National Assembly Hansard: Wednesday, 30th September, 2026 - Afternoon Sitting

Hon. Members, there is no quorum. Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. (The Quorum Bell was rung)

Order. We now have quorum to transact business. Clerk-at-the-Table, you may proceed.

Hon. Members, allow me to recognise a delegation from the Pan- African Parliament (PAP). I wish to introduce to you a delegation from the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment seated in the Speaker's Row. Kindly be upstanding to be recognised once I mention your name. They are:

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise as a Member of the Kenya Delegation to the Pan-African Parliament and the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources to warmly welcome my

Hon. Farah Maalim, one minute.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to also welcome our brothers from the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand. I had the honour of representing you at the luncheon in the Small Dining Room. We had quite a bit of an exchange. This is a very powerful way in which, in the long run, we are going to realise the United States of Africa. That essentially is where our objective should be. Africa should have intra-African trade. We have to have our own engagements instead of looking outside to the rest of the world. We have a lot to share between ourselves. I encourage these Members of Parliament to use their position, as they are now doing along with Hon. Esther Passaris, to make sure that the United States of Africa becomes a reality.

Thank you.

Leader of the Majority Party.

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

Thank you. The Vice-Chairperson of the Public Petitions Committee, Hon. Janet Sitienei.

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

Reports of the Public Petitions Committee on its consideration of—

Thank you, and congratulations to the Public Petitions Committee for churning out many petitions. You have a lot more to do and, therefore, try to produce many more in the coming months. The leader of the delegation to the Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference, Hon. Farah Maalim.

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

Next.

The Vice-Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Petitions.

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

Next.

Hon. Protus Akuja, go ahead.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education regarding irregularities in the appointment of trainers at Loima Technical and Vocational College in Tukana County. The Public Service Commission, through the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), advertised 1,000 vacancies for Assistant Vocational and Technical Training II (Job Group J) positions in public TVET institutions. Applications were invited from qualified degree, higher national diploma and diploma holders for the positions.

The Commission allocated Loima Technical and Vocational College two vacancies, namely Assistant Vocational and Technical Training II for a degree holder in community health and Assistant Vocational and Technical Trainer II for a diploma holder in hairdressing and beauty therapy. Applications were duly submitted to the college, whose board shortlisted, interviewed and forwarded the names of successful candidates to the Public Service Commission for appointment. Notably, the Public Service Commission, on 16th June 2026, published a list of 2,637 successful candidates for appointment against more than 1,000 declared vacancies.

Regrettably, the applicants recommended by the Loima College Board for appointment and posting to Loima Technical and Vocational College, were appointed and posted to different institutions. Meanwhile, the candidates who were appointed and posted to Loima College have not reported to the institution, indicating that they neither applied for employment at the college nor expressed interest in being deployed there. Consequently, the institution continues to operate without the filling of the two positions, thus adversely affecting learning and training programmes.

Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education on the following:

Thank you, Hon. Akujah. The Chairman or any Member of the Departmental Committee on Education? Clerk, direct them to respond within two weeks. (A Member spoke off the record) Who? Hon. Taitumu, are you from the Departmental Committee on Education?

Yes.

Tell your Chairman to bring a response in two weeks.

Much obliged, Hon. Speaker.

Yes, Hon. Donya. Are you also from the same Committee?

Allow me to say I pity the response the Member will receive from the Departmental Committee on Education because I had the same concerns about learners' reporting time to school. They still wake up at 4.30 a.m. I am sure those seated in the Gallery know that learners do not report to school at 7.00 a.m. as directed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education. Maybe he will be favoured, but they never give accurate information.

You will challenge them when they bring the response.

Thank you.

Hon. John Kaguchia

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. This is a request for a statement regarding the delayed construction of the Gikondi - Thaara Road in Mukurweini Constituency. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request for a statement from the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding the delayed construction of the Gikondi - Thaara Road in Mukurweini Constituency.

Hon. Speaker, on 4th March 2026, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure issued a response from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to a statement that I sought on 12th February 2026 regarding the status of construction of Gikondi–Thaara Road in Mukurweini Constituency.

In the response, the Ministry indicated that the tender for construction of Gikondi - Thaara Road was awarded in 2020, with construction commencing in August 2020. The road was 48 per cent complete at the time of the response. The Ministry further indicated that works were disrupted when the contractor withdrew from the site, citing lack of budgetary allocation, but confirmed that all certified works to date, valued at Ksh.707,350,685.35, had been fully paid.

Hon. Speaker, the Ministry also indicated that Ksh133 million had been allocated in the Financial Year 2025/2026 towards completion of the project, and the contractor was scheduled to resume works on 16th March 2026. However, despite this assurance, the contractor has not resumed works to date. The continued delay has caused concern among residents of Mukurweini Constituency who have been waiting for the resumption and completion of that critical road project.

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

Thank you. The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Roads and Infrastructure. Wapi Chairman wa Barabara na Miundombinu? Yes, the Whip of the Majority Party, Hon. Naomi Waqo, can you direct them to bring a response in two weeks?

Yes, Hon. Speaker. I will. Thank you.

Member for Kigumo.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to ride on that request for statement to the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. I have an issue with one of my roads. They promised to give feedback twice before we went for recess. It is called Kamukabi-Gatumbi-Gachocho Road, where the contractor was paid and he disappeared. We are yet to get any feedback on whether we are getting a new contractor or whether the contractor will be back on site. I would also like that to be done.

Hon. Naomi, inform the Chairperson of that as well. (Hon. Naomi Waqo nodded in the affirmative) Hon. Members, allow me to acknowledge the following in the Speaker’s Gallery: Hon. Kipchumba Harold’s guests. Is Hon. Kipchumba in the House? I am unable to see him. Ngaru Girls from Kirinyaga Central, Kirinyaga County; Njiiri School from Kigumo, Muranga County. Harold Kipchumba’s guests are from Rongai in Nakuru County.

In the Public Gallery, we have Yari School from Starehe Constituency, Nairobi City County; Illasit School from Kajiado South Constituency, Kajiado County and Mema Secondary School from Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County. I have been asked by Members from Kigumo and Kajiado South to appreciate them. I will give you a minute each to welcome your schools and all the others.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I welcome Njiiri School students here, and all the schools that have visited this House. I want to encourage them to watch and see the proceedings that we do. I also know that you have the capability to be on this side of the House. Work hard, be ambitious, and make sure that you focus on your goals and studies. Karibuni sana and as you go home, I wish you journey mercies. Ahsante.

Thank you. Hon. Parashina.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I also take this opportunity to warmly welcome all the schools, both in the Public Gallery and the Speaker Gallery to Parliament. This is the House where the laws of this country are made. It is a golden opportunity to all the schools and students present here, that you may take time and learn and observe, because one day, you might not be received again as a visitor, but as a Member of Parliament, coming to make laws for this great nation.

Hon. Wangari.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I beg your indulgence to also join in welcoming the students in our galleries today. Specifically, allow me to welcome the delegation from Nakuru on behalf of Hon. Harold Kipchumba. Hon. Harold Kipchumba and I served in the Senate in the 11th Parliament, though he did that briefly. It was good to have him back in the 13th Parliament because he has now brought a delegation from Rongai Sub-County in Nakuru. I welcome them to observe the proceedings of the House.

I also thank you, Hon. Speaker, being the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission. Hon. Harold is one of the Members of this House who is abled differently. Parliament has worked very hard to ensure we have proper washrooms and even lifts for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). This goes a long way to ensure that they are part of this House as it should be. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Yes, Jalang’o, Member for Langata.

Thank you so much, Hon. Speaker. I also take this opportunity to welcome the delegation from Starehe Constituency. We are actually in Starehe Constituency. This is their constituency, and I welcome the team from Nairobi City County. Thank you so much. Feel welcome. You are at home. Ahsanteni sana.

Hon. Passaris.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I stand to welcome, Starehe Constituency students and also the students from across Kenya. Take note that on the day you came to visit Parliament, was the day that the President of Kenya and Dangote, launched the refinery in this country. This is a historical day, and I want you to take that, discuss and learn about it. That is because history is being made today as you attend our Parliament. Thank you and welcome to Parliament.

Responses to Statements. Is Hon. Anthony Oluoch in the House? Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, are you to respond to Anthony Oluoch? (Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo spoke off the record)

Give the microphone to the Chairperson.

Hon. Speaker, I have the Statements for Hon. Oluoch and Hon. Stephen Mogaka. However, as you directed yesterday, I have a Statement and a tribute for the late Lazarus Simiyu Opicho, who was the commandant of the VIP Protection Unit. (The Speaker spoke off the record)

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Speaker, on my own behalf and that of the Parliament of Kenya and the National Police Service (NPS), I stand to pay tribute to a fallen gallant officer and a Commander in the person of Lazarus Simiyu Opicho, who until his

Member for Trans Nzoia County.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I also stand to eulogise and pass my condolences to the family of Commandant Opicho. He was a constituent of Kiminini Constituency in Trans Nzoia County. I knew him as a jovial, hardworking and very good person who could accommodate everyone. Trans Nzoia County has lost. I know the family has lost. The country has lost. The police fraternity has lost. May his soul rest in peace.

Hon. Milemba.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. On my behalf and that of the people of Emuhaya and the entire fraternity of our people, I pass my condolences to the family of the late Opicho Simiyu. He is well known to most of us because he is the one who provides us with our security personnel. I knew Opicho very well. He was my neighbour at one time. He was a friendly officer, easy and willing to assist at any time. I was with him just a few weeks ago and I did not know he was sick; only to hear yesterday that Opicho has passed on. We just want to wish the family strength in God as they go through this hard time.

Thank you.

Member for Kanduyi, Hon. John Makali.

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

Hon. Jalang’o.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. We eulogise Opicho who is a resident of Langata Constituency. Langata Constituency mourns the loss of a gallant son, Lazarus Opicho of the VIP Protection Unit. We stand with his family during this very difficult and trying time. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the people of Funguo Estate, Uhuru Camp and the larger Nairobi West. May God grant his family, friends, colleagues and the entire community strength and comfort during this very hard time. Langata mourns you, our gallant son.

Hon. Pukose.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I join my colleagues to mourn the late Lazarus Opicho. Lazarus Opicho, Senior Assistant Inspector- General of Police, is personally known to me. We have interacted for quite some time. We have been travelling together whenever I travel to Kitale and back. We also occasionally travel with his family. I was shocked to hear that he developed breathlessness and chest pains, and was rushed to Aga khan Hospital where he passed on. This is very sad for the people of Trans Nzoia. We have lost one of our own sons. May the grace of God be with the family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Thank you.

Commissioner Makau.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I also join my colleagues in mourning the fallen gallant soldier of this nation. As we mourn the gentleman, allow me to say something. I saw the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs, Hon. Tongoyo answer some questions. Remember, before we broke for recess, we had an urgent matter on a gentleman from Mlolongo who had disappeared in the hands of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS). They promised to bring the report within…

Commissioner, we are eulogising Opicho. Is that part of it?

Chairman, it is of the same note.

You are mixing issues. I will give you an opportunity to complain on your issue.

Yes, Chairman. I am also personally known to Opicho. That is why I passed my condolences. I feel and pray for the family. But Chairman, on the same breath, I felt that the family in Mlolongo are bleeding because they think the same thing could happen. I pray to you…

Hon. Speaker!

Which chairman are you addressing?

Hon. Speaker, I thought it was introduced by the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs, Hon. Tongoyo. That is what I was thinking. If, through your indulgence you could give me an answer for the same.

Point made. Yes, Hon. Passaris.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise to convey my deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Senior Assistant Inspector-General of Police Lazarus Opicho, Commandant of SGB and VIP Protection Unit, following his passing after a short illness. His death is a great loss to the National Police Service and to the country. We honour his dedicated service, professionalism and commitment to duty. May God comfort his family and colleagues. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Hon. Chikati, Member for Tongaren.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I join my colleagues in eulogising the late Senior Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Lazarus Opicho. He was a pioneer person in restructuring police reforms and security in this country. He led a whole team of police officers in providing security to Government installations, infrastructure and the entire sector of the police. My late brother Opicho was a shield of security in this country, a leader of integrity and of great leadership. I, therefore, join my colleagues in saying pole sana to the entire nation, to his family, and to all those to whom his death has left a gap.

Ahsante sana.

Thank you. I will give a chance to Hon. Rindikiri, then Hon. Raso will close.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I stand to give my condolences on behalf of the great people of Buuri. We know Lazarus very well because he has been to our constituency. He was an ever-smiling officer but a man of integrity with a high level of discipline. He was respected by his colleagues, be it on the same level or below him. We will miss him. We hope and believe that he will be remembered within the Police Force. I request the Committee, through you Hon. Speaker, that something be done in memory of this great soldier. I know he is from the great constituency of my friend, Kiminini in Trans Nzoia. On many occasions whenever I had security issues, I would call my brother, Hon. Kakai and request him to talk to Opicho so that he could help with some needs in my constituency. We will miss him. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.

Hon. Raso.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise to condole with the family and colleagues of Senior Assistant Inspector- General of Police, Lazarus Opicho. He was a distinguished professional officer. As a former member of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), our paths crossed at some point when he was attending the National Defence College.

He was a distinguished officer. He was among the few officers who built the Administration Police (AP) Service to what it is today, including the AP Police Academy in Embakasi. His duty was protection of Government buildings. The reason we walk around to do our duties in Parliament and all those who serve the Government and do their work effectively, is because of the work that was being done by people like Opicho.

With those few remarks, may the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Tongoyo, for bringing that Statement. Hon. Members, the officer whom you are eulogising was an extraordinary officer. He did a wonderful job as the Head of Diplomatic and VIP Protection Police Unit. This is the Police Wing that protects all Government installations in the country. When I was the Minister for Foreign Affairs, he

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 Trade, Industry and Co-operatives regarding the promotion and support of foreign direct investment in the country. This is one of the key enablers for accelerated economic growth by contributing to the sectors in the country, including manufacturing, industrialisation and infrastructure development.

Attracting foreign investment is, therefore, critical to driving industrial growth, enhancing the country's cooperativeness in the regional and global economy, creating employment opportunities, accelerating skills and technology transfer and contributing to overall economic growth.

However, over the years, concerns have been raised regarding the ease of doing business in the country and the need to create a more investor-friendly environment. In particular, there have been reports regarding alleged harassment and undue interference faced by some foreign investors, coupled with regulatory and procedural bottlenecks arising from numerous licences, approvals, and processes that are required to establish and operationalise investments in the country.

Thank you. Hon. Mayaka, what is it? Do you want to joyride or you have something else?

Hon. Speaker, I would like to joyride on this very important request for statement. I thank my sister for bringing it. A lot has been going on in our country. Someone was even wondering why the ladies here are dressed in black today. It is because we have seen so many shiny things that have been done by His Excellency, President Ruto. We are dressed in black because our eyes are hurt because of all the shiny things that the President is bringing.

As the Chair of the Select Committee on Regional Integration, I would like to be specific about what has happened today. I applaud the President and Mr Dangote because the energy independence of East African Community is about to be realised. We will be getting 700,000 barrels of oil per day not only for Kenya, but also for the other eight East African countries. This, in due time, will mean that we will not be dependent on importing fuel.

The second reason is that this is the biggest private investment in Kenyan history that we are witnessing. I want to acknowledge the President because it is a bold step. We missed out on the cement investment a few years ago, but because of his boldness and bravery, this is happening in Kenya's history and, as Kenyans, we are really proud of it. I want to urge the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Co-operatives that, as they bring the report on the statement that has been requested, to give us an outline of the magnitude of the benefits, not only of the Dangote Oil Refinery to Kenyans, but also of all the other investments that have come as a result of this regime.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Thank you. Yes, Hon. Siyoi, another joyrider?

Yes, thank you, Hon. Speaker. I also stand to joyride on the request for statement that has been raised by Hon. Donya. In this country, everywhere you go, in any meeting, you will hear everyone complaining about job opportunities. Our youth and the parents are always crying, and everybody is talking about job creation in this country. I want to say that this is another avenue or breakthrough that this country has gotten. I feel like the President has really overworked. I have gone through this, and I have seen that we will generate 60,000 jobs when that refinery is established in Lamu.

If you allow me to take you back a little bit, two years ago, when we wanted to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), many people complained, and politics took charge. There was so much misinformation among the people. They did not know it was another way to generate job opportunities. If you travel around the world, you will realise that big airports have generated job opportunities for so many people. Even our own Kenyans have travelled all the way to Dubai and other countries to go and work there because their airports are big. When an airport is big in a country, you will realise that the economy grows because

Hon. Stephen Mogaka.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. May I also applaud Hon. Donya for the statement she has requested. I am an economist and a business graduate. I know what business investment and foreign direct investment can do to a country like Kenya. I want to applaud His Excellency the President for two reasons. First, I have benefited from living in Nigeria, courtesy of my wife, Madam Lydia Saringi Mogaka, who was working at the Embassy. I had the opportunity to see with my own eyes the investments Dr Aliko Dangote has made in Nigeria. I always wondered what we could do to make such an investment in Nigeria happen in East Africa, if not in Kenya itself.

I want to celebrate President William Ruto and his Government for creating an enabling environment to attract an investment the size of what Dr Aliko Dangote is making in the petroleum and refinery industry. We are tired of exporting Kenyan labour. It is time that Kenyans worked in Kenya. Through deliberate decisions like the one His Excellency the President has made to bring investments that are prospering in other countries to Kenya, we will localise our labour, make our money at home, and make Kenya the most prosperous nation in the world. I thank Hon. Donya, and I hope the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Co-operatives will leave no stone unturned in making Kenya the ultimate investment destination.

Thank you.

Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Co-operatives, I want to stop there. I will give a minute more. Hon. Gichimu, do you want to contribute on the same issue? (Hon. Gichimu Githinji spoke off the record) Then hold it. Yes, Mama Busia.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to quickly congratulate His Excellency the President and also ask him to do more. There were times when you would hear Lamu and freeze because you thought of insecurity. Now that this factory is coming up, Kenyans should celebrate because it is a great opportunity for many Gen Z who have been talking about lack of jobs to get employed. Security in that area will improve, and most Kenyans' dignity will be restored. Energy and infrastructure in that area will also be improved. I know very well that most of the time we import refined products, but this time we will refine locally and also export. It is an opportunity Kenyans have been waiting for, and I want to applaud the President. I also look forward to benefiting someday.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Yes, Hon. Kimani Kuria. One minute each for those who will be given an opportunity.

Hon. Speaker, I like the discussion this afternoon because it is about Dangote, and this refinery has been about who started it. I say it does not matter who started it or who dreamt of it. What matters is who implemented it and today, we are celebrating the President who has implemented this project. That is my only point.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Justice Kemei.

Hon. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues in hailing the President of this country and Mr Dangote for the investment that we are seeing in Lamu. My point is that we have always thought we could get investments from other parts of the world, but we need to look inside Africa, where we can also get investments from people like Dangote.

Finally, what the President is doing in this country is great. Some of us travel towards Western Kenya every week; we have been facing a serious road situation between Nairobi and Western Kenya. The dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit Road is another major project that will improve communication and transportation in this country.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Wandeto.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. The idea of a refinery is good, and no one opposes it. However, I think the question that is always on the lips of Kenyans is the rationale and whether this has been fully thought through. I support the request for a statement from Hon. Dorice because it will allow us to interrogate it. Many of us have a lot of questions, but I do not think today is the right day. Let the issues come so we can discuss the commitment the Kenyan Government is making towards this. Are there any guarantees that have been issued? Are there any penalties for failing to utilise the capacity? Have the market studies been done? There are so many other questions. Will this lead to cheaper petroleum? Because in Nigeria, it clearly has not. Those are the questions, but let the statement come, and we have time to debate. Many of us are sceptical, especially about the rush. There has been no public participation or an environmental impact assessment. The people of Lamu are crying and have been displaced from their land. There is more darkness than light on this issue.

Yes, Hon. Mogaka. What is your point of order?

Hon. Speaker, is the Member for Nyeri in order to lament about the investments in Lamu, when Lamu has elected Members of Parliament who should be voicing their concerns? Is he in order? He should wait for investments in Tetu to raise questions. Is he in order? Lamu is properly represented in this House.

Yes, Hon. Rindikiri.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Take one minute.

I sympathise with the Member for Tetu because his “President” is in the United States of America (USA) looking for investors. Yet, we are implementing serious investments by an African who understands economics better than all of them combined. Please, let us not question the implementers because the implementing agency of development in Kenya is none other than William Samoei Ruto. We can see new things coming up every day. We have no problem. Let us observe. Go and look for your own investments and stop lying to people and bringing in politics. We are on economic transformation. Lamentations cannot reverse this trajectory.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Mutunga.

Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker. It is good to comment on such a request for statement, but I think we should wait for the Ministry to respond. The pros and cons will then come out very clearly. We should be very happy and enthusiastic, especially when Africa initiates its own development.

Yes, Kawanjiku.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this chance to comment. The Speaker is my Speaker. Anyway, sometimes, you wonder what happens in politics. I cannot understand why Hon. Wandeto is fighting this. This is something good that is supposed to help and support the nation. But because in our politics you must be seen to oppose everything that the Government is doing, it seems we sometimes leave our brains behind, or we do not understand.

Something is being done to help, support and build the future of our country. We need to prepare the next generation to take over. Are we creating enough jobs? The President is trying to help this nation move forward. We should separate politics from real development. Let us not oppose for the sake of it, just to be seen that you are opposing everything that the Government is doing. In any case, whatever is being done in Lamu will help our people, especially those from Mount Kenya who live in Lamu. They will get the jobs that Dangote will create. The refinery will lead to the establishment of hotels. Opposition leaders should realise that President William Ruto is doing everything to take this country forward. Let us appreciate his efforts. We should not oppose for political gain.

I support Dangote's construction of a refinery in Lamu.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I want to congratulate the President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr William Samoei Ruto. He is a bold and courageous man. I also want to congratulate my brother in religion, Dangote. He is also very courageous.

This was Baba’s dream. Just a few days before we celebrate his life, Dr William Samoei Ruto is delivering his dream. We have no other words to congratulate him for honouring Baba in this manner. When an African is doing the right thing for his brothers in Africa, we should carry him high. I wish he could come to Parliament. All these women would have carried him high together with Dr William Samoei Ruto. We love to worship white skin, such that when a black man comes to give back to his community, we oppose him. You are saying things that would make Jesus wonder if you were really his follower. You are busy in the USA looking for white men to sponsor you, while Dangote, a black man, has come to invest in black people on black soil through Dr William Samoei Ruto.

We were once in the opposition, but we opposed with reason. We did not just oppose everything. We opposed for valid reasons. We celebrate Dr William Samoei Ruto. We are dressed in black because we are celebrating Baba. We are also celebrating Dr William Samoei Ruto. He is honouring Baba’s dream. How else would we honour Dr William Samoei Ruto other than giving him two terms? That is my declaration. We love Dangote. We love Hon. Ruto. As the women of Kenya, we will protect Dangote to ensure that whatever investments he has brought to Africa will benefit Africans. I will pray for him as a Muslim, so that he may get more when he gets to paradise.

Congratulations, Dr William Samoei Ruto.

Member for Banissa. Members should take one minute each. Clerk, give them a minute each. Member for Banissa, a microphone is next to you.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I applaud our President, Dr William Samoei Ruto, for this huge investment opportunity for Kenya. A Ksh2 trillion investment is not a mean feat. It will create jobs and promote energy security. That is what our country needs.

Yesterday, I read about what happened in Burkina Faso. The military junta has just established one of Africa's largest gold processing operations. Those are the things we need. There is a lot of gypsum in places like El Wak where I come from. Dangote should come and invest there as well, so that our kids can get jobs and we get financial security.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Member for Westlands.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Regarding the refinery the Government wants to build in Lamu, we need to address the disturbance to human settlements. There should be proper communication on how those affected will be resettled or compensated. Once that is done, I am sure everybody will be at peace because we want this development. The Government must address the resettlement of those affected even if they live on public land.

Hon. Speaker, that is what I picked from the request for statement.

Hon. Cherorot.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I applaud the President for bringing in Dangote. No one has ever been concerned about Lamu. There is now a lot of talk about Lamu because of this investment, which is coming with goodies. It will create jobs for 60,000 youths who will work in that refinery. The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, said that he would talk to President Suluhu to ensure that she also supports the project.

Hon. Speaker, I support the Statement.

Hon. Emathe.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. The story of the oil refinery in Lamu cannot be told without understanding that the oil project is basically settled and being implemented in Turkana County. We need to thank the people of Turkana County for allowing a refinery to be taken to Lamu. Number two, you need to thank the President for bringing Mr Dangote all the way to Kenya; an African, a person who is interested in investing in Africa and for the Turkana people. Those in Lamu are basically from Mt. Kenya, living in Mpeketoni. The people who are even negating the implementation of this project are from Mt. Kenya, staying in Mpeketoni, and they do not want to accept the project!

Hon. Members, can we stop here on this? Yes, Hon. Naomi.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for allowing me to add my voice to this request for statement as I also congratulate Hon. Donya for coming up with this. I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate our President, who has taken regional leadership and is also representing Africa in the best possible way in various fora, and for being bold enough to bring this, as we also celebrate Mr Dangote. This is a great gift to Kenya and Africa; Africa has gained, Kenya has gained, and we must be proud of what is happening and what will happen in future because it has the potential to transform our country. Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Members, I think we can stop here. I want to join the House in saying as follows. In our 65 years of independence, we have never had an investment of this magnitude.

I am a ranking Member of that Committee, Hon. Speaker. Given the importance of this matter and the interest it has generated, I seek your permission to bring the response to this request for statement before this House within two weeks.

No. Wednesday. The facts about that Refinery are in the public domain.

Then that is fine. I will pass that message to the Hon. Chairperson.

Bring a response on Wednesday at 2.30 p.m. I will not have a Cabinet Secretary answering any Questions. I will give you one hour to debate the importance of that investment to Kenya, the region and Africa.

Well guided, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Lelmengit. Hon. Tongoyo, you will wait to respond to those Statements. Hon. Lelmengit has a statement to request, and it is in fact to you. Go ahead.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I have a request for a statement regarding the shooting of a person during a security operation in Emgwen Constituency.

Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the shooting of Mr Julius Malel of ID No. 13xxxx88, a resident of Kilibwoni in Emgwen Constituency.

Hon. Speaker, on 25th September 2026, a joint security team comprising police officers drawn from Kilibwoni and Kapsabet police stations reportedly conducted an operation at a local entertainment establishment in Kilibwoni, with the intention of arresting a Kenya Defence Forces officer who was being sought in connection with an earlier assault involving a police officer. It has been reported that the operation subsequently escalated into a confrontation during which tear gas was deployed and live ammunition discharged.

In the course of that incident, Mr Julius Malel, who was not the subject of the operation, sustained gunshot injuries. The matter was recorded at Kilibwoni Police Station under OB No.2/26/9/2026. The incident has occasioned considerable public concern among the residents

Hon. Tongoyo, when can you respond to that as the Hon. Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security?

In two weeks, Hon. Speaker.

Two weeks! Thank you. Allow me to acknowledge, in the Speaker’s Gallery, Kamunyaka Senior School from Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua County. We welcome you to the House of Parliament, students, teachers and those accompanying you.

Thank you. Hon. Milemba.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this chance. With humility, I really want to thank the Departmental Committee on Education, which is doing a very good job out there, working on the six Bills that concern education. These are:

Is there any Member from the Departmental Committee on Education here? Hon. Members, Hon. Milemba’s point of order is very important. We have seven bills out for public participation. I think we added an eighth one through First Reading on Tuesday.

Hon. Milemba, I will consult the Committee on how far they have gone and how extensively they have undertaken public participation. I will give you direction in a ruling on Tuesday. However, Hon. Members, I think Hon. Milemba is spot on. Nothing is as important as the education of this country's children, whose parents vote for you. I encourage all of you—

Hon. Tosha, take your seat. You are out of order. Hon. Members, take an interest in these eight Bills. It is a complete revolution in the education system. I do not want you to embarrass your Speaker by going to funerals and saying that you will oppose bills that you have not even read or in which you do not appear to have taken an interest.

Take a keen interest because education is the foundation of our society and we are shaping the future. Please do some homework. Do not just leave it to the Departmental

Hon. Speaker, I totally agree with you because there is a lot of disinformation and misinformation out there. Almost 30 per cent of what is happening against the Government centres on education, infrastructure, funding, curriculum and other matters. This is very important because the Government is doing a lot and intends to do more. However, we need to address misinformation and disinformation. These Bills can help us do so. As I was looking at one of them, I realised that it addresses the kind of information concerning the education sector that should be released. I, therefore, support your proposal. A one-day Kamkunji or retreat on this sector would do us good, and the Kenyan people would know what the Government is doing.

I thank you, Hon. Speaker.

Hon. Tongoyo, you may now respond to the request for statement sought by Hon. Antony Oluoch. Go ahead.

Thank you, Hon. Speaker. In response to the statement sought by the Member for Mathare Constituency, Hon. Antony Tom Oluoch… Is he in the House?

He is in the House. Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West, UDA): Okay. As I prepare to respond on the issue of Commissioner Makau, I want to report that the Statement is ready and can be… (The Speaker spoke off the record) Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West, UDA): On 19th June 2026, Ms Peris Wambui reported the abduction of her husband, Mr Joel Mwai, at Mathare Police Station, vide OB No. 24/19/06/2026. She stated that on 18th June 2026 at about 2.00 p.m. while at their family shop at Stage No.10 along Julia Road, Mathare, Joel was abducted and bundled into a silver double- cabin pickup, registration number KBZ 229B, by four men purporting to be police officers. The men then drove away.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Starehe commenced investigations vide Inquiry No. 9/2026 and circulated a missing-person signal to all police stations countrywide. Preliminary enquiries with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) established that the registration number belonged to a lorry or truck, confirming that the perpetrators used a cloned registration plate to conceal their identity. The investigating officer recorded statements from persons of interest.

By a cloned registration, you mean fake?

Yes.

Why do you not just say “fake”?

Sawa, fake, Hon. Speaker. They used the registration number of a different vehicle, or a fake one, as you have guided.

Yes.

While investigations were ongoing, the police received information that the victim had resurfaced and reunited with his sister in Kiambu on the night of 24th June 2026.

He recorded a statement at DCI Starehe in which he stated that his captors only interrogated him about his mobile phone number, national identity card, home county and details concerning his wife before abandoning him in a forest near Makutano. The case is still under investigation to establish the reason for the abduction and to trace the perpetrators.

Hon. Speaker, on the second case, on 22nd June 2026, Ms Rose Adhiambo reported at Buruburu Police Station that her husband, Mr Michael Oloo Osura, alias “Wakili”, who operates a Ludo gambling and soft-drink business in Mathare, had visited Triza Barbershop at Umoja Stage, near the car wash, on 19th June 2026, but did not return.

The DCI Buruburu commenced investigations vide Inquiry File No. 4/2026, and circulated a missing-person signal to all police stations. The team visited the scene, interviewed witnesses, and recorded their statements. Preliminary investigations established that four unidentified armed men, dressed in civilian clothing and with their faces concealed by masks, caps and sunglasses, handcuffed him and forced him from the barbershop into a black-tinted

Proceed, Hon. Oluoch.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I also wish to thank the Chairman. I had the opportunity to review the Statement and the response by the Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen. I think the only way the Government can acquit itself of the perception that a special unit within the Government carries out abductions is by not waiting until abductions take place, but by consistently cleaning up and sweeping the Police Force of rogue officers or persons masquerading as police officers.

The military precision within which those abductions take place lends itself to the perception that either persons within the Police Force or persons aided and abetted by the Police Force are involved in those kinds of abductions. I think that is something that the Cabinet Secretary owes not only to the victims of these cases, but also to the general perceptions, especially those created by the young people of this country, who may have mistakenly placed the issue of abductions at the doorstep of the Presidency or the Government.

We must not wait for this to become a sweeping march that is visited upon the Government when, in fact, we may be allowing rogue people to exist and continue operating within our security sector. Another disappointment I note in the response comes from the forensic laboratory. Some of those abductions took place in circumstances where, in relation

Yes, Hon. Tongoyo.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, since this has not been slated for this afternoon, we are trying to consider doing it tomorrow afternoon.

Hon. Makau, do you want it to be deferred to another date?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I have just consulted the Chairman. Remember, before we proceeded for recess, the Leader of the Majority Party had committed to bring the report within one week. I have consulted the Chairman and he has ably told me he will present the report tomorrow.

Tomorrow afternoon. It is so directed that this Question be listed on the Order Paper. Hon. Walter Awendo, Member of Parliament for Awendo. What is happening today to the mics? Yes, proceed.

I am waiting for the report.

Okay. Chairman, on this impending auction of land belonging to South Nyanza, it is not you. It is the Committee on Finance. Where is the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning? The one for Hon. Mogaka has been deferred to tomorrow. Am I right? Sorry, Hon. Mogaka. Proceed.

This is not Hon. Mogaka. It is a response to a request for statement by him. So, may I proceed?

Proceed.

This is response to a statement sought by Hon. Stephen Mogaka regarding rising incidents of political violence and insecurity across the country. The response is as follows.

The country has been witnessing intolerance in political activities, characterised by incidents of violence, confrontation, disruption of funerals and other lawful public gatherings. Those incidents have raised concern over public order, particularly where political differences have resulted in clashes among rival groups and interference with the peaceful conduct of public events.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the Government remains committed to maintaining peace and ensuring that funerals and other lawful public gatherings are conducted peacefully across the country through:

Hon. Mogaka.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I thank the Chair and the Cabinet Secretary for Interior for the response. In the case of Bomachoge, I am happy that those who caused the disruption of the funeral and robbery with violence have taken plea, but I am disappointed by the case of West Mugirango Constituency. The burial was for a retired senior prisons officer who was a member of a Seventh-day Adventist choir and who had written in her will that there should be no politics during her funeral.

I clearly stated, ab initio, that the only official Government speakers would be the elected Members of the National Assembly and the Governor. The lady we are talking about— Jemimah, my mother— is the landlady of the Governor of Nyamira County. It was her plea and will that her funeral shall be depoliticised. Therefore, it was very ridiculous that in the presence of police officers in that funeral, we witnessed busybodies storming in, insisting on assaulting the will of the deceased and forcing themselves to address the crowd. It is extremely unfortunate that nobody has been arrested and charged. That is why I will engage the Chairman of this Committee, behind the tent, to ensure there is justice. A funeral is a sacrosanct function where the faithful go to see off the departed.

If we allow people who have untamed political egos to demand to defile a funeral of a Seventh-day Adventist choir member and nothing happens, we are walking to a dangerous direction. Because of this, I urge the Chairman to tell the investigation agencies to take their work seriously. If an Occurrence Book (OB) incident was recorded, the police officers who were invited to give security in that particular function, and who witnessed that, should be the first witnesses.

I was shamed in the funeral of my aunt and fellow Seventh-day Adventist. I walked away remembering the words of Kenny Rogers that you do not always need to fight to be a man. I plead with the Chair to relook at the circumstances that surrounded the storming, defilement, disturbance, disruption and the shaming of a Christian in the presence of her pastors. As a country, we must protect every individual. When an individual chooses her funeral to be like that, the Government must protect that will.

I submit, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Chairman, are you satisfied and taking in the sentiments? Member for Wajir East.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I seek your indulgence. I had requested for a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security. I am sure that it is ready.

Did you request for a statement before we went for recess?

Yes. I request for the response tomorrow.

Hon. Chairman, what happened to that request for statement? You were supposed to bring it within a week, if my memory serves me right.

It is true, but we are just back from recess.

Fair enough.

By the time we were going for recess, I had about 21 requests for statements pending. I am glad to inform the House that 19 of them are ready. We considered two of them yesterday and two of them today. I had provided the

When will the response to the statement be ready? Is it tomorrow?

I have 16 requests for statements which are ready. It is up to the House to prioritise which one I can deliver.

I direct the Clerks-at-the-Table to list that one tomorrow.

Because I had provided the list of the requests for statements that are ready…

No. Some of them are urgent. When somebody talks about insecurity in North Eastern, it is not ordinary insecurity.

I know I can give the responses of the 17 requests for statements in one afternoon.

Be ready tomorrow in the afternoon. I have directed that particular request for statement sought by Hon. Aden Daudi to be listed tomorrow.

Hon. Millie Odhiambo.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I would like to comment on the Statement that the Chairman of the Committee has just raised.

Is it the one for Member for West Mugirango? You are a senior Member. You should have risen….

Yes, I did.

Okay, fair enough. I will give an exception to the rule.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I agree with the Member for West Mugirango that if we do not take goonism and disruption of public functions and events seriously, then we will face extremely violent elections. We will lose many people.

This Friday, we will bury a young man called Michael Odhiambo in my constituency. He was killed during the period when the Linda Mwananchi people came to Homa Bay County. As we speak now, the family is gathering to collect funds to bury him. He has left behind a wife. He comes from a very poor family which does not even have a house.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, while we are creating jobs, we should not allow others to kill young people and get away with it because of impunity. In the case the Member for West Mugirango has talked about, you know the people who cause problems in funerals. Last week, although I was not there, one of the ladies in my constituency called Mercy Opere, and coincidentally was a Seventh-day Adventist, had a disruption at her funeral. Seventh-Day Adventists shun away from a lot of politicking. The people who do not have any serious agenda or support, and those who want to create disruption and perception about popularity, are usually the ones who do such things.

As a country, we need to arrest that phenomenon, whether it is at a rally, funeral, any kind of public function or even a church because some of them go there shamelessly. This happens across the country and unless we arrest this phenomenon, we will face a crisis during elections in this country.

I agree with you on this issue. As Members of Parliament, we witnessed what happened to us when we ran away from here. Parliament, State House and the Supreme Court are supposed to be some of the safest places in any country, with maximum security. You cannot imagine anywhere in the world— whether

Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the record, I need to tell the Chairman that this Statement is fatally defective. In his response, there is reference to a motor vehicle purported to be owned by the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), which is not true. Therefore, the Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Murkomen, should know that his chain of command and information is calculated to conceal what the Government should do. There is no such vehicle in NG-CDF. For your information, during funerals, microphones are given and not taken by anybody. If you have not been offered a microphone, you have no business taking it.

Hon. Mogaka, in this case, the number plate of the car was given. Am I right? Did you give the number plate of the car? The perpetrator’s car. I am talking to the Chairman. (A Member spoke off the record) If you have shared that information, all you need to do is check whether it was registered. Fair enough.

The next response to a statement request is from the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. Hon. Walter Owino sought a statement on the impending auction of land belonging to South Nyanza Sugar Limited Company. Is he in the House?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I thank Hon. Owino for seeking this statement. I would like to introduce Hon. CPA Rutto to give feedback on behalf of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning.

Thank you, Hon Temporary Speaker. I want to commend my Chairman for undertaking the Speaker’s advisory on mentoring first-time Members to be future leaders. I am equally taking up responsibility knowing that that is where I am headed to.

Yes, Hon. Walter Owino.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I appreciate the response of the Committee, but I urge its leadership to ensure that the undertaking given by the National Treasury is implemented so that this matter does not find its way back to this House. There is also the issue of pending arrears owed to employees and farmers. We have employees, some of whom were stopped from working for Sony Sugar, while others are still working under the new Sony management. Those people have not been paid their arrears, and it is now two years down the line. Some of them, especially those who were discontinued from working, are still staying within the Sony compound, waiting to be paid. However, they are not sure when those monies will be paid.

I, therefore, urge the Committee to look into this matter because those monies were not supposed to be paid by the lessee but by the Government. As the Committee considers settling the issue between the Government and the Co-operative Bank, I request that the matter of paying the farmers' and employees' arrears also be considered urgently.

Thank you very much.

Yes, Hon. Beatrice?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. This is a very interesting response that we have received from the National Treasury, but the question is: When was the loan taken? It was from the Co-operative Bank, and at that time, there was principal and interest.

As we move forward, what is the interest now, and how is the National Treasury going to deal with it? Even as you take the money there, it will continue to accrue interest. How are we going to manage this? Before we even go into how the National Treasury is answering us, can we understand what the terms of that loan were? I also hear that the workers have not been paid. If they are allocated money, is it going to pay the workers first, or are we going to deal with the loan issue?

Chairman, it is interesting that Hon. Beatrice has raised this issue. She is asking: What was the principal amount, what was the interest, when was it taken, and what is the mathematical logic behind how you are going to pay this money?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. It is for this reason that we are seeking more time as the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. Even looking at the basic facts of this matter, the loan that was taken was a Ksh300 million overdraft.

Which year?

In 2018. The outstanding amount is now Ksh879,691,268.35. This means that, if you apply the in duplum rule, the outstanding amount is way above the interest.

From the basics of this case, the outstanding amount is in contravention of Section 44A of the Banking Act, that states the interest amount should never exceed the principal amount. What we have done as a Committee is that the Member asked for this statement within two weeks, and we endeavoured to respond within that period. However, we have since written to the Central Bank to say that we want to look at the entire loan book of all loans given by our commercial banks and find out how many of them may be in contravention of Section 44A of the Banking Act, especially in relation to the in duplum rule.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the interest recoverable on a non-performing loan is subject to the statutory limit under Section 44A. It is, therefore, important for us to get into this matter. For the comfort of the Member, the National Treasury has committed to provide for the first payment on this loan in the First Supplementary Budget for 2026/27. Even if they provide for that payment of the principal amount, it means that they will still owe the Co-operative Bank the remaining amount.

We are, therefore, going into greater depth on this particular matter to establish how many loans that have been issued by commercial banks and other lending entities may be affected by Section 44A of the Banking Act and, in particular, in relation to the in duplum rule.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Fair enough. As it stands, this matter does not have any component relating to the workers. You must understand this fully. This is simply a matter between the debtor and the creditor.

On the other issue, whether you wish to file a new question yourself or ask for supplementary information from the Chair right now, it is up to you. However, be informed that it does not holistically address the concerns you raised.

I am well guided, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I just wanted to alert the Chairman again that, as he deals with this particular matter, the issue of workers' arrears is also there and should be dealt with at the same time. As this is being sorted out as one of the liabilities taken over by the national Government, I also request that they consider the issue of the workers' and farmers' salary arrears.

Thank you.

For the benefit of the House, Hon. Kimani, is this in duplum rule now part of our statutes? Is it a law? What I know for a fact is that it is not the case.

Yes, and that is why, Hon. Temporary Speaker, I really want to thank the Member for bringing this matter to the attention of the National Assembly and, most importantly, to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, which oversees all matters of finance.

From our inquiry, we were able to establish that the loan amount borrowed from the Co-operative Bank was an overdraft of Ksh300 million. The amount now owed to the Co-

But is the practice in our country?

Yes.

No, no, no! I want you to be very specific. Has it been applied in our country? Is there a precedent in which these rules were followed and the courts also relied on them?

There has been a very recent case where a borrower was awarded compensation of around Ksh10 million for contravention of this rule.

The in duplum rule?

Yes. It is a practice in this country. It is just that this House has not had enough time or has not taken an interest in overseeing the implementation of this rule.

Is it a matter of oversight, or is the statute itself not in place? Is it in our array of laws? Is it there as a legal regime, or is it simply because it has been practised elsewhere before, and we therefore want to look at that precedent in other jurisdictions in the past, including the British? What we know is that this has never been the case for the more than 60 years that this country has been independent. This country has been independent for over 60 years.

So, Hon. Temporary Speaker…

Maybe, you need to go back and do serious research that will bring out where the Central Bank Act addresses that firmly. The interest can never be more than the principal regardless of how long it takes to pay. After doing that, you can come back to this House and inform us. There are many Kenyans who are basically suffering all over.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, even as we go into deeper enquiry on this matter, there are two facts. Fact number one is that Section 44A of the Central Bank Act...

Says what?

It says that the interest amount cannot exceed the principal amount. That is in line with the in duplum rule. It is already in our statutes.

Two, there is a precedence from our courts. There is a case of Mwananchi Credit Limited and another versus – I am borrowing notes from my very able Committee Member, Hon. CPA. Ruto – Wekesa

(Civil Appeal E100 of 2023)

KEHC 5301

(KLR)

(24th April

One thing is clear before you... Yes, Hon. Elachi. Please have the Floor.

Can the National Treasury help us to understand the debts because some of the debts that Muhoroni has might not be under Section 44A. Maybe, they are creditors or suppliers. So, the Treasury has to help this House to know

Hon. Kimani, I want you to listen to the issues that are being raised by Hon. Elachi. When you say this is a firm and first rule… I remember in the early 90s – maybe you were either in primary school or secondary school at that time – we used to have Treasury bonds that attracted percentages of as much as 60 per cent in interest. If the Government was paying, for example, 70 per cent, then it means in three years' time, it would end up paying 200 per cent or 300 per cent in four years' time. You are telling us now that actually the rule is there. Now, that rule applies to who? Come up with a very comprehensive statement on that. That will show the gaps in borrowing by the Government, by individuals and by banks, including the Treasury bonds and whether that rule is a first rule that cannot be overruled.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. You are speaking to a very sensitive matter. Let me jog the memory of this House. Last year, I sponsored the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill; it is now the Business Laws (Amendment) Act that brought into the purview of the Central Bank of Kenya what you call Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes.

Buy now?

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). Maybe the easiest example to give is our boda boda operators. This is just for conversation's sake. They can go and get a loan at Mogo and Mogo gives them a motorbike and tells them that they will be paying Kshs300 every day. By the time they complete paying the 300 shillings every day, they will have bought that motorbike that is worth around Kshs180,000 for Kshs500,000. Obviously, the amount of money that they will have paid for the price of the motorcycle exceeds the principal. That is why when I brought the amendment Bill last year, this House agreed with me and passed the Bill, which was also passed by the Senate and assented to by His Excellency the President three months ago. Now everyone that gives credit… It is very important that Kenyans listen to this, including Kenyans who take phones on credit. You know, sometimes, you may call some of your friends or your staff at 7:00 p.m. and their phones are off because they have been “locked”. They are mteja. They will tell you that, that was so because they had not paid their dues for that particular day and so, even that payment of money for those mobile phones has to be subject to the in duplum rule under Section 44A of the Central Bank Act. However, is the rule being followed? That is the task that the Member who raised this particular Question has given my Committee and this House to find out if actually that rule is being followed.

Every time you take a loan, the amount of interest, fees and penalties, should never exceed the principal amount. That is a principle of law that has existed since the Roman Empire, thousands of years ago. That has been affirmed by Section 44A of the Central Bank Act. So, to answer your question directly, we have a law. One should never ever pay interest, fees and penalties more than the principal. Is that being followed? That is what we need, as an oversight House, to oversee CBK and the National Treasury to make sure that, that rule is followed to the letter.

Hon. Kimani, who is the regulator in this case?

The regulator is the Central Bank.

Central Bank?

Yes.

There are banks that are lending mortgage that gives you 10 years, 12 years and 15 years to repay at a rate of 13 per cent, 12 per cent and 11 per cent. That will be how much by the time you get to 50 years?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the matter you are referring to is certainly different. You are speaking to a matter of: “At what rates should banks lend to Kenyans.” If you may remember, in the 11th Parliament, Hon. Jude Njomo brought a law into this House that was approved when we used to have a fixed interest rate regime. In the wisdom of the 12th Parliament, under the leadership of the then Chair of the Finance Committee and now the Governor for Homa Bay County, that rule was reversed. The interest rate that is charged by banks is a subject of two things. One is the Central Bank Rate (CBR). It is set by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank every quarter. Banks and all other lending institutions are allowed to give a risk factor K. Where, for example, they can say that the substantive Speaker of the National Assembly is a less risky customer and, therefore, if we give him a risk factor of 3 per cent. That will be a good risk factor.

That covers that as an insurance.

Therefore, that is what banks and all other lending entities should use as their interest rates. However, as you had alluded, is that being followed? Section 44 of the Central Bank Act also speaks about something else, that where a bank wants to change the interest rates on a customer, that approval has to be provided by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury.

The question is: How many such approvals are sought by banks or other entities from the Cabinet Secretary, and how long does the Cabinet Secretary have to consider each loan application and decide whether a change in the interest rate is justified? We may have to review this particular section of the Act and, perhaps, propose an amendment. Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is very important that you have raised this matter.

Another issue which I know will be of great interest to you, is the changing dynamics of Sharia-compliant banking, how Islamic faith views interest, and how we can align that with the Central Bank of Kenya Act. There have been attempts to address this. I served in the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning in the previous Parliament, and I now chair it. Several Members of Parliament in this House proposed amendments to this issue, but I do not think we have done enough to align the Central Bank of Kenya Act with Sharia law, especially on matters of interest. There is still a great deal of work to do to ensure that these provisions align with our other laws. For example, consider the Affordable Housing Fund and how Kenyans make payments for affordable housing. The arrangement may involve a mortgage or a loan. Is it Sharia-compliant? These are some of the matters we should also consider in relation to the Affordable Housing Act, and how we can align it with Sharia law. We must ensure that the laws we pass are consistent with the Constitution and other statutes that are approved by this House.

Thank you.

Before you take the Floor, I should mention that at one time, I wanted to buy back my pensionable service from my previous term in Parliament. I applied to the National Assembly. The cumulative amount I was supposed to pay over that period was barely Ksh7 or Ksh8 million. I was told that, because some of the service was from long ago, I would have to pay Ksh36 million to buy it back. That figure had been calculated using a market rate of, I think, 14 per cent or 13 per cent over that period. I cannot remember exactly which one. The amount had, therefore, tripled. If the National Assembly does that, how can we expect commercial banks, including a co-operative bank, simply to accept that a borrower should pay no more than 100 per cent of the amount originally borrowed? There is a paradox here; a serious contradiction. Could I ask you to direct the Committee to return with a comprehensive statement on this matter? It affects the lives of all Kenyans.

Certainly, Hon. Temporary Speaker. As you have directed, the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning will undertake a

How much time do you need to do that?

A month would be fine.

So, you will have it one month from today?

Yes, we will have it one month from today.

You will provide a comprehensive statement. In my view, it should also consider whether additional regulations, laws or statutes are needed to align the laws. The Banking Act may be in conflict with what you refer to as the Central Bank of Kenya Act. I want to believe that.

Yes.

So, it is a paradox. Let us see how we can address it, and then you will report back. You have one month. Exactly. But before that…

Much obliged.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I just need to help my Chair…

Yes.

He mentioned judicial precedent. There is a recent case. Let me read it verbatim. It is Faulu Microfinance Bank v Kilonzo. The court said that the in duplum rule and Section 44A are matters of public policy, not merely regulatory tools for established institutions, and that the rule applies to all lenders.

What does the Banking Act say? Does it conform to this?

Yes. Section 44A clearly stipulates that the amount of interest and penalties must not, in aggregate, exceed the principal amount.

That is why I am telling you. What is the supreme law-making body in the country?

Of course, it is the National Assembly.

I am trying to buy back my pensionable service, and the National Assembly tells me I have to pay three, four or five times the original amount.

It applies across the board.

I just wanted to make that point. You are telling me that everyone must obey the law, including the same law-making body to which you and I belong.

It must bind all of us. It is now a matter of public policy.

That is why I want you to bring a landmark, comprehensive statement on this, so that Kenyans can understand that borrowers cannot be fleeced. A great number of people are losing their property because interest has accumulated to five, eight or even ten times the original amount.

Yes, Hon. Mogaka.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am itching to contribute as a finance graduate and a banker of more than 25 years’ standing. On the in duplum rule, there is no explicit rule or law that prevents banks or financiers from entering into loan contracts on their own terms. They, therefore, take advantage of poor

You can be a lawyer and also an accountant. I know that for a fact. These days, there are many lawyers who are accountants. My own daughter is both a lawyer and an accountant. Anyway, what is the purpose of a law? To be followed. And if it is not followed, there are consequences. There are penalties. You cannot say that the law exists but that chamas choose to operate outside it. The Act must provide penalties for contravention. Proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, because we will be seeking a few amendments to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Act before we go for recess in December, I think one of the issues we need to raise in this House is how to make banks accountable and liable, including putting penalties not just to the institution, but the personalities that sign those particular agreements. Nowadays, if you try to get any credit facility, for instance, from an application on your phone, they ask you: “Do you agree with the terms and conditions?” They do not even give you the terms and conditions. They say that the terms and conditions will be sent to your email. You are forced to agree to the terms and conditions even without reading them. As you said, it is now important to have consequences for those financial institutions that break the law.

Yesterday, I raised the issue that our financial ecosystem is changing rapidly. Although banks were the traditional institutions that offered financial assistance or services, a lot has changed. Currently, there are many other institutions that are not necessarily financial institutions, which are operating financial services. It is very important that we look into those institutions and bring them to the purview of the Central Bank of Kenya Act as a regulator or other regulators and make sure that they follow those rules, especially Section 44 of the Central Bank of Kenya Act and strict observance of the in duplum rule as it has been decided since the Roman law.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Before we go to the next Statement from the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning that has been sought by Hon. Irene Mayaka, I want to recognise the presence of Kiptagich Senior School from Kuresoi South Constituency, Nakuru County. There are a number of Members of Parliament from Nakuru County.

(Hon. Julius Rutto and Hon. Kuria Kimani raised their hands) Are both of you from Nakuru County?

Oh! Are you from Uasin Gishu? Both of you are from Rift Valley. Okay, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for noticing that I am from Rift Valley. Kuresoi South Constituency and the entire Nakuru County are part and parcel of Rift Valley. I, therefore, take this opportunity to welcome the learners who are here. I am sure they are enjoying the proceedings and are probably developing desires to one day be here. But I just want to remind them that it is as a result of hard work in school. It enables you to make the right career choice to come and represent your people here in your technical speciality. I wish you all the best.

Lastly, we wish you all the best when you sit for your examinations. The bottom line is that discipline precedes everything. I am sure that your school has never been mentioned in indiscipline cases. If you maintain that discipline, you will be leaders in future. You are welcome. As you go back, be safe. Greet Nakuru County and your school. We will be happy to see you here in future.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. These students are from my neighbouring constituency, Kuresoi. When they want to go to the market, they come to Molo Town in my constituency. Apart from being the Member for Molo, I am not sure what else I can be. But I can assure you that you people will be better than all of us in this House. You have a very good opportunity to be the best of the best not just in Molo, Kuresoi, Nakuru or in this Republic, but across the globe. You have the best of our support to be the best of us. Despite the mistakes you have made in life, you will become better than all of us combined.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Our youngsters are for the global market, not just for Kenya. As Hon. Kimani puts it, that demands the very best of the best, the crème de la crème meaning cream of the cream. Young men, we encourage you to do this country proud when you grow up. Finish your higher learning and come to serve Kenyans like the rest of us are serving them now.

Hon. Kimani, proceed to give your Statement on the delayed processing of VAT refunds as sought by Hon. Irene Mayaka.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The Nominated Member, Hon. Irene Mayaka (CPA, CPS), requested for a statement on VAT refunds and asked three very pertinent questions. One was on the current status of VAT refunds owed to businesses and, two, what is the Government’s plan to clear VAT refund backlog and, three, what is the specific impact of delayed VAT refunds on the Kenyan economy. The Committee received a response from the Kenyan Revenue Authority through the Ministry of National Treasury and Economic Planning, which I now wish to present.

Regarding the current status of VAT refund claims owed by businesses, including a breakdown of pending, verified, approved and unpaid claims, I wish to respond that, as per the 31st of July 2026, the current status of VAT refunds claims, including claims, pending processing, verified, approved, and already paid claims, approved claims awaiting payment due to inadequate funding, and utilised refund adjustment vouchers was as follows:

Hon. Mayaka.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Let me take this opportunity to thank my good friend, Hon. Francis Kuria Kimani, for the elaborate response and also for trying to break it down so that it is easy for Members to understand.

Hon. Rutto, you want to support your Chairman? Do it in a nutshell because we need to go to other business.

Thank you so much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am listening to my good friend and colleague, and she has really stressed on the aspect of tax and investment in Kenya. This has been a subject of discussion for a lengthy period, particularly during public participation on the Finance Bill.

Right now, on the issue of Value Added Tax (VAT), she is very categorical. She wants a disaggregated analysis of where the VAT is applicable.

Yes, we are looking at that.

Just for my own interest, in many countries, when you go there and purchase something that you know you are not going to use within that country when you are travelling out of the said country, you get your VAT refund at the airport. Are you aware of that?

Yes, I have also benefited from it.

Hon. Kimani, so why should our refund take forever? Why is it not spontaneous?

Of course, I think it is the aspect of funds…

Yes, Hon. Mogaka.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, Hon. Kimani will reply last. Please allow us to contribute. I can also see that Dr Onchoke is waiting to contribute. I just want to thank Hon. Irene Mayaka for raising this thorn in the flesh regarding the management of VAT refunds by the KRA. The KRA punishes those who do not pay their taxes on time but there is no corresponding sanction against KRA for failing to release refunds to poor and struggling businesses on time. Incidentally, allow me to brag that Hon. Irene Mayaka comes from West Mugirango Constituency and is one of the…

Order! She is a Member of the Kenyan National Assembly. She belongs to this institution, and everybody is an equal Member.

Proceed. I want us to go to other substantive business.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. My take is that when you see two accountants on the Floor of the House engaging about other accountants in KRA who have not done their obligation to a Kenyan business person, then there is a reason to worry. Just like Achebe told us, when you see a toad jumping during daytime, something is after its life. It is important that we have timelines and quantitative answers in this House, because we are talking about money.

With tremendous respect to my Chair of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, businesses have expended money and paid their taxes. When it comes to refund of their VAT, this should not be negotiable. I plead with us to be sensitive because the Kenya Kwanza Government is about Mama mboga.

Hon. Onchoke, followed by Hon. Beatrice then we conclude this and go to the next substantive business. Do not lose track of the facts in the issue or the matter at hand right now. Proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity. The Chairman, Hon. Kimani, says it very well: That the effects of delayed refunds include unemployment, the welfare of consumers is undermined and that there is flight of investors—all the bad things. We know that for a fact and they stated them so well. Now, what he has not told us, and he seems to be lamenting, is that we are interrogating and

Yes, Hon. Beatrice. Hon. Kimani, I was in this House when it was a parliamentary system and Ministers were here. And the Ministers, who were supposed to be policy implementers and policy makers, would be held accountable. If they did not give an adequate and serious answer, I remember one day I threw out of the House eight Cabinet Ministers in two sessions, in the morning and the afternoon, because they looked like they were not serious. Now that Chairpersons of committees have taken over that responsibility, on behalf of the Government, seriously, it is not for you to come and tell us that you know this is not working and you lament and become a weakling like the rest of us and the citizens out there. You must have an authoritative answer or say: ‘I am coming with the answer on a given day’.

Proceed, Hon. Beatrice Elachi.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I just want to tell our Chair that I think it is important for KRA to just do a dashboard of tracking those things, so that if I am going to claim my VAT, I just put it there. The Government should budget because it is a legitimate claim. I do not even understand why we should wait until the money goes and there is an expenditure and the client is still waiting for his VAT. It is a legitimate amount that should be paid back. So, why can we not just budget for it and you pay it back to whoever claims that VAT?

You can buy something and pay duty at an airport in other parts of the world. And before you leave, you go somewhere and get your refund. Or just outside the city and you get your refund. So, why should ours take forever? And why should my very able Chairman—and when I say very, I mean very—come here lamenting and showing weakness?

It got me there, Hon. Temporary Speaker. In my professional view, there are two ways of going around this. One, maybe we need to amend the KRA Act to provide for resources for VAT refunds. Because what happens is once you pay your input VAT…

Do you have any answer from KRA on why the window was blocked?

First of all, KRA was very wise in their response. And I think now this particular feedback from the owner of the Statement gives us an opportunity to go back to KRA and ask this pertinent question. Because when you pass this amendment to the Tax Procedures Act, it should be expressly possible for any taxpayer to offset any tax against any other tax head. So, if you have input VAT, it should be possible for you to claim back your input VAT from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), from corporation tax, withholding tax or from many other taxes. And that is explicitly clear in our Tax Procedures Act.

However, what we got from taxpayers is that, that is not happening. So, I think Hon. CPA Mayaka gives us another assignment to go back and ask why it is not happening. Of course, they talk about system upgrade and all that, but I think it is something that probably someone is sleeping on the job and we need to bring it back. If you allow me, when I am responding fully to this particular question, I should come back with a statement of why KRA

How much time do you need?

Two weeks is sufficient, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Two weeks is sufficient?

Yes, two weeks is sufficient, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Number two, there is a discussion that has come up when we are doing public participation. In this era of improved networks and ICT technology, probably we would also need to do an amendment to our Tax Procedures Act to allow for tokenisation or to provide for an exchange for VAT. What do I mean? Say KRA owes you Ksh1 million in terms of tax refunds. I do not owe any VAT obligations. It should then be possible for you to sell to me your VAT refunds, even if it is a discount, and therefore I pay you and not rely on the Exchequer. At this time, you are relying on other ways of funding Government expenditure without relying on the Exchequer. Instead of asking for additional allocation to KRA, can we have an exchange? And it is possible to do that through tokenisation and block chain technology, where we say that Hon. CPA Mayaka owes KRA Ksh1 million, so she can trade that Ksh1 million on the exchange and I could buy that at a discount and pay her Ksh900,000 and I get to keep Ksh100,000 instead of her waiting for the next three or four years for her to get paid back the VAT refund. These are options that we shall be engaging KRA on.

In the next two weeks, we should bring a more comprehensive statement on this particular matter, especially addressing those two issues. Do we need to amend the TPA Act? Why is KRA not implementing the amendment we made on the TPA Act? And then what do we need to provide an exchange where traders can trade their VAT refunds on exchange?

The Hansard has already recorded all the undertakings you have made. I know you are a very able Chair and I expect in two weeks’ time you will come with that comprehensive statement. Hon. Mayaka, I think we have covered this fully well. What is the issue again?

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I just wanted to say, further to the direction you have given of two weeks, that when KRA appears before the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, as the person who initiated this query, I would love to be called to the Committee so that I can ask all the questions that I have.

You have a right to participate in any committee meeting as long as you inform the Chair. The only thing is you do not have a voting right. But you will participate and ask questions and interrogate. Every Member of Parliament has that right in every Committee. However, you have to inform the Chairperson in advance so that the Chairperson can take note. Hon. Kimani, have you heard that? (Hon. Kuria Kimani spoke off the record) When you are going to interrogate them, you might as well invite Hon. Mayaka, your colleague in the profession.

Next Order.

Next Order.

Next Order. Chairperson, Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library. Hon. KJ? Hon. Nanok, you are a Member of that Committee.

Yes, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Okay, proceed.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library on the Establishment of Parliamentary Corners in national and county libraries, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 10th June 2026. The Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library, established under Standing Order 212D of the National Assembly Standing Orders, is mandated to advise Parliament on matters of public participation and those related to the provision of library, publications and research services, including the improvement of library and research services. It is also

Where is your Seconder? Proceed.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I rise to second the Motion on the establishment of parliamentary corners in national and county libraries, as moved by the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Daniel Epuyo Nanok, who is the Member of Parliament for Turkana West. I am a member of this Committee and had the opportunity to accompany the Committee in visiting the various libraries that have been mentioned in the main Report by the Chairperson. Indeed, the findings and recommendations that have been presented to this House are accurate and true to what the Committee witnessed on the ground.

This is one idea that is long overdue. The 13th Parliament should move with speed to implement it. Currently, many members of the public lack credible sources of information about Parliament and the business that goes on. Access to Parliament is expensive. Access to Parliament is cumbersome. It takes a lot of man-hours to access Parliament. Imagine a common Kenyan in Suneka, Bonchari, Nyamira, West Mugirango, Lagam in Elgeyo Marakwet, who needs or wants information about Parliament. It is close to impossible to access Parliament.

It is for this reason that Parliament should think of establishing parliamentary corners to address the problem. Happily, the cost of establishing one parliamentary corner is only Ksh8 million. When you juxtapose those costs and the benefits, the benefits are greater.

With these remarks, I beg to second.

Very well, Hon. Members. (Question proposed) Is there any interest in this one? Yes, Wakili, let me hear you. Who is that Member?

Toroitich.

Please, proceed.

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to contribute to this very important Motion on the establishment of parliamentary corners in our public and county libraries within the Republic of Kenya. I was privileged to serve in the Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library. There are Committees in this House that are, unfortunately, underrated even though they are very important. In fact, when I was moved from the Committee on Education to the Committee on Library and Broadcasting, some Hon. Members saw it as punishment. But when I started sitting in that Committee, I realized that it was a very important Committee of this House.

I thank Hon. Chairperson of the Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library, Hon. Nanok, for being a steadfast Chairman in ensuring that the Committee executes its mandate in accordance with our Standing Orders. While I served in that Committee, we moved around this country to visit public and county libraries. At a point of amending our Constitution, we should rethink and bring back all the libraries to the national Government. I think it was a mistake to devolve libraries in this country. Libraries should have remained at the national level.

Libraries at the county level have been mismanaged. The county governments are completely unable to run libraries. In fact, when we went to certain counties, they were frustrated that the libraries were running better when they were under the national Government than when they were devolved. So, we need to relook at the architecture and the design of the Fourth Schedule in so far as certain functions are concerned.

The idea of establishing parliamentary corners in our public and county libraries is fundamental. It is profound for the reason that we need to take Parliament to the people. We have Hansard materials from this House. We have Bills. We have Motions that have been adopted. We need our people to have a touch and a feel of what this House passes, the resolutions of this House, the Bills of this House and the documents of this House at the local level.

We were surprised that in our libraries at the county and national level, we do not have parliamentary materials. You can imagine that if we have Hansard materials in a library in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Busia County or Bungoma County, our people can appreciate the work that Parliament executes.

With those remarks, I support the Motion.

I can see some interest in this Motion. Yes, Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am one of the oldest Members of this Committee. I was placed in this Committee in 2020 because, at that time, we were perceived to be the disgruntled people in Tanga Tanga. We were placed in certain committees on the assumption that they were very unpopular. However, under the able chairmanship of our Hon. Chairman, we have since brought life and meaning to this Committee.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, the culture of reading is absent in many parts of this country. Libraries play a critical role in archiving the history of the nation or of any entity such as Parliament. Parliament does many things, but rarely does this information reach the people we represent. Rarely do they get to know what the Member of Parliament for Buuri is doing because they have no access to information on what I do in the Plenary or in the Committees. One of the problems we are facing is the spread of misinformation and disinformation about what Parliament and individual Members of Parliament are doing. We need to establish parliamentary corners where the public can access the actual facts and figures on Parliamentary work.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, you have heard that many libraries have been burnt. As we move to establish the parliamentary corners, we should not only provide hard copies, but also

Next is Hon. Stephen Mogaka.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me to also support the Committee’s Report, which has brought an elaborate solution to what has been missing. In my town of Nyamira, a ‘Senate’ convenes at a hotel called Barcelona. At the bus stop, a quasi-parliament convenes to discuss public issues. Along Moi Avenue in Nairobi, Bunge la Mwananchi equally operates around Jeevanjee Gardens. This Committee’s Report rises to the occasion by responding to the public’s socio-economic need for information and a forum where they can not only witness parliamentary proceedings, but also be part of them.

The Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs has held two public participation forums in Nyamira town, specifically at the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Office. One was on the Public Participation Bill, and the other was on the impeachment of the former Deputy President. The level of public enthusiasm during the Committee’s sittings in Kisumu, Kanduyi and Eldoret tells it all. The Committee is responding to the public need for infrastructure that is currently inadequate in this country. This will give people access to correct information and a platform to express themselves. It will also provide us, as parliamentarians, with information, including the facts on which we should base our questions in this House and our contributions to parliamentary debates. I, therefore, commend this Committee and encourage it to build on this work.

I have public land in Nyamira Town that had been grabbed. I was the lawyer in that case, and we recovered the land. I offer the same land to establish the first library and the first local Bunge Mashinani, which are much needed. As I say this, Bunge Mashinani has a bad connotation in my constituency. I come from Nyamira County, which is the first and last county to have had two county assemblies running in parallel. One was the official assembly, while the other was christened Bunge Mashinani.

As we implement this recommendation, let us encourage only legitimate parliamentary business and not factions purporting to represent Parliament. Such factions may seek to defraud the public by creating forums where legislators from county assemblies, the Senate and the National Assembly that are aligned to a particular view, purport to pass Bills, Motions or budgets that may hurt rather than promote the public interest. I commend the Committee’s work.

With those remarks, I beg to support.

Very well. It is true Bunge la Wananchi is gaining a lot of ground everywhere in the country. Even in my hometown, Luanda, there is a Bunge la Wananchi. I hear there is a speaker there called Mr Inzofu. Parliament must move quickly to also legislate so that the people do not move too much ahead of us.

Can we hear from Hon. CPA Rutto?

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for taking cognizance of my interest in contributing to this debate. This is because I am a member of the Committee and, at the outset, I want to thank my Chair, Hon. Nanok, for his diligence and commitment to ensuring that this particular deliberation has arrived on the Floor of the House.

I participated in the tours across the country, mostly along the Coast, visiting the existing libraries and appreciating the status of those libraries. Of course, some of them are still on the way, and traditional materials still exist. However, with advanced technology being in place, most libraries are now questing to ensure that they also improve their status. This discussion, this Motion and the amendment to the law to now introduce parliamentary corners in those particular libraries, I dare call it, is almost being overtaken by events because we are in an era of fast information dissemination.

As you rightly say, now every part of the country has Bunge la Wananchi. The discussions that go on there, are interesting. Sometimes, I wonder whether they discuss the right things, especially when they make reference to subjects of this particular House. I remember recently, when the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. FCPA, John Mbadi, took a walk to Jeevanjee Gardens, only for him to reach there and find Bunge la Wananchi discussing a finance bill which had not been formulated or tabled in this House for purposes of legislation. They were having a serious discussion of the contents of that particular finance Bill. He had a difficult time responding to questions concerning a Bill that did not exist.

As I have said, I appreciate this Committee, but they are trying to run after a matter that has already been overtaken by events. I know that one of the roles of the Parliamentary Service Commission is to ensure that proper information is disseminated to members of the public, and the only channel through which they can disseminate such information is by providing centres where members of the public can go and collect the right information. I have in mind members of the public who may have interest in research and education, or who may be furthering their education, or people who may want to know what happened in our Parliament in previous years when our Parliament started, or those who may want to know which Member of Parliament has ever formulated a given legislation, or those who may want to know exactly what has been happening before not only in Kenya, but also outside Kenya. It is, therefore, high time that this particular honourable House supported the establishment of parliamentary corners so that we facilitate the right information to members of the public who have shown that they have an interest in contributing to the development of our nation.

Another aspect we must appreciate is what has come with the promulgation of the new Constitution - the aspect of public participation, which we cannot run away from now. We have suffered several setbacks after making laws in this House. We have undertaken the whole legislative process, only for courts to throw them away on the aspect of lack of proper public participation. In fact, proper, adequate and sufficient public participation have been questioned with regard to quality of public participation. You will agree, because if you look at the kind of public participation that we conduct, especially from my Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, where every subject or every Bill has to go through public participation that is guided by Article 118, the biggest challenge at times is that you go to the ground and provide information. But whenever you invite members of the public to make contributions, you are left wondering because the information they have is totally misleading as it is distorted information. Therefore, the idea of establishing parliamentary corners in public

Mover to reply.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. You notice the level of understanding that the Members who have contributed to this Motion have exhibited. Just as the Members who have contributed have said, this Parliament could be behind the Kenyan public because Bunge Mashinani is a common parlance nowadays. The kind of debate that goes on at Bunge la Wananchi discussions countrywide is actually information collected from all over. We want to have places where members of the public can get timely and factual information that can inform them on matters like public participation principles as provided in our Kenyan Constitution. It is critical that we improve governance and involve those that are being governed in the processes that create the laws that are used to govern them. There is no better place to get that information other than at the parliamentary corners that we are proposing.

When we visited Maktaba Kuu, we saw the American Corner - a small America inside a Kenyan library. What we intend to have in our public libraries is a miniature Parliament of Kenya, where everything around that space will look parliamentary. It will have everything about the national Parliament, including the colours. Therefore, this is a long overdue undertaking. It is my proposal to the Parliamentary Service Commission that we fast-track the establishment of the proposed parliamentary corners in all public libraries. We can start with the libraries where we want to establish pilot parliamentary corners and see how they will perform. We will then escalate the establishment of the same in other libraries over time. We have actually gone ahead to propose a budget for the establishment of the pilot parliamentary corners. It is not so much money. It is just about planning for the desire to ensure that Kenyans are properly connected to their Parliament.

In terms of public participation, the proposed parliamentary corners will go a long way to improve the manner in which Kenyans participate in the law-making processes. Kenyans will be enlightened on the roles of parliamentarians as there are programmes like Mjua Mbunge Wako that are run by the media houses. Those would be the centres for the public to meet their Members of Parliament. They can talk to them from there, bring petitions and take away parliamentary information that is factual and true.

I would like to thank all the Members who have supported this Motion. I request them to adopt this report.

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

Do you beg to reply?

Yes, I beg to reply, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you very much, Hon. Members. (Question put and agreed to)

Chairman of the Decentralized Funds Accounts Committee.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Fourteenth Report of the Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee on its consideration of the audited accounts for the National Government Constituencies Development Fund for constituencies in Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Samburu, Laikipia and Marsabit counties for the Financial Years 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 10th June 2026. The 14th Report represents a rigorous exercise covering 10 financial years from 2013 to 2023. The Committee examined a total of 280 reports of the Auditor-General across 28 constituencies drawn from six counties. This left two Financial Years, namely 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, which we are currently considering. We expect to complete the exercise before the end of the term of this Parliament.

The constituencies concerned are Garissa Township, Fafi, Balambala, Lagdera, Dadaab and Ijara in Garissa County; Wajir East, Wajir West, Wajir North, Wajir South, Eldas and Tarbaj in Wajir County; Banissa, Mandera North, Mandera East, Mandera South, Lafey, and Mandera West in Mandera County; Saku, Moyale, Laisamis, and North Horr in Marsabit County; Laikipia East, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North in Laikipia County; and Samburu West, Samburu North, and Samburu East in Samburu County.

In examining these accounts, the Committee engaged extensively with both current and former fund account managers who are designated AIE holders of the constituencies. The Fund has continued to make a significant impact on the lives of people across the 28 constituencies examined through infrastructure and social development projects, including the construction and renovation of schools, security projects and other community facilities as well as the issuance of bursaries to needy students.

During our examination, we appreciated the impact that the NG-CDF has had on communities and villages at the grassroots level across Kenya, as opposed to other Funds. The NG-CDF is a Fund that will be celebrated now and for many years to come. However, notwithstanding this impact, the Committee's examination identified a number of cross-cutting issues that require some panel-beating and the attention of this House and the Executive to straighten them out.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to highlight just a few of the issues that we have flagged out as follows:

Hon. Mogaka, go on record.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg to second the Motion that this House adopts the 14th Report of the Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee on its consideration of the audited accounts for the National Government Constituencies Development Fund for constituencies in Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Samburu, Laikipia and Marsabit counties for the Financial Years 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 10th June 2026.

I am a member of this Committee and during the examination of those 280 audit reports, our Committee held extensive interactions with the fund account managers across the 28 constituencies. The Committee thoroughly evaluated written submissions, audited reports, and physical evidence before identifying the structural bottlenecks that undermine transparency and resource optimisation in those decentralised funds.

A persistent issue that continues to hamper the effective implementation of projects is the delay in disbursement of funds from the Exchequer. This matter leads to under-expenditure, under-absorption and significant delays in the completion of critical constituency projects. The

You beg to second. Hon. Stephen Mogaka (West Mugirango, JP) Yes, I beg to second, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Thank you. (A Member spoke off the record) Order! Allow me to propose the Question first. (Question proposed)

I noticed that an Hon. Member had interest in this. Can he then come up?

Put the Question. (Question put and agreed to) Next Order.

Chairperson, Special Funds Accounts Committee.

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

THAT, this House adopts the Eighth Report of the Special Funds Accounts Committee on its consideration of the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund for the Financial Years 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 7th December 2023. In its examination of the audited accounts for the Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund, the Committee received oral and written submission from Ms. Caroline Towette, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund on the audited Financial Statement for the Financial Year 2017/2018 to 2021/2022.

On the audited financial statements for the Financial Years 2017/18 to 2021/22, the Committee’s observations and recommendations are set out in the Report. Following its examination of the audit reports, the Committee made the following general observations and recommendations, which apply across all the financial years examined.

Lack of ownership documents for land. The Committee observed that, as at 30th June 2022, the Fund had several parcels of land for which it did not have ownership documents. This included land donated by Kenya Pipeline Company Limited, land in Mavoko Town, and

Order, Members. Please, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. The Accounting Officer should continue pursuing the ownership document for the land donated by Kenya Pipeline Company Limited, L.R. No. 209/11325. Within three months of the adoption of this Report, the Accounting Officer should provide a status report to the Office of the Auditor-General for audit verification.

Second, lack of information technology and risk management policies and a data recovery strategy. The Committee observed that the Trust Fund’s operations were guided by the policies of the mainstream State Department, and that the Fund was in the process of developing its own policies. The Committee recommends that, within three months of the adoption of this Report, the Accounting Officer should submit a status report on progress in developing the data recovery strategy, risk management policy and information technology policy to the Office of the Auditor-General for audit verification.

Third, weak internal controls. The Committee observed that the Fund did not have its own accounting unit, and that all its transactions were processed by the accounting unit in the State Department for Social Protection. The Fund did not have its own staff and depended on officers seconded from the State Department for Social Protection. The Trust Fund had been granted an approved establishment by the Public Service Commission and the State Department for Social Protection, through the Ministry of Public Service, and had advertised positions for officers to work at the Trust Fund. The Committee recommends that, within three months of the adoption of this Report, the Accounting Officer should submit a status report on the employment of Trust Fund officers to the Office of the Auditor-General for audit verification.

In conclusion, I wish to register my appreciation to the Honourable Members of this Committee, the Office of the Speaker, and the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Parliamentary Liaison Office of the Auditor-General and the National Treasury, and the Committee Secretariat for facilitating the Committee’s work and making the production of this Report possible.

I beg to move and now request Hon. Catherine Omanyo to second the Motion.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Thank you, Chair. I listened carefully to the CEO of that Trust Fund. Before I give my contribution, I note that the CEO, Madam Caroline Towett, has been acting in the position for the last seven years. This is unfair and denies her a great deal of freedom. I think that a prolonged acting appointment violates Article 41 of the Constitution and Section 5 of the Employment Act.

As a nation, we should practice fair labour and not discriminate. Public officers should also not act for more than six months. I do not know why she is still acting for the last seven years. That Trust Fund needs a lot of attention. I stand here knowing very well that I have an

This is by the Chairperson of Special Funds Accounts Committee. Hon. Onchoke, proceed.

Honourable Speaker, I have the honour and privilege to move this Motion courtesy of the Chair of the Committee, Hon. Fatuma Zainab.

I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Tenth Report of the Special Funds Accounts Committee on its consideration of the Report of the audited Financial Statements for the Prison Industries Revolving Fund and Prison Farm Revolving Fund for FYs 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 14th August 2024. In its examination of the audited accounts of the Prison Industries Revolving Fund and the Prison Farm Revolving Fund, the Committee received oral and written submissions from Ms Salome Beaco, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Correctional Services, who appeared before the Committee on Tuesday, 4th July 2023 and Tuesday, 21st November 2023. The submissions formed the basis of the Committee's observations, findings and recommendations. Following the examination of the audited reports, the Committee made the following observations and recommendations on cross-cutting issues for the two funds.

Hon. Fatuma.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I want to tell the House and Kenyans in general that the Prisons Industries Revolving Fund is very active. In fact, if you go to their showroom, they make very nice furniture. However, Kenyans continue to import furniture. Kenyans may not be aware of what is produced there but, if they go and see what they make there, it is amazing. They produce very classic items.

Kenyans are probably not aware of this and so, I am inviting them to visit their showroom, which is in Upper Hill, in the Community area, and see what they have. They are doing a very good job. However, the Fund is not doing very well because of debts. At the moment, they have an outstanding debt of Ksh86,111,870, including Ksh82,921,500 owed to the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). When you have such debts, it becomes very difficult to operate and conduct business.

I urge the national Government to look into this Fund so that it does not collapse. I must, however, recommend them because the items I am talking about are actually handmade by the prisoners themselves. It is also a very good way of encouraging them to look at life positively.

I thank my Committee and all the 15 Members who are very active Members of this Committee and who are always punctual. We never have issues with quorum. I also thank the Clerk because whenever we call upon the National Assembly to assist us in any matter, he is always there to assist us.

I beg to second.

Very well. I like the way you have seconded. You know, traditionally in this House, what I see now never used to be the practice. You would not have been allowed to read word for word, but times have changed. (Question proposed)

Is there interest in this Motion? In the absence of the same, allow me to proceed and put the Question. (Question put and agreed to)

Before the next Order, there are two things which the Chair did speak to. One is the huge debt that NITA owes the Prisons Revolving Fund. I think it is a matter that your Committee can raise and escalate, so that it is undertaken with coordination of other committees.

Two is the issue you did speak to in your first Report about unfair labour practices. I am a labour practitioner myself. Where an officer has been acting for the last seven years and the law says you should act for six months, I also believe it is a matter that your Committee should escalate so that, that officer is confirmed.

Let me hear from the Chair.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, on the matter of the CEO acting for seven years, actually we looked at 82 funds and it has come to our attention. I am not trying to be malicious but most CEOs who are acting are actually of the female gender. There are some instances where the CEO is acting for three, four or five years. The next time the same Fund appears, a CEO has been confirmed but now the CEO is male. The one who was acting was female. When it now comes to being confirmed, the female has been taken back to managerial duties and a male has been confirmed. I am not trying to be malicious. I can even table a report on how many female CEOs have been acting, but, when it comes to confirmation, a different gender is confirmed. It is something that is worrying us as the women of this society.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

I already granted you permission to proceed and escalate that matter.

Next Order.

This is the Chairperson of the Public Investment Committee on Social Services Administration Agriculture. I am told that he had requested that this matter be handled in the next Sitting.

The Chairperson is in the House, but she has made a request. You may go on record, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I am requesting, with your permission, to allow us to defer this particular matter because some of the recommendations that have been put here are not complete. I am requesting that you allow us, as a Committee, to go back and sit, complete it, and confirm it to be the standard that we had set.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Very well; most obliged.

Next Order.

The Chairperson is out on other duties and this matter is deferred up to the next Sitting.

Next Order.

The matter is also deferred to the next Sitting.

Next Order.

This Order is also deferred to the next Sitting.

Hon. Members, let us be upstanding. The time being 7.25 p.m. this House stands adjourned until Thursday, 1st October 2026 at 2.30 p.m. (The House rose at 7.25 p.m.)