Tuesday, 31st March 2026

I order the Quorum Bell to be rung for 10 minutes for the House to quorate.

Hon. Members, the Quorum Bell will be rung for a further 10 minutes to allow all Members to come into the Chamber.

Hon. Members, take your seats. It is now confirmed that we have quorum to transact business.

Order, Hon. Members. Hon. Paul Biego and Leader of the Majority Party, take your seats. Let the Members standing along the isle take their seats.

Hon. Members, I wish to introduce to you a delegation from the House of Commons, Parliament of the United Kingdom. The delegation comprises the following two (2) Members who serve in the United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Disability, who are seated in the Speaker’s Row:

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Sarah Polata Korere, what is out of order?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

What is out of order?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise on a point of order in regard to a matter that was brought to this House sometime back regarding the conduct of the honourable Member for Kitutu Chache Constituency. I rise pursuant to the provision of Standing Orders 108 (1) of the National Assembly to invite the House to name the honourable Member for Kitutu Chache Constituency for gross disorderly conduct.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, as you recall, after the matter was raised in the House, The Hon. Speaker directed that the Member be excluded from the precincts of Parliament until he submits an appropriately worded apology to the House. I have seen the honourable Member within the precincts of Parliament yet I have not heard such an apology being given.

Under Standing Order 107A (1) (a) of the National Assembly, defying the ruling or direction of the Speaker constitutes gross disorderly conduct. The Member’s presence within the precincts of Parliament without any evidence of the apology is gross disorderly conduct and a mockery of the House. Therefore, I urge that the Member be named for gross disorderly conduct to protect the sanctity and integrity of this House.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, every Member has opportunity to raise any matter of national interest—including moving a Motion of no confidence in the Speaker himself—on the Floor of this House. When we make it our habit to go to funerals and malign the House and the Speaker, it becomes gross misconduct by the Members who do so. At this point, something should be done to rein in Members who malign this House out there when they have opportunity to raise their grievances in this House and do whatever they wish to do, including naming and shaming whoever they wish to name and shame, including the Speaker.

Some Members have made it their habit to go to media houses, funerals and churches to allege that Members in this House are being corrupted, or bought. I do not know by what. When they do so, they do not just malign certain individual Members; they malign this House.

Therefore, I call upon the House to name the Member for gross misconduct.

Hon. Sarah Polata Korere, the decision on whether or not a Member shall be named is not for the House to decide. It is for me, as the presiding Speaker, to do so.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108 (1) , I name Hon. Kibagendi for gross disorderly conduct. Is Hon. Kibagendi in the House? Yeah, I can see Hon. Kibagendi. I so name you. If there is any Member who would like to move under the Standing Order, I will grant the permission. Is there any Member who wants to move?

Yes, Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon Speaker, I beg to move that pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 108 (2) , notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 110….

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Caroli Omondi, can you do it the way we normally do? I am not seeing you on intervention. Please do.

I am seeing your card on the requests for communication. Can you please make your appropriate interventions? Yes, Hon. Caroli Omondi. Now, you have requested for an intervention. Please, proceed. What is out of order?

Could you give Hon. Caroli Omondi the microphone?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise under Standing Order 89 to enquire whether it is in order for this House to debate a matter that is active in a court of law, and on which the court has already pronounced itself; whether we have the correct interpretation of the Powers and Privileges Act; and whether the powers of the Speaker extend beyond the precincts of this House on utterances made by Members. These are fundamental and core constitutional questions that we must answer before we proceed.

Thank you.

The Speaker is not aware of the court matter you are speaking about. The Speaker is also not aware of the orders, if any, issued on the matter. The Speaker is not aware of whether or not that matter is active in court. In any event, as per precedence and the rulings given even by the courts before, the courts have no jurisdiction to stop this House from transacting its business. Therefore, we will continue.

Proceed, Hon. Ichung’wah.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 108 (2) , I beg to move that notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 110, Hon. Antoney Kibagendi be suspended from the service of the House for a period of 14 days.

I move this Motion in the best interest of the dignity of each and every Member of this House. As Hon. Sarah Korere has said, it has become customary for some of us to appear on

media stations, funerals and elsewhere and make very disparaging remarks about fellow Members or the House. Since I joined this House 13 years ago, I have been a stickler observer of our rules and procedures. We must be the first people to protect the dignity of this House. When you disparage a whole institution because of cheap politics, it is not fair for high-ranking members like Hon. Caroli Omondi and others. Hon. Caroli Omondi is a very good lawyer. He does not want to be associated with an undignified House. Therefore, I beg that we name Hon. Antoney Kibagendi so that we protect the dignity of all of us collectively and more importantly, Parliament.

I beg to move and request Hon. Marianne Kitany to second.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, we all agree that the dignity of this House is important for all the 349 Members who sit here, and not for just one Member. However we carry ourselves around out there, we must always consider the dignity and integrity of other Members because they represent the people of Kenya.

With those remarks, I second the Motion.

Hon. Members, I beg you to look at the provisions of Standing Order 108. No debate is allowed on such a Motion. It cannot be adjourned. For the benefit of Members who may not have interacted with Standing Order 108, it provides that whenever a Member shall have been named by the Speaker or Chairperson, if the breach has been committed by such a Member in the House, a Motion shall be made by any other Member present “That, such Member

be suspended from the service of the House,” and the Speaker shall forthwith put the question thereon, with no amendment, adjournment or debate being allowed.

Those are the provisions of your Standing Orders. So, let me put the question.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Clive Gisairo, it is disorderly conduct to raise unnecessary points of order, more so when the Speaker is on his feet. Hon. Members will decide. This has nothing to do with the removal of Hon. Antoney Kibagendi from his seat as the Member of Parliament for the good people of Kenya he represents. It is strictly a matter of privilege which falls under the provisions of Standing Order 108.

Hon. Kibagendi has been suspended from the service of the House for 14 days, beginning the time the House made the decision. I know you will obey the order. Leave the House. You are a stranger in the House now. Please leave.

Next Order.

Let the Members who are standing take their seats. Hon. Catherine Omanyo, the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, take your seat.

Hon. Members, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 41 (4) , I wish to report to the House that I have received four Messages from the Senate regarding its consideration of three Senate Bills and one National

Assembly Bill. The Messages convey that on 3rd March 2026, the Senate considered and passed three Senate Bills with amendments. The first Message is on the County Governments Election Laws (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 2 of 2024), which seeks to amend the Elections Act (Cap. 7) and the County Governments Act (Cap. 265) to provide for nomination of Members of County Assembly to represent marginalised groups.

The second Message is on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 35 of 2024) which seeks to amend the Tobacco Control Act (Cap. 245A) to regulate electronic nicotine delivery systems, including electronic cigarettes and related products.

Order, Hon. Caroli! The third Message is on the Labour Migration and Management (No. 2) Bill (Senate Bill No. 42 of 2024) . It seeks to provide for the regulation of private employment agencies and the recruitment of workers within and outside Kenya, including safeguarding the rights and welfare of job seekers and migrant workers. Hon. Members, having passed the said Bills, the Senate now seeks the concurrence of the National Assembly, pursuant to the provisions of Article 110 (4) of the Constitution.

Hon. Members, you will note that the Standing Orders require the Speaker to cause a Bill received from the Senate to be read a First Time, upon conveyance of its Message to the House. In view of this, I direct the Clerk of the National Assembly to schedule the three Senate Bills. Thereafter, the Bills will stand committed to the following Committees for consideration:

to the Public Finance Management (Amendment) (No. 4) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 45 of 2024), as consolidated with the other two related Bills.

Hon. Members, the decision by the Senate to consolidate the three Bills was informed by an observation that the Bills deal with related matters. In this regard, the leadership of both Houses agreed to consolidate the three Bills for purposes of legislative efficiency. I, therefore, refer the schedule of Senate amendments to the Public Finance Management (Amendment) (No.4) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 45 of 2024) to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for consideration.

To facilitate the consideration of the Senate amendments to the said Bill, the Clerk is directed to circulate the scheduled amendments to all Members and the relevant committees as required by the Standing Orders. The committees to which the four Bills have been referred are encouraged to prioritise their consideration and submit reports as soon as practicable to enable the House to proceed with the next steps.

The House is accordingly guided. Next Order. (The Temporary Speaker

Order, Members. Take your seats.

Hon. Members, I have two communications to make. The first one is on the demise of the Member for Ol Kalou, Hon. David Njuguna Kiaraho, and former Senator for Kirinyaga, Hon. Daniel Karaba.

Hon. Members, as I welcome you back from the short recess, you may recall that on Sunday, 29th March 2026, I notified you and the general public of the untimely demise of the Member for Ol Kalou, the late Hon. David Njuguna Kiaraho, who passed away earlier that morning while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital. The demise of Hon. Kiaraho brought loss of a dedicated legislator, a distinguished professional, and a committed servant of the people of Nyandarua County and the nation at large.

The late Hon. Kiaraho was born on 2nd October 1963 in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County. He began his education at Munyeki Primary School before proceeding to the Alliance High School for his O-Level studies. In 1982, he joined the Nairobi School for his A-Level studies, where he continued to excel academically. In 1985, he was admitted to the University of Nairobi for a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, after which he established a distinguished career in the field. The late Member served as Principal Architect at Archgrid Systems, in which role he built a strong professional foundation in infrastructure development and built environment, contributing to numerous projects that shaped both public and private spaces.

The late Hon. David Kiaraho joined elective politics in 2013, when he was elected the Member for Ol Kalou Constituency. He was subsequently re-elected during the 2017 and 2022 general elections. Throughout his three-term tenure, he served with dedication as a Member of

the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, and the Procedure and House Rules Committee. As a Member of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, he played a pivotal role in the processing of legislation aimed at safeguarding road reserves as well as in the development of frameworks to facilitate the establishment of pedestrian walkways and infrastructure for non-motorised transport.

Over his years of service in Parliament, the late Hon. Kiaraho has maintained a close connection with the people of Ol Kalou, serving them with dedication and passion. He was a steadfast advocate for the advancement of education, demonstrated by, among other things, the provision of school buses to various institutions and ensuring proper oversight and timely disbursement of bursaries to deserving students in Ol Kalou Constituency.

The late Hon. Kiaraho demonstrated a strong commitment to community welfare through active engagement in key development initiatives, including the promotion of universal healthcare, enhancement of agricultural productivity, support for affordable housing, upgrading of roads, expansion of electricity and water connectivity, and spearheading infrastructure developments at the J.M. Kariuki Referral Hospital and Nyandarua University College. In his demise, the institution of Parliament, the people of Ol Kalou, and indeed the whole nation, have lost a devoted legislator, a servant of the people, and a committed advocate of justice.

In order to accord a befitting send-off to our departed colleague, and in line with the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Bereavement Policy, I have appointed an Ad Hoc Parliamentary Funeral Planning Committee to coordinate the funeral arrangements. The Committee will comprise the following Members of Parliament:

which time he served as the Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Education. The late Sen. Karaba retired from active politics in 2022 but remained a respected elder and source of counsel to many within his community and beyond. The late Sen. Karaba will be laid to rest tomorrow, Wednesday, 1st April 2026, at his home in Kirinyaga.

Hon. Members, on another sad note, I wish to inform the House that I have received news of the passing on of Mama Dorothy Baya Mweri, the beloved mother of the Hon. Deputy Leader of the Majority Party and Member for Kilifi North, the Hon. Owen Baya, on the evening of 30th March 2026. Her departure is a profound loss not only to her family but also to all who were touched by her grace, wisdom and unwavering commitment to community.

In this moment of sorrow, we stand in solidarity with the Hon. Deputy Leader of the Majority Party and their family, offering our support and prayers as they navigate this difficult time. May her memory be a lasting blessing, and may the family find strength, comfort and peace in the legacy of love and dignity she leaves behind.

Hon. Members, on behalf of the House, the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), and indeed on my own behalf, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the families, relatives, and friends of our colleagues and Mama Dorothy Baya.

In honour of the mother of our colleague, Mama Dorothy Baya, and our departed colleagues, the Hon. David Njuguna Kiaraho and Sen. Daniel Karaba, I request that we all stand and observe a moment of silence.

My other communication is on the purported changes to House leadership. Hon. Members, I would ordinarily not have made this short Communication, save that it has attracted a lot of media publicity and debate, and it is good that the House is notified accordingly.

I wish to convey to the House that my office received a letter dated 9th March 2026, purportedly from the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Party. On the face of it, the letter is purportedly signed by my good friend Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, Senior Counsel, EGH, as the leader of the party. It seeks to appoint the Member for Suba South, Hon. Caroli Omondi, to the position of Leader of the Coalition Party Parliamentary Group. A causal view of the document casts serious doubt as to its authenticity.

First, it does not bear the original signature of its purported author. It is littered with several grammatical and typographical errors, including the duplication of one of the purported author’s names. Specifically, the document is signed by His Excellency Kalonzo Kalonzo Musyoka. We do not know of anybody called Kalonzo Kalonzo Musyoka in this country. We know Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka.

funded and capacitated under the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act (Cap. 197B).

There being no address to which clarification may be sought or a reply directed and noting that information on purported changes to the leadership of the Minority has been circulated in the public domain, I wish to clarify for the benefit of the House and the public record. The position of Leader of Coalition Party Parliamentary Group does not exist in the Constitution, statute law, or our Standing Orders. This means that the letter has purported to appoint the Member for Suba South, a respected lawyer, to a position that is not recognisable in law. The Speaker and the House are therefore unable to process any claim or request contained in the letter, as the same is made outside the provisions of the Constitution and the Standing Orders.

The House is accordingly guided.

Hon. Speaker, on a point of order.

Yes.

Hon. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I know that a matter of communication is not for debate, just because you have alluded to the fact that the letter purported to come from Mr Kalonzo Kalonzo. It does not have an address to which a reply can be sent.

Probably, now that you have raised it here, may I also take this opportunity to advise the Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) leader, the Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, not this Kalonzo Kalonzo who has written this letter, but our former Vice President. It is in the best interests of the WDM Party that the leadership of the Azimio Coalition remains as it is today. The reason is that when we finished our elections in 2022, the numbers in this House were not as they are today. United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has since acquired an additional seat that we did not hold, the one in Mbeere North and Isiolo South for Hon. Tubi. Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has maintained its numbers.

As Chair of the Committee on Selection, I wish to advise the Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka that it would not be in the best interest of his political party, the WDM, regarding the seating of its Members on committees. More importantly, it would not be in the interest of the Deputy Leader of the Minority Party, the Hon. Robert Mbui, to open that war of purported changes. I draw reference to your own case when you were the Hon. Leader of the Minority Party in the Senate. When other parties purported to have left the National Super Alliance (NASA) Coalition at that time, ODM, which was said to be the biggest party in South of the Sahara and North of the Limpopo, asserted that it was the Minority Party in the House. Hon. Speaker, none other than yourself lost the position as the Hon. Leader of the Minority Party in the Senate. That is why I have taken the liberty of offering free and unsolicited advice to my friend, my brother, and my co-chair of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) , the Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka. Please do not listen to those who are misadvising you.

I also saw him speak on Citizen TV the other day, and I said, “My brother Kalonzo, how I wish you knew the truth.” You will get lost if you listen to those advising you—especially the hate mongers who are misadvising you in the disunited opposition. I beg to say that in the interest of my brothers and colleagues elected on WDM. We have very many good friends, and I would hate to see, for instance, the input of the Hon. Makali Mulu in committees that he serves, such as the Public Debt and Privatisation Committee, the Hon. Mwashako and many other good leaders, including the Hon. Mboni, who is a very diligent Member of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning… They are bound to lose many of these slots. I say that emphatically as the Chair of the Committee on Selection. It is not in the best interest of WDM to imagine they can advance a war they cannot win, any more than they will ever win an election.

Thank you.

Yes, Hon. Keynan.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I know my good friend, the Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, has offered unsolicited advice to WDM’s leadership and membership. Politics is so dynamic. I am a Member of the Jubilee Party. You know the membership of this House. We must face reality. I do not know whether Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah is listening. I want him to listen to this as the Chair of...

Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah, Hon. Keynan is begging that you listen to him.

I agree with him. Since 2022, so many things have changed. All of us here are practising politicians. The Leader of the Majority Party has offered unsolicited advice to the WDP leadership and Members in general. I was elected on a Jubilee ticket. If we take into account the number of Members of different parliamentary parties, UDA is number one, followed by ODM, then the Jubilee Party. We were short changed. I am on record having complained to you. We wrote to you that we were short changed on all our slots, courtesy of the political gerrymandering that took place immediately after the election. Our Members lost some of the key slots that they should have occupied. So, I disagree with Hon. Kimani. His unsolicited advice is not granted.

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

What is your point of order, Hon. Wanjala?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. You have just told the House that you doubt the letter before you. There is nobody called Kalonzo Kalonzo. Why are we wasting the precious time of Parliament to debate serious things? Some people have been forced to focus on debating a fake letter. The Speaker has already discredited the letter, and we ignored it. Why can we not concentrate on serious issues?

You have a point. Let him finish, then we move on.

Hon. Speaker, you and I have been around for a while. At times, we say that power is transient and sweet. I want the Chairman of the Selection Committee to listen to this because he presided over an illegality that short changed the membership of Jubilee. That must be put on record.

Thank you. You have made your point.

Hon. Speaker, one more point. The point is that the purported leadership of Azimio made a decision that warrants nothing. It is good that we allow them to go with what they want. Let ODM claim its rightful position as the official opposition, and let Jubilee take its rightful position. That is what you are trying to stop. Therefore, if they bring their communication through the right channel, I want to besiege you… You know the party structure. We were at the same party together, and you know what happened to you. That procedure must be allowed. We, as Members of the Jubilee Party, are ready to reclaim our positions and functions in accordance with the House rules. I beg.

Point noted. Hon. Members, I have been advised that the requiem mass for Hon. Kiaraho will be on Wednesday, 8th April and not Tuesday, 7th April at the same venue, Ol Kalou Stadium.

Hon. Members, allow me to acknowledge the following schools in the Speaker’s Gallery: The Eagles Way Schools, Utawala, Nairobi County; Mutumon Secondary School,

Tinderet Constituency, Nandi County; and Kamuny Secondary School, Tinderet Constituency, Nandi County. In the Public Gallery, we have Dawamu Leadership Academy from Kajiado West Constituency, Kajiado County. I also wish to acknowledge and welcome 65 students from the Little Mister and Miss Africa fraternity, the International School of Modelling, who are seated in the Speaker's Gallery. The students, drawn from 15 African countries, are on a visit to the National Assembly to learn more about leadership, democracy, and civic responsibility. On my behalf and on behalf of the House, I welcome all the students to the House of Parliament and wish them a good stay.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I take this opportunity to welcome all students as the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research. I welcome them to Parliament, the National Assembly, which is one of the three arms of government. It is in this House that laws, regulations, statutes and budgets are made. I want to give special recognition to all the students in the galleries. They now know that the leaders who are seated here as Members of Parliament were once students. They should know that they can also rise the ladder from being students to becoming a Member of Parliament, a Speaker, and a President.

Mutumon Secondary School and Kamuny Secondary School are from Tinderet Constituency. They were the top-performing schools in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) . I took it upon myself to transport them all the way from Kisumu to here as a motivation to students in the county and our country, Kenya. They should know that good performers will be recognised also by sitting with the elders in this House. This is a very good learning environment for schools.

Thank you.

Thank you. Hon. Leah Sankaire.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. I also rise to welcome the students who have come to Parliament today, especially those from Dawamu Academy in Kajiado West Constituency. I congratulate and welcome them to Parliament. Dawamu Academy is one of the best private schools in Kajiado West. I want to encourage all the students who are here that Parliament is a good place. We legislate on policies. I encourage them to continue studying hard with the focus that they already have. The sky is not the limit for all of them.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you, Leah. Next Order.

The Leader of the Majority Party

Hon Speaker, Hon. Kaluma has been designated by the Chair to reply as a Member of the Finance and National Planning Committee.

Hon. Peter Kaluma.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Let me start by thanking your office and the Clerk's office for the support the Committee received during its public participation in this matter. This is one matter that has undergone very detailed public participation for the whole two weeks.

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

Yes, Hon. Caroli Omondi. What is your point of order?

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. I rise under Standing Order 89 to inquire whether it is in order for this matter to proceed, given that there is a pending court case, HCCHRPET/E051 of 2026, in which the court consolidated three petitions and noted that they raised substantial questions of law and core constitutional questions.

The issues raised were weighty and transcendent, and ordered that, in a balance of justice, it granted immediate conservatory orders stopping the process of Safaricom's divestiture. Is it in order for us to debate this matter while the court cases are still active? And if we do, could we get an undertaking from the government that it will not proceed with the divestiture process until the cases are heard and determined to save the substratum of the petition?

Hon. Caroli Omondi, if you looked at those papers properly, Parliament is not a party to those proceedings. That is number one. Number two, the orders given, if they are authentic, are not directed at Parliament, nor do they affect Parliament. Number three, this House has a constitutional responsibility to transact all business before it. Whoever wants to challenge can wait for the outcome and go to court. That is the Constitution, and that is the law. Nobody can injunct Parliament from discharging its legislative mandates, but anybody, including yourself, can go to court and challenge what Parliament has passed.

Number four: The conclusion of this debate is not, in itself, a divestiture. The divestiture will be done out there. Parliament has no capacity to carry out the divestiture of any investment in any public entity. Once we grant authority, those who want to stop it can do so outside Parliament, and the process will take place outside Parliament.

This matter is properly before the House, and Hon. Kaluma, you may proceed to reply.

Yes, Hon. Caroli. What is it?

Our Standing Orders clearly state that we are precluded from discussing such a matter. That is what I was raising, and for the benefit of the House, I am here ready to table both the court ruling and the orders so that the House is seized of the court's decision. I do not think we operate outside the rule of law because our Standing Orders say so.

Hon. Kaluma, proceed.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker. It is not for you to explain the law…

Yes, Hon. Ichung’wah. Hon. Kaluma, hold on.

Hon. Speaker, you know, Hon. Caroli Omondi, you did allude earlier that he is a lawyer of high repute.

Actually, it is not an allusion. He is a lawyer.

I heard it from you, Hon. Speaker, because there is nothing that he has ever done that exhibits that he has any legal background in his transactions in the House.

is raising, you have clearly said that the House was not a party to this matter in court. Two, the courts had the choice to injunct the House if they had those powers. The courts chose not to. Three, Hon. Caroli Omondi, who is now claiming, and that is why I doubt whether he is actually a lawyer, participated in this debate.

And I opposed it.

He is confirming that he participated in opposing. Opposing is part of participation in the debate. Therefore, Hon. Caroli Omondi should have raised that matter at the time he was debating and even excluded himself from the debate. I want to agree with you, Hon. Kaluma should proceed and reply.

You are not a lawyer. You are Kalonzo Kalonzo.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker. There was an intervention when I was thanking you for the adequate public participation.

Hon. Caroli Omondi, if you want to contest that you are a lawyer, I know you are, and I employed you as a lawyer some time back.

Excellent. Go on, Hon. Kaluma.

Hon. Speaker, on the matter of public participation…

Please, Hon. Caroli, allow me to contribute.

Go on.

Hon. Speaker, no other matter has undergone public participation, as this one. I was thanking you because the records of the House show that, for a whole 14 days, you facilitated the Joint Committee dealing with this matter—the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and the Departmental Committee for Finance and Privatisation—to sit outside this House. As a committee, we received written memoranda from over 100 stakeholders, a majority of whom appeared before us, and we listened to their views. When that was done, you allowed us to go throughout the country. Members of the Joint Committee visited 30 counties.

I led the team which moved from Mandera through Wajir. We then went to Western Kenya which included Kakamega, Vihiga, Kisii and Homa Bay counties with the team I led. Other teams forming membership of the Joint Committee also went across Kenya, visiting other counties and taking the views of Kenyans.

Let me go on record as confirming, as has been stated before, that everywhere we went across Kenya, people said this transaction—the divestiture of 15 per cent of the national Government shareholding in Safaricom, which currently totals 35 per cent—should go ahead as quickly as possible.

What shocked me, and something which has been mentioned here, is how unequal our country is. When we were in Mandera, it hit me that, up to the time this administration led by President Ruto came in, there had never been a tarmac road built by the national Government

in Mandera County. They told us that, even before this divestiture, under the current administration, they are seeing a tarmac road and feel they are now Kenyans. We proceeded to Wajir County, where, for the first time, a stadium that is as good as the one in Kitui is being built. I am saying this to agree with the Members who spoke before.

On a point of order.

Yes, Hon. Oundo, what is your point of order?

Hon. Speaker, I am just curious, and I want Hon. Kaluma, being a lawyer of eminence, to explain to me: what are the requirements of citizenship of Kenya? Is building a road the only requirement for citizenship in Kenya, or are there other requirements? Probably to help us know that those of us without tarmac roads are not Kenyans. It could help us to understand.

Thank you.

This is not question time.

Hon. Speaker, I do not know what has become of Dr Oundo.

Go on.

Hon. Speaker, I am speaking to the matter of inequality, and the unequal manner in which infrastructure, in particular, has been developed by previous government administrations across the country. I was confirming what was said here before, and I agree. When we went to Wajir for the first time, people had been thinking about affordable housing. The tallest buildings in Wajir are affordable housing units.

I was pleasantly surprised to confirm that this year's Madaraka Day will be held in Wajir, and that the stadium is better than the ones in Homa Bay and Kitui, and several others we have seen around. The people of Kenya are saying we proceed and that Parliament should approve this Sessional Paper so that these funds can go to the National Infrastructure Fund, which, by law, we have established. The President has assented to, so we can target a very big project, for instance, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) . We can also target how we can create dams in areas which have been marginalised. Also, these highly viable projects like the dualling of the road from Rironi to Malaba border in Western Kenya, as well as an expressway on Thika Road. Of course, and further developing our infrastructure.

The only concern people expressed was whether the money would be used for infrastructure. I thank the House for its wisdom in passing the National Infrastructure Fund law. The money will not go to the Consolidated Fund account but will be transferred straight to the National Infrastructure Fund. It will be ring fenced there.

I thank all Members who contributed. Hon. Speaker, you extended the time. I thank all Kenyans who have given their views, this House, and the facilitation to date.

With those very many words, I beg to reply. I thank you.

Members on your feet, take your seats. Order, Hon. Dick Maungu. Take your seat.

We will go back to Statements. There is only one. Just call it out, and we can dispose of it, as Hon. Kandie has asked to receive its response tomorrow.

Hon. Members, we now go back to Order No. 2.

I will allow you to eulogise your departed colleague, Hon. Kiaraho. Members, can we do it for two minutes each?

Yes.

Okay. Hon. Mwenje, you have two minutes.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. On behalf of the people of Embakasi West, I wish to convey my condolences to Hon. Kiaraho’s family, his wife, children and the people of Ol Kalou for the loss of the Member of Parliament.

I met Hon. Kiaraho way before I was elected. We campaigned together. I knew him during the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) process. For those who knew him, Hon. Kiaraho was an outgoing person who genuinely intermingled with everyone. It was not easy for some Members while we were campaigning for the Jubilee Party as part of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, especially those from Central Kenya.

However, Hon. Kiaraho was bold when we went out campaigning for the late Raila Amollo Odinga, who was our presidential candidate. I remember going to his constituency several times during those campaigns. Once elected, he was one of the Members of this House with whom I formed a close bond alongside Hon. Mwago and Hon. Kwenya. We interacted several times.

When it came to matters of roads and infrastructure, Hon. Kiaraho was an expert. I consulted him several times on matters regarding his Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. He was willing during all those interactions, even as a third termer. He never saw those of us who were serving our first term as too junior. He would take his time to sit and engage us.

When we saw him, we thought he was getting better. Hon. Kiaraho would still come, smile and interact with Members even when he was dealing with his illness. I feel that we have lost a very good Member of this House and a Member of the Jubilee Party.

With that, once again, I pass my condolences. Thank you.

Leader of the Majority Party, Member for Kikuyu.

Hon. Speaker, allow me to join the House in condoling with the family of our brother, Hon. Kiaraho. Moreover, his wife Jackie, his children, and the greater Kiaraho family, which includes his brother, Mwaniki, who is a neighbour.

I also convey my condolences, my family’s and those of the people of Kikuyu Constituency to all the people of Ol Kalou Constituency for this rather great loss. As many people have described Hon. Kiaraho, he was a great pillar not only to his immediate family but also to the larger extended family, which I have known for many years. He is also an astute

businessman and a very accomplished architect in this country. He leaves behind a retinue of magnificent buildings designed by his architecture firm. He leaves a very rich legacy not just to his family but also to the people of Ol Kalou.

Allow me to also condole with my brother and my Deputy, Hon. Owen Baya, following the loss of his mother. I know there is nothing as devastating as losing a parent. We stand with Hon. Owen Baya at this time of loss. We pray for him, the family of Hon. Kiaraho and that of the former Senator for Kirinyaga, Hon. Karaba. We pray that God gives them the fortitude to move on with their lives, even in the wake of the loss of this great gentleman and the lady. May the almighty God comfort those three families.

Give him the microphone. Hon. Ichung’wah, are you done?

Yes.

Let us have the Member for Kipipiri.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. On my behalf and on behalf of the people of Kipipiri, I send my condolences to the family of Hon. Njuguna Kiaraho and the great people of Ol Kalou Constituency, which neighbours Kipipiri Constituency. In fact, we share one ward, Kaimbaga Ward. It is a sad moment for the people of Ol Kalou.

Hon. Kiaraho and I were elected to this House in 2013, and I served as the whip for the Nyandarua Caucus. We always met monthly at the Jacaranda Hotel for a cup of tea while discussing matters concerning Nyandarua.

In remembrance of Hon. Kiaraho, I urge the Government of Kenya (GoK) and hope the Leader of the Majority Party will listen to complete the Geta-Ndunyu Njeru Road, which Hon. Kiaraho, Hon. KK, the former Member for Kinangop, and I lobbied for in 2013. I request the government to reconsider its plan to complete this road in 2028 and to finish it this year in honour of Hon. Kiaraho. May his soul rest in peace.

Let us have Hon. Muriu.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to join Kenyans and this House in condoling with the family of my good brother, Hon. Kiaraho. I also wish to extend my condolences to the great people of Kalou, Nyandarua County, and, more so, to the beautiful family of my brother, Kiaraho.

We received the news with deep sadness. He has not been feeling very well, but we thought he would come through. I thank my good brother, Mr James Maina, a very close friend of Hon. Kiaraho, for conveying this message to all of us in time. We have lost a great man. He was able to balance politics, family and business—I have attended two weddings in his family. Additionally, he was a good businessman and politician; we have lost a great man.

This has been his third term; I had no doubt he would have come back for a fourth term, but God knows the way of this world; He knows when we are born and when we are called back to His table. I wish and pray for the goodness of the family that they have peace and tranquillity to accept that we have lost a great man.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. KJ.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker. I take this opportunity to extend my condolences to the family of Hon. Kiaraho, his friends, the constituents of Ol Kalou, and all the people of Nyandarua County. While Hon. Kiaraho may have been elected in Ol Kalou, he leaves an illustrious career that impacted the city of Nairobi.

If this House can remember, he was an agitator for proper planning in the cities. His efforts have been felt in areas such as Kilimani, Dagoretti North, and Dagoretti South, where he has been advocating for proper city planning. As a great architect, he was holding back unplanned development in the larger Dagoretti area. As we mourn with the people of Ol Kalou, we want to let them to know that their Member of Parliament left a footprint larger than their

constituency and the county. We say a big pole to the family. We pray that the peace that can only be given by God shall be accorded to his family, friends and all the constituents of Ol Kalou.

I also quickly want to say a big pole to the family of our Serjeant-at-Arms and the people of Kirinyaga for the loss of Hon. Karaba.

Hon. Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity.

Hon. Oundo.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. On behalf of the people of Funyula Constituency, let the people of Ol Kalou and Kirinyaga receive our condolences following the passing on of Hon. Kiaraho and Senator Karaba. The 13th Parliament has been very frightening. We hope and pray that the bad hand does not extend its hand again to the remaining Members of Parliament. I want to tell the people of Ol Kalou that their Member of Parliament has served you well. Let God rest his soul in eternal peace; that is the way to go.

Additionally, since Hon. Kiaraho was an alumnus of the Department of Architecture and the Department of Art and Design at the University of Nairobi, we, as members of the Built Environment and Design, join all our colleagues in saying pole to the family and saying goodbye. May we meet again.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Junet.

On my behalf, and on behalf of my family and the people of Suna East Constituency, I also want to take this opportunity to condole with the family of Hon. Kiaraho. We joined this House together in 2013. All said and done, he was a good man.

I have worked with him, and I know him very well. Leadership was in his family. He led his constituency very well to the extent that, in the last election, when there was the big wave of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in that part of the country, he managed to secure his seat under the Jubilee Party. Additionally, his wife is the leader and Chair of our spouses' association. I was informed of that yesterday. This shows that this family was willing to serve the country. As you are aware, nobody knows the time of their death, but his time has come.

I want to take this opportunity to say big pole to his family and the people of Ol Kalou Constituency. I wish them well. I pray that God stands with them at this difficult moment. I can confirm on the Floor of this House that we have lost a great leader. He was soft-spoken, dedicated to his work and always thought of his constituents. As an architect, his contribution to this City cannot be understated. He has done a lot for this country. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Yes, Hon. GK.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise with a heavy heart to mourn a colleague and a Member of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. David Njuguna Kiaraho. Hon. Kiaraho was not just a lawmaker but a committed Member of Parliament, a committed leader in Ol Kalou Constituency and a man who was very respectful of his colleagues. I had an opportunity to work with him for the last three years as his Chairman. He faithfully attended all committee meetings and he ensured to notify me any time he was absent.

His pet topic was the preservation of road reserves in our city estates, which he prosecuted with a lot of eloquence and passion. He was against the grabbing of public spaces. We will miss him.

The late former Senator for Kirinyaga County, Hon. Karaba, was my principal in Kianyaga High School. He was a good man. Last Sunday, I had an opportunity...

Your time is up. Hon. Kamket.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I kindly request to use it to also eulogise my son.

Go ahead.

The two minutes allocated to Members to contribute may not be enough. I just have a small statement.

I will give you three minutes.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I take this opportunity to say pole to the families of Hon. Kiaraho, Hon. Karaba, and the mother to the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party.

Allow me to also take this opportunity to mourn my son, Bill Ballot Kassait Junior. The past few days have been difficult for my family and I. Tuesday, 17th March 2026, will remain permanently etched in my mind as a day that I will never forget because I lost my son, Bill Ballot.

Prior to his death, Bill had been taken to Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital located at T-Mall on Lang’ata Road on Friday, 13th March 2026, for a check-up after complaining that he was unwell. The hospital put him on antibiotics without conducting comprehensive tests to determine the cause of his illness. He returned home on 16th March 2026 and later went back to the same hospital following further complaints of chest congestion and high fever. Upon examination, the doctors directed that he be transferred to their main hospital using the hospital's ambulance for immediate admission.

Gertrude Children’s Hospital in Muthaiga took him in. He was supposed to be immediately admitted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) , but he was not. He was subjected to lengthy and utterly useless processes whose only impact was to cause him intense and unnecessary pain even though he was in a top-rated hospital. He suffered excruciating pain in the process and at some point remarked, “Will I make it Dad?”. Well, he did not make it. He left us at around 9.00 a.m. after suffering an agonising 14-hour period while the hospital doctors and nurses abandoned any pretence of caring for him. He was given some antibiotics and painkillers, yet it was clear that he ought to have been tested and admitted to the HDU. His deteriorating situation was apparent to all of us except the Gertrude Children’s Hospital.

Our requests for intervention from the hospital were met with either silence or half-hearted promises that the doctor will soon check on him. In the meantime, he was stuck there receiving very little treatment. He was slipping away. Gertrude Children’s Hospital denied my son the dignity that he deserved. The hospital treated him in the most callous, cold- hearted and uncaring manner. It deprived my son, Bill, the courtesy of professional service. He died at their hands. We buried him on 23rd March 2026 at our home in Kositei, Tiaty Constituency in Baringo County.

I have contemplated taking legal action against the hospital in court and before the regulator, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) . I have reflected and agonised over this course, and we have taken the decision not to do so. We prefer to remain with our fond memories of Bill instead of replacing them with a series of court summons, statements and complaints.

Bill was a bubbly, joyful and fun-loving young man. He brought joy and warmth to those he interacted with at school, at home and in church. He rarely ever missed church and he was an active member of his Jumuiya. His sister, Mercy, once asked him to go for confession. His curt response was that he does not sin. His legacy is one of kindness, curiosity and strength. He was named “Ballot” because he was born when the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was at the height of planning and conducting countrywide by-elections in

Thank you. Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon. Speaker, allow me first to, once again, condole with Hon. Kamket and his family. He has raised pertinent issues regarding the conduct of our hospitals.

When I visited Hon. Kamket to condole with him just hours after you left, I had the opportunity to engage with him and his dear wife and I could see their devastation. It reminded me of what the Member for Mosop, Hon. Kirwa, had said in this House regarding his own experience in a hospital in Nairobi. I implore the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Health, Hon. Nyikal, who, besides being the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Health is a medic and a former director of medical services, to move with haste to inquire into the management of our healthcare facilities.

Hon. Speaker, there are many cases of people losing lives, that look like cases of negligence on the part of our hospitals and medical officers running some of these hospitals. As I sympathise with Hon. Kamket and his family, I ask Hon. Nyikal and his Committee to look specifically at those hospitals where we have lost Kenyans out of issues that look like negligence or not having very good nursing care. I do not want to name facilities but they are known. I am sure Hon. Nyikal knows the facility that Hon. Kamket’s son, Ballot, was in, the hospital Hon. Kirwa spoke about and also the efficacy of the drugs. This is because Hon. Kirwa

spoke of the efficacy of drugs that are being imported into this country. Today it may be Hon. Kamket, yesterday it was Hon. Kirwa and tomorrow it maybe you or I or any of us here. Therefore, we must ensure that our Committee works to ensure that the drugs being imported into this country have the efficacy required, and that the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) is doing its work. They should also ensure that all licenced facilities are taking care of patients.

The Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill being worked on by Hon. Nyikal is coming before the House, hopefully in the course of this week or next week. However, even before the passage of that Bill, if there is anything the Committee can do to assure Kenyans that whether… Many Kenyans at times prefer to go to these private health facilities expecting to get better care but it is sad that it is in these facilities that we are witnessing possible cases of negligence and administration of drugs that do not have the efficacy that drugs should have in treatment of patients.

Once again, I condole with the family of Hon. Kamket. I know how painful it is to lose not just a loved one, but a son and a child. All of us as parents can identify with Hon. Kamket and we sympathise with him and ask the Almighty God to give him strength to continue with life.

Thank you. Hon. Maungu. Before Hon. Maungu speaks, allow me to acknowledge in the Public Gallery, Tengecha Girls’ High School from Bureti, Kericho; Chebwagan Boys’ High School from Bureti, Kericho; Thome Primary School from Mwea, Kirinyaga and Kithasyu Primary School from Kibwezi East, Makueni. On my behalf and on behalf of the House, we welcome the students, their teachers and those accompanying them to the House of Parliament.

Thank you.

Yes, hold Hon. Maungu.

Hon. Speaker, with your indulgence, I want to speak on the issue that has been raised by Hon. Kamket. There is a big problem in our country. Health facilities have been expanded and I am happy that a lot of Kenyans are now enrolled in the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme and insurances, but the issue of quality is also very important. There are many Kenyans who have been diagnosed with a disease and treatment started on them, and later have travelled out of the country to seek alternative reviews or for further treatment, and told that they have been misdiagnosed.

I know of two cases of people who went to India and when they did further check-ups and treatment plan, they were told they have been misdiagnosed and are being treated for the wrong disease and that they do not have that disease. We ought to deal with this issue of quality. Sometimes, these hospitals and the medical fraternity behave like they are not dealing with human beings but a tractor, a vehicle or a wheelbarrow. These are human beings, and you know how precious a soul is. Once you lose it, you can never get another one. There is no spare.

The issue that has been raised by Hon. Kamket on the quality of medical services in this country must be looked into. In other countries, medical professionals are subjected to medical tests every three years. In this country, you could have graduated in 1945 as a medical officer and that licence is still good enough until 2027. You do not do anything for 65 years whereas medicine is evolving with new medications, procedures, machines and equipment coming up every day while you are still keeping the 1945 certificate. The Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill is coming up and, as a House, we must take it very seriously. We must recommend that Kenyan lives must be taken very seriously. Quacks are all over treating and killing Kenyans in small places.

With those few remarks, let us protect lives. You remember the case of the guy whose skull was opened at Kenyatta National Hospital yet he was the wrong patient. Thank you.

You should read a book called The Imaginary Invalid by Moliere. It says many people do not die of the diseases they suffer from but from complications arising out of the treatment they get.

Hon. Maungu.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for the opportunity. On my behalf, that of my family and the great people of Luanda Constituency, I wish to join my colleagues in giving my condolences to our late brother and friend, Hon. Architect David Kiaraho. David Kiaraho was one such great man. Immediately I joined Parliament some three years back, he is one of the few friends I met because of some common interests. He was a man who was quite polite and humble and I knew him as a friend. Therefore, on my behalf and that of the great people of Luanda, I say pole to the family and the great people of Ol Kalou. I also use this opportunity to say pole to Hon. Baya, who lost his mother.

Thank you.

Hon. Wamuchomba.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Allow me to join my colleagues in sending my sincere condolences on behalf of the people of Githunguri, my family and myself, for the loss of the great Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou. Last Parliament, we had a fellowship that was happening around the House of spouses of Members of Parliament and Hon. Kiaraho was gracious enough to allow his wife to be the chairperson of the spouses’ wives in that fellowship. She led us and gave us wisdom and direction on few matters that regard spouses that share houses with politicians.

The guidance and leadership that Hon. Kiaraho provided to his wife, who was our chair, was a very clear indication that Hon. Kiaraho was a family man, a very sensitive leader and was accommodative. To my surprise, I did not know that Hon. Kiaraho is an old boy of Alliance Boys’ High School. There is a culture that those who went to Alliance High School do not allow us to speak in this House. They give us lots of headache, led by the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah. I was surprised that Hon. Kiaraho was an old boy of Alliance and yet he did not shout much.

We are happy that the Leader of the Majority Party, Kimani Ichung’wah, being a former disciplinary prefect in the school, has been doing what he was supposed to be doing even when he was a student. We appreciate that. The issue raised by Hon. Kamket...

Give her one minute.

Hon. Speaker, if you could give me a minute to just…

I have given you.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to amplify what Hon. Kamket has said in this House. There are too many mothers like myself who have found themselves in a similar situation like Mrs Kamket. Where you walk into a hospital with a baby, you are given the wrong diagnosis, then taken from one room to another without any solution, only to finally experience what Hon. Kamket and family have gone through.

I cannot wait for the day the Bill on quality healthcare will land in this House. We can assure you that this thing must come to an end. We must make sure that we ascertain the quality of care that we are providing to our patients under the hands of healthcare providers. I do not know where that Bill is and what stage it is in, but I cannot wait to see it here. I will make sure that I air my views and condemn the irregularities, and unprocedural procedures that have been going on in the corridors of our hospitals at the expense of money-making and commercialisation of healthcare.

Allow me to send my sincere condolences to all affected this afternoon. Thank you.

Thank you. Hon Farah Maalim. We are almost coming to an end.

Hon. Speaker, I wish to join my colleagues in condoling with the nation on the untimely death of our brother, Hon. David Kiaraho. There is a serious problem in this country. This is because since devolution, in a county which has got level four and level five hospitals, you find that the Chief Officer of the health sector there is a nurse. The nurse is supposed to supervise and administer professionals, doctors who are consultants like Prof Nyikal, paediatricians, oncologists and endocrinologists. There is a serious problem. They feel intimidated. And those nurses now have an opportunity to show their raw power to people who are geniuses in their field. Doctors are not motivated. Skills, education and knowledge are not appreciated. We need to do something about that.

I have a case in my county where a brilliant doctor who qualified at the top of his class as a paediatrician was supposed to go back for fellowship. But he has to apply to a nurse who is his Chief Officer, or apply to a County Executive Committee (CEC) Member who has no knowledge of medicine. So, what do they do? They frustrate that doctor. The doctor is called Dr Abdi Hakim Rono…

No. You cannot have two. Give him one minute.

The doctor was supposed to come back to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for a fellowship. A fellowship is literally the pinnacle of his field. But because he did not talk very well to the Chief Officer who is the nurse, or to the CEC who is not a medical person, the two said they would discipline him. We are now losing that opportunity. Forty-seven endocrinologists were supposed to be trained as fellows here in KNH by the professors. I have a letter here which was sent by one of the top lecturers in medicine in this country, Dr Lucy Mungai. The letter is calling on the county saying, ‘please release him to us. Classes have already started. If you do not release him by the end of February then the chance is lost’. They have refused. They said he has to go through a disciplinary medical process that will take months.

We need to have a commission. We need to have a team. We need to have an inquiry that essentially looks into the entire medical field in this country. Devolution has completely destroyed that sector. Doctors have problems. You will find a governor appointing his relative and making him or her a Chief Officer or CEC. These relatives are probably diploma holders in nursing, yet they are supposed to supervise PhD holders in that field; people like Dr Nyikal.

I come from a medical family. My son is an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon. My daughter is specialised in paediatrics. My wife is a doctor, PhD. There is a problem. There is a lot of frustration in those enlightened medical staff in this country. The way things are being run now is bad. Unless it is run very well, we will always have medical mismanagement all over. With the medical mismanagement in Nairobi, imagine what kind of medical mismanagement is in Garissa…

Your time is up.

We need you to take this on and try to save this country.

Thank you.

I want you to take this responsibility now and tell us you will save the medical sector of this country, Hon. Speaker. We have a serious problem.

Point made. We will take it up. Dr Nyikal is hearing us. Thank you. Hon. Komingoi. Hon. Members, since I see a few other interests, I will give you a minute each so that we move to other business. Take one minute.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker for the opportunity to eulogise Hon. David Kiaraho. An architect and a very dedicated Member of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, with whom we served in this House. Hon. Kiaraho was a beautiful soul; an intellect in his work. He was a man who committed himself to too many things, especially the built environment in this country and in Nairobi.

As Hon. Wamuchomba may have stated, Hon. Kiarago went to Alliance High School and he never shouted about it. He finished his A-levels in the Nairobi School, which may have served to tamper his ego among the Busharians, as we called them, and understood the nature and the demeanour of the great Nairobi School students and the great Nairobi School that we all served in. In all this, one thing that remains is the legacy to be provided for. We in the Departmental Committee on Roads and Transport will further the discussion on pedestrian walks. Also, the exercise that has been started around the design of Nairobi that will make commuting easy for all road users in the country.

We say pole to the family, the people of Ol Kalou and to the community of Parliament. May the good Lord rest his soul in eternal peace.

Member from Mumias West.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I also join my colleagues in sending my condolences to the family of my friend, Hon. Kiaraho. Just November last year, we travelled with Hon. Kiaraho to London. He did not even show any signs of illness. Since then, I have not seen him much but we have been meeting in the Committee. I did not know that he was sick. It was God's fate. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Thank you.

Dr Nyikal. Give Hon. Nyikal two minutes. Hon. Kwenya, you will conclude.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I also take this opportunity to pass my condolences and those of my constituents to the people of Ol Kalou for the loss of Hon. Kiaraho, the people of Kirinyaga for the loss of their former Senator, our colleague Hon. Kamket, and Hon. Owen Baya for the loss of his mother.

The basic issue that is coming out here is how as a country we listen to professionals. I will take from Hon. Kiaraho. I discussed with him and he was very particular about adhering to professional standards in the built environment. He realised what many of us probably do not know. That the problem of floods that we see in Nairobi was actually noticed in 1906, but the professional was not listened to up to date. Including by the famous Churchill when he was the Colonial Secretary. But what then comes out is that professionals sometimes probably miss out. It is important for them to have an opportunity to express themselves and be listened to. Many times, professionals do not fight if they find out that systems have been set up in a certain way. They let it go. To that extent, I take it that as a Parliament, we have tried. There is the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025 that our Committee has gone through. It will be brought to the House very soon. It is on safety and quality healthcare.

Do not deal with not only quality of care but also deal with the issues that Hon. Farah or Hon. Junet raised on continuous training and improvement of skills.

All doctors are licensed every year. What must be attained is continuing with education every year which they do.

There are some clinics that you go to, Hon. (Dr) Nyikal, and you find an elderly medic in a clinic and the only thing to show that he is a doctor is the stethoscope. There is no book, reference material around him or any other thing. They just give imaginary

prescriptions. That Bill is very important that being a respected medic, I am ready to give you time to do more research to make sure that it is all inclusive, in terms of medical expertise.

Thank you very much. We looked at that important Bill last week. It will be brought here. We may need more time to go into its details when it comes to the debating stage. We will look at it.

I also advise our colleagues that when matters like these occur, it is important to take them up. For example, there was the issue of drugs and that of Hon. Kamket. In this particular case, I would like him to take it up with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) . He can even petition our Committee so that we look at it in detail. When these matters come here, we raise them and leave them at that somebody should take them up, so that we can look at these regulatory authorities like Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and KMPDC. I agree that there is a lot we need to look at in the health sector.

Hon. Farah alluded to some issues. Even if we look at the working conditions…

Give him one minute.

Hon. Speaker, until recently, every time we passed the gate, there were people demonstrating. As a Committee, we have managed to allocate some money into their working conditions, training and other issues. You do not see them anymore. We still have a Bill, but we are working on it. There are many structural issues in the health sector. These include the Health Services Commission, provisions in the Health Act, 2017 and the relationship with the Council of Governors that I agree that we need to look at. However, to our colleagues who had similar issues, please, do not let them pass. Let us look at the appropriate regulatory authorities and take them to task on what they should do. There are structural issues, but the Committee is looking at them.

Lastly, as Hon. Members of this House, I have also noticed that there seems to be a higher death rate than we have seen before. I know a lot of it comes from cancer. We have the best schemes of service. We should take time virtually every year to be screened. Screening and early detection are the best to deal with cancer. Those of us who have the opportunity like Members of Parliament should take advantage of that. As a Committee, we will do our best to make sure that we improve the services for our people.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Kwenya.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to eulogise my friend, Hon. David Kiaraho.

At the outset, I send my message of condolence to the family, people of Ol Kalou Constituency and Nyandarua County at large, following the demise of our beloved Hon. David. It is painful to imagine that this amiable person, a lovely soul, very humble person whom God had blessed in many ways and a wealthy person in many aspects, both academically and other aspects, has rested. I briefly give the people of Ol Kalou an assurance that nothing will be lost. Whatever the Member of Parliament stood for, we will make sure that nothing is lost.

I do not want to say much. The family appreciates the support it is getting from the National Assembly and the membership of this House. I urge Hon. Members to continue visiting the late Hon. Member’s house to comfort the family. When the day comes for us to go and rest him, I beseech Members that we join in numbers and go to Ol Kalou to give him a befitting send-off.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for the support you have given us.

Thank you, Hon. Members. Hon. Elachi has one minute. I want to close this debate at this point.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I also rise to send my condolences to the people of Ol Kalou and, more importantly, the family of Hon. Kiaraho.

Contribute for one minute. Hon. Karani will also contribute for one minute and then Hon. Rindikiri will close with one-minute contribution.

I went to the late Kiaraho’s Constituency for many projects, programmes and campaigning.

If we are not going to deal with the matter of medication, drugs and generic drugs, the death rate will continue rising in this country. We are being misdiagnosed and given wrong drugs because we have left everything in the hands of the same institution that is supposed to take care of us, but has decided to do the wrong thing.

Hon. Speaker, I ask for only one minute to finalise. Right now, it is very sad because Kenyans have suffered by being misdiagnosed in the best hospitals. It is not just one but all of them that you see around. It is very sad that when you go out for better care, you realise that the doctors out there wonder about the type of medications that you were given. They distort your body until you become sicker than you were when you first visited a hospital. This is something that this House needs to look at more than even the medical cover. Many Kenyans are crying.

Lastly, when Kenyans have a sick person, we must allow them to look for an independent person to look at the bill.

Give her half a minute. Hon. Elachi, finish your statement.

The amount of money we pay in hospitals is wrong and unfair in God’s eyes. The health sector has become profitable in this country. This is not how it is supposed to be. Kenyans pay millions for drugs that you cannot understand. This House must now come to order to enforce some of the rules.

Yes, Hon. Karani. Sorry, Hon. Kirima.

It is Hon. Gachagua.

You look alike. I thought it was Hon. Kirima. Hon. Gachagua, Member for Ndaragwa.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

You have one minute to contribute.

Okay. Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to eulogise with other Kenyans our great colleague, Hon. David Kiaraho. He was a great man. As the only Member in Nyandarua County serving his first term, he was very instrumental in guiding me when I joined Parliament. The People of Ol Kalou and Nyandarua at large have lost a gentleman.

Hon. Mugambi Rindikiri.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I wish to eulogise the families of those who have passed on, especially my very good friend, Hon. Kiaraho. I met him in the last parliament. We both served in the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. I remember when the concept of housing was being developed, Kiaraho played a great part in developing that concept. And we grew up with him in the Committee. I remember I was fired from the Committee, and it is only Kiaraho who went to petition the Speaker to reinstate me in the Committee. That shows how kind he was. Hon. Speaker, there is also the issue of the hospitals. My nephew came to my house yesterday and…

Time up. Give him half a minute.

Their kid died at Gertrude’s Hospital on the 15th, and to date, nobody knows why that kid died. There were concerns about medication and the abandonment, which led the family to give up. I think there is a serious issue of negligence, misdiagnosis, cost of treatment and medication being prescribed to our people. I stand to support the feelings of other Members that we need a serious analysis of what is happening in our hospitals, particularly concerning some of the medical practitioners.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Passaris, I want to close this, so I will not allow you to speak. We have done more than one-and-a-half hours. Allow me to acknowledge, in the Public Gallery, Maranda High School from Bondo, Siaya and Kiamwangi High School from Gatundu, Kiambu. On my behalf, and on behalf of the House, we welcome the students, their teachers and those accompanying them to the House of Parliament. Let us go back to Order No. 4.

Majority Whip.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the House:

Hon. Mishi Mboko, do you have some papers to lay?

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

The next one. Do we have the Chairperson for the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives? You also have papers to lay. Proceed, Hon. Marianne.

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

Reports of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives on its Consideration of—

The Chairperson of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education. Hon. Mwenje, proceed. You have some papers to lay.

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

Eighth Report of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education on its Examination of Audited Financial Statements of Institutions of Higher Learning (Eastern Region) for the Financial Years 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. Thank you.

Fair enough. I do not know if the Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee is present. Hon. Mishi Mboko, the Order Paper has a matter in which you have to lay some papers. You were the leader of the delegation to the United States of America. But this is a different matter. This may have been put twice. You are excused. Is the Chairperson of the Committee on Delegated Legislation present? Proceed, Hon. Chepkonga.

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

Reports of the Committee on Delegated Legislation on its Consideration of—

Fair enough. We have only one Question, and the Member who had filed it has requested for it to be deferred to another date.

Next Order. Chairperson, Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education on its examination of Audited Financial Statements of Institutions of Higher Learning (Eastern Region) for the Financial Years 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 31st March 2026. Thank you.

I can see that the Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee has not laid the papers on the Table; and under these circumstances, he cannot give notice of Motion. The same also applies to Hon. Mboko. She is

supposed to give notice of Motion. She has left. I was right when I drew her attention not to leave. I now need the Chairperson of the Committee on Delegated Legislation on the reports.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Delegated Legislation on its consideration of the Public Finance Management

(Amendment)

Regulations, 2025, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 31st March 2026, and pursuant to the provisions of Section 24

(4)

of the Public Finance Management Act

(Cap 412A)

, this House approves the Public Finance Management

(Amendment)

Regulations, 2025

. Thank you.

Is it motor car or motor card? You have a ‘‘d” there. There is a typographical error.

It is motor car. There is this very popular phrase called niko kadi. The person may have been thinking in that manner. That should be corrected. It is motor car.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Delegated Legislation on its consideration of the Public Finance Management

Regulations, 2025, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 31st March 2026, and pursuant to the provisions of section 24

(4)

of the Public Finance Management Act, Cap 412A, this House approves the Public Finance Management

Regulations, 2025

. Thank you.

Fair enough. Next Order. There is only one Question, and I understand the Questioner did seek the indulgence of the Chair to defer to another date, and it is so directed. Next Order.

Chairperson of the Committee on Delegated Legislation should still take the Floor.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Delegated Legislation on its consideration of the Public Finance Management

Regulations, 2025, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, and pursuant to the provisions of section 24

(2)

of the Public Finance Management Act, Cap 412A, this House approves the Public Finance Management

Regulations

. These regulations were forwarded to this House for consideration and referred to the

Committee on Delegated Legislation for exhaustive consideration. The Committee invited the

Hon. Sunkuli, proceed.

The Committee on Delegated Legislation to which I am a member, has looked into these Regulations with a toothcomb under our able Chairman, Hon. Chepkonga, and a very vibrant team. Indeed, we were able to say that the Regulations comply with the Constitution and the Statutory Instruments Act. They comply with our general policy as a country.

In seconding the Motion, I succinctly put it that this is a development of the way we deal with our economic crimes. You could steal a lot of money in the past and hide it somewhere; go to jail, come back and enjoy that money. However, the law has since changed. Apart from serving your time in jail, you must also pay back the money you steal. The money is recovered from you. The Regulations tell you that the money recovered from proceeds of crime will go to a special fund. We are creating the Fund to first emphasise that crime does not pay. Secondly, that the money that you took will be used to develop the same justice criminal system that caught you. The funds we are depositing in the Fund will be used to train people in the ODPP and the police, and benefit society in other ways. This is a very essential development in how we deal with our economic crimes. The Regulations have been waited for a long time.

On behalf of Parliament, the Committee on Delegated Legislation looked at them and concluded that they are good for this House to pass.

I beg to Second.

Hon. Kaluma, take a seat.

Hon. Members, is this list a true reflection of the ones who want to contribute? Hon. Wilberforce Oundo.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Let me take this opportunity sincerely to thank the Committee on Delegated Legislation for reviewing and approving the Public Finance Management

Regulations published as Legal Notice No. 169 of 2025. We used to have the adage “justice delayed is justice denied” when we were in school. The wheels of justice move too slowly many a times. By the time they come to their logical conclusion, either it has been overtaken by events or the person who ought to be punished has been over-punished to an extent that any further punishment is extremely unfair.

Many a times, the wheels of justice move slowly because the prosecution does not put its case together and move with speed to prosecute. We must admit that much has changed over time. Many years back, ordinary policemen would go to court to prosecute a matter. Obviously, limited exposure, training and education hindered the progress of criminal justice.

Over the years and with a new Constitution and changes all over, we established an independent Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. It has infused some element of professionalism. However, we are still lagging behind. Why is it something? It is because of

the disconnect between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and those charged with investigating cases.

There have been very many instances where files have been submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions but they cannot proceed because of the gaps. One of the things we hope the Fund will achieve is to set a checklist of what needs to be covered before a file is forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to prosecute cases in court. A case can never be properly prosecuted if it fails to achieve a conviction because it means there has been a problem.

Many a time, prosecutors will tell you, “We are overburdened, understaffed and cannot move”. We hope that this Fund will ensure there is adequate capacity built over time, adequate training, an intergenerational team and that there is sufficient succession. That is so that there should be no planning gap at all at any given time when any person leaves. It is interesting that a whole county could be having only one senior prosecutor yet you see the myriads of cases that come every day. It means that cases slow down and cannot move with the time.

I liked the presentation where they mentioned the chance that any forfeited and recovered proceeds of crime will be forfeited to the Fund to build capacity. Remember that public funds are mainly stolen and cannot only be ring-fenced to one department. Probably, if procedures allow over time, we must amend a certain share of the percentage to retain and a percentage to go back to the Consolidated Fund or the National Treasury to continue undertaking all the issues at hand. For many years, the running joke has always been that why should one bother with a prosecutor when you can buy a judge. Why bother with a prosecutor if you can buy a magistrate? I just hope that with this Fund, we will solve that issue, so that we build confidence in the Judiciary whose ecosystem we need to work on.

Allied to that, the Fund will not achieve its intended purpose if we do not deal with the Witness Protection Unit. Without the protection of witnesses, the prosecutor’s work comes to naught. There have been many cases where a person commits a crime, is arraigned in court, is granted bail under the new Constitution, then interferes with witnesses to the extent of eliminating those who were supposed to testify against him or her. We hope that this Office and that of the Witness Protection Unit will collaborate so that witnesses are adequately protected.

As I conclude, I ask that the ODPP is not used as a laundry.

Fair enough. Is the Member for Bureti, Hon. Komingoi present? What about Hon. KJ, John Kiarie? Hon. KJ, did you forget your full name?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Motion on the consideration of the Public Finance Management

Regulations.

This House fully understands the hierarchy of our laws. Right at the top is our Constitution and then the laws that we make in this House. Thereafter, we have the subsidiary regulations. These specific regulations speak to matters in this new world driven by technology, connectivity, Internet and devices.

Therefore, without belabouring the point, the Committee has done great work, which we all support.

Member for Malindi is actually in the House but probably, does not want to contribute. Do you want to?

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have nothing to contribute for now.

Member for Nyando, you and I have some unfinished business.

Yes.

Proceed.

It will be a month before the D-day. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise to support the Public Finance Management

Regulations. The Committee has done a splendid job. There is urgent need to empower the ODPP. When the ODPP was a department within the Office of the Attorney-General in the State Law Office, they did not have the machinery, the wherewithal, or the power, which Dr Oburu is looking for, to effectively undertake public prosecutions.

When the new Constitution delineated the ODPP as a standalone department, we have now seen a lot of movement and a lot of good work being done by that office. However, they lack adequate funding to build capacity, so that they can quicken the pace of justice delivery to Kenyans. It has always been said that justice delayed is justice denied. That is a common phrase which needs to be backed up by capacitating that office, so that Kenyans can get justice.

For example, it takes a long time to prosecute corruption cases, which take forever in courts of law. It is usually a case of mention after mention and deferment after deferment. Therefore, if this office is capacitated so that it can have enough personnel to prosecute matters that come before it, justice will finally be fast-tracked.

Prosecutors deal with criminals who are endowed with resources. If we pay prosecutors less than they are worth, they may be tempted to take money from would-be suspects, which then injures the process of justice delivery to victims. Therefore, if the ODPP is well resourced, it goes without saying that justice will not only seen to be done, but will actually be done faster and more efficiently.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) must work in tandem with the ODPP. Therefore, they cannot be left behind. The courts had to make a determination on who should take matters before a court of law. You remember when there was a tussle between the DCI and the ODPP. The courts determined that prosecutors should take matters before court and prosecute them. That is not the work of the DCI. Such interferences would only emanate as a result of lack of proper funding for the ODPP. Therefore, we should support this Motion.

We need to raise the capacity of the ODPP, so that it can accomplish its work within the shortest possible time. Otherwise, Kenyans will continue reeling under the heavy yoke of injustice, which only brings more problems, poverty and anxiety.

I support the Motion.

Hon. Gideon Ochanda.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. We always say that once functions are clearly defined, what must follow is the ability to perform those functions through financing. There is no reason for an independent public office that has latitude to do its work not to have funds. I support this Motion because it can help our country’s prosecution process.

Public prosecution needs to be looked into from the smallest court to the highest court. There is a general problem in the criminal justice system, which we have not adequately looked into. One of the critical things that we should look into is financing the ODPP. Many things are happening in the lower courts. Legal counsels are trying to exhaust cases as though they

are magistrates or judges because of the firm instruction that they must only take to court cases that they can win or have to win. That is the general problem.

Our criminal justice system is currently facing big challenges. Local prosecutors must first act as magistrates, examine the suspects and exercise due diligence. In the process, the suspects end up working with the police and prosecutors, so that their cases are sorted out before they reach the courts. The best way to achieve this is by ensuring that the ODPP has funds to run its systems independently both of the police and the judiciary. This is where things may work right for the country.

I stand to support, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Irene Mayaka, you are recognised. Make your contribution. Are there other Members interested in the Motion after Hon. Irene Mayaka? Is Hon. Kibet Komingoi in the House? He seems not. Hon. John Kiragu, do you wish to contribute to this Motion? Certainly, he is not interested. So, after Hon. Irene Mayaka, the Mover will reply. Hon. Irene Mayaka proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I thank the Chairperson of the Committee on Delegated Legislation for presenting this Report.

As has been said by other Members, we usually say that justice delayed is justice denied. Considering all the issues that are currently facing the Office of the DPP, these regulations are beneficial because they seek to address ongoing matters. These include case backlogs, delays, operational constraints that affect investigation process that is conducted by the ODPP, low prosecution success rates due to fatigue from backlog, corruption issues and staffing challenges.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, as a seasoned lawyer, you know very well that when it comes to regulations that we have in place for civil and criminal procedures outlined in law, they are affected because we have proper procedures on paper and in the laws of the country, but the fact that there is no fund to support this particular office, makes the efforts wasted and not gainful for the country.

Many people have pending cases with files gathering dust in offices. Therefore, these people should be very glad because of these particular regulations. We thank the Committee because of the time they took to look into the matter, prosecute it in public participation and bring it to us for debate. That is very impressive. I urge the people who are supposed to implement this law to fast-track it so that the Fund begins supporting the ODPP.

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

The Mover may now reply.

Hon. Temporary, I would like to sincerely thank you and all the Members who contributed to this Motion on the passage of the Public Prosecution Fund.

As we are aware, the DPP College is not adequately funded. With the approval of this Fund and the payments from proceeds of crime that will fund it, it will assist, equip and train prosecutors in modern, sophisticated investigative and prosecutorial methods to ensure that cases taken to court are not lost because of shoddy investigations.

So, I thank all Members who contributed in support of the Motion. As a Committee, we are truly appreciative.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to reply.

Next Order.

Mover.

Thank you Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to Move:

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on its consideration of Sessional Paper No.6 of 2024 on the National Aviation Policy, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 19th February 2026 and approves Sessional Paper No.6 of 2024 on the National Aviation Policy. This policy outlines the government’s intent to address challenges in Kenya’s aviation sector, positioning it as a key enabler of economic growth and a contributor to the achievement of Vision 2030. The Policy intends to provide a primary framework for future government actions in the aviation industry of the country involving formulation of a national strategy as a guideline in the entire sector development. The main objectives of the aviation policy are:

Hon. Kitayama.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Listening to the debate on this matter and going by the importance of this whole conversation, I beg to second.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Hon. Jared Okello.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise to support Sessional Paper No.6 of 2024 on the National Aviation Policy. Air transport is the safest mode of transport. Once a flight perches on air, it is very safe, unless there are very extraneous mechanical issues surrounding it. Air transport is usually the best.

The Kenya Airways, the Pride of Africa, which ought to have dominated the African market needs a lot of input in order to make it viable. You understand that a week ago, Kenya Airways posted a Ksh17 billion loss, yet it is the most expensive airline in this part of the continent. Where did we lose the mark that now Ethiopian Airlines controls the African market? We need to put a lot of emphasis in our aviation industry, so that we can attract a lot of revenue into the Kenyan economy.

Emirates, which takes all the passengers to Dubai, is cheaper than what Kenya Airways offers here. The intention of the aviation industry is not to make so much profit by concentrating on the airline itself. It is meant to bring people to a destination where they will spend more money and put it into that country's economy. That is why places like Dubai thrive. Had it not been for the United States of America, Israel and Iran conflict that affects Dubai International Airport, Emirates is an airline that is on a rapid flight to growth. It has demonstrated so. It has over 250 aircrafts in the air. I do not know how many we have in Kenya Airways, most of which are leased from other service providers.

I am happy because the Government of Kenya will expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) so that it can cope with the many passengers who come. But we cannot put a lot of emphasis on airports to the detriment of the airlines. We ought to put a lot of managerial expertise into Kenya Airways and make it professional that people will land in Kenya, even if they have to connect to other countries. Let them come to Kenya first, just the same way Ethiopian Airlines takes people to Ethiopia before they connect to other destinations. Etihad Airways and Lufthansa Airlines take people to Germany before they make their trips to other destinations.

Kenya needs to focus more on this industry because it is the best revenue earner for any other country. Time is long gone when agriculture was our number one earner. Agriculture is so labour-intensive and capital-intensive that many people run away from it. Therefore, we have to be innovative enough and concentrate on our aviation industry, so that we can patch up the gap that now exists from the adversity that comes with our focus on agriculture.

We need to also put a lot of emphasis on servicing these aircrafts. Less than two weeks ago, we lost our colleague here in an aircraft accident. These are things that can affect an entire industry. Therefore, servicing those aircraft, whether they go international or remain local, must be at the core of an integral part of an aviation industry. In cases where accidents have

occurred, we need to get deep into investigations and release the report so that the airline industry in general can use...

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me a chance to support this Report on the Sessional Paper on the Aviation Policy. Kenya is in a very strategic position in Africa, but we have never exploited our position as a hub, particularly in the aviation industry. This Policy seeks to make sure that we develop an industry around aviation. We can do it by having our own good airports and airlines. We can also create facilities within this country that will support the aviation industry for the rest of Africa and the world. One of the key things is to maintain our aircraft and make sure that they are safe and secure. Repairing aeroplanes is a very expensive affair. If we can create a facility in this country to support the aviation industry, we will develop skilled manpower and people who can give this country an opportunity to be a centre of aviation in Africa.

A lot has been discussed about us and Ethiopia, but we can be ten times better than Ethiopia. Kenyans are all over the world providing the aviation industry with either piloting, maintenance or even design of aircraft. This Policy is saying that much as we have improved the rail network, and as much as we are improving our routes and marine, it is important that we now focus on aviation as a key industry to grow this economy.

This country has everything that we need to make sure that we achieve what we are looking at. This industry is not so much on making money, as many people keep on arguing about KQ, but to facilitate this country to be a hub where even in air cargo, transhipment can be based in Nairobi for the rest of Africa. If we can repair aircraft engines locally, instead of shipping them to Seattle, for example, for Boeing aircraft, we will move this country to another level.

For your information, I learnt the other day that birds affect our aeroplanes. This is because we have Dandora and Ruai dumping sites. One bird can cause failure of an engine and the cost of that engine repair is USD$15 to 18 million. Even in our planning, we must ensure that when we establish an airport, we do not encourage industries that attract birds, which could interfere with airport operations. This Policy is saying that for once, let us focus on aviation as an enabler of developing our economy.

Thank you.

Hon. John Kiarie Waweru, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, you are right. I thank you for this opportunity to contribute to this amazing piece of policy that has been brought before us by Hon. G.K. Kariuki. This is our consideration of Sessional Paper No. 6 of 2024 on the aviation industry in this country, by way of the National Aviation Policy.

Kenya’s aviation space requires solid policy leadership and this is what we are undertaking as a House. The policy that has been presented to us outlines very well how the Government intends to address the challenges in the aviation sector, as we have observed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the aviation industry has a very organic connection to Dagoretti South Constituency. It was in the 1920s that the first plane landed at what is now known as Dagoretti Corner. This was at Karandini, at what you now call the Dagoretti Corner Junction, where the first civil airplane landed, piloted by Captain T.A. Gladstone. Therefore,

my constituency is intrinsically connected to the aviation history of this country, long before the airport was moved…

I know the Member for Wundanyi has something to say about Taita Taveta but that was a military airplane.

Do you want to be informed?

I can be informed by the Member. Please preserve my time Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I wanted to inform my good friend, whom I was with at the university, Hon. K.J, that the first plane to land in East Africa landed at a place called Maktau in Mwatate Constituency, Taita Taveta County.

That first plane, whether military or otherwise, was the first to land in Kenya and in East Africa. Therefore, I request him to guide the House accordingly, that what landed in Dagoretti may have been the second. Before I finish informing him, the place where that first plane landed is today recognised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in London. The Commission has been visiting that site because adjacent to it, is a cemetery where those who died during the First World War and thereafter are buried.

That place is one which, as the incoming Governor of Taita Taveta, inshallah, I will ensure becomes a tourist attraction not only for Taita Taveta County but for the entire country. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is ready to partner with this country to make that place known in the entire world. I, therefore, invite the Chairperson of the ICT Committee to visit Maktau so that it can become a place which can add value to this country. Thank you.

The Great Corner. Is that not what they call Dagoretti Corner?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, there is great history to be told about the Great Corner.

The Great Corner is where the first plane to land in Nairobi landed. Did I hear him say that?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, he is well within his rights to give that point of information. However, it does not negate the fact that the first commercial aircraft to land in East Africa landed at the Great Corner, a place called the Karandini landing space. What he has referred to relates to the war effort at the Coast at that time and concerns the first military airplane. However, for commercial aviation, Dagoretti South still retains its position as the place where the first commercial plane in East Africa landed, at a place known as Karandini. Dagoretti Corner itself has a great history. The name is not The Great Corner, it is derived from Dagurite. This was during the time when locals were burning farms while chasing out the colonial settlers who had taken land without buying. We were saying Dagurite! Dagurite! Meaning, they have not purchased. I take this opportunity to congratulate Hon. G.K. Kariuki and his Committee for bringing this Sessional Paper No. 6 of 2024. It gets us thinking about a very serious industry of Africa. When we sought out the issues in aviation, we have spoken to technical development, enterprise and international business. I associate myself with the Sessional Paper. I am one of the people who stand on this Floor to support the effort of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure by saying that what we are doing this afternoon means a lot to this country. It gears towards taking stock of our achievements on Vision 2030.

The aviation industry in this country is already offering spaces for training. It is giving connectivity in manufacturing. We are depending on our planes to fly our produce. This is where jobs are. As the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, I would like to say that there is a great place for aviation in innovation.

In the interest of time, I will end by saying that the Hon. Chair of the Departmental

Committee on Transport and Infrastructure ought to seek out the noises we are hearing from

Hon. Amina Mnyazi, I thought only Hon. Ruweida is a pilot from the Coast. Do you want to contribute to this?

Yes, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Proceed.

Ahsante sana Mhe. Spika wa Muda. kwa dua zako. Maybe nitakwenda kujifundisha jinsi ya kuendesha ndege huko mbeleni katika maisha yangu. Mimi kama Amina Laura Mnyazi, Mbunge wa Malindi, naanza kwa kusema kuwa naunga mkono Hoja hii ambayo imeletwa hapa leo. Nimeathirika pakubwa na maswala ya airport. Ni zaidi ya miaka ishirini sasa ambapo watu wangu wa Malindi wamekuwa wakipewa ahadi na serikali kuhusu upanuzi wa airport ya Malindi. Bado haijafanyika mpaka sasa.

Hiyo inanisikitisha sana kwa sababu sisi kama Pwani tumetegemea utalii. Kama airport zetu haziwezi kuwa sawasawa, hilo ni shimo moja ambalo nchi yetu ya Kenya inapoteza pesa. Ndio maana nasimama kuunga mkono hii Hoja leo. Jambo la kwanza kuzungumzia kudumisha usalama na kuhakikisha kanuni zake zote ziko bora.

Katika Hoja hii, tunataka kuangazia maswala mengi mbali na ndege peke yake. Lazima pia tuangalie maswala ya wafanyikazi katika zile airport na usalama katika uwanja wa ndege. Ni vizuri kueleweka kama tunazungumza viwanja vya ndege. Kwamba uwanja wa ndege Kenya nzima si Jomo Kenyatta peke yake. Kama viwanja vyote vya ndege vitaboreshwa, wacha tuangalie viwanja vyote vya ndege nchi nzima ya Kenya.

Nitaanza na matatizo ya kwangu kuhusu usalama ndani ya Malindi. Ni lazima tugongelee msumari Hoja hii kwa sababu kuna viwanja vingine vya ndege ambapo kuna police stations. Hakuna magari ya polisi pale ndani. Hususan, hilo ni swala moja linakuwa tatizo kubwa kukitokea jambo lolote la usalama kama hakuna magari ya usalama ndani ya airport.

Jambo jingine ni wafanyakazi pale ndani ya airport. Katika miaka iliyopita, rubani kadhaa wamepitia ajali za hapa na pale. Tumewapoteza watu muhimu na wenye vyeo vikubwa kama ndugu yetu, Ogolla, Mhe. Saitoti na hivi majuzi, Mhe. Ng’eno. Wote hao wamepoteza maisha yao kwa sababu ya ajali za ndege. Bali na hao, tumewapoteza wengine ambao si mashuhuri na hawana vyeo vya kisiasa. Kama tarehe 10 mwezi wa Januari mwaka jana, ndege ya Skyhawk ya usajili 5Y-CDC ya shirika la ndege la Kenya Aeronautical College (KAC) ilihusika katika ajali. Hadi leo, nimekuwa nikiulizia kuhusu Statement ili tuelezwe kuhusu wale waliopata ajali na kufariki. Hatujapata jibu lolote.

Lazima tuyapige msasa maswala kama hayo na kuyaweka sawa sawa ili Wakenya waelewe pale ambapo wako. Ajali zinapotendeka, lazima familia ziambiwe pole, zisaidiwe katika mazishi na kulipwa fidia. Ninaporudi nyumbani baada ya kusafiri nje ya nchi, huwa nina raha ya kuona familia yangu. Lakini ninapofika katika uwanja wa ndege, moyo wangu huwa unashuka chini. Ndio maana ninaiunga mkono Hoja hii. Ninaporudi Kenya, jambo la kwanza ninalotaka kuona ni uwanja wa ndege mwafaka, mzuri, ambao unaipa nchi yetu sifa nzuri.

Tunaweza kutekeleza hayo. Tunasema kuwa tuna safari ya kuenda Singapore lakini, je, tumeziona nyanja za ndege huko kweli? Je, tumeziona nyanja za ndege kule Tokyo? Ni lazima

tujiweke katika kiwango ambacho kitatuwezesha kushindana na wenzetu duniani. Ndio maana leo hii nimesimama hapa kuiunga mkono Hoja hii ya kuboresha infrastructure ya nyanja zetu za ndege, maswala ya wafanyikazi wetu, usalama na mengineyo.

Hon. Beatrice Kemei, Member for Kericho County.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to support this very important Motion by Hon. GK, the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, on Sessional Paper No. 6 of 2024 on the National Aviation Policy.

I felt good when Hon. KJ and our brother from Taita were talking about the first plane landing in Dagoretti and elsewhere. At the same time, the only planes we see in Kericho County are the ones that land there. We have never seen any other. We now have an airstrip coming up at Kerenga, which I believe will soon be an airport.

Kericho is close to Kisumu.

Yes, it is close, but we want to be independent. We have tea plantations in Kericho; therefore, we need this airport. We also engage in horticultural farming of flowers. We also have beautiful women and business people who want to travel across borders. This Sessional Paper is timely as we look forward to having an airport in Kericho.

I thank Hon. GK for tabling this Motion. If we adopt the Sessional Paper, many youths and people of my age will be employed at the airport. The aviation industry has created a lot of employment opportunities for semi-skilled, skilled and non-skilled labour. You can know the strength of a country, the economic development of a country and the beauty of a country by looking at the aviation industry it has. In Kenya, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is doing well. I am happy that the National Infrastructure Fund that we passed the other day is going to improve our aviation industry and our airports, JKIA being the main one.

The Kisumu Airport makes my life very easy. I use 30 minutes from Kisumu to Nairobi. Before one can say hello, they are in Nairobi from Kisumu. So, if we expand our airports and airstrips, life will be very easy. I have realised that at the moment, air travel is not just for those who have money. It is affordable. At least with Ksh10,000 people can fly from one point to another. I want to encourage all of us to in one way or another let our constituents travel by air. They will have a story to tell. The day my mother came to Nairobi via Kisumu by air, her pressure became stable. We made sure that we took her a picture. She told everybody that she made it to Nairobi in 30 minutes. So, we need to encourage our people to travel by air.

We have too many tourists across the country. Domestic tourists should be encouraged to travel although their security is key. We should minimise accidents in our aviation industry because that is what many people fear. Making sure that we have skilled personnel in the industry is very important.

As I conclude, we need to improve our aviation industry. It will save lives. People will be airlifted from one point to another to get medical attention as fast as possible. Thank you, Hon. GK and your team, I support.

Hon. Dorothy Ikiara.

Thank you very much, Hon Speaker. I want to proudly applaud the Committee and its Chairman, Hon. George Kariuki for bringing the Sessional Paper for consideration. While seating here, I am feeling saddened. Every Member seated in this House has travelled far and wide. I bet that there is no single Member of Parliament who has not had an opportunity of travelling to Europe or other African countries. How do we feel when we travel to other airports and come back to our country?

At the moment, there is significant improvement of services at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. When I tried to find out what is happening, I was told there is a new chief

executive officer. May that CEO who is doing a commendable job, with the support of this House, do even a better job so that Kenya becomes attractive and our airport becomes an international hub.

I wish to reflect on the journey we intend to travel. His Excellency the President is deeply committed to transforming the face of this country. The acceptance from some quarters has been wanting, but we cannot sit here and speak of becoming like Singapore when we do not yet have the necessary infrastructure in place to enable such progress. Civil aviation and airports are not luxuries. If we wish to save valuable hours, including working hours, then proper connectivity of airports across the nation will allow us to recover the many hours wasted by government officers travelling from one destination to another.

As I support this Sessional Paper, I urge the Committee to consider that, with the National Infrastructure Fund now available, every distance of about 200 kilometres or more should have an airport in place. I say this because I feel ashamed when I travel from Meru, where I come from, and spend four hours reaching Nairobi, knowing very well that if we had an airport in Meru—where there is ample space—we would not face such delays. Since Independence in 1963, Meru has had no single airport.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, you may not know how it feels. Sitting in a car at my age, with an aching back, to travel long hours simply to come to work. I waste four hours on the road. I commend the Committee for its work, and I believe this Sessional Paper will ensure that Kenya achieves proper connectivity, stands as a hub among African countries, and strengthens our aviation industry.

Lastly, improvement of aviation is not optional; it is a necessity. It is not something to be debated endlessly, but something that should have been done yesterday.

I support this Sessional Paper.

Hon. Sabina Chege.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support this Report from the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, led by one and only Hon. G.K. Kariuki, a chairman who is doing commendable work in this country. As my colleague has said, the people of Ndia Constituency made the right choice, and I hope the people of Kirinyaga are also watching.

The aviation industry determines the economy of any country. Once we focus and have a clear plan, I know His Excellency the President, Dr William Ruto, is a great leader with a vision for Kenya to achieve global competitiveness. One of the key areas we must prioritise is aviation. I am encouraged by recent improvements, particularly in the appointment of chief executives, where local professionals who have risen through the ranks are being recognised. These leaders can steer the aviation industry to the next level. Let me declare my interest because my second-born daughter is a pilot, and today she sat for her examinations. As I congratulate her, I also emphasise the importance of improving our airports.

I am aware of the plan to expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and I urge Members of this House that this must be done now, not tomorrow. We must remain focused. I also appeal to Kenyans; whenever new ideas are proposed, there is often opposition. It is good to oppose, but let us ask: what is good for this nation? I am looking forward to a second runway at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport that will make it an African hub. People love this country, but we must make sure that our infrastructure is well structured.

As they improve the small airports and airstrips, I would like to inform this House that we have an airstrip in Kambirwa, Murang’a, famously known as rókó twédi. That is how the colonialist initially named Murang’a County. Every time I pass there, I see cows grazing. I urge the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that Kambirwa Airstrip, in Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a County, is improved. It has beautiful spaces. I want to land there one day. I urge us to embrace that.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, airspace and air safety is very important. Remember we have lost several colleagues in aircraft crashes. As we remember them, our nation needs to be serious about air safety. We have seen an increase in the purchase of aircrafts and choppers, including by individuals. Almost every weekend, Members of this House and Kenyans use these aircrafts. Therefore, we need to ensure they are safe and confident in using these vessels.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, there are many people who benefit, directly or indirectly, from aviation. Let us expand this space and ensure we adopt the Report of the Departmental

Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. I want to tell the Chairman of the Committee, Hon.

Hon. Sabina Chege, your daughter is a daughter of Parliament. We wish her well in her aviation career.

Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I stand to support this Sessional Paper because it addresses one of the key pillars of economic development in this country.

The importance of aviation industry in this country can be found in its promotion of the country’s imports and exports, specifically cargo handling. The aviation sector is a great employer that promotes both international and local tourism. It is one of the industries geared towards training of various technicians, engineers, pilots et cetera.

A successful aviation sector must have adequate aerodromes. By this I mean airstrips and airports. If we do not have adequate and comfortable aerodromes, we will not succeed in promoting the aviation sector of this country. We need well-trained pilots, engineers, and customer service representatives. This sector requires adequate aeroplane, both for passenger and cargo.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, we tend to forget one aspect of aviation. Aviation is key to territorial protection. This means we must have adequate aviation instruments that will keep surveillance of our territories and be part of the international aviation sector. We cannot exist without having connectivity and agreements with the international aviation sector.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, this Sessional Paper is very important. It will determine what we shall do in the next 20 to 50 years. We have to deal with completion. So many organisations and countries are putting their energy and effort into the aviation sector. These countries include Ethiopia, Rwanda, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) , not to forget that Uganda is also coming up. They are really competing in this sector. If something is not done, Kenya stands to lose. The Government and people interested in this sector should intervene.

The quoted Captain Mwenda is my nephew.

equipment, and plane shortages. Considering the competition we face as a country, we must prepare.

This is a very important Sessional Paper. It will create a framework of how this sector should be run. We need to support the Committee and the President’s “Road to Singapore” initiative.

The time for Sessional Papers is tight! Time is up!

Add him one minute.

This is one of the sectors that will benefit from the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) that we created. Those opposing this new economic pathway that His Excellency is championing have no idea of what they are doing to this country. The greater percentage of the NIF should go towards aerodrome development, towards rescuing…

Hon. Kibet Komingoi.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker, for the opportunity to be a part of the discourse in supporting Sessional Paper No. 6 that was presented by the able Chairman, Hon. GK Kariuki, Member for Ndia. We must come to terms with the sectors that this country needs to develop. As Members of this House and as responsible citizens of this nation, one of the sectors that we believe should be developed is the infrastructure related to the aviation industry.

I believe that the aviation industry is a second frontier, after the roads and rail, that is going to provide the creation of employment and business opportunities. It will create interlinkages between our industries to carry goods from our local and international airports to the world. This will also enable importation of what we need to develop our nation.

This Sessional Paper aims to foster job creation and create wealth as part of the industries in our nation. Hon. Temporary Speaker, you are aware that we passed the Railway Development Levy (RDL) that is seeking to raise capital for the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and its extension within the nation from Narok to Kisumu to Malaba and probably to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The sector of aviation portends greater benefits to this nation if we were to invest in it. We are investing US$4 billion in SGR and the inter-connections. However, if you were to invest only a fraction of that amount to modernise our airport, create linkages within the land which we have, and create zones through which business and private enterprises may participate in the aviation industry, we will be looking at a great space for our citizens.

Notably, there is no point of creating the framework and not willing to invest in the industry itself. One of the great investments that we already have within the aviation industry is Kenya Airways (KQ) . As many may say that KQ is a sleeping giant, I personally believe that KQ remains the most important asset that we have in our aviation industry. As such, KQ must be supported for it to deliver the economic benefits and the thoughts that we have around the aviation industry to enable us to move on.

You may be aware about the plans by the Government. You have also been told about the modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) . The thoughts around it include creating a special economic zone within the airport for businesses to interact with the outside world and for goods to come directly to our airport. This will provide an opportunity

for the businesses that are undertaking exports within these zones to benefit from the special economic zones.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, there is no business that can stand by itself. There needs to be integration in infrastructure where the railway will go up to JKIA or the buses will be driven up to JKIA. This will enable ease of movement for the people landing or departing the airport as well as reduce the velocity of both goods and labour thereby creating investment opportunities within the airport.

Regarding safety in our skies or in the event of aviation accidents and incidents, we bring people from outside the country to investigate these matters. This Sessional Paper will transform and create a legal framework through which Kenya will provide services to the world. We will be capable of conducting accident investigations and create job opportunities for our people. Kenya Airways together with Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) have opportunities for training. We can implement this so that we can be exporting labour, that is, pilots, engineers, or airport attendants.

We must look at this sector holistically…

No more interests. The Mover to reply. Mover!

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I would like to appreciate the contributions made by Members as I rise to reply.

Many Members have given very good contributions. I thank Hon. KJ, Hon. Beatrice, Hon. Kitayama, and Hon. Wanjiru Chege. We have honourable members of the Committee like Hon. Kiragu Chege, Hon. Komingoi, and Hon. Murwithania. Thank you. I may not remember all of them. I can see my friends here. Thank you for your good contributions which enrich our deliberations as a Committee.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, lastly, I thank Members of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure because this is not my document, but theirs. We had a retreat and we came up with a document that helps form the framework for the aviation sector.

A few Members have mentioned Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. We had a retreat with the Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, in Mombasa last week. He presented to the Committee the JKIA masterplan. We were informed that the site would be handed over to the contractor before June this year. The expansion and rehabilitation of JKIA will greatly increase air traffic at the hub and help accelerate activities in the aviation sector. I appreciate the great contributions made by Members. I assure them, and Kenyans at large, that we will do everything possible, as lawmakers, to ensure that our country remains a top destination. The JKIA and other airports in the country will be put in the right state so that we can have safe infrastructure for the aviation sector.

It is said that one of the challenges or characteristics of developing economies is infrastructure that is not world class. I believe Kenya, under the leadership of President William Ruto, is moving in the right direction. The Bill we passed the other day, the National Infrastructure Fund Bill, will greatly help address the challenges we have in the country as far as infrastructure is concerned. I believe that Kenya will be one of the best countries in the next few years in terms of infrastructure, not only in aviation but also in other areas such as rail, road, and sea transport. We are doing well. As a Committee, we support the Ministry and country. We have every reason to be happy about the future of this country.

We need to be hopeful and patriotic when big projects are initiated, so that we move this country forward and help accelerate our socio-economic development.

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

Thank you, Hon. Chairman. If the rebuilding of JKIA—which is planned by the current administration—is completed, it will

make President Ruto the greatest Kenya has ever had. I am grateful for the support the Committee and Parliament is giving that endeavour.

The Chairman, Budget and

Yes, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Proceed.

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

Report of the Budget and Appropriations Committee on its consideration of the Supplementary Estimates for the Financial Year 2025/2026 & the compendium of Departmental Committee reports on their consideration of the Supplementary Estimates.

I am waiting for you to lay the Paper.

Yes.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Budget and Appropriations

Next Order.

Mwenyekiti, Kamati ya Utangamano wa Kikanda.

Mhe. Spika wa Muda, naomba kutoa Hoja: KWAMBA, Bunge la Taifa liridhie Ripoti ya Kamati ya Utangamano wa Kikanda kuhusu Ziara ya Ukaguzi kwa Taasisi Zisizo Huru Kikamilifu za Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki na Ushoroba wa Kati katika Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, iliyowasilishwa kwenye Meza ya Bunge Jumatano, 9 Aprili 2025. Kwa mujibu wa Kanuni 212 ya Kanuni za Kudumu za Bunge la Taifa, Kamati hii inawajibika kusimamia masuala yanayohusu utangamano wa kikanda, ikiwemo Asasi za Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki. Ni katika kutekeleza wajibu huu wa kikatiba na kibunge ndiposa Kamati ilifanya ziara ya ukaguzi kuanzia tarehe 24 hadi 29 Machi 2025. Kamati ilizuru:

Mwafiki.

Asante, Mhe. Spika wa Muda, kwa nafasi nzuri uliyonipa kuunga mkono Ripoti ya Kamati ya Utangamano wa Jumuiya yetu ya Afrika Mashariki iliyoletwa kwetu na mwenyekiti wetu ambaye amezungumza Kiswahili safi sana.

Mara nyingi watu wanaogopa kuongea Kiswahili. Naliambia Bunge hili la Kitaifa kuwa Kiswahili kinazungumzwa na watu wasiopungua 300,000,000 hadi 500,000,000 ulimwenguni. Kiswahili pia kina asili ya hapa kwetu Afrika Mashariki.

Kwa wale wachache wanaofikiri Kiswahili ni lugha ya Pwani na Taifa la Tanzania, nawajulisha kwamba Kiswahili kinafundishwa hadi kwenye vyuo vikuu kule Marekani na Ulaya. Ukienda Japani, utakuta watu wanajifunza Kiswahili.

Sasa hivi ukienda Uchina, utashangaa kwamba wamechukua walimu kutoka hapa Afrika Mashariki kufundisha Kiswahili kule kwao. Kwa hivyo, ile kazi Kamati inayoketi, inayoongozwa na Mheshimiwa Mwenyekiti aliyeongea hapa, Mhe. Irene Mayaka, ni Kamati ambayo ina umuhimu sana katika Afrika Mashariki.

Tulitembea Afrika Mashariki na sana sana tukaangazia asasi ambazo zinasimamiwa na Jumuiya yetu. Tulikuta changamoto nyingi ambazo Marais wa Afrika Mashariki wanastahili wazizungumzie katika ile meza ya Marais. Kuna majukumu ambayo yamepewa mashirika hayo ama asasi hizo ambazo sharti zitimize kazi zao. Tukiongea sana kuhusu masuala ya uhusiano na yale ya kusafirisha bidhaa na wafanyakazi, kwa Kiingereza wanaita free movement of labour and goods, ibainike kwamba Afrika Mashariki... Nchi hizi ambazo ziko katika Jumuiya hii zinafanya kazi; zinafanya biashara kubwa.

Ndiyo, tunategemea mashirika ya nchi za nje, nchi za mbali, lakini tutambue kwamba biashara kubwa inayofanywa ndani ya Kenya hii ni biashara tunayofanya na watu wa Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, na nchi zile zote ambazo ziko katika Afrika Mashariki. Naomba serikali zote ziwajibike kutoa ufadhili wao kwa mashirika haya ambayo yako katika Afrika Mashariki. Ukiangalia Tume ya Kiswahili, mara nyingi utakuta haina pesa hata ya kulipa wafanyakazi. Hawana pesa ya kufanya kile kwa Kiingereza wanaita research. Katika Kiswahili ni utafiti. Hawana pesa ya kuendelea kufanya utafiti. Lugha huwa si lugha tu; lugha huwa inakua na lugha huwa inatoholewa. Sasa unakuta utafiti unahitajika.

Nchi za Afrika Mashariki zinastahili kuendelea kutoa ufadhili wao katika Afrika Mashariki. Nikimaliza, Wakenya walioko Tanzania wanalalamika. Sisi wengine ambao kaunti zetu zinapakana na nchi jirani ya Tanzania, kunakuwa na changamoto. Watu wetu wameenda kufanya kazi Moshi, wameenda kufanya kazi Arusha, wameenda kufanya kazi Dar es Salaam. Watu wetu wale ambao wametoka Busia na Malaba wameenda kufanya kazi upande ule wa Uganda. Na Wakenya wamejizatiti, wametembea nchi zote. Ukienda Kigali leo... Mheshimiwa Spika wa Muda, nilikuwa huko juzi juzi, Wakenya wako pale. Lakini kile kinachostaajabisha, kinachotukera kidogo, ni kwamba vile Kenya tunavyowakumbatia wenzetu wa Afrika Mashariki, wenzetu ambao wanatoka nchi hizo za karibu, siyo vile sisi Wakenya tunavyokumbatiwa, sana sana kule Tanzania.

Kwa hivyo tunaomba kwamba tunapozungumza katika Bunge la Taifa, tuseme kwamba kila nchi iwe na kile kwa Kiingereza ama katika diplomasia wanaita diplomatic reciprocation, Mhe. Spika wa Muda. Yaani vile tunavyotendeana, tutendeane vivyo pia. Ndiyo maana tunasema kwamba watu wetu kule Tanzania, kila miezi mitatu wanasemekana walipe sijui nini, wafanye vipi, hawapewi nafasi ya kufanya biashara vile inavyostahili. Twaomba sana nchi hizi, na vile tunavyoimba katika wimbo wa Afrika Mashariki... Wimbo ule ni mtamu sana. Tukiuimba ule wimbo tunasikia kuchangamka. Ni wimbo ambao umebuniwa katika hali ya juu. Tuimarishe Jumuiya yetu.

Nasimama hapo kusema kwamba hebu nchi zetu za Afrika Mashariki zijizatiti ili tupate kuendeleza umoja wa Afrika Mashariki. Nasimama kuunga mkono Hoja hii. Nasimama kuunga Hoja hii na kusema kwamba mimi ni wa pili wa kusema kwamba, 'Iko sawa'.

Asante, Mhe. Spika wa Muda.

Je, umeafikisha au umeunga mkono? Wewe ni mwafiki. Kwa hivyo, afikisha.

Mhe. Spika wa Muda, asante. Nimeafikisha. Asante.

Mhe. Naomi Waqo.

Asante sana, Mhe. Spika wa Muda, kwa kunipa nafasi hii. Lakini baada ya Mheshimiwa kuongea, naona hiki Kiswahili changu ni duni kiasi.

Nini? Ni mambo gani yanamsumbua Mheshimiwa wa Kuria Mashariki?

Mhe. Spika wa Muda, itaonekana vibaya sana ikiwa singeweza kuchangia Hoja hii. Ninaelewa kwamba muda umeyoyoma. Lakini wanaonisikiliza wakiwa upande ule wa pili wangependa Hoja hii iweze kusaidia nchi zetu mbili. Kamati hii imefanya kazi ambayo ni muhimu sana. Kwa hivyo, tuweze kuiendeleza hata na zaidi ili kwamba isiwe tu ni mjadala.

Mhe. Kitayama, uko kwenye Hoja ya nidhamu au unajadili?

Ninaunganisha kwa sababu Mhe. Spika...

Unaunganisha?

Ninaunganisha.

Kwa sababu mimi nimekupatia ruhusa uchangie au kujadili Hoja hii.

Naomba Mheshimiwa...

Endelea.

Asante sana. Mhe. Spika wa Muda, nashukuru sana kwa sababu inapendeza wakati ambapo watu wanaotoka katika kanda hii wanaweza kuzungumza kwa kuelewana. Lugha ya Kiswahili ina utamu wake na katika ule utamu kuna kuingiliana kwa masuala ambayo yanaweza kufanya watu kuweza kuelewana kwa urahisi. Yale matatizo ambayo ni ya kukosana kosana yanapungua.

Mhe. Spika wa Muda, amesema vizuri sana Mhe. Mwashako, kwamba upande ule wa pili, sisi Wakenya tunaeleweka vibaya. Wakati mwingine tunachukuliwa kwamba tuko mbio kidogo. Itapendeza tutakapokuwa tumekiboresha Kiswahili hapa Kenya. Wale watatuona kama ni ndugu. Sasa hivi tukienda kule, tunaunganisha lugha tofauti. Sasa wanaona kama sisi labda tunatoka mbio au tunafanya kwa kasi mambo ambayo wao wangependa yafanywe kwa utaratibu jinsi ambavyo Kiswahili ni lugha iliyo taratibu. Nasema hivi...

Order, Hon. Members! Hon. Kitayama, umebakisha dakika tatu. Utamaliza majadiliano yako kuhusu Hoja hii wakati itakaporatibishwa kujadiliwa na ile Kamati inayosimamia mambo hayo wakati ujao.

Order, Hon. Members! The time being

Published by Clerk of the National Assembly