National Assembly Hansard: Tuesday, 6th October, 2026 - Afternoon Sitting

Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell. (The Quorum Bell was rung) Hon. Members, we now have quorum to transact business. Clerk-at-the-Table, you may proceed. Members on their feet, take your seats.

Hon. Nyamita, take the nearest seat.

Hon. Members, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 41(4) relating to Messages from the Senate, I wish to report to the House that I received a Message from the Senate regarding the approval of a nominee for appointment as a Member of the Parliamentary Service Commission under Article 127(2)(d) of the Constitution.

Article 127(2)(d) of the Constitution provides that the Commission shall consist of, among others, one man and one woman appointed by Parliament from among persons who are experienced in public affairs, but are not Members of Parliament. To this end, the Message from the Senate conveys that, on Thursday, 1st October 2026, the Senate considered the Report of the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights on the proposed appointment of Hon. Fatuma Ibrahim Ali as the female member of the Parliamentary Service Commission under Article 127(2)(d) of the Constitution.

Consequently, pursuant to Article 127(2)(d) of the Constitution, Section 9(2) of the Parliamentary Service Act and Standing Order 77(3) of the Senate, and by a resolution, the Senate approved the appointment of Hon. Fatuma Ibrahim Ali, the former Woman Representative for Wajir County in the 11th Parliament, and a former Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), as a Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission. The approval was done following the conclusion of a competitive recruitment process by the Commission.

In line with the provisions of Article 127(2)(c) of the Constitution, the Senate’s decision requires this House’s concurrence to complete the nominee’s appointment process. As you will recall, on Tuesday, 29th September 2026, Hon. Patrick Makau, CBS, MP, Chairman of the

Members at the Bar, take the nearest seats. Hon. Members, I wish to introduce to you a delegation from the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Lesotho, who are seated in the Speaker’s Row. The delegation comprises Members of the Portfolio Committee on the Prime Minister’s Ministries and Departments, Governance, International Relations and Information Cluster and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Monitoring Committee. They are:

Leader of the Majority Party.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I was wondering how you were able to read those names.

They are Bantu names.

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

Thank you. Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, Hon. George Best, proceed.

Thank you very much. Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table:

Report of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on its consideration of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill, No. 50 of 2025).

Chairperson of the Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee. I cannot see Hon. Mulyungi? Is there any Member to step in? Let us have Hon. Muthoni Ikiara. So far so good. I suppose you are holding brief to table those documents. Do you have them?

No, Hon. Speaker, but my Chairperson is coming shortly.

Hon. Dorothy, do you have the documents now? Order No.6 must come in succession to Order No.5. Are you ready to table the documents? Give her the microphone.

Hon. Speaker, let me contact my Chairperson. I cannot read the documents now because I left my reading glasses at home.

Give the documents to the Deputy Leader of the Majority Party to assist you. Hon. Owen Baya, can you take the responsibility and table those documents?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Age is catching up with me.

No problem. Thereafter, you will give the notice of Motion. We are now back to Order No.5(C). The Chairperson of the Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee. Hon. Owen Baya.

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

Reports of the Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee on its consideration of Reports of the Auditor-General as follows–

Since the Order has already been called out, please, proceed and give notice of the Motion.

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

THAT, this House adopts the 16th Report of the Decentralised Funds Accounts

You have several notices of Motions. Go ahead.

Yes.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the 17th Report of the Decentralised Funds Accounts

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

THAT, this House adopts the 18th Report of the Decentralised Funds Accounts

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

THAT, this House adopts the 19th Report of the Decentralised Funds Accounts

Next Order!

Thank you. Hon. Melly, is your Statement in relation to a progress report?

Yes, Hon. Speaker.

Go ahead.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 44(2)(b), I rise to make a Statement on the status of consideration of six education sector Bills committed to the Departmental Committee on Education. The Bills are as follows:

Last week, Hon. Milemba requested the House and the Speaker to accede to an extension of your Committee's work for two weeks, which I acceded to. Does your Statement fall within that realm?

Hon. Speaker, two weeks from which date?

Starting yesterday.

Yes, meaning that we will have to postpone our sitting for one clause-by-clause interrogation with major stakeholders.

I will give you the time you require. I consider this a very important exercise.

It is.

You can be done by 16th October?

Yes. We can push by one week so that we can come back and sit from the week after 16th October when we will have met any other smaller stakeholders. We shall then sit to analyse and prepare a very concrete report to table before the House.

That gives you three weeks from today. I direct that you try and conclude your work and table the reports. Will you finish the hearings in three weeks.

Yes

How long will you need to write your report?

One week is enough.

So, in a month's time, we will have a product in the House?

We will have a very well-done product and we will thereafter take it through the necessary process.

Excellent.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Melly. Member for Kiminini, Hon. Kakai Bisau.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture regarding the governance disputes within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and outstanding payments to Harambee Stars.

The FKF is mandated to manage, promote and develop football in Kenya. However, reported disputes relating to leadership, budgets, governance and league regulations have disrupted its operations and reportedly delayed the commencement of the 2026-2027 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) sessions. These disputes have also raised concerns regarding the ability of the FKF to shepherd the preparedness of the country’s national team, Harambee Stars, to compete in the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Further, concerns have arisen regarding outstanding payments to Harambee Stars’ players and allegations that the work permits for the team head coach, Mr Benni McCarthy and his technical staff, are yet to be approved. The situation risks undermining players’ welfare and morale, disrupting football development and affecting the country’s preparations for the upcoming international competitions.

Taking the lead in promoting sports in Kenya has been His Excellency President William Ruto’s forte. From innovative fundraising mechanisms to improving infrastructure through construction of sports academies now nearing completion, and not to forget stadiums, notably, the iconic Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi. The governance disputes have affected the commencement of football leagues as club owners continue to suffer heavy financial responsibility including my own club, Kiminini Combined Football Club, popularly known as the Bazuu Boys, where I am the patron. The cost of players’ upkeep, salaries and preparation for the league continues to be incurred without definite league commencement date.

Notably, according to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) rules, while Government interference is prohibited, a normalisation committee can be formed to address the current and destructive tendencies.

Thank you. Let us have the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture. Hon. Justice Kemei, are you a Member of the Committee?

No, Hon. Speaker.

Do you want to joyride on that request for Statement? Go ahead.

Hon. Speaker, the Statement sought by Hon. Bisau, who is my good friend, has come at the right time. During the international break, when national teams are playing in Europe and Africa, I have been watching the Harambee Stars and was quite concerned by their performance. This is not the Harambee Stars we have always known.

Key players like Ogam are not playing to their usual standards. The coach appears unable to get out of the box to advise the players or give instructions. I felt that something was amiss, especially when I watched the match between Kenya and Eritrea. We cannot say that Eritrea cannot beat us, but we should not have drawn with them, given the positions that Kenya and Eritrea occupy on the international stage. It is for this reason that I hope we can get a very concise answer to the Statement sought by my colleague.

Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture. Leader of the Majority Party, this request for a Statement by Hon. Kakai Bisau is very important. We are hosting AFCON next year, but the drums and trumpets coming from the football corner are not sounding good. They are not encouraging. Like Justice Kemei, I also watched Harambee Stars versus Eritrea match and I was embarrassed by the poor quality of play by our team, given how well we played during the African Nations Championships (CHAN). Something is not adding up. If I were you, and I direct you to do so, I would have the Cabinet Secretary come to this House to be interrogated on Kenya’s level of preparedness, not only to host AFCON, but also to participate competitively in the tournament and win it for us. Therefore, have the Cabinet Secretary come to this House next Wednesday to respond to this request in plenary, not to Hon. Kakai.

Yes, Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon. Speaker, I am most obliged. I will endeavour to have the Cabinet Secretary appear before the House either next Wednesday or the following Wednesday to respond. I agree with you that it was rather discouraging to see us draw with Eritrea at home.

We did not just draw; we struggled to draw.

What was most discouraging was that we were playing at home.

Yes.

Hon. Speaker, I know we have had some problems, particularly between the FKF President and his deputy. They had small tussles, which I am aware the Ministry has intervened to create some peace in that space. However, it shows that the infighting within the FKF affects even the morale of the players. We have done exceptionally well in the development of infrastructure. With the Talanta Sports Stadium coming to completion, we must do better in talent development and make sure that our nation shines through Harambee Stars at AFCON.

I commit that next week or the following week, I will have the Cabinet Secretary come to the House and respond to the request for a Statement by Hon. Kakai Bisau, a very diligent Member from Trans Nzoia and a future governor.

Thank you. Hon. Robert Mbui.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I agree with the Leader of the Majority Party. However, it is important to note that during CHAN, these players were highly motivated. I understand they have recently been complaining about their allowances. Their problems could also be financial, particularly given that several promises were made during CHAN. They were given a lot of money and promised houses. I do not know whether they have received the affordable houses. Perhaps that could also be part of the problem. If you promise something, you have to deliver for the players to continue playing. I do not know whether those promises were fulfilled. The Leader of the Majority Party needs to find out whether they got the houses promised by the President. It might be the reason they are no longer playing as well as they did before.

Yes, Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon. Speaker, I can confirm to Hon. Robert Mbui that His Excellency the President, delivered on all his commitments to our team, Harambee Stars. I must also take this opportunity to thank Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka because, on one occasion, he spent Ksh50,000 to sponsor a watch party for a Harambee Stars match.

Therefore, I encourage all of us, as leaders, to emulate the President’s example because these players have also come from our backyards. If there is a player you can motivate, please, do so. Even that small effort by Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka to sponsor about 250 people buy buying each a ticket worth Ksh200 was a good effort. The President, however, fulfilled all his commitments to the players. I can also tell you that even for AFCON, he has engaged the Football Kenya Federation. He will be motivating the team for AFCON and other games.

Last week, the President encouraged young Kenyans to take up other sports like basketball. This followed his recent visit to watch the Atlanta Dream play, a team that features Madina Okot, a young talent from Kakamega County.

Hon. Speaker, Members from Kakamega County, specifically from the Kenya Kwanza brigade, questioned me as to why we did not involve them in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) trip, so that they could accompany the President to watch Madina Okot play. Hon. Speaker, Beatrice Elachi is a good supporter of women in sports. I have seen her in Dagoretti North supporting young girls playing football, some of whom have even been selected to play for the Harambee Starlets. This is how we should encourage our people. Let us not just look to the President; let us also, individually, as Kenyan leaders, inspire and support the sportsmen and women in our respective backyards.

Madina Okot hails from Kakamega. She is now playing in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She is the first Kenyan to play there and she is doing exceptionally well.

Hon. Elachi.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I would like to inform the House that the Harambee Stars players have, indeed, been allocated their housing units, specifically within the Ziwani/Kariokor project. While the President fulfilled his pledge to cover his portion of the cost, the players will still follow the standard due process, just like all other Kenyans acquiring affordable housing."

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding escalating banditry and insecurity within Nachola, Elbarta, Angata Nanyekie and Nyiro wards in Samburu North Constituency.

Hon. Speaker, on 29th August 2026, an unsuccessful attempted raid by suspected Pokot bandits happened near Lorian Village, Samburu North Sub-county resulting in the loss of the lives of two young men namely, Liaky Lentipo who was a National Police Reservist (NPR), and Ntiai Lekarangwa who was a herder. This incident was reported under OB No.05/28/28/2026 at Marti Police Station. Further, on 29th September 2026 at Nakweei village within Kawap Location, Nyiro Ward, over 1,000 goats belonging to Mzee Lorikot Egiron, Napoori Kadicho and Seyia Lemandibe were stolen without recovery by suspected Samburu bandits. This incident was reported under OB No.08/30/9/2026 at Baragoi Police Station. There was also another reported case of a raid on the same day at Sengenge Village, Suguta Location which sits on the border of Turkana East and Samburu North constituencies where over 500 herd of cattle were raided by suspected Pokot bandits.

There was a further reported raid that occurred on 1st October 2026 at Sarima village which sits on the border of Samburu North and Laisamis constituencies, where over 400 goats were raided by suspected Samburu bandits and one person reportedly killed. Further, on 3rd October, 2026, a 13-year-old Grade Six student, Lbalunye Lesuyai, was gunned down in cold blood at Morijo Centre by suspected Pokot bandits, and over 300 goats he and his friends were herding, were stolen without recovery. Two young men, Francis Loitudung Lentumunai who was an NPR and Saitoti Lekirisae, were killed while pursuing the goats. The incident was reported under OB No.15/3/10/2026 at Marti Police Station. There was yet another unsuccessful attempted raid reported on the same day at Bendera Village within Baragoi on goats belonging to Mzee Ltaitin Lenadonger, where a suspected bandit was killed, and another incident on the same day at Natiti Village within Baragoi where 10 goats were stolen, with eight being recovered through local community efforts.

These brazen and escalating acts of banditry without notable government and security services intervention pose a grave threat to the lives of our people and their property and are greatly undermining the fragile peace we have painstakingly built in Baragoi and the greater Samburu North over the past few years.

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

Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, is the Cabinet Secretary still appearing before you tomorrow?

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Naisula, what is your point of order? Hold on, Chairman.

Thank you, Speaker. I want to ride on the request for Statement by Hon. Eli Letipila.

The issue of insecurity in the north is actually a big concern to all of us. There is a meeting scheduled for tomorrow with the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, together with the Inspector-General of the National Police Service.

Hon. Speaker, I note that leaders from Samburu County have been invited to that meeting, as have our counterparts from Meru and Isiolo counties. I wish to seek confirmation from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security as to whether their attendance has been confirmed. This meeting will provide a vital avenue for Parliament to obtain answers to the numerous questions that have been tabled before this House.

There was a request for Statement by Hon. Pauline Lenguris that was debated here. There is now another request for Statement by Hon. Eli Letipila. I am sure our colleagues from the other counties have questions. I really hope that tomorrow, that meeting will happen and we will get answers from the people who are responsible for security in this country.

Hon. (Dr) Mutunga, you want to joyride as well?

Yes, Hon. Speaker, I would like to joyride on that request for a Statement. When I look at the letter that the Member is referring to, I think it is out of context. It talks about Meru and Samburu, livestock grazing on our land, whether compensation has been considered and whether quantification has been done, which is out of context. I have already called the Director of Committees to tell him that there is a problem with that particular communication and that the meeting might not yield the expected results. He promised to get back to me, although he has not. We need better communication so that we can deal with issues as they arise.

Hon. Pauline Lenguris.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. On the same issue, for tomorrow’s meeting, we were also asking ourselves: If you look at the invitation, they are inviting Members of Parliament, Senators and governors. Will it be a Parliamentary committee, or a joint meeting of both Houses, or what kind of meeting is that? Or is it a baraza, for that matter?

Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi.

Hon. Speaker, I join my colleagues because I have just seen this letter here, which is very general. It does not really address specific issues. It is kind of a general issue that can be handled anywhere. We need to schedule this meeting. The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security is here, and the office is there. We have seen that it has come from the Director of Departmental Committees. Please, I do not think this is the right forum for us to discuss those serious matters.

Yes, Hon. Lekumontare, give him the microphone.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Given the issues on the ground and the happenings now and then, we need the Cabinet Secretary tomorrow so he can address what he can, instead of postponing. At the same time, there are many issues on the ground. It might be general, but I think the Members of the National Assembly who are affected really need answers from the Cabinet Secretary. They wrote a general letter inviting the governors, which is not correct because Members raise issues here. Issues raised by other quarters should be addressed in other quarters.

Yes, Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo.

Thank you, Speaker.

Hold on, Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo; a Member wishes to speak. Is that Hon. Emathe? Yes, Hon. Protus.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. The matter under discussion is important. I request that Members of Parliament from Turkana County be invited to that meeting because the issue affects Turkana East and Turkana South. We must attend that meeting so we can deliberate widely.

Yes, Hon. Tongoyo. When Hon. Mumina requested for a Statement last week, and then Hon. Letipila and Hon. Lekumontare joined in, Hon. Lenguris also asked for a similar Statement. Your commitment to the House is that the Cabinet Secretary appears before your Committee, on your invitation or summons, as the case may be, and that those Members who asked questions should come and prosecute their issues before the Committee. Is that correct?

Yes, very correct, Hon. Speaker.

Now what I am hearing is that you have not only invited the Cabinet Secretary to appear before the Committee, but also governors, Members from Meru and Isiolo, Senators and I do not know who else. Is that still a meeting of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security?

First and foremost, Hon. Speaker, I want to confirm that the meeting, as communicated and approved by this House, is still on tomorrow at 10.00 a.m.

The Cabinet Secretary appearing before you?

The Cabinet Secretary with the Inspector General of Police and the security agencies. I want to say this: We picked Wednesday specifically because, normally, on Tuesday, there is often a Cabinet sitting. We sought approval from the Clerk because of the overriding public interest in the issue of banditry, not just in Samburu, but in Isiolo and even Meru.

The question came from the Member of Parliament from Samburu, but given the events of the last two weeks, we saw it as necessary and important to do an addendum. So, Meru and

Let him finish; I will give you an opportunity.

I have done the needful, and it is within the mandate and the Constitution. Why are they worried about any other person following the proceedings? They are not going, of course, to contribute in any way. The Constitution allows them to observe. It is not the first time; it has happened before.

Yes, Hon. Letipila.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. The Chairman is being cheeky and introducing politics into very grave matters. He should separate politics from these grave matters. The matters which Hon. Pauline raised…

He is on a point of order. (Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo spoke off the record) Order, Hon. Letipila. What did you say? I was consulting; I did not hear you. Is that what you said?

Yes, Hon. Speaker.

Please, withdraw that.

Hon. Speaker, I withdraw, Hon. Speaker. But the matters to be discussed by that Committee tomorrow are grave. I believe that when a matter is to be prosecuted, it should be prosecuted properly until the end. Those who raised that matter are capable of prosecuting it. I have the invitation here in front of me, and the governor, Senator, and other governors are copied on the invitation. The Chairman cannot say that they have not been invited. Perhaps he needs to clarify that issue, because, as you can see, this matter is raising…

Point made. Hon. Emathe. I have given the floor to the Member for Turkana Central.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I think the Hon. Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security needs to be well advised that this is a very emotive matter.

Hon. Tongoyo, you are being addressed. You had better listen before you consult with your leader.

This is a very emotive matter. When the President took office, he said, " Sio tafadhali. I advise the Chairperson not to bring all the warring parties together. He may choose to hold the jukwaa la usalama and listen to what the

Yes, Hon. Naisula.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for your indulgence on this matter. We must discuss it on this Floor of the House before tomorrow's meeting.

Listening to the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security, it is unfortunate that he brought political matters from outside into this House. I will not name some of the leaders, even from our counties, who have branded some of us as DCP members whenever we raise issues that affect our community. My community comes first: politics come later. So, that is unfortunate. We will deal with the politics out there, but we will deal with issues of Parliament here, in front of the Committee.

Secondly, Hon. Speaker, differences between governors and Members of Parliament in counties will not be played out in this House. People disagree not only in Samburu County. Even in Narok County, where he comes from, they disagree, even with their governor.

Keep him out. He is not inviting anyone based on Narok politics. I will not allow that here.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, I will leave that.

The Council of Governors (CoGs) have their own avenues to look for the Cabinet Secretary and the Inspector General of Police and deal with those matters outside. But Members of Parliament will deal with matters of Parliament, as people in constituencies and counties rightly elect them to do. That will not happen here. So, branding any Member who raises matters of their constituents as opposition or DCP will not happen in this House.

On the issue of the questions we have not framed, we ride on the questions the Committee has raised. A Member can raise issues that affect their community, and a Member does not have to follow the committee's questions. The Cabinet Secretary and the Inspector General of Police should give short answers so we can ask the questions that affect our people.

Thank you.

Lastly, Hon. Speaker, we cannot be told to have jukwaa la usalama again. We already had it in our counties and constituencies. We need a forum as part of the responsibilities of Members of Parliament. We can have a jukwaa where every Member raises their issues. Maybe that is what will solve issues of banditry in this country. No one is protecting any criminal or bandit, but we must be told why our cows were killed, and whether they did anything or nothing. Everyone else can raise their questions tomorrow.

Hon. Lenguris

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to emphasise what Hon. Lesuuda has said.

Parliament must deal with parliamentary issues in Parliament. Clear procedures govern how county matters are handled and how parliamentary matters are dealt with. When we read the invitation letter, we are confused about whether it is a joint parliamentary meeting or a public baraza. One cannot invite Members of Parliament, Senators and some governors, and governors also invite community members. So, we are unsure whether the meeting will be productive or a forum for making noise.

The insecurity issues we are dealing with here are very serious, and we need to handle them with clear procedures. Let us not mix issues. Every county has its own issues. If someone wants to involve everyone here, there are other avenues to do that. Let us do parliamentary issues the parliamentary way.

Thank you. Hon. Tongoyo, in the interest of time, you informed the House that you had invited the Cabinet Secretary to appear tomorrow. (Several stood along the gangway) Order. Members standing in the walkway, take your seats or go and discuss in the lounge out there. We are discussing something very serious: Security for our people, the people who elected you. There is an additional dimension of livestock being shelled to the ground, thereby destroying people's wealth. In some of those areas, livestock is the only wealth people have.

So, I direct the Chairperson of the Committee to ensure that the Cabinet Secretary appears before us tomorrow. All Members of this House are free to attend and prosecute the issue with the Cabinet Secretary. We cannot stop Members from the other House from attending if they want to come to the Committee as observers, but not as participants. I will not allow you to bring governors to polarise the proceedings of this House. If you want to deal with governors, do so elsewhere. Tell the Cabinet Secretary that he can call a baraza, meet governors, and invite Members who represent wananchi as well. But for parliamentary order and proceedings in your Committee, it will be a committee of Parliament.

We are open. If a governor comes, they will come only as private observers and will not participate. I advise that keeping them quiet in that meeting will be quite difficult. So, keep them out and have all Members. I can see the epicentre of this matter is Samburu, Isiolo, Marsabit, Meru, Turkana, and, to some extent, Baringo and Laikipia. If Members who feel aggrieved and affected meet, I will allow you to use the Mini-Chamber in County Hall, so you have enough space for people who want to come and participate, including your colleagues here.

Hon. Speaker, thank you for the guidance. I do not want to overrule you because I do not have the mandate. I want to make it clear that from the very start, I indicated that we moved quickly on matters of public interest. I personally had to see the Cabinet Secretary so he could confirm attendance.

Very good.

There is even a National Security Council (NSC) meeting that was supposed to take place. The Inspector General of Police was to attend, but he deferred because of its importance. On this issue, Hon. Speaker, I know it is creating a lot of jitters here, of course, I am a politician. We have the politics of Samburu, which I understand, and I respect my colleagues.

Hon. Speaker, I really need your guidance here. I want to be on record that the issue here is that the Governor of Samburu is not attending. What I am aware of, and what they had written to me, and what I wrote to the Clerk, is that the former governor and five or so very important members of the public had asked me, as, of course, the Standing Orders allow, to be a participant and follow the proceedings. In my judgement, I considered that there was no problem in that because this is Parliament, a public institution. Of course, here, we always have members of the public following the proceedings of Parliament. Hon. Speaker, I ask for your indulgence because we are not hiding anything.

Which governors? Which former governor?

I am talking, Hon. Speaker.

Order, Members.

Hon. Speaker, we should not set a precedent. We are neither hiding anything nor having any ulterior motives on this. We will

Hon. Pauline, do you want to say something again? Let us hear Leader of the Majority Party first, Hon. Pauline.

Hon. Speaker, I have listened to Hon. Tongoyo. He has asserted that the current Governor of Samburu County will not attend the Committee’s proceedings. He has granted permission for the former Governor of Samburu County to attend and follow the proceedings.

Is it Hon. Lenolkulal?

Yes, it is, and he is now a member of the public. In my view, I do not see any harm in a member of the public, irrespective of the office one ever held, appearing before a committee and following proceedings.

They are open proceedings.

There is no harm in that.

Hon. Tongoyo will not allow sectarian politics in our committees and will keep sitting governors out. If Senators want to attend the meeting, they are observers, not participants. They should not sit there to interrogate the Cabinet Secretary. It is not their forum.

Other people like former governors are members of the public. They can come and sit either in the gallery or in seats you reserve for them. They are not participants in interrogating the Cabinet Secretary. These are the county members I mentioned, and any other members of the public with an interest. Any Member of Parliament can, with the permission of the Speaker and Hon. Chairman, participate in some committee proceedings, but they cannot vote if a vote is required. Therefore, you can proceed that way.

Hon. Rindikiri, what is it? You look agitated.

Hon. Speaker, I have a copy of the letter which is copied to two governors.

My direction overrules the contents of that letter. (Hon. Mugambi Rindikiri spoke off the record)

Order, Hon. Rindikiri. Whether the letters are copied to them or not, they are disinvited with this communication.

I am well guided, Hon. Speaker.

Therefore, I wish you well. I was in Marsabit and Samburu this weekend, and the noise is not very pleasant. Therefore, it is good that you are addressing these issues. I encourage Members from this region to promote peace. We want peace for our people and protection of their property. We want every Kenyan to enjoy the tranquillity in our country. Therefore, be contributors to peace efforts, not agitators of insecurity. Hon. Elachi.

Hon. Speaker, I have a Statement.

I will come to you later.

On a point of order, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Pukose.

Hon. Speaker, I have listened to Hon. Letipila’s Statement. He mentioned the Pokot bandits. However, in your direction, you did not mention whether the Members who represent those areas are invited.

I did not hear that. Hon. Letipila, did you also talk about Pokot bandits? Was it in reference to your colleagues from Pokot?

No, Hon. Speaker. I did not mention Members; if the Member who has risen on a point of order avers that Members are bandits, that is not what I meant.

Members from Pokot County may attend the meeting. We want peace and parliamentary proceedings in the plenary and committees’ sittings.

Hon. Members, before I call the next Statement, allow me to introduce Isinya Township Secondary School from Kajiado East, Kajiado County, who are in the Public Gallery. In the Speaker’s Row, we have a delegation from the Parliament of Ghana.

Hon. Members, I wish to introduce a delegation of Members of the Committee of Public Administration and State Interest from the Parliament of Ghana, seated in the Speaker's Row. They are:

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. With your blessings, the Kenyan delegation and I represented you at the 4th African Regional Inter- Parliamentary Conference on Family Values and Sovereignty. Our counterparts in Ghana gave us a warm welcome. We enjoyed great hospitality. I take this opportunity to welcome you to our country and this Parliament. We appreciate the treatment that you gave us and our delegation. We enjoyed it. We do not mind coming again. In that meeting, we launched a charter for family, reflecting our African aspirations and what we want future generations to inherit from us.

Next is Hon. Naisula Lesuuda.

Hon. Naisula, you have become nomadic. Can you present your Statement quickly?

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I am nomadic by birth. I apologise.

Where is the Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Regional Development, Hon. Lochakapong? Hon. Pukose, do you want to joyride on this?

Yes, Hon. Speaker. On this issue about the El Niño rains, many farmers, especially in the North Rift, have tilled their land in expectation of the rains in October. We would like to know from the Chairperson how the rainfall has been mapped.

Can the Chairman also inform us which areas are expected to be heavily affected and what we should expect? Farmers in some areas have tilled their land in preparation for the rains, only for the El Niño rains not to happen, resulting in losses. We therefore need proper mapping showing the expected amount of rainfall in specific counties. Can we get data showing whether rainfall is expected to be high, moderate, or low? We would also like to know when

Hon. Julius Sunkuli.

Hon. Speaker, the Statement is important, but I also want to follow the same road Hon. Pukose has travelled. Where we come from, people wish there were El Niño rains because, unfortunately, the Meteorological Department did not tell us that a drought would precede the El Niño rains. Our areas are dry, and our cows cannot find water because the short rains have not arrived as usual. The situation is as bad as it can be during a drought. Can the Meteorological Department give us both scenarios? They did not tell us it would be this dry, and now that they say it will be wet, let them tell us when this is likely to happen. Will there be another time that we can prepare for the effects of the drought, given the difficult situation we are going through?

Thank you. Yes, Hon. Wangwe.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to joyride on that issue. I listened very keenly to the terms of reference, but the issue of relocation was not mentioned. The Government is asking the public to move from the vulnerable areas to other places. However, the Cabinet Secretary should tell us how he is planning to accommodate people who will have to relocate from the lowlands to where they are expected to settle.

Is Hon. Lochakapong in the House? Leader of the Majority Party, inform Hon. Lochakapong to bring a response next week on Thursday.

Okay.

Yes, Hon. Patrick Makau.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise on Standing Order 44(2)(c). On 26th August this year, I requested for a Statement regarding the disappearance of Mr Jimmy Mutava Mwanzia. Fortunately, the Chairperson tabled the Report while I was away on another assignment known to you. I request that the Report be tabled again, so that I can conduct some interrogation because it is a matter of importance.

The Report was tabled.

That is what I am told.

You should look at the Report. I will give you three minutes tomorrow afternoon to fire a question or two to the Chairperson.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Tomorrow afternoon. Let us have Hon. Elachi.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife regarding the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes by the management of the Nairobi National Park.

The Nairobi National Park is a unique national asset, the only one of its kind in the world located within a capital city. It is an important conservation, tourism and revenue- generating asset for the country. According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) financial reports, Nairobi National Park generated Ksh1.268 billion in revenue in the Financial Year 2024/2025, making it the second-highest revenue-generating KWS park, after Amboseli National Park.

Thank you. Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife Tourism. Leader of the Majority Party, where is your Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife?

Hon. Kareke…

Direct him to bring a response in the next two weeks.

Okay.

Yes, Hon. Zamzam.

Asante sana, Mhe. Spika. Leo nimesimama katika Bunge hili na huzuni kubwa sana. Mombasa tumepoteza wapendwa wetu kumi na saba, ambao ni waumini wa Katoliki waliokuwa wanaenda kufanya hija yao huko Nakuru. Walipoteza maisha yao katika ajali pale Salama. Nimesimama kutoa rambirambi za pole kwa familia zao wakati huu mgumu. Mwenyezi Mungu azidi kuwapa subira. Wale madereva barabarani waangalie barabara.

Napenda pia kutoa pole kwa familia iliyopoteza wapendwa wao wawili, mama na watoto wake wawili, huko Nyali. Baba aliamua kuchukua kisu na kuwakatakata mama na mtoto. Mtoto mwingine, ambaye alikuwa anafanya mtihani, yuko katika hali mbaya na yuko hospitalini. Ukeketaji wa kijinsia umekuwa tishio kubwa kwenye jamii. Nawapa pole walioathirika na familia zao. Mwenyezi Mungu yuko pamoja nao.

Mwisho, natoa rambirambi zangu za pole kwa jamii ya mtoto wa miaka kumi na tatu pale Kikoani. Jana alipigwa na stima alipokuwa akicheza kwenye balcony. Inshaallah, statement kama hii nitaweza kuja kuhoji wale ambao wanashughulikia mambo ya stima, Kenya Power. Waseme kwa nini waya imepita karibu na nyumba kabisa mpaka mtoto ameshika na kupoteza maisha.

Kwa hiyo, ni siku ambayo Mombasa ina huzuni kubwa. Poleni sana St. Mathias Lumumba Catholic Church, Mikindani. Mwenyezi Mungu awape subira. Tuko pamoja kwa msiba huu. Asante sana, Mhe. Spika.

Thank you, Mama Zamzam. Inaitwa St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, not Mathias Lumumba. We join you in condoling those families. As a community, we

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. On my behalf and that of St. Stephen’s Sio Port Parish, I join all Catholics all over the country, the world and across the globe, in sending my condolences to our brethren who perished in that grisly road accident. They were on their way to special prayers at the Subukia Shrine. It was indeed, shocking. I also commend all those who did their best to save lives and rescue the injured.

The question of road accidents and the carnage on our roads is one that, as a country, we must urgently address. I commend Citizen Television for dedicating most of its evening programming yesterday to bringing this issue to light. I hope all the concerned parties will do everything possible to reduce the carnage on our roads.

The loss of almost 4,000 people since January is unprecedented. We cannot simply wish it away. We ought to work hard to stop this carnage. I extend my condolences to the Catholic community and all affected families.

Hon. Ng’elechei.

Thank you so much, Hon. Speaker. I want to join my colleagues in condoling the families of the 17 pilgrims who lost their lives while travelling to the Subukia Shrine. Additionally, lately, we have been experiencing many road accidents especially at night and along the ongoing Rironi–Mau Summit Highway construction project. I think this is due to some diversions and other changes along the road.

The roadside areas where most vehicles used to divert have been changed. Many drivers are new to the route. I urge drivers, especially public service vehicle drivers, to avoid travelling overnight, if possible. This is important when travelling to unfamiliar places. For instance, when there was a passing-out ceremony for recruits at the Administration Police Training College (APTC), a family lost four members. The accident happened slightly past midnight. When we inquired, we were told that the driver was new to that road. He was not familiar with the road construction or the stalled motor vehicles.

There is also negligence in this country. You find many truck drivers whose trucks stall at night, failing to put up road signs or reflectors. These should warn other motorists of the stalled vehicles. Many drivers are, therefore, caught by surprise when they come upon a stalled truck.

The Leader of the Majority Party is having a meeting here, and I find it very hard to… (Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah consulted loudly)

You have disbanded them. Go on.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I was explaining a very serious issue. I wanted the attention of the Leader of the Majority Party. We find that the institutions responsible for this matter are not taking it seriously. For instance, you find a trailer with a stalled truck that has been there for three or four days, with no clear road sign. There is no effort to tow that trailer to a safe place. As a result, people leave the trailers there. You will also find new drivers unfamiliar with some of the unclear road corners.

Thank you. Hon. Elachi.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I also send my condolences to all the women and families of St. Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church, Mikindani. Indeed, it was a very sad accident. We need to pray for those families. Losing 17 people from one parish is very sad.

On behalf of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Kileleshwa, and all of us Church Women United (CWU) women, we want to say pole sana to them. May perpetual light shine upon all their souls. May they rest in eternal peace. Amen.

Hon. Makali. On the same issue?

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. Let me also join my colleagues in conveying my sincere condolences to the families. However, even as we do that, I think what is important for the country is the lessons we are learning from some of these accidents. We have a lot of black spots in this country. They are well known.

The problem is that the Ministry of Public Works and the relevant road authorities do not seem to be doing enough to make it clear that these are black spots. If we have the right signage around those areas, it can really help. They could also consider having a dual carriageway or a divided section in these black spots to save lives. This would ensure that vehicles are not moving in the same lane, otherwise, if you look at some of the countries, they have very low numbers of people who die as a result of accidents. I do not know why we do not learn from some of those good countries so that we reduce our numbers. The numbers are worrying. We need to act.

Yes, Hon. Wangwe.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. On behalf of St. Joseph's Lusumu Parish, my own behalf and that of my family, allow me to pass my condolences to the families of the Catholic Pilgrims from St. Matthias Mulumba who were going for prayer for their future, current lives and lost their lives on the way. However, as leaders of this country, let us look at our culture. The other week, you sent me out of this place to Rwanda and what we observed in Kigali was very clear that respect for the users of the road is very paramount. Even a motorcyclist cannot cross where there is a zebra crossing. They obey the security lights.

Let us also embrace the culture of respect of what has been designed such that the road users can also make sure they respect what has been designed for them. However, KENHA should take cognisance of the fact that when lives are lost on their roads, it is their duty to protect us in terms of design, making sure they give us the signages to protect the users of the roads.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker and may the souls of those who departed rest in eternity.

Yes, Hon. Julius, Member for Kesses.

Thank you. Allow me to join my colleagues in expressing deep condolences to the family of those who lost their loved ones during that incident that happened. It is, indeed, devastating to lose such a number of persons totalling 17 plus. Therefore, I join the Christians to say pole and to wish God gives them strength as they grapple with the reality of the lost ones. As a country, it is high time, even as we plan our infrastructure, we appreciated the fact that the traffic population has grown over time especially

Thank you, Hon. Members. We join Hon. Mama Zamzam in condoling the families of the 17 pilgrims who were travelling to Subukia. Incidentally, the area Member of Parliament, Hon. Gachobe, had invited yours truly to go and join the pilgrims in those prayers. As patriotic leaders, I request you to be upstanding for a minute of silence in honour of those 17 souls that we tragically lost due to road negligence. (Members stood in their places and observed a moment of silence) May their souls rest in eternal peace.

Hon. Maimai, is your school still in the Gallery? Sorry it took too long to come to you. Is your school still up in the Public Gallery?

Yeah, I still see it up there. Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to welcome one of my schools, Isinya Day Secondary School to Parliament; karibu sana. This is where the laws and policies are made. I am so grateful for the teachers who brought them here. This is a fairly new school that we started two years ago to help the residents of Isinya Town especially the township, so that their children can have an opportunity to go to school. I think the school has close to 500 students and I am very happy to see that what we started last year has grown. So far, the numbers have gone up drastically. I want the students to know that they are leaders of tomorrow and it is also possible one day to have one of them become a Member of Parliament. Let them know that the sky is the limit. I appreciate, once again, a team of teachers who have brought them to Parliament. I am very delighted to see them here at Parliament. Karibuni sana.

Thank you, for giving me a chance to welcome our students.

Thank you, Hon. Maimai. Hon. Members, as we move to Order No.8, on the request of the Leader of the Majority Party, the Committee of the whole House at Order No.10 will be stayed to tomorrow. Clerk, put it on the Order Paper of tomorrow afternoon.

On the request of Hon. Nyikal, Order No.17 on Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, will be stayed. He says it requires about two weeks. Hon. (Dr) Nyikal, did you say two weeks?

Yes.

He requires about two weeks to prepare for the Bill, so it will be stayed for two weeks. Let us go to Order No.8.

The Leader of Majority Party, this is your Bill.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to move that the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.33 of

Hon. Zamzam.

Ahsante, Mhe. Spika. Kiongozi wa Chama cha walio Wengi amezungumzia marekebisho katika Mswada huu wa leo. Nasimama kuafiki Mswada huu kama Mwanakamati wa Kamati ya Social Protection. Kamati yetu huangalia sana maswala ya usalama wa jamii na kuhakikisha kuwa rasilimali za wakenya hazipotei kwa kutumika ovyo ovyo. Ni wazi kuwa malipo ya uzeeni ya NSSF yalikuwa na mapengo makubwa ya kisheria ndio maana tukaketi kama Kamati pamoja na wawekezaji na Idara za Serikali kuhakikisha kuwa tunaziba hizi pengo za kisheria na kuhakikisha kuwa rasilimali na amana za Wakenya zinaangaliwa vizuri.

Wakati mmoja nilikuwa nimeajiriwa Kisumu na nikawa nakatwa kabisa haya malipo ya uzeeni lakini ajabu ni kwamba wakati nilienda kwa mwajiri wa pili, ikienda kuangaliwa kwenye zile records, ikawa hakuna kitu kiliwahi pelekwa kule. Hili lilinitendekea mimi Zamzam. Wakenya wengi sana wamepoteza haki yao na uwekezaji wao kwa sababu kulikuwa na sintofahamu haswa kutoka kwa hawa ambao tunawaita fund managers. Walikuwa wanafanya mchezo sana wa kirba goji, goji kirba. Ndio maana tukaona katika sheria kuna mapengo mengi sana ambayo yanafaa kuzibwa. Tukakaa Kamati yangu pamoja na hawa NSSF kuhakikisha kuwa tunaafikiana kuweza kuziba haya mapengo yote.

Juzi na jana toka Rais ameingia kwenye kiti, nakumbuka miaka 60 toka ukoloni, ilikuwa hizi pesa za NSSF ziko chini sana, karibu Ksh300 bilioni. Lakini ndani ya miaka miwili mitatu, tumeona idadi imeongezeka maradufu, imeingia mara mbili. Nafikiri karibu tutafika kwenye trillioni. Kwa hivyo, haya mapeni lazima yaangaliwe vizuri kwa sababu ni kitu ambacho kinaweza kusaidia taifa lisiweze kwenda kukopa mikopo nje likawa linawekeza na ile faida kidogo inarudi kwa mwananchi.

Wazee wengi ambao wamestaafu walikuwa wakizunguka ofisi baada ya ofisi wakitafuta kupewa haki zao. Wengine hata wamekufa bila kupata zile haki zao. Tukaona pia kuna pengo kubwa. Niweze kumpongeza Rais William Samoei Ruto. Ametoa order akasema kuwa sasa watu watakuwa wanalipwa katika siku kumi. Mtu atakuwa ashapata haki yake. Wengi watazungumza, nami nataka kuambia Wakenya kuwa sijaona rais ambaye amewafikiria kama huyu Mheshimiwa. Haya maneno yote ambayo anatufanyia, anatufanyia yeye leo ni rais, kesho hatakuwa rais lakini ataliwacha taifa kwenye mikono dhabiti.

Nikisupport huu Mswada, nasema kuwa mambo yanaenda vizuri. Wazee kule nyumbani mjue haki zenu na akiba zenu ambazo mnaweka ziko kwenye mikono salama na sheria sasa tunairekebisha ili hizi amana zenu zikae vizuri.

Kama Mama Kaunti wa Mombasa, namshukuru Rais, nashukuru Kamati yangu na wale wahusika wote kwa kuwakumbuka hawa wazee. Hata sisi siku moja tutakuwa wazee maanake tunakatwa. Tunahitaji pia wakati ule ukifika, kuwa na mambo ya kuangalia kama hospitali, Social Health Authority (SHA) ituangalie kwa upande wa medical cover. Haya yote yameangaliwa katika marekebisho haya, kuhakikisha kuwa hata mtu akizeeka, asiende hospitali akakosa matibabu. Asiweze kukosa zile amana zake ambazo alikuwa anaziwekeza miaka nenda miaka rudi, aanze kusumbuliwa tena. Ni siku kumi tu, working days, ambazo President amesema wanaweza kupata amana zao.

Kwa hayo machache, naunga mkono Mswada huu. Asante sana.

Thank you, Mama Zamzam. (Several Hon. Members entered the chamber) Members on their feet, take your seats. (Question proposed) Hon. Rindikiri.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I grew up in an industry called insurance. For a long time, we struggled to sell pension schemes until the Retirement Benefits Authority was established and people began seeing the matter differently. For a long time, a major concern has been that pensions are essentially the future investment for, or on behalf of, retirees.

One of the biggest challenges that we used to experience in those days was the collection of contributions. The way it was structured, in many cases, many people did not want to make voluntary contributions. There were some contributions which were made as a forced saving. But now, with the new thinking on pensions, it was easier to attract employees by the employer adding more contributions to the employee's contribution. That is why contributory pension schemes started coming up.

From the latest statistics, we have about 245,000 public servants, and out of that, we have only about 60,000 who are in the superannuation schemes. This is a matter that the public really needs to understand, namely, the importance of savings. It is not a culture in this country because if you go to countries like Tanzania, savings is a very serious matter. You go to countries like South Africa, which is a case study of pensions in the world, and it is a very serious matter.

Here in Kenya, it is like we are struggling to tell people that you are going to retire and you need an income. I am so happy today because all the loopholes and the key issues that members of the public have been asking about, which have been discouraging them from joining the schemes, are being addressed. In those days, the question was: Were the investment returns adequate? You contribute your money, but what are the returns after 20 years? This question is being answered by this Bill.

The other matter is the remittance of the contributions in good time. I want to thank the proponents of the Bill because we know many people have been prosecuted and many organisations have been challenged. Every time, you hear that this county or ministry has not remitted. The bad thing is that once you delay the remittance, the investment is lost. This Bill has addressed a very fundamental matter, namely, the cost of administration and the cost of investment. These are very important things because, really, if you are running a pension scheme, and that is where the RBA becomes very important, you go and get an administrator who is charging so much, yet the returns are very limited.

The issue of mismanagement of pension funds is a known thing in this country. Therefore, today is a new dawn on how best to capitalise on pensions because you do not need to belabour so much that pensions are retirement incomes. The key issue that you really need to address is: Do we have a culture of savings in this country? How I wish that even the private sector encouraged savings. It is only this administration under William Samoei Ruto that has made people realise that we have a retirement to go.

The majority of us Members here always think that we will continue being in this Parliament. So, when we are being told to save, it is like it is a burden. It is better to work like a donkey, but live like a king thereafter. We need to enjoy our retirement. Kenyans need to enjoy their retirement.

This fund can be used as a source of funds for infrastructure development. We do not have to continue relying on foreign debt. If we grow our funds locally, we will have a pool that we can go and discuss and take up. The NSSF has been a monopoly, and I am happy because we will now create competition through this Bill.

Hon. Mbui.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for this opportunity to contribute to this Public Service Superannuation Scheme Bill, which is being amended from the Act.

From the get-go, I must say that there are some very positive amendments that have been proposed here, starting with Section 17, which proposes to amend Section 26 of the Act. This is basically repealing the existing section and replacing it with one that gives access to accrued retirement savings upon leaving employment and before retirement. I think this is somewhat positive. But even as I agree with it, I have a lot of questions that came up from going through this at face value. As we move to the Committee of the whole House, it will be important to address some of them either through amendments or getting clear answers. The first one is in the definition of ‘employer’. If you look at the definition of ‘employer’ in Section 2(d), it states that any other employer that the cabinet secretary may determine to be a public service for the purposes of this Act. It is a little strange. At what point will this be done? How will it be done? How will it be communicated? It is important to know who fits within this scheme. The definition has to be clear because, if it will be determined, we have to know exactly where we will get this information.

My other question is on Section 4 which proposes to amend the principal Act in Section

Add him one more minute.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the indulgence.

Finally, the last point is on Section 33, which repeals Section 45. Section 45 proposed an actuarial valuation of that Fund every five years. Why would we delete that? Every organisation would want to know their value every year, not even every five years. In law, it was mandated that an actuarial valuation be done every five years. Now that has been removed. How do we then value and understand the worth of this Scheme as we proceed? If those issues

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute on behalf of the people of Rangwe regarding this matter on the Floor of the House.

Allow me to digress a bit and thank the President of the Republic of Kenya for issuing a presidential decree stating that public servants, or those working in Civil Service or otherwise, should receive their retirement benefits within a certain time frame. We have seen retirees suffer in this country. I applaud President (Dr) Samoei Ruto for coming to the rescue of Kenyans who have worked so hard only to be frustrated upon their retirement.

Having said that, I rise to support this Bill. A superannuation scheme is important for posterity. It is good to have a system that looks forward to retirement, supports individuals after service, and provides hope after many years of dedication.

On this note, I want to address, without prejudice, the “boscos” of this country. Some individuals, particularly men, work very hard throughout their lives. However, upon retirement, they can become overly generous, allowing others to take their hard-earned savings and squander it. As a result, they often find themselves in a state of misery during their retirement years. We should also include a clause indicating that, upon retirement, squanderers of money should be kept away from these individuals, so that they can enjoy their retirement in peace without disturbing their families and without being disturbed by those who do not mean well.

We require a superannuation scheme to support the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). If one person or entity manages a matter, it can lead to monopolistic abuse. Developing an alternative through my committee would be a positive step.

Another point I would like to address, which has already been mentioned by one of my colleagues, is that proper auditing must be done. We cannot have a system that solely relies on internal audits. It is possible that internal audit systems can be compromised. However, when the Office of the Auditor-General audits this particular Fund, I believe it would be beneficial for the contributors.

I want to address Kenyans regarding the importance of praying for a long life. If God grants them a long life, particularly beyond the age of 70, the Bible indicates that such a life comes with its own challenges and problems. When this life presents those challenges and problems, having some form of savings can help extend one's life. I appreciate the Parliament of the Republic of Kenya for considering a post-service scheme, especially a medical scheme for serving Members. This has always been the biggest problem. If we can alleviate the financial needs of senior citizens in this country, particularly after years of dedicated service, I believe it would be a positive step for our nation.

Additionally, some families are blessed with children late, even after retirement. If these particular parents or beneficiaries of this Fund or scheme could access some form of resources, it would create stability for that family. We recognise that the family is the foundation of the nation. If we can safeguard the interests and the wisdom of those who have retired, we would be moving in the right direction as a nation.

Furthermore, I want to emphasise that it is not solely about policies, Acts of Parliament, or the Constitution of Kenya. What destroys us as a nation is that while we have many good ideas and numerous Bills presented to this House, which are debated and even passed into law, corruption often undermines these efforts. After the passage of these Bills into law, the Acts that govern our country are tainted by corruption. You find that the people meant to run such schemes would not run them for the benefit of the contributors. You find a corrupt system that would fall low in these kinds of engagements.

Member of Parliament for Busia.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I support this Bill to the end. We have relatives and friends who have been sent into depression while trying to claim what they used to be deducted while actively employed.

I applaud the President for coming in at this moment to restore Kenyans' dignity by giving a directive that, within 10 days, if people apply to receive their dues, then they should get them on time without delays.

As a country, if we want to protect our people, then we should also prevent some things from happening. If people retired and they want to get their marupurupu, why should they be taken in rounds? Why should they be forced to go through long bureaucracy, yet during deductions, it was mandatory, and it could be deducted right away without delays?

I fully support this and hope that the structures that have been delaying, or whoever has been delaying in those corridors, the lengthy bureaucracy, the hurdles and the impediments that have been there, have been uprooted so that in future, we do not hear of people dying prematurely due to depression. Previously, if one did not have connections, then they would die without ever getting their rights.

We also used to have these two public institutions and especially county governments, as the biggest offenders. They deduct, but they do not remit or delay remitting, and even when they remit, maybe they do not even remit a lumpsum for everybody they deducted from.

I support this and also encourage employers not to run away from public institutions because most of them have been running away to private companies or insurance companies to save for their future. We just want to bring back trust in public institutions, so that we can also build our public institutions. If we bring back trust and hope, our institutions will do better in future.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Naomi Waqo.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to this very important amendment Bill that intends to take care of our senior citizens. As a country, we need to think about the savings that every working person in this country makes. They save in order to help themselves and enjoy their retirement benefits once they retire, stay at home or engage in their own businesses after retirement. On the contrary, many retirees have suffered because even getting their retirement benefits has been a challenge.

I know of teachers who have travelled from far places such as Marsabit and even beyond, coming to the city to claim their retirement benefits. They keep coming for months,

Hon. Basil Robert.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for allowing me to add my voice to this particular Bill. Before I say anything to it, allow me to thank the President. He made a very solid declaration that retirees who leave service should be paid their retirement benefits within 10 days. This is very positive. If I look at the teachers in my constituency of Yatta, some left service around 2020 to 2023 and are yet to receive their final dues. Some of these retirees are on medication by virtue of their age. Most of them are compelled to pay bribes. Imagine having to bribe to earn what is yours - to be paid what you have worked for.

When I heard His Excellency the President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, make that declaration, I said that the time had come for the proper redemption of the retirees. What we refer to as ukombozi. These retirees have waited for so long, and many are selling their assets to bribe institutions so that they can be paid. Therefore, I applaud the President for that.

Now to my contribution to this particular Bill. I begin by supporting it. There are many reasons why I support this amendment to the Public Service Superannuation Scheme Act, Cap. 189A. One of the things this amendment will cure is the uncertainty about responsibilities for

Esther Passaris.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (Amendment) Bill. I also welcome the President's directive that public servants' retirement benefits should be ready and paid within 10 days of retirement. Retirement dates are known in advance and institutions should prepare the records and calculations early so that workers receive their benefits promptly after years of service. Although this Bill concerns public servants, the need for transparent and accessible pension services extends to the private sector workers who save through the NSSF and other pension institutions. Members should also securely access their contribution statements and benefit information online. When a member dies, verified beneficiaries should also receive clear explanations of what is payable and how to claim it.

My cousin in Mombasa is facing this very difficult problem. When she tried to claim the NSSF benefits of her late husband who worked and lived in Mombasa, she was told that because his identity card says Siaya, because his mother came from Siaya, she should travel all

Hon. Wangwe Emmanuel.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to appreciate the Leader of the Majority Party for moving these amendments to the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (Amendment) Bill. Kenyans have lived in this country and have witnessed challenges that have befallen our elders and senior citizens when they retire from service. Many times the existing scheme did not realise the difference between a public servant and a civil servant. It only picked one as a civil servant, but left out that anyone who is also working for the Government of the day is also a public servant. I thank the Leader of the Majority Party for considering it fit to make it a bigger scheme, and invite all of us to look into the existing scheme and analyse and see where we can make amendments.

There are things that have caught my eye in these amendments. I begin with the composition of the board. The proposal by the Leader of the Majority Party in this amendment on the appointment of the chairperson is a good thing, but it has come in two lots. The first 10 years have been left unclearly defined to understand who this person that is having the 20 years is. The last 10 years have been defined as being a person who has been in the field at a senior level. I propose that we do not hang all those 20 years. We would rather say that it should be for somebody who has been in the field at that high level, but give it a range of maybe 15 years. This will ensure that the separation of the 10 years from the earlier 10 years to the second 10 years in phases, will be consistent. I will propose in the Committee of the whole House that we consider aligning that scheme in that angle.

Allow me to thank the President. He pronounced himself earlier than even in this Bill, that he would want that when Kenyans retire and submit applications for their benefits, they get it within 10 days. To those who might not have understood the President, it was difficult for us from the sugar cane zone to be paid money seven days after harvesting cane. It has been very difficult. You supply sugarcane, but the factory demands money instead of paying you. I tell those who doubt this statement that the President of the day means what he says. Therefore, the 10-day time-frame should be expedited.

Several teachers from my constituency report to me that they apply for their retirement benefits immediately after they retire, but they do not get it on time. Some have not received it for one to two years, while those who are lucky get it after three months. However, let us come down to the law and mean it. Let our people who have retired and registered for the Public Service Superannuation Scheme be paid within 10 days. Therefore, I applaud the President for considering it fit to that extent.

There is something that the Leader of the Majority Party picked in Chapter 12 of the Constitution. It ranges from Articles 201 to 231 on public finance management and administration. In Clause 32 of the Bill, the Leader of the Majority Party has proposed to amend Section 44 of the principal Act to give a doubtful choice: The Auditor-General or a private auditor can be appointed to audit. Let it be a very clear mandate of the Auditor-General. Within the reading of Article 226 of the Constitution, one of the cardinal functions of the Auditor- General is to appoint a private auditor. A private auditor can only audit public funds with the appointment of the Auditor-General. Delegation does not mean you relent to do something. The authority remains with the Auditor-General, so that we do not interfere with matters of our Constitution.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I applaud the Leader of the Majority Party for considering the issue of defining the contributors of this scheme. He is very clear that they include the Teachers Service Commission, the National Police Service Commission, the Public Service

Next is Hon. (Dr) Mutunga.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to also add my voice to the debate on the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.33 of 2025). This is a very important Bill as it concerns a lot more the people who are not able to help themselves out, and the people who may be discriminated against because probably they lived through a life that did not see them, or they did not properly know that they were going to be here.

I wish to thank the Government and especially the President, for pronouncing himself on this particular provision. I also thank the Leader of Majority for coming up with this particular Bill, so that we can streamline the retirement benefits. Through a lot of experience, people have lived through problems and, therefore, this amendment will ease the pressure that people have experienced over time. This is a Bill which this House should support. I am pleased to note that all the Members who have spoken support this particular amendment.

This Bill comes in to comprehensively streamline the governance and the scheme administration. Governance is necessary to be streamlined for purposes of aligning it to the constitutional provisions, and for purposes of making sure that the misdeeds, the problems and the challenges of managing resources are dealt with. That is why this Bill is very important.

Next is the Member for Nyeri Town.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.33 of 2025). However, it fails to address the current reality and challenge facing pension schemes in this country. Staff retirement today is an institutional financing crisis. We cannot amend the situation moving forward while failing to rectify the failures and challenges that current pensioners and pension schemes are experiencing.

When a pension contribution is deducted from an employee’s salary, it ceases being the property of either the Government or the institution that employed them. It is a retirement entitlement within the time-frame stipulated in the law. That is not the case today. To demonstrate this, I will use the health sector because I serve in the Departmental Committee on Health. The pensions sector has three major problems. First is unlimited contributions. Second is accumulated pension deficits. Third is delayed payment of retirement benefits. Even as this law wants to put an end to the failure to remit and tries to comply with the presidential directive, that is not possible until we address the deficits that are already in place.

All five national referral hospitals have funding deficits. Funding deficits in personnel emoluments (PE) provisions result in Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) relying on own revenue to pay salaries. As a result, the first casualty is remittances to pension funds. The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has a pension debt of Ksh595.2 million owed to the pension scheme for workers within MTRH. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), our premier health provision institution, has a deficit of Ksh10.2 billion. Currently, the staff and retirees of KNH have been told that they will only be paid 29 per cent of their pensions entitlement because 71 per cent of the funds have never been remitted to the pension scheme. The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has a pension deficit of Ksh597 million.

The Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA), in its latest release, indicated that cumulatively, as of 2025, pension schemes nationally were owed Ksh65 billion. Unless the Government and this House provides funding to cover the shortfall in pension contributions, this law, as good as it is, will not address the problem and the challenge that we have. Therefore, I agree that this law is very good and progressive, but unless we address the historical challenges in the transition provisions of this amendment, we will just have bandaged the wound and it is just a matter of time before the same scenario repeats itself.

When pensions obligations are due and you have people who have retired and retreated to the villages, the Members of Parliament become their next point of call. I have a widow by the name of Mary Mathenge in my village, whose husband was a serving police officer. Their daughter has dropped out of university because the pension for the husband has not been remitted. So, even as we cure, moving forward, historically, we have a lot of Kenyans who are suffering. Therefore, if this Bill has to really benefit every pensioner, then the historical shortages and deficits have to be addressed.

With those remarks, I support.

Next is Hon. Mogaka. Please, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me an opportunity to also support the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.33 of 2025) whose core business is to address

Next is the Member for Kiharu.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute. At the outset, it is important to note that there is a clear correlation between a country’s savings rate and the growth of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Savings are closely linked to investment. Ultimately, what is saved is largely what is borrowed and invested through the banking and financial system. At the household level and across the economy, savings translate into investment. It is, therefore, important for a country to cultivate a culture of high savings because they ultimately become investments.

There is also a clear correlation between employment, unemployment and savings. People save what they have. They cannot save what they have not earned. Therefore, the debate on savings must go alongside the creation of opportunities for our people in both the public and private sectors. As leaders, it is important for us to advance policies that expand our economy and create as many opportunities as possible for Kenyans. Consequently, the higher the employment rate in a country, the more opportunities created and the lower the dependency ratio. As it stands, the dependency rate is high. Those who have employment opportunities often have to carry many others who do not have such opportunities on their shoulders. Therefore, the debate about the Superannuation Fund being a savings scheme must extend to the many Kenyans who are seeking opportunities. We must continue doing our best to create opportunities in manufacturing, hospitality and modern sectors such as ICT, so that we can continue to offer opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour, which we have in abundance in our country.

Retirement benefits are never by whims. They are rights that should be guaranteed to people who have worked and are retired. In our areas, we encounter people who previously worked, particularly in the public sector, getting it rough in accessing their retirement benefits. The laws we make in this House are not for people to choose whether to obey or not to obey. The responsible organisations must ensure that the rights of the senior citizens of Kenya are upheld. A majority of the beneficiaries are senior citizens, and the benefits they receive are rights they earned while working. These benefits are neither stipends nor privileges granted to them by the Government. They already worked for this money.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I want us to examine how we invest the money we save in the various pension schemes, including the Public Service Superannuation Fund, the National Social Security Fund and other private-sector schemes. In many instances, the obvious way for these organisations to invest their funds has been to lend to the Government through the purchase of Treasury Bonds and Treasury Bills. There has been the notion that the Government cannot default and is, therefore, a safe haven. We have also seen an over-concentration of resources within the pension sector on this particular segment. In an economy where inflation is around 6.8 per cent, interest is earning you single-digit returns, and many sovereigns are defaulting. It is time for the handlers of pension schemes to become a bit more modern so that we diversify where we invest this money. The funds are supposed to grow, and the security of this money being there is hinged on the fact that it is not only invested in areas that are solid, but also in areas where it can grow rather than its value depreciating.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, with the kind of borrowing we are witnessing in our country, it is important that the pension sector, and especially the organisations concerned, expand their horizons beyond the very obvious Treasury Bonds and Treasury Bills. I want to open up their minds. In a thriving economy, and in a growing economy like Kenya, there is a lot of money we can earn. As we earn that money, we also grow our economy, especially in areas like private

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

They are now crying. It is important that these companies…

Order! Order, Member for Kiharu! You know the rules of the House very well. When somebody rises on a point of order, you sit down and wait for the point of order. I was telling you order and you kept on contributing. That is not fair.

What is your point of order, Hon. Naomi Wako?

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have much respect for Hon. Ndindi Nyoro. However, is it right for him to say that the CEOs received calls from a high office? Which high office? Can he tell us the high office and confirm...

So, you are seeking a substantiation?

Yes.

For the factuality?

Yes.

Hon. Ndindi Nyoro, you know, the rules are very clear. You either substantiate or you withdraw and continue.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the CEO of the Superannuation Fund, the CEO of NSSF and the CEO of Kenya Re were called by the President of Kenya and directed to invest their money into the Kenya Pipeline Corporation. I am not a person who talks…

Order! Order! Hon... Yes, Hon. Tarus?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I also stand to seek confirmation. Can Hon. Ndindi Nyoro substantiate to this House when exactly the CEOs were called and what the conversation was about? Does he have anything to table other than making haphazard statements in this House for political expediency?

Hon. Ndindi Nyoro, substantiation means you prove the factuality of your claim - that, from what you are saying, you were there and this is where the proof is. Substantiate and if you do not have sufficient proof, you know the rules of the house.

Proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the investment advisories that were given to these companies are in the public domain. They had been advised not to invest pensioners' money into the Kenya Pipeline Corporation IPO. They were called on a Tuesday afternoon. Actually, the CEO of the Superannuation Fund was at the airport headed to Mombasa for a seminar to address the Members of this House.

Order! Order! Hon. Ndindi Nyoro, I respect you and you are a senior Member. You know the rules of the House. Substantiation means, for example, you were sitting there and you show us the proof of the call. You prove the claims beyond anything. Proving has got to be proving not by saying that somebody called somebody else at such and such place at such and such time. Prove it. If you cannot...

Proceed. Go ahead and prove.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I have proven, but because the proof admissible in this House is the call logs, I may need time to ask for the call logs from the relevant organisations.

Order! Order! The rules are very clear. You have been told to prove it instantaneously. Substantiation means you substantiate then, or ask for a specific timeline in which you are going to bring a proof to the Floor of the House. If you do not do that, you realise that there will be consequences. The other option is you withdraw and apologise to the House.

Hon. Speaker, I request that you give me eight weeks.

Order! Order! Order! Hon. Ndindi Nyoro, the Chairperson determines how much time you need. Ordinarily, you are given two days. Next time the House sits, you will be expected to substantiate. Today is Tuesday, so at the very latest, on Thursday afternoon. Otherwise, tomorrow afternoon. So, when can you bring that substantiation, or are you willing to withdraw and apologise to the House? You realise that the House is not a campaign platform.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I am certain of what I have stated. Kindly give me time to substantiate tomorrow.

Order! Order! Order! Order, Hon. Member! Hon. Ndindi Nyoro, tomorrow, what time are you going to bring the proof? When are you going to bring this? You know the rules of the House.

As you may direct, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Yes?

As you may direct. You are on the Chair.

I will give you until tomorrow afternoon. You bring the proof. It is so directed.

On a point of information.

You are informing whom? (Hon. (Dr) Lilian Gogo spoke off the record) Does he need your information? Do you need to be informed by Hon. Lilian Gogo?

Not at the moment.

Fair enough. I think you have less than 20 seconds. Just finish. Then, tomorrow afternoon, the Chair expects you to bring the proof of your claims.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I was just stressing the point that where we invest this money is as important as the money itself, because there are areas that can be sinkholes in terms of us putting money that can never come back as expected. Therefore, it is important for these organisations to always follow professional investment advice from the relevant competent teams that they have. No political patronage should direct how they invest the money.

I submit.

The Hon. Zamzam.

Mhe. Spika wa Muda, niko kwenye Kamati ya Kiidara ya Social Protection. Tumekaa na idara, wawekezaji, na Wakenya kusikiza matakwa yao, ndiposa tukaja na hii sheria. Mahali ambapo kulikuwa na mwanya tutaweza kupaziba.

Kuna watu walikaa kwa uongozi miaka mingi sana wakafikiri Wakenya wengine wote hawana akili ya kuweza kuchukua uongozi na kupeleka taifa mbele. Saa hii wanaona ni ndoto kwamba Mhe. Rais ana mambo mazuri ambayo yanaelekeza Kenya kupata usawa katika kila sehemu.

Ningependa kusema, hasa mgombea urais ambaye yuko katika Bunge hili…

Order! Order! Order! Did you contribute to this? (Hon. Zamzam Mohammed spoke off the record) Order! Order! Order! You are out of order! You are out of order, Hon. Zamzam! Hon. Kwenya.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on this very important Bill. You know it is only in Kenya that we do not have proud pensioners. I am saying “proud” because of the amount of money that we pay to, or save in our pension schemes. If you look at pensioners in Kenya, and of course, we benchmark with the best in the world, you realise that at the point of retirement, they struggle a lot. Their savings cannot keep up with the lifestyle they were used to when they were working. Any attempt to keep improving our legislations to give pensioners the best of their benefits

On a point of information, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Do you wish to be informed by the Leader of the Majority Party?

Indeed. This is a brilliant leader. He takes decisions and leadership when he is called upon.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Hon. Kwenya is a diligent legislator and seasoned leader who serves the people of Kinangop well. I have listened to him advise those seeking leadership positions. I wish to inform Hon. Kwenya that all the Members of Parliament who have contributed this afternoon have supported this Bill because they know it serves the best interests of all our public servants without exception. The few you hear playing to the gallery… I thank the presiding Speaker for directing that there are platforms for playing politics, such as rallies, funerals, and marketplaces, where one can say anything without being held to account. However, when it

Hon. Kwenya, proceed. You still have three minutes.

I must thank the Leader of the Majority Party for his wisdom, which I ride on every day. He is one leader that I look up to, and every time he advises me, I take his advice seriously because he is known for taking the bull by the horns and leading by example. He has never engaged in this kind of populist politics that serves no purpose, that does not help people grow or move forward.

Still on this note, I wonder at the speed with which some Members rush to embarrass their colleagues. When called to rise to the occasion, they feel so belittled that they cannot own their words. Therefore, I wish to support this Bill and ask that the leadership and every Member of this House consider every letter and word that is in this Bill, as it is designed to move this country forward.

Hon. (Dr) Wilberforce Oundo.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Proceed, Hon. Oundo.

Thank you. Allow me to give my comments and remarks on the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (Amendment) Bill. The overarching objective is to transform it from an ordinary fee to a proper fund, akin to what is expected under the Retirement Benefits Authority Act.

Many Kenyans work in the public service diligently and passionately, hoping that at the end of their tenure, they will retire and lead a peaceful life. They are patriotic enough to forego many opportunities in the private sector, opting instead to serve the public in order to advance this country to the next level. Therefore, the amendments proposed here by the Leader of the Majority Party are forward-looking. They seek to address gaps that have existed all

Hon. Temporary Speaker, on a point of information.

Fine, I would wish to be informed.

By the Leader of the Majority Party?

Yes. By virtue of the office he holds, I may not agree with what he informs me, but let me give him the respect because of the office he holds.

Proceed, Hon. Ichung’wah.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Thank you, Hon. Oundo, for allowing me to inform you. If you read part of the amendments that we have proposed, in fact, it is to put ceilings on even administrative expenses, and I

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am not a party leader; I am a principal of Linda Mwananchi, so I must take care of wananchi wherever I am. I totally agree with the Leader of the Majority Party. Section 28 sets out the limits for purposes of administrative costs. We shall look through that bit to comb it and to find out if there are any limits for each investment avenues that are put into place. However, my point of caution is: We must pool and invest members' funds in schemes or investment schemes that allow them to grow faster, so that they can get higher returns compared to what is just left there.

I draw your attention to the Bible parable, somewhere in the Book of Matthew, where a master left talents to various people. Some invested, some kept under their mattress, while some did nothing. At the end, the master came back and asked, “What are the returns?”

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

What is your point of order, Hon. Kitur?

We just hope this pension will not…

Order! Hon. Oundo.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise on Standing Order 95. I beg to move that the Mover be called upon to reply after Hon. Oundo finishes his contribution.

(Question, that the Mover be now called upon to reply, put and agreed to) (Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah spoke off the record)

Order! Hon. Oundo is not replying. You are the one who is replying. (Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah spoke off the record) No. That is not the way the rules work. You cut him short. (Hon. (Dr) Ojiambo Oundo spoke off the record)

No. Order! Leader of the Majority Party, reply.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the Mover of the Motion had proposed that you propose the Question after Hon. Oundo finishes.

Order! No! The rules do not work like that.

Because we were benefiting a lot…

You should have waited before you moved on.

Am I allowed to donate two minutes to Hon. Oundo?

When you are replying, no. Proceed and reply.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Under the old rules before this Constitution came to…

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for that guidance. As I said, Hon. Oundo, is a very good debater and dwells on the substance of Bills. I must begin by thanking him, together with all the other Members who I said have contributed and supported this Bill. They all know this is a Bill that is in a big way restructuring the superannuation scheme, and moving it to be a fund, with very proper governance structures and very good fiscal measures being put in place to ensure that pensioners’ savings are safeguarded.

I must thank all the Members that have contributed. Many of the issues, including what Hon. Oundo was saying, those raised by Hon. Passaris, Hon. (Dr) Mutunga, and Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe also had very important issues on the importance of this Fund and its relation to money that was previously coming from the Consolidated Fund.

We shall bear into mind all these things as we go to the Committee of the whole House. I look forward to tomorrow afternoon for the Member for Kiharu to substantiate the frivolous allegations he made on the Floor of Parliament, speaking to the gallery out there. I hope that you will hold him to account. That will stop Members from using the Floor of this Parliament to make all manner of weird and frivolous allegations without substantiating.

With that, I beg to reply.

Order. (Question put and agreed to) (The Bill was read a Second Time and Committed to Committee of the whole House)

Next Order.

Leader of the Majority Party, you want to say something?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the Speaker had guided that the Chair had sought time to work on that Bill until after the recess because their last meeting was on 27th. We will, therefore, proceed with it after the short recess. They have not finalised on it. (Hon. (Dr) Ojiambo Oundo) spoke off the record)

Fair enough. Hon. Oundo, what are you saying?

I actually wanted to raise that matter, but thank God the Leader of the Majority Party has raised it. I sit in the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. By the time we went for recess, we had not completed the consideration of the Bill. We had asked our Chairperson to seek the indulgence of the Speaker that they allow us to get submission from the State Department of Cooperatives, Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) and other stakeholders, so that our Committee report can guide the debate as has been the tradition in this House. I thank the Leader of the Majority Party for noting that and acceding to our request. If we have that bipartisan approach, we will take this House far.

Fair enough.

Leader of the Majority Party, I also understand that this matter has also been deferred to an appropriate time in the future. It will be listed on the Order Paper at that appropriate time. (Committee of whole House deferred) Next Order.

Hon. Chairperson, Select Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity. Proceed. Give Hon. Adan Yusuf the microphone.

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

Order! You read it verbatim.

Yes, that is what I am doing.

You are not reading verbatim. Go back and read it verbatim.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Committee on the National Cohesion…

Select Committee.

Oh, the Report of the Select Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity on the inspection visit to special needs schools…

Fourteen special needs schools. Do you need some kind of glasses?

I do not have that. I have a small different one.

Give him the right Order Paper.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Select Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity on the inspection visit to fourteen special needs schools in specified counties, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 30th July 2024. This Report is firmly grounded in the constitutional and statutory framework that guarantees the right to education for all persons, including learners with disabilities, as provided under Articles 43(1)(f), 53(1)(b) and 54(1)(b) of the Constitution, as well as the provisions of the Basic Education Act, Cap. 211, which obligate the State to ensure that special needs institutions are adequately resourced with trained personnel, appropriate infrastructure, learning materials and support services.

In line with its mandate under Standing Order 212C, the Committee undertook this audit to monitor and promote equalisation of opportunities, investigate discrimination, and assess the extent to which State interventions support the welfare of persons with disabilities, particularly in the education sector.

The Committee conducted inspection visits to 14 public special needs schools across Mombasa, Nyeri, Nakuru, Baringo, Homa Bay, Busia, Nyamira and Kakamega counties, covering institutions for learners with physical, visual, hearing and mental disabilities, with the objective of evaluating compliance with legal provisions, assessing accessibility and inclusivity, and identifying systemic gaps affecting learners.

From these engagements, the Committee established that while efforts have been made to support special needs education, the sector continues to face deep-rooted structural challenges that undermine the realisation of the right to education. Foremost, among these is chronic underfunding characterised by low budgetary allocation and persistent delays in exchequer releases, which has significantly disrupted school operations, limited infrastructure development and negatively affected the welfare of learners. The Committee observed an acute shortage of both teaching and non-teaching staff, including specialised personnel such as therapists, caregivers, and nurses, leading to an unsustainable teacher-to-learner ratio that does not meet policy standards and compromises the quality of care and instruction provided to learners with special needs.

Order, Hon. Members. (Hon. Duncan Mathenge and Hon. David Ndakwa consulted loudly) Order, Hon. Mathenge and Hon. Athman. He does not use that name that much.

Hon. Members, the time being 7.00