Wednesday, 4th December, 2024 Afternoon Sitting

Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, Kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.

Order, hon. Senators. I am informed we do have quorum now. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale and company, kindly take your seats.

Vice Chairperson, you may proceed to lay the Papers on behalf of the Chairperson of the County Public Accounts Committee.

Report of the Senate County Public Accounts Committee on the reports of the Auditor-General on the financial statement of the following County Assemblies: Siaya, Nandi, Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Elgeyo, Marakwet, Embu, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Laikipia, Meru, Nakuru, Tana River and Nyeri. For the financial year 2019-2020, Tharaka Nithi for the financial years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, and Kericho for the financial years 2020/2021 and 2021/2024.

Report of the Senate County Public Accounts Committee on the reports of the Auditor-General on the financial statements of the following county executives: Tana River and Migori County Executives for the financial years 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. Elgeyo, Marakwet, Mandera, Lamu, Taita, Taveta county executives for the financial years 2019/2020. Finally, Uasin Gishu county executive for the financial years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021.

On behalf of the Chairperson of the County Public Accounts Committee, I beg to lay.

Next Order. We will proceed to Statements pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) . Sen. Hamida Kibwana, proceed. Senator for Nandi, I will indulge you. Before we proceed with the Statements, you may have to give notice on the reports that you have just laid on the Table.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give Notice of the following Motion- THAT the Senate adopts the report of the Senate County Public Accounts Committee on the reports of the Auditor-General on the financial statements of the following county assemblies: Siaya, Nandi, Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Elgeyo, Marakwet, Embu, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Laikipia, Meru, Nakuru, Tana River, and Nyeri for the financial year 2019/2020. Tharaka Nithi for the financial years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 and Kericho for the financial years 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 laid on the table of the today, Wednesday, 4th December, 2024.

financial statements of the following county executives:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. It is an honour because even in communication, your tone and your words are more than congratulations. So let me ride on what you have just said and tell the young Kenyans that they are most welcome to this Senate.

I wish them well. One of these days, one of them will run to be Senator. I advise you not to run in Nairobi County because my brother's son is the Senator of Nairobi. I do not want him to face unnecessary challenges.

Ladies and gentlemen, you are most welcome.

Sen. Hamida Kibwana, proceed. Sen. Tabitha Mutinda, what say you?

Sen. Kibwana requested that I take care of her statements. She might be running late.

You may proceed, please.

On behalf of Sen. Hamida Kibwana, I stand to make a Statement on the global observation of the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) .

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise Pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a Statement on a matter of general topical concern, namely the global observations of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, which commenced on the 25th November, 2024, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and will culminate on 10th December, 2024, Human Rights Day.

This global campaign calls for urgent action to end all forms of GBV, a persistent issue that continues to affect millions worldwide, including here in Kenya. GBV is not only a gross violation of human rights but also a significant barrier to achieving gender equality, sustainable development, and the protection of vulnerable populations.

In Kenya, the prevalence of gender-based violence remains alarmingly high. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys 2022, over 38 per cent of women---

Hon. Senators, may Sen. Tabitha Mutinda be heard in silence, please.

Sen. Tabitha Mutinda: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Over 38 per cent of women aged between 15 years to 49 years reported experiencing physical and sexual violence in their lifetime.

Alarmingly, we have witnessed an upsurge in femicide cases, with the National Crime Research Centre reporting a 35 per cent increase in femicide cases in 2023 alone. Additionally, Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) is emerging as a significant threat, with a 2023 policy study revealing that one in every three women in Kenya has experienced online harassment or abuse. This includes cyber-stalking, non- consequential sharing of intimate images, and online threats, disappropriately targeting

young

women. The socio-economic and emotional toll of GBV, including TFGBV, cannot be overstated.

Survivors do face profound physical and psychological trauma, and the violence exacerbates gender inequalities in education, employment, and public participation. GBV also affects Kenya's economic growth, and the National Gender and Equality Commission estimates that GBV costs the economy billions annually in lost productivity and health care costs.

We do observe that in the 16 days of activism as a country, we need to work on the following measures to address gender-based violence in all forms-

Proceed and conclude that Statement.

Proceed and conclude that Statement.

UNITAD has supported systems that improve oxygen delivery, which is critical for

maternal health and paediatric emergencies. Health unity, UNITAD has consistently prioritised

equitable access to health tools, benefiting millions of Kenyans, particularly women and children.

The visit reinforced the importance of health partnerships and the role of parliamentarians in driving change. It is imperative that we advocate for increased budgetary allocations to the health sector to support innovative solutions and meet the growing health demands of our population.

Strengthen legislative frameworks to promote equitable access to health care. Encourage more members of this House to join the UNITE network to amplify Kenya's voice in global health advocacy and learn from international best practices.

Lastly, collaboration with partners like UNITAD should be enhanced to scale up successful health interventions and ensure sustainability.

I take this opportunity to commend the members of UNITE and UNITAD for their dedication and for taking time to visit Kenya. Their presence and insights have reignited our collective responsibility to champion health issues not only for Kenyans but also as part of the global community.

In conclusion, I urge this House to prioritise health as a pillar for sustainable development by championing better health systems, allocating adequate resources, and fostering strategic partnerships. We can ensure that all Kenyans have access to the quality health care they deserve.

On behalf of Sen. Hamida Kibwana, the Chairperson of Kenya Women's Senators, thank you.

UNITAD has supported systems that improve oxygen delivery, which is critical for

maternal health and paediatric emergencies. Health unity, UNITAD has consistently prioritised

equitable access to health tools, benefiting millions of Kenyans, particularly women and children.

The visit reinforced the importance of health partnerships and the role of parliamentarians in driving change. It is imperative that we advocate for increased budgetary allocations to the health sector to support innovative solutions and meet the growing health demands of our population.

Strengthen legislative frameworks to promote equitable access to health care. Encourage more members of this House to join the UNITE network to amplify Kenya's voice in global health advocacy and learn from international best practices.

Lastly, collaboration with partners like UNITAD should be enhanced to scale up successful health interventions and ensure sustainability.

I take this opportunity to commend the members of UNITE and UNITAD for their dedication and for taking time to visit Kenya. Their presence and insights have reignited our collective responsibility to champion health issues not only for Kenyans but also as part of the global community.

In conclusion, I urge this House to prioritise health as a pillar for sustainable development by championing better health systems, allocating adequate resources, and fostering strategic partnerships. We can ensure that all Kenyans have access to the quality health care they deserve.

On behalf of Sen. Hamida Kibwana, the Chairperson of Kenya Women's Senators, thank you.

Sen. Chesang, proceed. Sen. Chesang had three Statements, those three Statements are dropped.

Sen. Wafula, proceed. Senator for Nandi, you may approach the Chair. You do not need to use the microphone.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding the status of the Equity Bank Kenya Limited Employee Share Ownership Plan ASOP scheme.

In the statement, the committee should-

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) to request a Statement from the Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology regarding the need for automation and digitization of services in the office of the Controller of Budget (CoB) .

The Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology resolved to conduct a county oversight and networking engagement in the counties of Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia and Bungoma, as part of an ongoing inquiry into operations of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) and other county revenue collection and management systems.

The Committee was particularly interested in presentations on each county's revenue collection and management systems; focusing on system overview, integration with IFMIS, effectiveness in revenue collection, key strengths and challenges, operational costs, sustainability and any planned future improvements.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, as you are aware, the Senate has been in the front-line championing for devolution and to that effect, passed the report of the Mediation Committee on the Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 38 of 2024) , on

Thursday, 28th November 2024, to ensure financial stability and continued service delivery at the county level.

However, during the counties visit, the Committee identified a critical bottleneck that threatens the success of devolution; namely the persisting challenge occasioned by the delays and inefficiencies in the budget approval processes at the office of the Controller of Budget (CoB), despite the constitutional framework intended to streamline governance and financial management at the county level as provided for in Article 228(4) and (5)

In the statement, the Committee should-

Thursday, 28th November 2024, to ensure financial stability and continued service delivery at the county level.

However, during the counties visit, the Committee identified a critical bottleneck that threatens the success of devolution; namely the persisting challenge occasioned by the delays and inefficiencies in the budget approval processes at the office of the Controller of Budget (CoB), despite the constitutional framework intended to streamline governance and financial management at the county level as provided for in Article 228(4) and (5)

In the statement, the Committee should-

pending bills owed by Trans Nzoia County Government from financial year 2021/2022 to date.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources regarding the claims of grabbing community land in Isiolo County.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources regarding the claims of grabbing community land in Isiolo County.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing on the status of roads in Isiolo County.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

Sen. Kathuri, Senator for Meru County, do you have two Statements? You may proceed to read both.

Hon. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Education regarding the mismanagement of the University of Nairobi.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

Senator for Nandi County, please proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding the dismissed employees of the Kenya Medical Research Institute, (KEMRI) .

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in the Statement, the Committee should-

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in the Statement, the Committee should-

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Since my brother, Cherarkey, has discussed the issue of KEMRI, I would hope that the clerks to this House would perhaps look for a way on how, sometimes when we ask overlapping questions, they can put them together.

performance of the Nairobi Expressway, given that recently there has been conflicting information as to how the expressway has been doing. This is a key infrastructure project commissioned in 2022 under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The National Expressway is operated by the China Road and Bridge Corporation Company under a 27-concession agreement, which was envisioned as a financially sustainable solution so that we could decongest Nairobi, enhance urban mobility, contribute to Kenya's economic growth and make sure that the city is decongested.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, however, recent financial reports suggest concerning trends that warrant further scrutiny.

I would want the committee to-

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise under Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Education regarding the termination of Professor Stephen Kiyama Gitai from his position as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi last year.

In the Statement, the committee should-

Sen. Kinyua, you may proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources regarding the escalating land dispute between ranchers and residents of Laikipia County, which threatened to result in eviction and displacement of residents.

The situation has been particularly dire in the following areas-

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources regarding the escalating land dispute between ranchers and residents of Laikipia County, which threatened to result in eviction and displacement of residents.

The situation has been particularly dire in the following areas-

Sen. Alexander Mundigi, proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing regarding basis of the maintenance of the Mkunumbi-Kibaoni Road by the County Government of Lamu.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing regarding basis of the maintenance of the Mkunumbi-Kibaoni Road by the County Government of Lamu.

In the Statement, the Committee should-

Thank you. I will allow limited comments for not more than 15 minutes on these Statements. Senator for Nairobi City County.

Thank you. I will allow limited comments for not more than 15 minutes on these Statements. Senator for Nairobi City County.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. It is quite curious the number of Statements that have been brought by my colleagues and yet it is the final week of sitting. I wanted to raise a concern. The majority of the Statements that have been raised have been directed at the Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation. I have counted no less than seven such Statements.

At our last meeting, we had almost 30 or 50 Statements that are still pending. There is a conversation we had with the Senate Majority Leader at least during the Senate Business Committee (SBC) on what needs to happen when we resume. It would be quite unfair for---

Order, Sen. Tabitha Keroche. Proceed, Senator for Nairobi City County.

When we hand over to the new team that is coming into that Committee, at least we will not leave them with matters that have been pending all this time. It is also an indicator of the state of the roads in this country.

I said during the debate on the President's Speech that we had an occasion in the Standing Committee on Energy to have a conversation with the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing---

When we hand over to the new team that is coming into that Committee, at least we will not leave them with matters that have been pending all this time. It is also an indicator of the state of the roads in this country.

I said during the debate on the President's Speech that we had an occasion in the Standing Committee on Energy to have a conversation with the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing---

Hon. Senator for Nakuru County, I will give you the first caution of the day. If you proceed, I will rule you out of order. Proceed, Senator.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we need to deal with two issues: First, I am happy that on the Order Paper today we have CARB. We need to dispense with this so that we can release money to counties. Every time we raise questions about roads in our counties, the governors say they do not have money.

Then the second issue is the dispute of the RMLF. If there is anything as a House, we can do to help unlock the stalemate existing between the National Assembly and the Council of Governors (CoG) , we should avail ourselves to help resolve that issue.

The problems of roads here in Nairobi and across the counties is now an issue of national concern. All leaders should now take up this matter to ensure that at least we resolve the problem of the roads in this country.

I thank you.

Proceed, Sen. Faki.

Bw. Spika Taarifa ya pili ambayo nilikuwa nataka kuchangia ni taarifa ambayo imeombwa na Naibu wa Spika, Seneta wa gatuzi la Meru, kuhusiana na mambo yalivyo katika University of Nairobi ambacho ni chuo ambacho mimi niliwahi kupitia. Ni jambo la kusikitisha kwamba vyuo vyetu sasa vina kuwa ni mahali ambapo uongozi haufanyiki au uongozi umekuwa duni kiasi ambacho migogoro na mizozano haishi.

Ikumbukwe jumatatu ya wiki iliyopita, kulikuwa na maandamano ya wafanyikazi Kenyatta University Teaching and Refferal Hospital (KUTRH) ambapo ikasabisha kujiuzulu kwa Mwenyekiti wa Jopo ya hospitali ile, Profesa Mugenda. Vile vile, mkurugenzi msimamizi Dr. Adan pia ikabidi aende nyumbani kutokana na hali ambayo ilikuwa hairidhishi katika chuo kile.

Bw. Spika, KUTRH ni hospitali ambayo ni Level 6 na katika Kenya hospitali kama hizi ziko tatu pekee yake. Haipendezi kwamba taasisi kama ile ikumbwe na mgogoro wa uongozi wakati hapa Kenya tuna viongozi wakila aina.

Tunaweza kuleta maprofesa wa kila aina. Kwa hivyo, inaonekana taasisi zetu zinaingia katika mikono ya uongozi ambao sio ya sawa. Hii ndio sababu ya hii migongano na migogoro ambayo haiishi katika taasisi zetu na vyuo vikuu.

Moi University imekwenda na maji. Nilisikia Seneta wa Nandi akisema kwamba Moi University imesaidia Karatina University na vyuo vingine. Hata hivyo, vipi usaidie wengine wainuke halafu wewe mwenyewe uzame? Inatokana na uongozi mbaya. Kwa hivyo ni lazima kama Seneti tupambane na visa vya uongozi mbaya katika taasisi za kitaifa.

Bw. Spika, tukizifungia macho kuwa ni watu wanaotoka kwetu, jamaa zetu ama University iko kwetu kwa hivyo lazima kiongozi, mwenyekiti ama Vice-Chancellor atoke kwetu ili aongoze taasisi kama ile, tutakuwa tunawaharibia Wakenya na vijana ambao wengi wana matumaini kwamba wakitoka katika University ile wataweza kutimiza ndoto zao za kufanyia kazi taifa la Kenya.

Asante.

Bw. Spika Taarifa ya pili ambayo nilikuwa nataka kuchangia ni taarifa ambayo imeombwa na Naibu wa Spika, Seneta wa gatuzi la Meru, kuhusiana na mambo yalivyo katika University of Nairobi ambacho ni chuo ambacho mimi niliwahi kupitia. Ni jambo la kusikitisha kwamba vyuo vyetu sasa vina kuwa ni mahali ambapo uongozi haufanyiki au uongozi umekuwa duni kiasi ambacho migogoro na mizozano haishi.

Ikumbukwe jumatatu ya wiki iliyopita, kulikuwa na maandamano ya wafanyikazi Kenyatta University Teaching and Refferal Hospital (KUTRH) ambapo ikasabisha kujiuzulu kwa Mwenyekiti wa Jopo ya hospitali ile, Profesa Mugenda. Vile vile, mkurugenzi msimamizi Dr. Adan pia ikabidi aende nyumbani kutokana na hali ambayo ilikuwa hairidhishi katika chuo kile.

Bw. Spika, KUTRH ni hospitali ambayo ni Level 6 na katika Kenya hospitali kama hizi ziko tatu pekee yake. Haipendezi kwamba taasisi kama ile ikumbwe na mgogoro wa uongozi wakati hapa Kenya tuna viongozi wakila aina.

Tunaweza kuleta maprofesa wa kila aina. Kwa hivyo, inaonekana taasisi zetu zinaingia katika mikono ya uongozi ambao sio ya sawa. Hii ndio sababu ya hii migongano na migogoro ambayo haiishi katika taasisi zetu na vyuo vikuu.

Moi University imekwenda na maji. Nilisikia Seneta wa Nandi akisema kwamba Moi University imesaidia Karatina University na vyuo vingine. Hata hivyo, vipi usaidie wengine wainuke halafu wewe mwenyewe uzame? Inatokana na uongozi mbaya. Kwa hivyo ni lazima kama Seneti tupambane na visa vya uongozi mbaya katika taasisi za kitaifa.

Bw. Spika, tukizifungia macho kuwa ni watu wanaotoka kwetu, jamaa zetu ama University iko kwetu kwa hivyo lazima kiongozi, mwenyekiti ama Vice-Chancellor atoke kwetu ili aongoze taasisi kama ile, tutakuwa tunawaharibia Wakenya na vijana ambao wengi wana matumaini kwamba wakitoka katika University ile wataweza kutimiza ndoto zao za kufanyia kazi taifa la Kenya.

Asante.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this chance. I want to comment on the Statement by the Senator for Meru, the Deputy Speaker, Sen. Kathuri on this alleged mismanagement of the University of Nairobi.

I do not know much about this University simply because of the very fact that I do not understand how you can study at a University next to a very busy highway. How will you concentrate? However, that is beside the point.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the most important thing that I wanted to raise about this Statement ---

I do not know why I am being distracted. I am struggling to make a ---

Proceed.

I do hope that the Committee on Education can quickly find out what the facts are in this particular case. I have heard this conversation from very reliable sources, including people that I hold in extremely high regard. As they say, if you hear it repeated more than once and perhaps from very credible sources, then chances are that there is truth in what is being said.

I hope our Committee on Education committee can interfere while there is still time before University of Nairobi goes the way of many other public universities that have gone down the drain because of wrangles at the leadership level. It will be extremely unfortunate if the Senate of this country just watches idly as such a great institution goes down.

I am saying everybody now has a spirit of trying to do everyone's job is because in the last few days, I have seen many people including the church speak on many things in this country. They are castigating us asking why as Parliament, why are you hurrying up legislations and so on and so forth. Sometimes I wonder what I am supposed to do.

Kenya is a multi-party democracy. For example, I campaigned alongside the President. He came to the county where I represent in this House. There are promises that we made to those people and we were allocated responsibilities. The President was to lead the Executive and I was to represent their interest here in Parliament. If there is legislation that has been brought before this House and it agrees with the manifesto upon which our party campaigned on, should I delay or expedite that legislation?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, that explains part of what I am saying ails our country; where you find people have become experts in everything. You want to be an expert in health matters, education policy and comment on the legislature.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, you want to say absolutely nothing about the deteriorating standards of religious practices in the country, including institutions that are cropping up and taking advantage of innocent civilians. I do not think there has ever been a time where innocent citizens have been conned by fake churches and fake pastors such as this particular time.

Sen. Mungatana came under a lot of criticism because of the report he tabled here on their findings of Shakahola massacre. I remember him being dressed down at a particular function somewhere in Kiambu and told to concentrate on his work as a legislator, but not to tell them how to manage church affairs.

I thought that was a fair request because Sen. Mungatana is least qualified to address the church on how to run their affairs, but does the same pass to them and are they experts in everything? I am talking about those who are lecturing everybody else, but themselves on how to take their responsibilities.

There is a new spring of democracy or definition in the country. That is why I agree with Sen. Omtatah. I am proud of him because he has openly declared and said that since he does not agree with the policies of the Kenya Kwanza Administration and thinks he can do a better job than President William Ruto, he wants to mount a presidential campaign. That is how democracy works.

If you feel that you can offer better solutions to challenges facing Kenyans, then offer yourself for leadership. Go around the country and put out a manifesto like Sen. Omtatah has done.

The challenge we have is that we have experts from all over. There are people who want to tell you how to run everything, yet the only thing they have ever run in their life is a social media account. However, they are so loud and have an opinion of what should and what should not be done.

Congratulations, Sen. Omtatah. I look forward to listening to your manifesto and ideas, so that you tell us how you will move the country forward at the right time when the opportunity presents itself and Kenyans agree with you. We will grant you the opportunity and ask you to do better than those who were there before you. However, we cannot redefine democracy where at every twist and turn you want to reinvent and ensure that in every decision being made, you have to say something or do not agree.

That is not democracy. Democracy is simply the fact that because all of us can never agree on the same idea, we allow the minority to have their say, but eventually the majority will have their way. That is how a country functions.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I expect that Members of our Committee on Education will guide us with the facts, so that we establish what is ailing this institution before it is too late.

I thank you.

The challenge we have is that we have experts from all over. There are people who want to tell you how to run everything, yet the only thing they have ever run in their life is a social media account. However, they are so loud and have an opinion of what should and what should not be done.

Congratulations, Sen. Omtatah. I look forward to listening to your manifesto and ideas, so that you tell us how you will move the country forward at the right time when the opportunity presents itself and Kenyans agree with you. We will grant you the opportunity and ask you to do better than those who were there before you. However, we cannot redefine democracy where at every twist and turn you want to reinvent and ensure that in every decision being made, you have to say something or do not agree.

That is not democracy. Democracy is simply the fact that because all of us can never agree on the same idea, we allow the minority to have their say, but eventually the majority will have their way. That is how a country functions.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I expect that Members of our Committee on Education will guide us with the facts, so that we establish what is ailing this institution before it is too late.

I thank you.

That brings us to the end of the comments session. I now call upon the Chairperson of the Committee on Finance and Budget to lay the Paper. Had you laid the Paper?

Yes, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Okay. You may now proceed to give the Notice of Motion.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give Notice of the following Motion-

THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on the County Governments’ (Equitable Share) Cash Disbursement Schedule for the Financial Year 2024/2025 laid on the Table of the Senate on Wednesday, 4th December, 2024 and that, pursuant to Section 17 (7) of the Public Finance Management Act and Standing Order No.189 (3) , the Senate approves the County Governments’ (Equitable Share) Cash Disbursement Schedule for the Financial Year 2024/2025 to take effect upon enactment of the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bills No.25 of 2024) .

Clerk, you may proceed to call out Order No.14.

Clerk, you may proceed to call out Order No.14.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the Committee do report to the Senate its consideration of County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bills No.25 of 2024) and its approval thereof.

Serjeant-At-Arms, you may now draw the Bar and open the Doors.

Hon. Members, I call upon the chairperson to report on the consideration of the President's Memoranda on the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No. 25 of 2024) .

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No. 25 of 2024) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Mover?

I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said Report. I request Sen. Wambua to second.

Sen. Wambua proceed.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

Hon. Members, if you are consulting, do it in low tones to allow the Senator to be heard in silence.

Hon. Members, if you are consulting, do it in low tones to allow the Senator to be heard in silence.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, since this is a document that will facilitate the flow of cash in a predictable manner to our county government, we encourage the National Treasury to make sure that they comply with the schedule that is shared with this House by themselves. I request the Senate to also approve the cash disbursement schedule to accompany CARB for the facilitation of cash flow to our county government. I would like to request Sen. Oketch Gicheru of Migori County to second.

I thank you.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, since this is a document that will facilitate the flow of cash in a predictable manner to our county government, we encourage the National Treasury to make sure that they comply with the schedule that is shared with this House by themselves. I request the Senate to also approve the cash disbursement schedule to accompany CARB for the facilitation of cash flow to our county government. I would like to request Sen. Oketch Gicheru of Migori County to second.

I thank you.

Order, hon. Members.

Order, hon. Members.

Hon. Members, this is an electronic vote and you may now proceed to vote. There are Senators who have been walking in and out. I direct the Serjeant-at-Arms to withdraw the cards from unattended delegates units.

Hon. Senators, you may now log in and get ready to vote. For those who need assistance, either vote “Yes”, “No”, or “Abstain”. You can now vote.

Hon. Senators, we have Sen. Chute, Sen. Wamatinga, and Sen. Mwaruma online. We need to allow them to also cast their vote.

Sen. Wahome Wamatinga, I need to see you.

Hon. Members, this is an electronic vote and you may now proceed to vote. There are Senators who have been walking in and out. I direct the Serjeant-at-Arms to withdraw the cards from unattended delegates units.

Hon. Senators, you may now log in and get ready to vote. For those who need assistance, either vote “Yes”, “No”, or “Abstain”. You can now vote.

Hon. Senators, we have Sen. Chute, Sen. Wamatinga, and Sen. Mwaruma online. We need to allow them to also cast their vote.

Sen. Wahome Wamatinga, I need to see you.

Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, I vote, yes.

Sen. Mwaruma, please vote.

Mr. Temporary Chairperson, Sir, I vote, yes.

Sen. Chute, could you please have your camera on? We seem not to be able to communicate with Sen. Chute. Sen. Chute, can you hear us?

Clerk, you can pass that. Sen. Mo Fire and Sen. Madzayo, the Senate Minority Leader, please approach the Clerks-at-the-Table.

Hon. Senators, you may now resume your seats.

Hon. Senators, the results of the division are as follows-

Hon. Senators, the results of the division are as follows-

Clerk, you may now call Order No. 12.

Serjeant-at-Arms, please continue ringing the Bell for another five minutes.

Serjeant-at-Arms, you may now close the door and draw the Bar.

Sen. Cherarkey and the Deputy Speaker, please, have your phones off. I would like to ask the Senators who are online to remain online for purposes of this business that we are going to immediately transact.

Sen. Mundigi, please approach the Dispatch Box.

Hon. Senators, we now want to facilitate the Senators who are online to vote. Sen. Wamatinga, Sen. Oketch Gicheru, Sen. M. Kajwang, Sen. Mwaruma, and Sen. Chute voted.

Sen. Munyi Mundigi, once again approach the Chair to be assisted in voting.

We have Sen. Wamatinga. Sen. Wamatinga, please, proceed to cast your vote.

I am wondering why the Hon. Senator; Deputy Speaker is online yet he is physically present here.

We have Sen. Oketch Gicheru.

Clerk, we can pass the hon. Members who are unable to vote so that we report?

Mr. Temporary Chairperson, can you hear me?

Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, this is Sen. Chute. Can you hear me?

Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, this is Sen. Chute. Can you hear me?

Yes, Sen. Chute, we can now hear you. Earlier, we could not hear you.

Thank you, Sen. Chute. Your vote is taken.

Sen. M. Kajwang’, please, vote.

Thank you, hon. Senator. Hon. Members, before I announce the results of the two Bills which you have just voted for, I want to correct the earlier results which we read out under The County Allocation of Revenue Bill (Senate Bill No.25 of 2024) .

Hon. Senators, the results of the Division are as follows-

Hon. Senators, the results of the Division are as follows-

Hon. Senators, the results of the Division are as follows-

The “Ayes” have it.

The Temporary Chairperson (

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson

: Thank you, Senator Wamatinga. Sen. Kathuri, kindly, proceed to vote. Are you online? Sen. Oketch Gicheru, are you online? Kindly, proceed to vote and mute your microphone. Please, proceed to vote and mute your microphone.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I am here. The Temporary Chairperson

: Proceed to vote. Senator?

Madam Temporary Chairperson, can you hear me? The Temporary Chairperson

: Proceed to vote. Senator, can you proceed to vote? Thank you.

Please, proceed to vote.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson (

Are you calling Chute now? The Temporary Chairperson

: Yes. Proceed to vote, Sen. Chute.

I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson

: Thank you, Senator. Sen. Abass and Sen. Gataya Mo Fire, can you approach the Chair so that you can be assisted to vote?

Thank you, Senator Wamatinga. Sen. Kathuri, kindly, proceed to vote. Are you online? Sen. Oketch Gicheru, are you online? Kindly, proceed to vote and mute your microphone. Please, proceed to vote and mute your microphone.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I am here. The Temporary Chairperson (

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): Senators who are online, we want to proceed to vote. Sen. Wamatinga are you ready? Sen. Kathuri can you proceed to vote?

I vote yes. The Temporary Chairperson

: Sen. Wamatinga?

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson

: Thank you. Sen. Oketch Gicheru? Sen. Chute, proceed to vote. Sen. Chute, are you there? I will give you a final chance. Sen. Chute, we are proceeding in a short while after getting the results of this Division.

The Senate Majority Leader, please, approach the Chair for assistance to vote.

Proceed to vote. Senator, can you proceed to vote? Thank you.

I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson (

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote yes. The Temporary Chairperson

: Sen. Chute, can you proceed to vote? Sen. Chute, unmute yourself and vote, please. Sen. Chute, can you hear me? Unmute yourself and vote, please.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson

: Thank you. We are proceeding to the next division on New Clauses.

. You may proceed to vote. Senators, please, vote.

The Senators who are online, Sen. Wamatinga, Sen. Kathuri Murungi and Sen. Chute, proceed to vote.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson

: Sen. Chute, please, proceed to vote. Sen. Chute, are you there? Sen. Chute, I will give you the final chance. Sen. Chute and Sen. Wahome Wamatinga, please, proceed to vote and stay online until we finish.

Thank you. Sen. Chute, can you proceed to vote?

Are you calling Chute now? The Temporary Chairperson (

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): Sen. Chute, I can see you are online. Can you make another attempt?

Yes. Proceed to vote, Sen. Chute.

I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson (

Madam Temporary Chairperson, are you talking to me? The Temporary Chairperson

: In the meantime, let us have the Senate Majority Leader and Sen. Tabitha come to the Dispatch Box and be assisted to vote.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Sen. Tabitha Keroche, please, come and vote.

Let us proceed to the next Division on clauses with amendments. Hon. Senators, you may proceed to vote.

Senators who are online, please, prepare yourselves to vote; that is Sen. Wamatinga, Sen. Chute and Sen. Kathuri Murungi.

Sen. Chute, please, vote.

The Temporary Chairperson (

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson

: Sen. Chute, please, vote.

I vote yes, Madam Temporary Chairperson. The Temporary Chairperson

: Thank you.

Sen. Cherarkey and Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, please, approach the Chair.

The Temporary Chairperson

: Hon. Senators, these are the results of the Division on the Houses of Parliament Bicameral Relations Bill

(national Assembly Bills No.44 of 2023)

.

Sen. Wamatinga?

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson (

Thank you. Sen. Oketch Gicheru? Sen. Chute, proceed to vote. Sen. Chute, are you there? I will give you a final chance. Sen. Chute, we are proceeding in a short while after getting the results of this Division. The Senate Majority Leader, please, approach the Chair for assistance to vote. (Sen. Cheruiyot approached the Dispatch Box)

Madam Temporary Chairperson I vote yes. The Temporary Chairperson (

County; Sen. Oketch Gicheru, Migori County; Sen. Okiya Omtatah, Busia County; Sen. Osotsi, Vihiga County; Sen. Tabitha Keroche, Nakuru County; Sen. Wafula, Bungoma County; Sen. Wakili Sigei, Bomet County; Sen. Wamatinga, Nyeri County; and, Sen. Wambua, Kitui County.

Sen. Eddy, is that you?

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson (

Thank you. Sen. Eddy, are you here or online? Sen. Eddy, are you within the precincts of the Senate Chamber? If you are here, approach the Dispatch Box. Sen. Wakoli and Sen. Tabitha Karanja, please, approach the Dispatch Box.

The “Ayes” have it

Sen. Chute, can you proceed to vote? Sen. Chute, unmute yourself and vote, please. Sen. Chute, can you hear me? Unmute yourself and vote, please.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson (

Thank you. We are proceeding to the next division on New Clauses. (Question that New clauses 3 A, 6 A, 7 A, 7B, 7C, 7D and 7 E be now read a Second Time, put and the Senate proceeded to vote by County Delegations) . You may proceed to vote. Senators, please, vote. (Electronic voting in progress) The Senators who are online, Sen. Wamatinga, Sen. Kathuri Murungi and Sen. Chute, proceed to vote.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson (

Hon. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the Committee do report its consideration of the Houses of Parliament (Bicameral Relations) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.44 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Thank you.

The Temporary Chairperson

: This is the end of the Committee of the Whole on the two Bills.

Madam Temporary Chairperson.

The Temporary Chairperson (

Very well. Sen. Beth Syengo, the Mover, please proceed.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee of the Whole on the said report.

I request Sen. Wafula Wakoli to second.

Sen. Wakoli, proceed to second.

I can hear you now. Can you proceed to vote?

Madam Temporary Chairperson, are you talking to me? The Temporary Chairperson (

Please, vote. We did not hear your vote. How did you vote?

Madam Temporary Chairperson, are you talking to me? The Temporary Chairperson (

Before I call the mover of the bicameral, I just like to announce that as regards to The Cotton Industry Development Bill (Senate Bills No.5 of 2023) , Senators having considered and approved the National Assembly amendments to The Cotton Industry Development Bill (Senate Bills Number 5 Of 2023) , there will be no Third Reading, and the Bill will be referred to the National Assembly for consideration.

I now call the Mover of the Houses of Parliament (Bicameral Relations) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.44 of 2023) to move.

In the meantime, let us have the Senate Majority Leader and

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

I vote, yes, Madam Temporary Chairperson. The Temporary Chairperson (

Do not move from that position because the network there is clear. Sen. Wamatinga, please, vote.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson (

Thank you. Sen. Kathuri, please, vote and mute your system after voting. Sen. Chute, kindly, mute your system. Sen. Kathuri, please, vote. Sen. Kathuri, can you hear me? Please, unmute yourself and vote. (Electronic voting in progress) Sen. Gataya Mo Fire, Sen. Mandago, Sen. Wakili Sigei and Sen. Wafula, please, approach the Clerks-at-the-Table for assistance in voting and do so quickly. Sen. Wakili Sigei, kindly come and vote.

(Sen. Gataya Mo Fire, Sen. Mandago, Sen. Wakili Sigei and Sen. Wafula moved to the Dispatch Box to vote) We are proceeding to the next Division on all the clauses. You may proceed to vote. This is the final Division on this Bill.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson (

Sen. Wamatinga, please, vote.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I vote, yes. The Temporary Chairperson (

Sen. Chute, please, vote.

I vote yes, Madam Temporary Chairperson. The Temporary Chairperson (

Thank you. (Electronic voting in progress)

Sen. Cherarkey and Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, please, approach the Chair. (

Hon. Senators, these are the results of the Division on the Houses of Parliament Bicameral Relations Bill (national Assembly Bills No.44 of 2023) .

AYES: Sen. Abass, Wajir County; Sen. Ali Roba, Mandera County; Sen. Boy, Kwale County; Sen. Cherarkey, Nandi County; Sen. Cheruiyot, Kericho County; Sen. Chesang, Trans Nzoia County; Sen.Chute, Marsabit County; Sen. Dullo, Isiolo County; Sen. Faki, Mombasa County; Sen. Gataya Mo Fire, Tharaka Nithi County; Sen. Githuku, Lamu County; Sen. Kathuri, Meru County; Sen. Kavindu Muthama, Machakos County; Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, Kakamega County; Sen. Kisang, Elgeyo Marakwet County; Sen. Lomenen, Turkana County; Sen. Mandago, Uasin Gishu County; Sen. Mbugua, Nyandarua County; Sen. Mungatana, Tana River County; Sen. Munyi Mundigi, Embu County; Sen. Oketch Gicheru, Migori County; Sen. Okiya Omtatah, Busia County; Sen. Osotsi, Vihiga County; Sen. Tabitha Keroche, Nakuru County; Sen. Wafula, Bungoma County; Sen. Wakili Sigei, Bomet County; Sen. Wamatinga, Nyeri County; and, Sen. Wambua, Kitui County.

County; Sen. Oketch Gicheru, Migori County; Sen. Okiya Omtatah, Busia County; Sen. Osotsi, Vihiga County; Sen. Tabitha Keroche, Nakuru County; Sen. Wafula, Bungoma County; Sen. Wakili Sigei, Bomet County; Sen. Wamatinga, Nyeri County; and, Sen. Wambua, Kitui County.

The “Ayes” have it

I now call upon the Mover of the National Assembly amendment to the Cotton Industry Development Bill (Senate Bills No.5 of 2023), Sen. Beth Syengo, to proceed to report.

Thank you. Hon. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the Committee to report to the Senate its consideration of the National Assembly Amendments to the Cotton Industry Development Bill (Senate Bill No.5 of 2023) and its approval thereof. (Question proposed) (Question put and agreed to) The Temporary Chairperson (

We are proceeding to the reporting of the Bill by the Committee of the Whole on the Houses of Parliament Bicameral Relations Bill (National Assembly Bills No.44 of 2023) . I will call upon the Mover to proceed. The Senate Majority Leader was the mover. Please proceed.

Hon. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the Committee do report its consideration of the Houses of Parliament (Bicameral Relations) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.44 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments. Thank you. (Question proposed) (Question put and agreed to) The Temporary Chairperson (

This is the end of the Committee of the Whole on the two Bills. (The House resumed)

Hon. Members, let us resume our seats.

Hon. Senators, so that we do not interrupt the reporting of the Divisions that we have done, pursuant to Standing Order No.34, I will extend the sitting of the House for 15 minutes.

I now call upon the Mover in The Cotton Industry Development Bill (Senate Bills No.5 of 2023) to report.

Sorry, the Temporary Chairperson first, and then the Mover. Sen. Veronica Maina, please, proceed to report.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole whole has considered the National Assembly Amendments to The Cotton Industry Development Bill (Senate Bills No.5 of 2023) and its approval.

Very well. Sen. Beth Syengo, the Mover, please proceed.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee of the Whole on the said report.

I request Sen. Wafula Wakoli to second.

Sen. Wakoli, proceed to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I take this opportunity to exactly do what everyone expects, to truly second.

We will proceed to report on The Houses of Parliament (Bicameral Relations) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.44 of 2023, and I call upon the chairperson to report.

Mr. Temporary Speaker Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered The Houses of Parliament (Bicameral Relations) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.44 of 2023) , and its approval thereof with amendments.

Before I call the mover of the bicameral, I just like to announce that as regards to The Cotton Industry Development Bill (Senate Bills No.5 of 2023) , Senators having considered and approved the National Assembly amendments to The Cotton Industry Development Bill (Senate Bills Number 5 Of 2023) , there will be no Third Reading, and the Bill will be referred to the National Assembly for consideration.

I now call the Mover of the Houses of Parliament (Bicameral Relations) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.44 of 2023) to move.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said Report. I request Sen. Eddie to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

Hon. Members, we may all rise. It is now 6.45 p.m., late interruption of business under Standing Order No.34 (2) (a) .

Having concluded the business for which I extended the hours of sitting pursuant to Standing Order No.34 (2) (a) , the Senate stands adjourned until Thursday, 5th December, 2024 at 2.30 p.m.

The House rose at 6.45 p.m.