ensure business continuity. This is not a matter of suspicion. I heard Hon. Mukunji saying there is something fishy. The good thing about law, as noted by Justice Majanja in his ruling on the Finance Act, 2022, is that Parliament has never lacked words to express itself clearly on any matter.

The law is as you read it. Whatever you are reading is the law. You cannot be fishy. You cannot hide something behind because the law is crystal clear. That is why the choice of words, including “will” or “shall” or even a comma in law, is very important. When such omissions occur, we have to come back to this House to amend the law to insert a missing comma, hyphen, or insert words like ‘shall’ or ‘will’.

I also thank Members for assisting us on this. Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to make a special mention of our former Clerk of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, Mr Benjamin Magut, who, together with many others, worked tirelessly on this Bill. He served as the Clerk of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning since the inception of this Parliament.

I am very happy to report to Members that he is now the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Board. He displayed exemplary performance leading the Secretariat that assists us in all the business we process in this House. It is good to see meritocracy, hard work and dedication paying off. Interestingly, many years ago, Mr Magut had served as a Clerk in the NG-CDF Board. He then moved here as a personal assistant and thereafter became a lead clerk. He is now taking the helm as CEO of NG-CDF. We wish him the best.

You are being prompted to state who he served as a personal assistant to.

I will not say, but most recently, he served as a personal assistant to the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Ndombi. We wish him the best in his endeavours serving Members and the Board. We are really hopeful that after the six-month acting period, this honourable House and the Board will find it fit to confirm him as the Chief Executive Officer of NG-CDF. Again, I thank this House because this is not the first

time we have done this. We did the same in the last Finance Act, where we exempted Stamp Duty from this arrangement, and now, we are exempting capital gains tax.

I thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg to reply.

THAT Clause 1 of the Bill be amended by inserting the words “and shall come into operation upon publication” at the end of the clause. This is what I explained earlier. We intend for the law to be operationalised immediately upon publication.

The Temporary Chairlady

: There is no interest in it.

Hon. Temporary Chairlady, I beg to move that the House reports its consideration of the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 20 of 2026) and its approval thereof with amendments.

The Temporary Chairlady

: Very well.

Chairperson, Hon. Gachobe, report

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the whole House has considered the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 20 of 2026) and approved the same with amendments.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Mover.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, before I move, I am very happy that today is a Nakuru affair. The Temporary Speaker in the Chair is the Member for Gilgil, Nakuru County, and the reporter is the Member for Subukia, also from Nakuru County. Yours truly is from Molo Constituency, Nakuru County.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report. Now that there is no one else from Nakuru County, I request Hon. Jematiah, from our neighbouring Baringo County, to second.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to second.

Mover.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 20 of 2026) be now read a Third Time.

Who is your seconder?

I request the teacher, Hon. Tonui, to second.

The Member for Kuresoi South is also from Nakuru.

You are not on record, Hon. Mwalimu. Give him the microphone. There you have it. Do not move away.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I second.

Put the question.

Very well. Next Order.

Hon. Members, this is an ongoing debate. Is there a Member who was on their feet? The debate on this Motion was adjourned, and no Member was left on pause. If you intend to speak to this Motion, please let me know. Hon. Wachira Karani, do you wish to contribute? Go ahead.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support this Report on access to healthcare by cancer patients in the country, and the

recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Health of this National Assembly. This is an important report.

As the Member for Laikipia West, I have attended many fundraisers for patients who have cancer. I pray for the families who have to go through this, be it leukaemia, stomach cancer, or breast cancer. This disease is causing a great deal of havoc in families. Many families are forced to sell their property, such as land, livestock, and other assets to pay for the treatment of sick family members.

I stand to support this Motion.

Very well. Next is Hon. Kimani Kuria.

Asante sana, Mhe. Spika wa Muda. Nampongeza sana Mheshimiwa ambaye ameleta Hoja hii. Swala hili la ugonjwa wa saratani limefanya familia nyingi kuwa maskini na zingine zimekuwa auctioned na mali yao kuuzwa. Ugonjwa huu, unapogunduliwa kuanzia hatua ya kwanza hadi ya mwisho, unagharimu pesa nyingi sana. Si kwa matibabu pekee, lakini baadhi ya wagonjwa wanahitaji upasuaji pia. Wengi wa wagonjwa hawa hawawezi kufanya kazi yao ya kila siku.

Pia, wagonjwa wanahitaji kula vyakula maalum, na mzigo huu hulemea familia nyingi sana. Nawaomba wadau wote katika nyanja zetu za afya kama vile SHA, huduma za afya za msingi, na bima za afya za kibinafsi, waweze kuzingatia zaidi ugonjwa huu wa saratani na kuongeza kwa kiasi kikubwa mafao wanayotoa.

Saratani ilipoingia bara Afrika, wengi walidhani ilisababishwa na tabia fulani. Sisi tuliotoka vijijini, tulipofika Nairobi, hatukutaka kula chakula kilichochemshwa kwa microwave kwa sababu ilidhaniwa kuwa ilisababisha ugonjwa huu. Lakini utafiti umeonyesha kuwa kuna njia nyingi za kawaida ambazo zinachangia watu kupata ugonjwa huu. Basi, ni vyema kwa wadau wote na hospitali zetu kuzingatia wagonjwa hawa.

Hapo awali, Bunge hili lilipitisha azimio la kuwa wale wanaofariki hospitalini, miili yao isishikiliwe katika mortuary.

(Kicheko)

Naangalia Mbunge wa Malindi nione kama atakusaidia kwa msamiati haswa kuhusu “microwave.” Je, ina jina maalum la Kiswahili? Lakini endelea. Jaribu tu.

Nitajitahidi. Ninashukuru Bunge hili kwa kupitisha Mswada wa kutoruhusu hospitali kuendelea kushikilia miili wakati familia zinashindwa kulipa bili za hospitali. Ninatumahi kuwa Serikali Kuu imezingatia hilo. Hatutaki kusikia kuwa wagonjwa wanapofariki miili yao inashikiliwa hospitalini na familia kukatazwa kuzika wapendwa wao kwa sababu ya gharama za hospitali.

Kwa hayo machache, namshukuru sana aliyeileta Hoja hii. Naomba sote tuiunge mkono ili mapendekezo yatakayopitishwa yazingatiwe.

Asante sana. Mbunge wa Malindi, nakupa nafasi hii labda utasaidia kuendeleza Kiswahili.

Asante sana, Mhe. Spika wa Muda. Kwanza, nakushukuru kwa kunipa fursa hii ili nami nichangie hoja muhimu kama hii, ambayo inagusa Wakenya wengi.

Ugonjwa wa saratani si wa kupuuzwa. Pole pole, ugonjwa huu unaendelea kumaliza Wakenya. Tukiangalia rekodi za Serikali, kuanzia mwaka wa 2020, zaidi ya Wakenya 42,000 wamepoteza maisha yao kwa sababu ya ugonjwa huu. Mwaka wa 2022, tulipoteza Wakenya zaidi ya 44,000. Hivi sasa, kuna Wakenya zaidi ya 48,000 wanaougua saratani. Kama Wabunge wengine, nami sina budi kuunga mkono ardhihali hii iliyoletwa mbele yetu. Ardhihali hii inazungumzia upatikanaji wa huduma za afya kwa wagonjwa wa saratani.

Huko Malindi, ninao wagonjwa wengi wanaougua ugonjwa wa saratani. Swala hili limekuwa ni donda sugu. Zamani tulitambua saratani kama ugonjwa wa matajiri pekee, lakini jambo la kusikitisha zaidi ni kwamba maskini ndio wanaoumia zaidi. Ninashukuru sana kamati iliyowasilisha ardhihali hii Bungeni na kutushawishi kuongeza mafao ya bima ya afya ndani ya SHA kutoka Ksh500,000 mpaka Ksh800,000 kwa wagonjwa wa saratani.

Ugonjwa huu wa saratani ni ghali sana. Watu wameuza mashamba, mifugo na nyumba zao. Wengine wamepoteza mali yao kwa sababu ya jitihada za kuokoa maisha ya wapendwa wao wanaougua saratani. Leo hii, sisi tulioketi hapa tuna nafasi ya kubadilisha msimamo kuhusu saratani katika Kenya yetu. Jukumu letu kama Serikali ni kuhakisha kwamba maisha ya Wakenya yako salama na tunawasaidia kadri tuwezavyo. Sina budi ila kuunga mkono Ardhihali hii, kwa sababu wagonjwa wote wa saratani nchini Kenya ambao wamejiandikisha kwa SHA watapata ongezeko la mafao. Hii inamaanisha kwamba tutampunguzia mzigo mwananchi wa chini.

Pia, naunga mkono Hoja hii kwa sababu inazungumzia utambuzi wa mapema wa magonjwa kama haya. Kuna umuhimu wa Wakenya kuelimishwa na kuhamasishwa kuhusu utambuzi wa mapema wa magonjwa kama haya. Kwa hivyo, natumai kuna kipengele katika Ardhilhali hii ambayo imetufikia na inaweza kusaidia Wakenya kwa kuhakikisha kuwa kuna mikatati sawa ya kuweza kutambua ugonjwa huu mapema ili usisambae mwilini.

Ningetaka utambuzi wa mapema uendelee. Tunajua kuwa saratani ikigunduliwa kama haijafika staji ya juu, watu wanaweza wukutibiwa na kupona. Vilevile, Ardhilhali hii ni muhimu kwetu ambao tunatoka sehemu ambazo hakuna hospitali. Ardhihali hii inajaribu kuharakisha Wizara ya Afya iweze kulipa zile hospitali za mashinani bima ya SHA mapema. Pesa zikikwama Nairobi zinatatiza maswala ya kusimamia hospitali. Kwa niaba ya wagonjwa wa saratani humu Kenya, naunga Ardhihali hii mkono.

Asante sana Mheshimiwa wa Malindi. Sina uhakika kama lugha hii ya Kiswahili ikifika Bondo itaendelea.

(Kicheko) Mhe. Ochanda, nimesema kwamba sina uhakika kuwa lugha hii ikifika Bondo kama itaendelea.

(Kicheko) Lakini nimejulishwa kuwa hata hujaelewa ninasema nini. (Kicheko) Mheshimiwa wa Bondo, nafasi ni yako.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, there is a risk that if you are too careful, you will not speak Swahili well, unlike Hon. Kimani, who volunteered to speak.

The cancer menace knows no age, gender, wealth, or poverty. It is with us, and we must recognise it and approach it with the seriousness it deserves. It has been said many times that the greatest challenge we face is detecting cancer. While we continue to discuss access to treatment, such access primarily serves those who have already been diagnosed. Yet, a far greater number of Kenyans are living with cancer without knowing it. So, when we speak about access, which in my view should be mandatory—and I repeat, mandatory—any person diagnosed with cancer should access treatment at any health facility at any time once the condition is identified. I wish to emphasise the importance of early detection. The more we leave detection to individual initiative, the more cases we are likely to have in this country.

If we could explore additional proactive ways of detecting cancer, we could make meaningful progress. When a person presents with common symptoms such as headaches or suspected malaria and seeks medical attention, elements of cancer screening should be included in routine medical check-ups. While I appreciate that some may be uncomfortable with mandatory measures, this would help us move forward as a country.

Many people detect this condition late, yet the later it is detected, the more expensive and dangerous it becomes. When identified early, at stages one and two, it is widely recognised as manageable and treatable. A critical challenge, however, is the persistence of stigma. HIV carries stigma largely because people were accused of “looking for it”, whereas for cancer, it is different. I do not believe there should be any stigma that prevents us from encouraging patients to undergo screening whenever they are in a health facility. People should go ahead and get screened.

I am aware that some people fear a cancer diagnosis, even at early stages such as stage one or two. Some end up dying immediately from the stress. However, the reality is that cancer is already with us. We must, therefore, establish strong public education programmes to encourage screening, so that whenever individuals visit health facilities for any reason, they can also undergo cancer screening. Early detection will make it easier to manage it for all Kenyans, thus helping our country to move forward.

Thank you.

Very well. Hon. Makali Mulu.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. This issue of cancer is truly a matter of national concern, as many families have been affected. One of the most common consequences is that it drives families into poverty. Many end up selling everything they have, and at the end, they still lose their loved one.

I support greater Government support for cancer patients at all stages. As the disease progresses, managing it becomes increasingly expensive. In that regard, I agree with Hon. Ochanda, particularly on the importance of early screening. I remember when HIV and AIDS were first reported in this country, though it was not anchored on any law, it became standard practice that any pregnant mother visiting a health facility would be tested. Based on the results, whether positive or negative, appropriate counselling would follow.

I believe time has come for us to adopt a similar approach to cancer. Whenever individuals visit health facilities, there should be some level of screening. This would require making screening affordable and informing people of its importance, so that they stop viewing it as a killer disease. It has reached a point where when one is told they have cancer, they take it as a death certificate.

As Parliament, we must take the screening issue very seriously. As a House responsible for resource allocation, we should not only allocate funds for treatment, but also for early screening. We could consider allocating a dedicated budget line for cancer screening, so that diagnoses are made early, and patients can be assisted in good time.

There are many organisations, both governmental and non-governmental, that champion cancer-related matters. However, many of them tend to intervene when the disease is already advanced. These organisations could also play a greater role in public education helping Kenyans understand what cancer is and that it is not always a death sentence. People can survive if it is detected early and managed properly.

I may not have all the data, but it is said that in countries such as Germany and the United States (US) , people hardly die of cancer. They have developed ways to treat it, but it is very expensive. If we move in the same direction, we will not only save lives but also protect families from falling into poverty. Many families have been financially drained by cancer.

As Members of Parliament, we regularly receive requests for assistance with medical bills. In most cases, one looks at the bill and realises one's hands are tied. It is usually in the

hundreds of thousands or millions of shillings, so if you were to contribute Ksh20,000, it would be a drop in the sea. We should, therefore, also explore ways of making cancer treatment more affordable. This will be helpful.

Finally, we must strengthen our public health institutions. Even in Levels Four, Five, and Six hospitals, capacity remains limited. Some lack essential drugs, while others lack enough specialists, particularly oncologists. We need to build our doctors' capacity so that we have enough medical personnel in our health institution, thus making treatment accessible and affordable to many Kenyans. It will be cheap, and this will help our people.

With those many remarks, I support the Motion. Thank you.

Very well. Hon. Mayaka.

Asante sana, Mhe. Spika wa Muda, kwa kunipatia fursa hii ili nichangie Hoja ya dua hili la ugonjwa wa saratani katika nchi yetu. Kama vile umeskia Waheshimiwa wengine wakisema, ugonjwa huu unaumiza sana anayeugua, familia yake na wanaomzingira kwa sababu kutibu ni ghali sana. Ugonjwa huu ni moja wapo wa magonjwa ambayo hujulikana wakati yamefika hatua ya pili, tatu au nne. Umetajwa kama janga la taifa ama national disaster. Serikali inafaa iweke pesa za kutosha katika hospitali zinazotumiwa na kila mtu. Ili tuweze kufanya uchunguzi wa mapema, yaani early screening, wa ugonjwa huu. Hii itahakikisha kuwa wanaougua ugonjwa huu wamepata matibabu. Pia, wale ambao hawajui kuwa wanaugua ugonjwa huu watajua mapema kuwa wana saratani na wapate matibabu mapema.

Jambo lingine ambalo lazima tuhakikishe linafanywa ni watu kusomeshwa kuhusu saratani na kufanywa uchunguzi mapema. Wakenya wanafaa kuhimizwa kuhusu saratani ya matiti na wafanye uchunguzi kila mwaka. Kama hakuna masomo, madaktari au hospitali zinazoeleza watu kuhusu ugonjwa huu, watu wanaogopa. Wanafikiri wakifanya uchunguzi na wapatikane na saratani, hawataweza bei ghali ya matibabu.

Naunga mkono Hoja hii. Kama Wabunge, tuhakikishe tumeizingatia ili Serikali yetu, pamoja na hifadhi za hospitali, na Waziri wa Afya walione kama jambo la muhimu sana.

Kwa hayo machache, naomba kuunga mkono Hoja ya dua hili. Asante.

Member for Nyeri Town.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Report of the Departmental Committee on Health on the Petition on access to healthcare by cancer patients in the country. I am a Member of the Departmental Committee on Health.

Before we speak about the people whose cancer status has not been determined or screened, we will look at the situation that cancer patients go through in this country. Their families and relatives are confined to a life of poverty by the treatment protocol that exists. Diagnosing cancer comes at a cost. Unfortunately, the entire diagnostic process is outpatient. We have been telling patients to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) , under the Primary Healthcare Fund so that they can access ultrasounds, x-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) scans, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) . However, none of the primary healthcare facilities has the capacity to diagnose cancer, not even the most elementary diagnostic tool of cancer markers in blood.

Therefore, cancer patients have to remain in the queue as cancer continues to advance and eat their bodies until they find money to pay for CT scans that cost Ksh6,800 in Nyeri County and MRIs, some of which are not available in this country. My mother needed an endocrine Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan. We had to fly her out of this country because the treatment and diagnostic procedures were not available here. Despite SHA being fully paid up, she did not get the support. How many families are in my position in this country? How many can afford to fly their relatives, children or parents out of this country for a PET scan?

The treatment package offered by SHA cannot cover the entire package for chemotherapy, breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and gastrointestinal cancer. When that treatment has to be combined with radiotherapy, the patient’s relatives, parents and their communities have no choice but to fundraise.

The Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Duale, has announced that the Government has increased the cancer package from Ksh450,000 to Ksh800,000. I have to call the Ministry of Health to order. The Ksh150,000 promised to cancer patients is supposed to come from the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), yet that component of the Fund has not been activated. Why are we lying to Kenyans? Why should a Cabinet Secretary lie to Kenyans?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, could I have one more minute?

Your time will be up soon. Kindly wind up.

The Petition by cancer patients and the

Report of this Committee should be adopted wholeheartedly by this House. More importantly,

Thank you. Your time is up. Hon. Members, we have an adjournment Motion at exactly 5.30 p.m. That is why we shall not add any more time to any speaker. Hon. Jessica Mbalu.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Report of the Departmental Committee on Health on Public Petition No. 21 of 2025 on access to healthcare by cancer patients in the country.

This Petition was brought to this House by the Kenya Network of Cancer Organisations (KENCO) , which represented a coalition of over 70 civil society groups and thousands of cancer patients. The petitioners' prayers address the issues affecting cancer patients in our country. They face systemic failure under SHA. Families spend a lot of money on the treatment of cancer. It causes a lot of traumas to the families and patients. Some of the Report's findings are that hospitals suspend services to cancer patients due to the SHA's lack of payment.

There are so many needless delays to cancer treatment. The cancer treatment costs are overwhelming as families spend a lot of money. We have lost our family members and constituents while others are very sick. In terms of statistics, today 10 women die of cancer every day—breast and cervical cancers. This is very traumatising. There is also the issue of late diagnosis. By the time you go to the hospital, you are told that you have stage three or four cancer.

Cancer is very expensive to treat. So, I support raising the medical cover from Ksh400,000 to Ksh1 million or more, and not Ksh800,000. You have heard how one Member said that they tried to fly their mother to India for treatment. Why can this country not put the right machines for cancer screening? This is what we are calling upon.

There is inadequate allocation to the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC Fund) . We call upon the Government to allocate enough funds to PHC Fund. We must also end delays in disbursement of those funds. We have to improve transparency in SHA and also stop suspensions to the treatment of the cancer patients. We must create sustainable cancer financing.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, with that I support the Motion.

Hon. Gachobe.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to support the Motion. Cancer is a national disaster. Today, almost every family is affected by cancer and most families are drained by this disease. Most of the Harambees that we attend are for cancer patients to access treatment, especially chemotherapy

which is draining them. In my opinion, the Government needs to set a special fund to cater for cancer patients because most of these families are vulnerable. Most families in the villages earn very little. Therefore, accessing this cancer treatment is very expensive for them. We recommend that the Government sets up a special fund. As Members of Parliament, we also need to make sure that we enact laws that prohibit cancer patients from being denied access to treatment due to lack of money. It is better that they access the services, get treated, then issues of money can be planned in a way that they can pay in instalments as they can afford.

I also recommend that we strengthen health insurance to fully cover cancer patients so that we reduce the burden of our cancer patients. That way, most of our cancer patients can access chemotherapy. For example, in my constituency, I have a cancer patient who attends chemotherapy every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. However, his status cannot allow him to access those services as required. Today, where we sit, we pay heavily on insurance, especially on SHA. The amount of money being deducted from our salaries today is huge but we still continue carrying the burden of paying for cancer patients. If the Government can intervene and pay for cancer patients, most of them can celebrate. Most families have carried these burdens, are being drained, have sold their properties and have no peace.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the Government needs to intervene. Thank you. I support.

Member for Kabondo Kasipul. Hon. Eve, I have been informed that you have already contributed to this Motion. You are the one who moved that the debate be adjourned under Standing Order 96. So, I will indulge you to be the last contributor on this.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Let me also join my colleagues in supporting this Motion. Each one of us here is affected in one way or the other by cancer. If not a family member, it is a friend, a colleague or a constituent—us being elected leaders. We have all gone through numerous harambees to support the medical bills for the patients. Most of the time the bills are highly inflated. You wonder how a medical bill can get to Ksh10 or Ksh15 million for a two-week stay. This is a timely Report. As a country, we need to be deliberate on the action we can take to give comfort in terms of financial strain and treatment that cancer patients go through.

First and foremost, raising the limit of the cover is paramount. The Ksh400,000 that is allocated is not sufficient at all. It gets exhausted within three or four treatments. In the hospitals that cancer patients go to, there are tests, including pap smear and screenings for prostate and breast cancers. Those are what we call preventive measures. And if these tests are charged at the bare minimum, through SHA, we would have helped a lot of patients because at the time that the cancer is being diagnosed, most likely it is already at the third or fourth stage. In most cases, the patient is told there is no hope and may end up dying after spending nearly all family resources, or even the resources of friends, to get treatment.

As I sit, once again, I support and propose that hospitals within the counties be given capacity so that they can provide, at least, the most basic requirements. The machines should be available locally instead of patients having to travel to Eldoret, Nairobi, or other very expensive private hospitals. This should have been done yesterday. We owe it to Kenyan citizens to provide affordable healthcare. Particularly for cancer patients, the charges, should be a fraction, perhaps a quarter, of what is currently being charged.

One of the most unfortunate cases is when patients are charged excessive bills. Hospitals then detain patients, and the bills continue to accumulate. Is there something we can do as a country to ensure that once a bill reaches a certain amount, no further accumulation is allowed, even if the hospital detains the patient? The patient must live with dignity.

Once again, I support. Thank you very much.

Very well. Hon. Members, I see there is still interest in this Motion. As you recall earlier, the time being 5.32 p.m., there was an appointed time for the Adjournment Motion by Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu to be moved at

We will now proceed to the Adjournment Motion by Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu. Kindly note that only the Mover will have 10 minutes. Every other speaker, regardless of the position they hold, will have five minutes on this Motion, in accordance with Standing Order 33.

Go ahead.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I wish to begin by thanking Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly and Members of this House who stood up to support the adjournment of the House in order to discuss this important matter—a matter of grave concern to Kenyans, specifically to the people of Ukambani, where I come from.

The genesis of this Motion is what happened over the weekend of 25th and 26th May

Hon. Members, I know this situation. In the year 2019/2020, I was part of the delegation of the Committee in charge of Administration and National Security, which visited this area. Hon. Makali Mulu, we had difficulties landing. But I remember we ultimately did so with the support of the police and by the time we were leaving, we instructed that those herdsmen were to be removed from the area immediately, which happened. So, this is shocking that it continues to recur. I do not know what could be done. But Hon. Makali Mulu, begin thinking about how best this could be brought so that Parliament comes with resolute and actionable recommendations.

Let us have the Hon. Stephen Mule. Hon. Members, you have five minutes each to contribute to the Standing Orders.

Thank you very much. First, I want to pass my condolences to the people of Mwingi and the families who lost their loved ones during this heinous attack on Saturday afternoon at Kwa Kamari. As a House, I think it is high time we put the context of this issue into a broader perspective, because issues of insecurity are affecting every corner of this country. It is sad to see thugs

organise themselves and attack a village and a shopping centre in the afternoon in broad daylight and they do not spare anybody, including the kids. It seems that this is a culture created by the so-called thugs to evade border and grazing areas. If you look at it from a broader perspective, it has occurred in Mwingi. I am also aware that it is happening along the borders of Samburu, Isiolo, Meru, and several other parts of the country.

Over 60 years after independence, this is the saddest and most heinous act we have experienced as a community and as a region. I want to call upon the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, our brother and friend, Hon. Murkomen, to stop rhetorical statements and put security agencies on notice.

Why am I saying this? The other day, we saw a sitting Member of Parliament attacked in broad daylight in a shopping mall by an organised group of thugs—you may call them goons. However, when the Cabinet Secretary appeared before a Committee of this House, I was

shocked to hear him say that they had arrested three people and that the others had fled to neighbouring countries. That is the joke of the year.

The Ministry and internal security agencies must treat the security of all Kenyans, not only those who were attacked on Saturday, as a priority. We cannot allow this country to go down that route when we are approaching elections next year.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I have been with you in this House for the last 10 years or so. You know very well that as we head towards elections, things become thick in this country. Everybody goes into survival mode and wants to use survival tactics. What happened in Mwingi is not an isolated case; it is happening in other parts of the Ukambani border, across Tana River and Garissa, and extending to Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, and even Turkana

Sixty years down the line, I believe this country needs a better approach to issues of security for its citizens and the protection of property. When a government starts failing, as the one currently in power is, it resorts to using the so-called goons instead of proper security agencies and apparatus.

I want to say this without fear of contradiction that enough is enough when it comes to insecurity in border areas where grazing takes place and where communities may be having issues. The Ministry must come up with a clear formula and inform Kenyans of the steps they are taking, and how we are going to safeguard this country going forward.

It is a sad afternoon. It has been a sad...

Hon. (Eng) Paul Nzengu, Member for Mwingi North.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this discussion. I thank the Speaker of the National Assembly for allowing this Motion to be debated at this special time, so that we can discuss this matter of national importance. I represent the area where this heinous act was committed, and this is not the first time it has happened. From 2015 to date, 85 people have been killed in Tseikuru and 70 in Gomeni in a similar manner.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, for those who may not know, Mwingi North and Kitui County has no border with communities that keep camels. In fact, we do not have people who keep camels; camels are foreign to our land. No one in Kitui County keeps camels and even in our neighbouring county, Tana River County, the Borana people do not keep camels. Therefore, these camels are coming from the far north, from Wajir and Mandera and they are passing through Tana River, which happens to be our border. For us, the Kamba and Borana communities have historically done business together in selling goats and sheep, because the people in Tana River keep goats and we also keep them.

So, I want to report, for the benefit of those who may not know, that we have no neighbours who keep camels. This means that these camels are coming from Wajir and Mandera. The problem we have in Mwingi North now is as a result of camels brought from the North Eastern region. People have come, they have been accommodated by our communities and they have been allowed to graze in certain areas. However, they do not respect the Kamba community. After the grazing areas are depleted, they push the camels into the farms of the Kamba people. When questioned, they say this is food for the camels because God has brought rain and rain has brought pasture.

The problem here is about respect. I want to say that it has reached a point where, if nothing is done, it is going to be a very bad situation in the coming days. This is killing of innocent people. One of the men who was killed was just an old man. He had relatives around the area, so he would move from one home to another, visiting and getting food. These people came and killed such an old man in cold blood, without any provocation. They even went ahead and burned three shops, a petrol station and a bar in that area. They also stabbed, with an arrow,

a very young boy who is only two years old. So, this is not normal crime, this is a serious provocation of the community.

Over time, our people have tried to make peace with these groups. At times, elders have sat down, the Kamba elders and Somali community elders based in Boka wells and agreed to co-exist. They agreed that if a camel enters a farm, compensation would be paid, and if a camel is killed, the Kamba community would also compensate. However, when camels destroy our farms, no compensation is paid, yet our people still pay when a camel is harmed. This has created an imbalanced relationship. As the Member of Parliament for that constituency, I say that until a lasting solution is found, all livestock keepers who have moved into Mwingi North should return to where they came from.

Lastly, I request an additional minute because this is very important. There is a police station in Kwa Kamari that was built by the county government but has not been operationalised. I want to ask the Government of Kenya to operationalise that police station within the next one week and deploy officers so that we can have adequate security.

There is also a problem of network coverage. I want to appeal to the Communications Authority of Kenya. When these attacks happened, residents made frantic efforts to call police officers in Tseikuru, but they could not get through because there is no network in that area. That area has a registered polling station, an early childhood school and many people conducting business there.

Hon. Charles Ngusya, where did you derive the powers to dictate to the Speaker what to do? Hon. Nzengu will have one more minute. I appeal to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) to direct Safaricom or Airtel to install a mast in the affected area with immediate effect, to enhance security. A stretch of approximately 30 kilometres within the Mwingi North Game Reserve currently has no network coverage and has become a haven for criminals. If network connectivity is established, police officers stationed in Kwa Kamari will operate more efficiently and promptly respond to any criminal threats.

Camel herders live in manyattas while the Kamba live in well-constructed houses. We suspect that illegal firearms are hidden within the manyattas Therefore, I urge the Inspector- General of the Police to conduct a thorough security operation to flush out criminals who may be hiding in the area.

Let us have Hon. Harold Kimuge Kipchumba.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I wish to convey my condolences to those who lost their loved ones and to wish a quick recovery to those who were injured. I strongly condemn any form of animosity and violence amongst communities in this country. Kenya is a diverse nation. Communities should not compete against each other. Instead, we should strive to live together and build our nation.

It is sad, especially for some of us who have experienced the effects and consequences of conflict. Let us reflect on the events of the 2007/2008 Post-Election Violence. Some people have never recovered from that conflict. As an elder, I wish to state that the current signs must not be ignored. With barely a year to the next General Election, we are already witnessing pockets of skirmishes, violence, intolerance and intimidation. It is worrying. It is time that we collectively rose up to address that threat. The Kriegler Commission Report indicated that the 2007/2008 Post-Election Violence crisis occurred largely because leaders ignored early warning signs. Current events have the potential to not only divide our people, but to also harm many others who may not even be directly involved in the conflict. A conflict in any part of this country is a conflict in the entire nation.

I wish to highlight two key issues. First, is the role of leaders in fuelling animosity. Many of us tend to shy away from the statements that we make as politicians and leaders. Some

of those statements fuel division and conflict among our people. Some leaders make statements that make others feel isolated and promote “us versus them” mentality. That must be stopped. We must reject any attempts to legitimise division or promote prejudice among our people. Legitimising division among people and using prejudice against communities is what will destroy our land. We must stop amplifying divisions and creating fear and narratives that there are Kenyans who are others and us. I call upon the House to condemn any Member and leader that brings division among the people.

We must stop mobilising conflicts and goons. It is very unfortunate when there are double standards in addressing issues in this country. People are seeing it. There is what is called an emergency intervention when it is in one corner. It takes forever to react when it happens in another corner. We must stop this. I bring it to the attention of security agencies that you shall be held personally liable for any inaction and commission.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Rose Museo, you are recognised to make your contribution.

Asante sana kwa nafasi hii. Ningependa kuongezea sauti yangu kwa mjadala huu ambao umeleta habari za kusikitisha sana kutoka Mwingi North. Ninatoa rambirambi zangu kwa waliopoteza maisha yao na familia zilizoachwa na wapendwa kwa sababu ya vita vilivyotokea pale.

Ninashangaa ni kwanini tuwe na vita baina ya watu wa upande wa Mwingi North na kabila jirani. Tumeishi na wao miaka mingi. Tunaishi vizuri na Wasomali na Waborana wanaofanya biashara mbalimbali katika maeneo mengi huko Ukambani. Kuna shida imetokea ya kupigana kwa sababu ya ngamia. Mimi kama mwakilishi wa kinamama nasema kwamba tuko na ngamia wengi sana huko Makueni. Tunawapa vichaka vyetu kulisha wanapokuja wakati hakuna malisho kwao.

Ni jambo la kusikitisha na kushangaza kama wameanza mambo ya kuua wenzetu. Ni kwa nini vita hivi vimeanza tukiwa tumebakisha mwaka mmoja tu kuelekea kwa uchaguzi mkuu wa nchi hii ya Kenya? Ni jambo la kuhuzunisha kusikia ripoti kama hizo za wananchi kuishi bila usalama. Amiri Jeshi Mkuu wetu ni Rais mwenyewe. Anafaa kutoa amri kwamba watu wanaopita mipaka hiyo warudi kwao na kutangaza tuweze kuishi kwa amani.

Maneno haya ni mambo ambayo yalitushangaza na kutusikitisha. Tuelewe ni jambo lipi linafanyika na mauaji yamefikia vipi. Wanaokuja kuua wanaua watu ambao wako innocent ilhali wao wamejihami. Ni vibaya na ujeuri mkubwa sana kuja na ngamia zako, kuziingiza ndani ya shamba langu na kunitusi zikila mahindi yangu. Nikiongea, unaniua.

Ninaiomba Serikali ilichukulie jambo hili maanani sana. Linahatarisha maisha ya wengi. Sio Mwingi North peke yake, bali ni Kenya nzima. Hata sisi ambao tunaona ngamia kwetu tunaanza kuogopa kwamba tutaanza kuona wakija na visu wakitaka kutumaliza kule Makueni. Tulijua kwamba vita vilikuwa vinaangalia upande wa Kitui South na Mwingi South. Lakini sasa kama tunakubali kulisha basi tutaishi vipi kama majirani?

Ninaomba Serikali iamrishe, mkuu wa polisi ama anayeangalia maslahi ya security achukue hatua mara moja. Sisi kama viongozi tuone amechukua hatua na jambo hilo lisifanyike tena ili kuleta uwiano baina ya makabila haya mawili. Sisi sote ni Wakenya, na hakuna ambaye si Mkenya.

Hivyo, ninaomba jambo hilo lifanywe kwa haraka. Asante sana.

Next is Hon. Mulyungi because of rank.

Thank you, Hon Temporary Speaker. I rise to contribute to this adjournment Motion that touches my heart deep inside because our people have been affected and what is happening at the border between Tana River and Kitui counties is completely unacceptable.

This border conflict between our people in Kitui and Tana River has been going on for a long time. Recently, many people have lost their lives. At Kwa Kamari in Tseikuru, several people were massacred and today in the morning in my constituency at a place called Ukasi, Kiio and Kathungu, a young school boy was killed by camel herders. Because of that, you cannot go to Garissa now. The road is blocked as we speak. The road from Thika all the way to Garissa is blocked at Guni and Ukasi by the locals. It is a big issue as we speak and it is a matter that must be addressed very urgently because how can you kill a school boy? How can you kill old people, women and young people in Kwa Kamari? How do you massacre those kinds of people? Profiling has been going on recently in Garissa where the Kamba have been profiled by the locals there and they are being massacred. As late as yesterday, a woman was abducted in Garissa town and a knife was inserted in her private parts. It is completely unacceptable and it is a matter that must be stopped with immediate effect.

Allow me to pass my condolences to the bereaved families and the family of the woman who a knife was inserted in her private parts when she was alive. It is completely inhuman and those people must be apprehended and properly prosecuted. They should not be living with human beings in Kenya.

As we speak, instead of the security agencies trying to calm the situation, tear gas is flowing along Garissa Road. Instead of the police trying to negotiate with the affected community, they are now throwing tear gas at them hence inciting them more. What is going to happen now is that there will be retaliatory attacks. I am appealing to the people of Ukambani not to retaliate because the fights and killings will continue. We are asking security agencies to restore peace at the border of Tana River, all the way from Mwingi North to Mwingi Central, and Kitui East to Mutomo in Kitui South so that people can live in peace and the conflict stops.

These criminals and camel herders are known but whenever they invade our territory or attack our people, nothing happens but if a Kamba attacks a camel herder, they will be quickly arrested and taken to court or even killed. Therefore, I am asking the President of Kenya; the Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Murkomen and the IG to take swift action, make a pronouncement and make peace at the border of Tana River and Kitui counties. I am asking our people to stay calm when this is happening so that we can protect them and prevent further loss of lives.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Charles Ngusia, the Member for Mwingi West.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I just want to refer you to Article 27 (1) of our Constitution that says that every person is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law. What happened in Tseikuru deserves blanket condemnation across all quarters. For how long are we going to say sorry? We cannot count the number of times our people have been subjected to this ethnically motivated violent extremism. Enough is enough. We are tired. We need a solution. I am shocked.

Hon. Charles Ngusya, are you saying this is ethnic strife or is it a battle for resources?

Of course, Hon. Temporary Speaker. If you cross-examine very well what has been happening, it is Kambas who are actually executed most of the time by a certain community which violates our privacy or rather trespasses our boundaries.

I am also concerned that we have not heard of any statement from the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Principal Secretary and even the Inspector-General of Police. We deserve attention on this matter. We have met the Principal Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary a couple of times. Every time we come up with solutions

after solutions in Mwingi North, Mwingi Central, Kitui East and Kitui South, but none have been implemented. I would like us to come up with a solution, or implement the policies we came up with.

We agreed to resolve boundary disputes, which have not been resolved. We need to stress this issue. Secondly, we agreed that everybody should get out of the game reserve because most of the people who have been perpetrating this violent extremism have been living in the game reserve. It only takes logistics from the Kenya Wildlife Service to secure the boundaries, fence the whole place, secure it and evict everybody out of the game reserve. When such matters occur, the State usually comes to the rescue and offers solutions. We call upon the Government to take care of all medical, mortuary bills and expenses, and even provide economic solutions for the families affected by the violence.

In Tseikuru area and beyond, Safaricom and Airtel mobile networks have not reached there. We call upon the Government to intervene to make sure we have adequate network that will enhance security in those areas. We also want to have improved road networks in that area. We have been witnessing development in other areas. People in that area are also taxpayers. We need special intervention in terms of infrastructural development to ensure we enhance security.

With those few remarks, Hon. Temporary Speaker, I take this opportunity to condole with the families that lost the lives of their loved ones. I call upon the Government to take immediate action. The President, Cabinet Secretary and the Inspector-General of the Police should remark on this matter so that we may be comforted. Our community does not retaliate.

Next is Hon. Jessica Mbalu because of rank.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to contribute. Let me start by conveying my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I also wish quick recovery to those who were attacked and are in hospital.

These heinous acts are very traumatising in this country. How do you kill seven innocent people? We believe that others are in the game reserve, and are yet to be found. These attackers targeted old people, women and youth. Damaris Matei Mbila was 36 years old. For heaven’s sake, how do you attack a woman and leave children motherless? It is very frustrating. Nicholas Syengo was a 70-year-old man who was harmless. How can you attack such a person simply because of pasture and the interests of the herders? Tito Munyoki was 29 years old. We are already mourning the loss of our youth. These and many others were killed at Kwa Kamari area on Saturday, 25th April 2026, at around 9.48 p.m. Deaths have been reported and all the victims are from the Kamba Community. We call upon the Government for protection. Otherwise, people will take matters into their hands. The people are crying and unhappy because of these heinous acts.

Drought needs to be addressed by this Government. Possession of firearms, including unlicensed ones, should also be addressed by the Government. We must operationalise Tseikuru and Kwa Kamari Police Station. We have weak policing in some areas. When we talk about insecurity, we are not only speaking about it in Tseikuru or Mwingi, but we are also speaking about the protection of our people across the entire country.

Forty attackers stormed a shopping centre and attacked people, and others at the reserve. We cannot be told that they could not be apprehended because of poor roads. That cannot be accepted at all. In fact, it is more hurting. We have poor roads and police officers who cannot apprehend 40 attackers. They attacked a very harmless woman in a shopping centre, and cut her into pieces. Women are known to be harmless. This is very frustrating.

We call upon the Ministry of Interior and National Government to go to the ground and address the situation. We have heard that all roads have been blocked because people are saying

enough is enough. We cannot allow our people to be killed. Once a person dies, you cannot replace that life, even if you compensate the family, pay the mortuary bills and funeral expenses. If only we can say we want our people back. That is the only way our people can get satisfied. We must bring this to a stop.

The Member of Parliament for Laikipia West, Hon. Wachira Karani.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this Adjournment Motion by the Member for Kitui Central, Hon. Makali Muli. I come from a constituency that has also been affected by insecurity in the past. When I served in the 11th Parliament, I had a lot of stress. I could not even go for a week without people getting killed in my constituency. I want to applaud this Government because, in our area, and in neighbouring counties such as Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, Samburu and Isiolo, we used to have a lot of stress, but that matter has been addressed.

My heart goes out to the seven lives that were lost. These were innocent people. They were not sick; they were not suffering from anything. They were simply killed. Listening to Hon. Makali Mulu move the Motion, those people were shot. I wondered where the security agencies were, yet they are expected to address how such weapons enter the country. This is a very sad moment.

Although my constituency is currently stable, as the saying goes, mwenzako akinyolewa, tia chako maji. That means that we do not know where the problem will arise next. I, therefore, call upon the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Interior and National Administration and the Inspector-General to act with speed and address this matter. Let me also caution my colleagues that we should call criminals by their names. I represent a constituency that reflects the face of Kenya, with all tribes of Kenya represented. Whenever such incidents arise, we want to refer to the criminal by his name. If Wachira is a criminal, let us call him by his name and not the ethnic group that he comes from.

I support.

Hon. Samwel Moroto, Member of Parliament for Kapenguria.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this chance to give my input.

I condole with the families who have lost their loved ones. Some of us have been here for some time and have seen governments come and go. The current Government is doing well in development and uniting people. However, on security, more needs to be done. I hope the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, its Members and the Leader of the Majority Party are here. This House must give directions. We are doing well in development, which is why I am part of it.

It is not only these people who are suffering. Even in the North Rift, there appears to be a coordinated operation against cattle rustling, but at times, it goes beyond that, affecting innocent people. Houses are burnt, and those travelling are beaten by the police. The other group—there is a name they call themselves—harass even Administrators like County Commissioners and Officers Commanding Police Divisions (OCPDs) . I do not know where they come from. During Moi’s era, we had something called: “Operation Nyundo” but it did not stop anything. I always respect that. When Kibaki came in, he brought something called: “Operation Dumisha Amani” where the military doctors used to treat people. We do not see that now. Military water engineers would drill boreholes to get water for our animals and human beings between Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Turkana counties. That operation stopped. There is nothing up to now. I hope leaders from Trans Nzoia and Turkana counties are here.

Although there are some young men who are trying to bring… Unajua, they are like the pick pockets here. Because they may not have anything to do, they come and pick anything from people.

Let us give the Government ample time to bring Kenyans together and let us check on the security issue. I have been to several cells in Kenya like Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Shimo La Tewa Maximum Security Prison and Kodiaga Maximum Security Prison. Let us be serious on this matter as Kenyans.

As Members, we are doing well, even from the way you are sitting there, but let us now challenge ourselves on what to do with Kenyans. The young and low-income people are now happy with what the Government is doing. However, those in charge of security are harassing them as if they are benefitting. Let the Committee in charge of security tell us what is happening.

The Departmental Committee on Lands should visit my constituency because there is a lot of corruption. I have gone to court because somebody brought a title deed to my family claiming that where we are is his land. I never saw such a thing in all the previous governments; only in the current one.

Thank you.

Hon. Joshua Kimilu.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for the opportunity. Before I contribute, I want to, first, condole with the families that lost their loved ones and their properties. Enough is enough. This is a serious matter that needs to end going forward. I wonder what type of a country we are living in. We have a Government in place, yet people are being slaughtered and killed every day.

The issue in Mwingi is different from the one of North-Eastern which involves pastoral communities. The issue in Mwingi is between pastoral communities and crop-growing communities. That is something that can be sorted once and for all. The Government is aware of what is happening but it is lax. I want to warn the Government that whatever it does today, will haunt it tomorrow. The Government cannot allow people to kill each other while its watching. We have the police, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Intelligence Service of Kenya (NIS) in that area. Information should flow from down to top. I do not know why action has not been taken and yet we keep on talking about insecurity in Mwingi. It is not the first time we are having this challenge in that area. If you go to Kwa Kamari, you will find that a police station has been built there, which has not even been given a single police officer, yet people are fighting and killing each other. This is something we should not tolerate.

I spoke to the area Member of Parliament yesterday, who was in shock because of the situation affecting his people. One cannot sleep when people are being killed. I want to know what the Government is doing about this issue. We do not need to be giving statements saying action will be taken, and people are killing each other. If we are taking police officers to Haiti and people are killing each other in our country, what are we showing the world? I blame the Government because it is aware of what is happening. Even if the Government does not want to give us development, why can it not give us security? We are Kenyans. We pay taxes. This is unacceptable.

I am bitter because I went to Kisumu over the weekend. We had a rally there and saw goons prepare to come and disrupt our meeting. This is very bad. The issue of goons that we are talking about, will escalate and cause problems in this country. It is only that they did not know we are unstoppable.

Order, Hon. Joshua Kimilu. We are dealing with a very serious issue regarding the matter raised by Hon. David Makali. Could you attend to it in the short time that you have?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. When I mentioned Kisumu, I do not know whether it is the time that you mentioned, but it is okay. We need to see action being taken. There must be a clear solution to the border issue. We have been discussing this matter for a long time, and if action had been taken earlier, we would not be facing what we are experiencing today.

Those who are coming to graze in Mwingi, while others are farming there, are acting unlawfully. Those responsible are well known, and such actions are unacceptable. I want to tell you, Mr Duale, you have to remove your camels from that area. That is not your home. You cannot come and graze your camels in areas where people are living in peace.

Order, Hon. Kimilu. Hon. Duale is not before the House. Hon. Joshua Kimili, you know the procedure if you wish to discuss Hon. Duale. Withdraw that.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, after this, I will move a Motion to address the issue. Let me return to the matter at hand. I want to ask what the Inspector-General and the Cabinet Secretary are doing about this situation, because we are Kenyan citizens…

Give him a minute to conclude. You see what happens when you digress.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I wish to conclude by stating that we need to draw a clear line and acknowledge that there is a lapse in Government security. We want to deal with this matter before Hon. Kalonzo becomes the President of this country. We cannot wait for another one-and-a-half years. Why can we not see decisive steps being taken? Our people are calm and patient but can take matters into their own hands, and that would have serious consequences. We do not want to reach that point. We need peace and security in this country. Those in authority must fulfil their responsibilities. This is a serious matter and I am bitter. People are being killed while others are going around on top of their cars, saying what they have done to this country. That is nonsense.

Thank you.

Hon. Caleb Mule is recognised to speak.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to contribute to the Adjournment Motion by Hon. Makali regarding insecurity in the Mwingi North area. I stand to condole with the families that lost their lives in this bad incident and wish quick recovery to those who were injured. I ask for peaceful coexistence between the two communities, Somali and the Kamba communities. One of the communities takes advantage of the other. They arrogantly bring their camels to graze on other tribes' livelihood, that is their maize. That is being arrogant. And when they try to prevent the camels from eating their maize crops, they are killed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the Kamba are very calm, meek and timid people, and the Somali, therefore, take advantage of our calmness. Hon. Makali said we are not short of options. If we go towards that direction, our country will go into chaos. This is what happened in Rwanda, where one tribe started attacking the other and all of a sudden, a big war erupted and many lives were lost.

This Parliament has been talking about insecurity everywhere. We have been talking about insecurity in many areas including Hon. Makilap’s constituency. Are we short of policemen and security personnel? One of the budgets this country should increase… We do not hear of insecurity in our areas. I urge the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration to take this issue seriously and increase security. We have many youths who

need employment. Parliament can increase the security budget so that we can have the capacity to employ many security personnel to create employment in order to maintain peace and security in this area. I urge the Kamba community to be calm as the country and the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration address the issue. We hope this will be done immediately.

Thank you.

Next is the Member for Bondo, Hon. (Dr) Daniel Ochanda.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the name Daniel is not mine. For record purposes, I am Gideon. But Ochanda is surely my name. If a stranger came to this country and asked which areas you would find communities fighting one another over cattle rustling and grazing land, they would get the information within five minutes. The Government, whether former, new or current, is privy to this information. They know the exact hotspots or potential hotspots where people fight over resources. Some of these incidents have happened as close as Maai Mahiu, which is near Nairobi. There were invasion issues among sedentary groups and herders. Sedentary groups practice their normal farming but herders bring their animals to graze all over. This has happened in this country and they are known. The only problem is, if we have been aware of this, how come we have never had a proper solution?

In my other world before I came to this House, I used to crisscross the country quite a bit. You could not go to Garissa. To get there, you had to wait for serious escort after Mwingi. All vehicles had to stop and wait. You could not proceed beyond Archer’s Post if travelling north to Mandera and other areas. Additionally, after Marich Pass, travel to Turkana was also restricted, with known hotspots necessitating such escorts. Previous Governments found solutions to these issues, and now, one can easily travel to Garissa and Wajir without needing an escort. It is also possible to pass through Archer's Post to Marsabit and Mandera, or from Pokot and Marich Pass to Lodwar, without encountering problems. Solutions were sought, and they worked. So, why are we unable to find similar solutions today?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the major issues we face include inaction, slow response or no response at all. There are better ways for us to reduce belligerence. When we have these problems and do not act, the affected parties will seek to respond in some way. Consequently, we are now witnessing responses even in situations that do not warrant such reactions. For instance, if a minor car accident occurs and the response is delayed, bystanders, including bodaboda riders, may attack without determining the cause of the incident.

We are basically aiding non-formal responses to problems that the Government could address appropriately. This is a situation we must revisit as a country. We know these places and communities; we should not wait to lament the situation. Currently, in this debate, you can see certain community leaders feeling compelled to respond differently. If one side feels the need to respond, the other side may do the same. Why do we need governments? They must remain ahead of communities and individuals to ensure that such matters are resolved promptly and in time.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Mark Mwenje.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. On behalf of the people of Embakasi West, I wish to extend my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in Kitui County, specifically in Mwingi. The conflicts between communities, particularly between pastoral and farming communities, are regrettable. If you saw the coverage on Citizen TV, people of Mwingi were protesting and holding bows and arrows. If this matter was to be prosecuted in a court of law, those individuals captured holding

such weapons would automatically become easy suspects in the tragic loss of lives. More importantly, it is time for the Government to establish a taskforce to examine these issues.

What is out of order, Hon. Nzengu?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I believe Hon. Mwenje is out of order for discussing a matter about which he has no clue. This Member was born and raised in Nairobi but lacks understanding of the rural setting. I, therefore, I request that you rule him out of order and that he should not continue contributing to this Motion because he has no idea of what we go through. Hon. Mwenje, you are out of order.

Hon. Mark Mwenje, proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to ignore that. He does not realise that I am trying to help...

No, do not go there. Just make your contribution.

I am trying to help because whoever took those videos, was not doing justice to those individuals. My point is that the police have left communities to fend for their farmlands. That is why they were captured holding those weapons. When we begin to see such situations, it gives the impression that we are becoming a country without order and the rule of law.

Hon. Mwenje, do not inflame this debate any further. You know, there is a right to self-defence and defence of property?

Yes, and that is exactly where I am driving my point.

No, do not inform me. Just sit down. What we need is for the police to step in. They need to take charge of all these areas where communities are fighting over resources. If we fail to do so, and allow the people to take matters into their own hands as we have seen in Mwingi, Laikipia and Pokot, we risk creating division and loss of life. More importantly, Members from those regions have warned about possible retaliatory attacks. We need the Police to go there. Failure to do so as you have rightly noted, people will resort to self-defence using the weapons they have, and innocent Kenyans may lose their lives.

I wish to challenge the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary of Interior and National Administration to address this. It appears they are more focused on political matters and have neglected critical issues affecting Kenyans, such as what has affected us in Mwingi. This creates an impression that anyone can take the law into their hands. This will affect all of us, even Nairobi. Anyone who breaks the law must be taken to court so that we demonstrate that the rule of law prevails. Also, the Government should come out and compensate some of the victims who lost their lives because they failed to act in time.

Anybody trying to say that I was born in Nairobi should apologise to me. I understand this country better than them, and they also survive here. One should not talk to me in that manner while they are in Nairobi, and they need to walk around. Be careful.

So, you are one of the goons?

Hon. Thuddeus Nzambia, Member of Parliament for Kilome.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for this opportunity. This is a very emotive issue that needs to be addressed with immediate effect. As I rise to support this Motion, allow me, first of all, to condole with the affected families.

This is not the first time such an incident is occurring. I wish to categorically state that we will give this matter an ultimatum of seven days to, first, establish the ownership of these camels. This is an issue that has occurred before, and it appears we are not getting a lasting solution. If after seven days we will not have identified the owner of these camels, we shall hold a consultative meeting as a community and agree on the way forward.

The Kamba are not cowards. We have produced three generals in this country. We cannot keep on begging for our people to be protected. How can someone have the audacity to kill innocent women and children? Which Kenya do we live in? In addition to the killings, crops have been destroyed. Kambaland is different from Pokot, Turkana and other parts of North Eastern. While other communities steal livestock, we do not fight for livestock. We do not keep camels. There should be no camels in Mwingi before the seven days elapse.

If this incident had happened in another area, we would have heard that the President, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration and the Inspector-General of Police have visited the area. It is notable that only the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Police was sent to the scene. It has come to my knowledge that senior Government officials issue threats whenever issues of camel herding in Kambaland arise. I am informed that the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) and the Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS) are cautioned to leave the camels to keep disturbing the Kamba community. We should bring that issue to an end. We want to hear what is happening in the affected areas. Do those areas have police posts or police stations? This is not the first time that this is happening. It has happened at the wrong time because schools are opening today. We are not sure whether our children will go to school due to threats.

We need immediate reports before the end of this week, so that we can know what measures the Government is taking to restore peace. We have given the Government seven days. We should find out who the owners of those camels are. There should be no camels in Kambaland because we do not keep camels. Nothing good will come out of giving them an opportunity to set foot in our land other than the slaughter of our people. We will not accept that. Take note of that. As I have said, we are not cowards.

Let us have Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to identify myself with the feelings of the majority of the Members present today and the people of Tseikuru. When I was watching television last night, I remembered what my people in Buuri East went through along the border with Isiolo and Laikipia. They were killed due to livestock feeding, where hunters would bring camels to our constituency, take control of the area and do whatever they wanted. Therefore, I can identify with these Members’ feelings because I went through the same.

I want to share my experiences because they resulted from similar situations. We are still experiencing the effects of banditry along the border with Isiolo and Laikipia counties because of the aggressiveness of the nomadic Samburu and Turkana, who border us. The absence of adequate police infrastructure causes free movement of these people with their weapons. I pitied the people of Tseikuru when I saw them holding bows and arrows yet these people had guns. How do you even fight people who have guns? And the question is: Where do these people who own guns get them from? Another question that we need to ask is: Where are the investigative bodies? Where is the intelligence network, both in the neighbouring county and in Kitui? There is lack or lapse of intelligence sharing and lack of cross-border police operations. Camels are not rats that they can penetrate an area without being noticed. Camels are as large as giraffes, so they can be seen. They move and sleep and cannot run. The owners of these animals are known. The community does not see eye to eye with one another and that could be another factor. But I wonder why a peaceful community suffers because of a neglect. No, it should not be business as usual. Something needs to be addressed.

The police in the neighbouring county care less. The police on the Kitui side, do not have adequate infrastructure. The road network along the borders, not only in Kitui County, but across the country and the neighbouring county, is poor. We need security roads so that they can enhance operations by the police. The police have a point, because they need to run against these people. But if the road network is bad, they cannot manage. I am happy the Government has constructed a tarmac load in Tseikuru area but that does not solve the problem. We need feeder roads which are adequately constructed.

Kenyans fight because of economic issues. I was looking at those poor women and boys vis-a-vis the economic value of their area. I think we need water. These people go to look for water in Tseikuru. They go to feed their animals because of climate change. These are long- term things that need to be addressed. But all in all, lapse in communication in security operations is the key factor here. These things could have been prevented if somebody was very keen. I call upon the local community and security operations to be more careful going forward.

I thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Caroli Omondi.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. What we are discussing is a failure of both this Government and the previous ones. Even this discussion, I thought, would attract representatives from the other communities who are affected. But as you can see, it is only representatives from one side of those who are in conflict, who are present and discussing this matter. As a nation, we should learn to come together. It is quite unfortunate that the other Members are not present.

A government has some primary responsibilities. One is to protect life and property. And in this case, obviously, the Government has failed. And the previous governments have failed as well in the protection of our borders. I firmly believe that some of the herders and camels are not necessarily from Kenya. I think some have crossed the border from the neighbouring countries into the Republic for purposes of grazing. Most of the camels are not owned by the herders. The owners are somewhere. They are either politicians, businessmen or people with means elsewhere, within and out of the Republic. And again, the Government has failed to protect our borders from this invasion by foreign herders and foreign camels. A Government must ensure accountability. Again, here, this Government and the previous Governments have failed because we do not hear of any arrests or prosecutions when this kind of unfortunate events occur.

Finally, a government is supposed to educate its people. At social level, the problem we are facing is one of education. I was talking to one of my friends who is from the North, and understands what has happened here. He explained to me that there are some customary practises, that if one person is killed, you go out to kill two of those who killed him, and that is why the number in the Kitui murders, are what they are. That is a function of education.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, instead of just talking, I urge this House that we pass two specific resolutions if it is possible under this Motion: First, in terms of communication, we have something called the Universal Service Fund (USF) . We should direct the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) , to immediately avail resources to establish communication network in the affected areas, instead of just discussing the Motion and leaving it hanging. I urge this House, particularly you, to make that directive that CA uses proceeds from the USF to establish communication networks in the affected areas.

Secondly, we should pass a resolution asking the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to present to this House, a national strategy to deal with this problem, that will include surveillance, preventions, arrests and prosecutions, and all other accountability elements. We are yet to see one. Unfortunately, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kanja was out of the country, and I must commend him for the good work he is doing. He gave us an

assurance as members of Linda Mwananchi, about our safety and security in Kisumu, and he kept his word. In fact, the service upheld the spirit and the provisions of the Constitution. Even though there were attempts to disrupt, the police did their work to ensure our safety and security. IG Kanja was out of the country, I think he has just come back, and so those alluding that he has not visited the area, he was in Haiti as a matter of fact. He is a competent IG who will deal with this matter. I urge you to give those two directions so that we can find a solution to this problem. Thank you.

Hon. Members, we all understand the limitations of an Adjournment Motion, and that is why, I posed the question to the Mover on how best we should approach this matter. To prevent any further loss of lives and destruction of property, I am directing that this matter be taken up by the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security immediately for necessary intervention and reporting to the House in terms of action.

As I have said, there was an intervention by that Committee before and there was immediate action. It becomes necessary that we do so again because we are being told Kenyans are being killed in the process and this thing could go beyond what we have now which would not be good for the country.

Hon. Members, be upstanding.

Hon. Members, the time being

Published by Clerk of the National Assembly