Murungi Kathuri

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Fair enough. Now let us go back to our normal business. I now want to open the Floor for debate on the Motion by the Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights. Proceed, Sen. Cherarkey Samson.

Definitely, he is my senior. I wish to be informed.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Mr. Deputy Speaker, I just want to inform our very respected chair that, in fact, in the USA, the practice is that the moment the governor leaves the state, the alternate governor, they call him the lieutenant governor, would take over and it is like...

Thank you, Sen. Mungatana, for that very important information. I hope we can put it in law, regulation or in certain procedures and policies. There is a time the joke was that every day at 6.00 p.m., the governors of Mombasa and of Kilifi counties would bypass each other at...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Give him one minute to conclude his submission. Sen. M. Kajwang’: Thank you for your kindness. I just want us, as a House, to again, after the Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee is done with this petition, that the Committee on Devolution and...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Senators, I have another Communication to make. VISITING DELEGATIONS FROM KIANJOGU SECONDARY SCHOOL AND KIENI COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL, NYERI COUNTY (Applause)

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to move the following Motion- AWARE THAT, the Constitution of Kenya under Article 43 (1) (f) guarantees every citizen the right to education, and Article 53 (1) (b) provides that basic education is free and compulsory; FURTHER AWARE THAT, the Government of...

accommodate a requirement that gives a standard and a uniform mode of nominating members of the CECMs of counties. However, the position that the committee has taken is that; because of the diversification in our various counties, the standard for nomination is acceptable in law, but as to the numbers...

Sorry, I meant Senator, but you have your people from Meru. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) You have one minute. March 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 31

March 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 40

governor, appointed ultimately to be CPSBs members and approved by the county assembly will interfere with their independence because of possible conflict of interest.This is something that is currently exhibited in the County Government of Bomet where the CPSB previously was fully micromanaged and controlled by the governor. Several matters...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Sigei, you should have comfort. Sen. Mungatana gave you all the accolades that you are one of the best chairs. As the Chairperson of the Liaison Committee, I confirm that you are doing so well in your committee. So, when yours truly is seated...

Sen. Joyce would not be just excited that women are nominated to be deputy governors. That is not enough. They must be given real power to exercise.The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): Sen. Joyce would not be just excited that women are nominated to be deputy governors. That is not enough....

Mr. Deputy Speaker, I just want to inform our very respected chair that, in fact, in the USA, the practice is that the moment the governor leaves the state, the alternate governor, they call him the lieutenant governor, would take over and it is like a given. In our counties...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Before I open the Floor for debate, let me make this Communication. (Interruption of debate on Motion) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CHAIR MR. OBINO NYAMBANE’S VISIT TO THE SENATE

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Proceed, Sen. Cherarkey.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Fair enough. Now let us go back to our normal business. I now want to open the Floor for debate on the Motion by the Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights. Proceed, Sen. Cherarkey Samson.

Definitely, he is my senior. I wish to be informed.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Mr. Deputy Speaker, I just want to inform our very respected chair that, in fact, in the USA, the practice is that the moment the governor leaves the state, the alternate governor, they call him the lieutenant governor, would take over and it is like...

Thank you, Sen. Mungatana, for that very important information. I hope we can put it in law, regulation or in certain procedures and policies. There is a time the joke was that every day at 6.00 p.m., the governors of Mombasa and of Kilifi counties would bypass each other at...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Give him one minute to conclude his submission. Sen. M. Kajwang’: Thank you for your kindness. I just want us, as a House, to again, after the Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee is done with this petition, that the Committee on Devolution and...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Senators, I have another Communication to make. VISITING DELEGATIONS FROM KIANJOGU SECONDARY SCHOOL AND KIENI COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL, NYERI COUNTY (Applause)

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to move the following Motion- AWARE THAT, the Constitution of Kenya under Article 43 (1) (f) guarantees every citizen the right to education, and Article 53 (1) (b) provides that basic education is free and compulsory; FURTHER AWARE THAT, the Government of...

accommodate a requirement that gives a standard and a uniform mode of nominating members of the CECMs of counties. However, the position that the committee has taken is that; because of the diversification in our various counties, the standard for nomination is acceptable in law, but as to the numbers...

Sorry, I meant Senator, but you have your people from Meru. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) You have one minute. March 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 31

March 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 40

governor, appointed ultimately to be CPSBs members and approved by the county assembly will interfere with their independence because of possible conflict of interest.This is something that is currently exhibited in the County Government of Bomet where the CPSB previously was fully micromanaged and controlled by the governor. Several matters...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Sigei, you should have comfort. Sen. Mungatana gave you all the accolades that you are one of the best chairs. As the Chairperson of the Liaison Committee, I confirm that you are doing so well in your committee. So, when yours truly is seated...

Sen. Joyce would not be just excited that women are nominated to be deputy governors. That is not enough. They must be given real power to exercise.The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): Sen. Joyce would not be just excited that women are nominated to be deputy governors. That is not enough....

Mr. Deputy Speaker, I just want to inform our very respected chair that, in fact, in the USA, the practice is that the moment the governor leaves the state, the alternate governor, they call him the lieutenant governor, would take over and it is like a given. In our counties...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Before I open the Floor for debate, let me make this Communication. (Interruption of debate on Motion) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CHAIR MR. OBINO NYAMBANE’S VISIT TO THE SENATE

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Proceed, Sen. Cherarkey.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Waziri, most of the roads in our counties are murram roads and every year, during the rainy season, those roads are washed away. Do you have structured mechanisms where, on a yearly basis, you are able to maintain those...

March 18, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 28 The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) the lowest point. Investors built on both sides of the road and there was no waterway for drainage to the lower points of the rivers.I have a written response. I have signed it. The flooding section of the Links...

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, and Hon. Cabinet Secretary. I rise to inquire about the road from Laikipia through Loruk and Marigat. It also connects Kapedo and Chemolingot to Nakuru. Last year, there were water increments in Lake Baringo. The road from Loruk to Nakuru was swallowed. This year,...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) He did not say four months.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Who gave you the Floor?

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) The last time Waziri was here, he promised to erect bumps on Chebilat-Nyansiongo-Metamaywa Road that has been prone to many accidents. Since the time he was here, we have had two near fatal accidents and he had promised that the Government was considering expanding that...

Then let me walk on--- You know some people here get very agitated when we speak about the President. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): Sen. Kathuri): Hon. Cabinet Secretary, our new Member from Baringo County is not being recognised by the system. You can use the Dispatch to ask your...

Thank you, Senator for West Pokot County. Proceed, Sen. Cherarkey, to second.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)site is in a bunker for security, so that gets very expensive, but a lot of work is being done.We have monthly meetings with my colleagues from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Ministry of Defence to address security issues, because the interplay...

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I would just like to get a clarification for the residents of Samburu County and the neighboring counties on the March 18, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 24

Sorry, Madam Temporary Speaker. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) was founded in 1911 by the international community of commonwealth parliaments and legislatures working together to deepen the commonwealth commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance and parliamentary practise. It offers parliamentarians and parliamentary staff an avenue for collaboration on...

Because he is the only one--- The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Who gave you the Floor?

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

hope to the people and this disability truncates many things. I thank former Vice President Moody Owuor because he was the pioneer of prison reforms and also the Disability Act of 2003 that gave birth to Article 54 of the Constitution.Kenyans should know that we are not discussing this report...

He did not say four months. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) He did, he said so. You know, that is why we have to listen to all the details. You have a commitment, between four to six months, the road will be done, good drainage, beautification and all those things....

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): Sen. Kathuri):irrelevant, introduce debate and bring the President into the mix? He can do those politics on the corridors of---The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): Sen. Methu, if you are asking a question on road safety, do not introduce other names of members of the public...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Senator, I remind you that I am the one on the seat. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sorry, Madam Temporary Speaker. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) was founded in 1911 by the international community of commonwealth parliaments and legislatures working together to deepen the commonwealth...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): Sen. Kathuri): Now you are turning this House into a showdown, which I cannot allow. Sen. Methu: Why does Sen. Cherarkey not allow me to ask my question which is on safety? Is the Cabinet Secretary aware that out of the nature of that road,...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Cabinet Secretary, that response is sufficient to table in the Table office. So, hon. Senators, that is the end of the session with the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport. Thank you, Cabinet Secretary and your team for continuously appearing before the Senate. You have...

Okay, some honourable Senators get very agitated when you mention the President. He is the President of Kenya. If he does not want to be mentioned, he has other duties he can undertake. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Waziri, you are aware of the problems that the people of Nairobi are facing during the current rains. One of the major roads that floods and brings the entire city to a standstill is Mombasa Road. Waziri, there was Kshs9 billion that was given for...

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Waziri, most of the roads in our counties are murram roads and every year, during the rainy season, those roads are washed away. Do you have structured mechanisms where, on a yearly basis, you are able to maintain those roads? The Deputy Speaker (Sen....

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): I do not know why this Sen. Cherarkey keeps disturbing people. Why do you not you allow us to speak? I have been given the Floor. You shall get an opportunity to speak. Sen. Kathuri): Why are you addressing Sen. Cherarkey? Who gave you the...

Why are you allowing him to shout at me? The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Now you are turning this House into a showdown, which I cannot allow.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Thank you and congratulations on being elected as the Temporary Speaker for today's session. That shows the faith the House has on you to discharge, of course, as a ranking Member of this House to be the Temporary Speaker for the purposes of the ongoing...

Thank you very much, “Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.” I beg to move the following Motion- THAT, the Senate notes the Report of the 3rd Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Africa Region Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia from 24th -28th February, 2025, laid on the Table of the Senate on 7th...

Thank you and congratulations on being elected as the Temporary Speaker for today's session. That shows the faith the House has on you to discharge, of course, as a ranking Member of this House to be the Temporary Speaker for the purposes of the ongoing works. As I rise to...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Cabinet Secretary, before you leave, there were three commitments copied to your Ministry. I understand the Secretariat shared this information with the Ministry. One was from Sen. Mwinyihaji Faki. He sought follow-up with the KURA to explain the steps being taken to address flooding...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Mandago, you are Chairperson of the Committee on Health and a lot of issues by many speakers have come your way. As the Chairperson, we would like to have that information soonest time possible. I direct that you give us the maximum time you...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) So, the Chairperson of the Committee on Health, you can give that other commitment or update the House whether you have started engaging the Cabinet Secretary for Health on the SHA annual report.

Sen. Kathuri Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for this opportunity again to make a brief comment on the statement requested by the Senator for Kitui County, Sen. Enock Wambua. The issue I was trying to address in his statement is how farmers in the arid and semi-arid areas can get good...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Order, hon. Senators. Let me make this communication regarding visiting teachers and students from Nyangarithi and Nyakinyua comprehensive schools in Nyeri County. Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the public gallery this afternoon of visiting teachers and students from Nyangarithi and...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Mr. Deputy Speaker, I know this Bill has been committed to the Committee on Finance and Budget. I also know that the oversight committees of CPAC and CPISFC interact with audit processes daily. I request, through your office, that the two committees also consider this...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Omogeni Erick, please proceed. (Loud consultations)

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) I do not know whether your colleagues, Sen. Mandago and Sen. Kinyua, have given you enough orientation that you must also see them nyuma ya tent. (Applause)

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Yes, Sen. Omogeni.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Senator, proceed and make your contributions. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I support this Bill by Sen. Okong’o Omogeni. It is a very important amendment, with the challenges that lie ahead notwithstanding. This is a very noble initiative. Now...

Sen. Kathuri Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations on a matter of countywide concern regarding the renewed and escalating banditry attacks in the northern grazing zone in Meru County. In...

Sen. Kathuri Bwana Spika, nimefuatilia kwa umakini maoni ya Seneta wa Kaunti ya Embu. Nashindwa kuelewa hiki “chakula cha kupandwa” ni gani? Sielewi chakula cha kupandwa ni nini? (Laughter) March 18, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 9 Sen. KathuriNimefuatilia pia taarifa iliyoletwa na Seneta wa Kaunti ya Kitui kwa sababu ni muhimu...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Proceed, Senate Majority Leader.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Senators, remember, we were concluding the statements and I can see that the list is still growing. I opened up more time because of the issues of national importance raised in various statements this afternoon. If we do not transact other business, but sort...

I wanted to deal with Sen. Omogeni, but that one is beside the point. Let me continue to make my comments on the Health (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2025) . There is an introduction of Section 7A, where it is illegal, unconstitutional, immoral and abuse of human dignity...

Sen. Kathuri) : Sen. Kathuri) :(Bill deferred)On this business, Sen. Veronica Maina is not in the House, so this business is deferred. Next Order. March 18, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 29

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Chute.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Nderitu John Kinyua.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Mohammed Chute, you have two minutes.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Senators, I have this Communication to make. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR VISITING DELEGATION FROM KUIKUI SENIOR SCHOOL IN BARINGO COUNTY The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the public gallery this afternoon of visiting teachers and...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Waziri, most of the roads in our counties are murram roads and every year, during the rainy season, those roads are washed away. Do you have structured mechanisms where, on a yearly basis, you are able to maintain those...

March 18, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 28 The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) the lowest point. Investors built on both sides of the road and there was no waterway for drainage to the lower points of the rivers.I have a written response. I have signed it. The flooding section of the Links...

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, and Hon. Cabinet Secretary. I rise to inquire about the road from Laikipia through Loruk and Marigat. It also connects Kapedo and Chemolingot to Nakuru. Last year, there were water increments in Lake Baringo. The road from Loruk to Nakuru was swallowed. This year,...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) He did not say four months.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Who gave you the Floor?

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) The last time Waziri was here, he promised to erect bumps on Chebilat-Nyansiongo-Metamaywa Road that has been prone to many accidents. Since the time he was here, we have had two near fatal accidents and he had promised that the Government was considering expanding that...

Then let me walk on--- You know some people here get very agitated when we speak about the President. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): Sen. Kathuri): Hon. Cabinet Secretary, our new Member from Baringo County is not being recognised by the system. You can use the Dispatch to ask your...

Thank you, Senator for West Pokot County. Proceed, Sen. Cherarkey, to second.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)site is in a bunker for security, so that gets very expensive, but a lot of work is being done.We have monthly meetings with my colleagues from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Ministry of Defence to address security issues, because the interplay...

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I would just like to get a clarification for the residents of Samburu County and the neighboring counties on the March 18, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 24

Sorry, Madam Temporary Speaker. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) was founded in 1911 by the international community of commonwealth parliaments and legislatures working together to deepen the commonwealth commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance and parliamentary practise. It offers parliamentarians and parliamentary staff an avenue for collaboration on...

Because he is the only one--- The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Who gave you the Floor?

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)

hope to the people and this disability truncates many things. I thank former Vice President Moody Owuor because he was the pioneer of prison reforms and also the Disability Act of 2003 that gave birth to Article 54 of the Constitution.Kenyans should know that we are not discussing this report...

He did not say four months. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) He did, he said so. You know, that is why we have to listen to all the details. You have a commitment, between four to six months, the road will be done, good drainage, beautification and all those things....

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): Sen. Kathuri):irrelevant, introduce debate and bring the President into the mix? He can do those politics on the corridors of---The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): Sen. Methu, if you are asking a question on road safety, do not introduce other names of members of the public...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Senator, I remind you that I am the one on the seat. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sorry, Madam Temporary Speaker. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) was founded in 1911 by the international community of commonwealth parliaments and legislatures working together to deepen the commonwealth...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): Sen. Kathuri): Now you are turning this House into a showdown, which I cannot allow. Sen. Methu: Why does Sen. Cherarkey not allow me to ask my question which is on safety? Is the Cabinet Secretary aware that out of the nature of that road,...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Cabinet Secretary, that response is sufficient to table in the Table office. So, hon. Senators, that is the end of the session with the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport. Thank you, Cabinet Secretary and your team for continuously appearing before the Senate. You have...

Okay, some honourable Senators get very agitated when you mention the President. He is the President of Kenya. If he does not want to be mentioned, he has other duties he can undertake. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri)Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Waziri, you are aware of the problems that the people of Nairobi are facing during the current rains. One of the major roads that floods and brings the entire city to a standstill is Mombasa Road. Waziri, there was Kshs9 billion that was given for...

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Waziri, most of the roads in our counties are murram roads and every year, during the rainy season, those roads are washed away. Do you have structured mechanisms where, on a yearly basis, you are able to maintain those roads? The Deputy Speaker (Sen....

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri): I do not know why this Sen. Cherarkey keeps disturbing people. Why do you not you allow us to speak? I have been given the Floor. You shall get an opportunity to speak. Sen. Kathuri): Why are you addressing Sen. Cherarkey? Who gave you the...

Why are you allowing him to shout at me? The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Now you are turning this House into a showdown, which I cannot allow.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Thank you and congratulations on being elected as the Temporary Speaker for today's session. That shows the faith the House has on you to discharge, of course, as a ranking Member of this House to be the Temporary Speaker for the purposes of the ongoing...

Thank you very much, “Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.” I beg to move the following Motion- THAT, the Senate notes the Report of the 3rd Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Africa Region Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia from 24th -28th February, 2025, laid on the Table of the Senate on 7th...

Thank you and congratulations on being elected as the Temporary Speaker for today's session. That shows the faith the House has on you to discharge, of course, as a ranking Member of this House to be the Temporary Speaker for the purposes of the ongoing works. As I rise to...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Cabinet Secretary, before you leave, there were three commitments copied to your Ministry. I understand the Secretariat shared this information with the Ministry. One was from Sen. Mwinyihaji Faki. He sought follow-up with the KURA to explain the steps being taken to address flooding...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Mandago, you are Chairperson of the Committee on Health and a lot of issues by many speakers have come your way. As the Chairperson, we would like to have that information soonest time possible. I direct that you give us the maximum time you...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) So, the Chairperson of the Committee on Health, you can give that other commitment or update the House whether you have started engaging the Cabinet Secretary for Health on the SHA annual report.

Sen. Kathuri Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for this opportunity again to make a brief comment on the statement requested by the Senator for Kitui County, Sen. Enock Wambua. The issue I was trying to address in his statement is how farmers in the arid and semi-arid areas can get good...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Order, hon. Senators. Let me make this communication regarding visiting teachers and students from Nyangarithi and Nyakinyua comprehensive schools in Nyeri County. Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the public gallery this afternoon of visiting teachers and students from Nyangarithi and...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Mr. Deputy Speaker, I know this Bill has been committed to the Committee on Finance and Budget. I also know that the oversight committees of CPAC and CPISFC interact with audit processes daily. I request, through your office, that the two committees also consider this...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Omogeni Erick, please proceed. (Loud consultations)

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) I do not know whether your colleagues, Sen. Mandago and Sen. Kinyua, have given you enough orientation that you must also see them nyuma ya tent. (Applause)

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Yes, Sen. Omogeni.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Senator, proceed and make your contributions. The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I support this Bill by Sen. Okong’o Omogeni. It is a very important amendment, with the challenges that lie ahead notwithstanding. This is a very noble initiative. Now...

Sen. Kathuri Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations on a matter of countywide concern regarding the renewed and escalating banditry attacks in the northern grazing zone in Meru County. In...

Sen. Kathuri Bwana Spika, nimefuatilia kwa umakini maoni ya Seneta wa Kaunti ya Embu. Nashindwa kuelewa hiki “chakula cha kupandwa” ni gani? Sielewi chakula cha kupandwa ni nini? (Laughter) March 18, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 9 Sen. KathuriNimefuatilia pia taarifa iliyoletwa na Seneta wa Kaunti ya Kitui kwa sababu ni muhimu...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Proceed, Senate Majority Leader.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Senators, remember, we were concluding the statements and I can see that the list is still growing. I opened up more time because of the issues of national importance raised in various statements this afternoon. If we do not transact other business, but sort...

I wanted to deal with Sen. Omogeni, but that one is beside the point. Let me continue to make my comments on the Health (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.12 of 2025) . There is an introduction of Section 7A, where it is illegal, unconstitutional, immoral and abuse of human dignity...

Sen. Kathuri) : Sen. Kathuri) :(Bill deferred)On this business, Sen. Veronica Maina is not in the House, so this business is deferred. Next Order. March 18, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 29

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Chute.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Nderitu John Kinyua.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Mohammed Chute, you have two minutes.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Senators, I have this Communication to make. COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR VISITING DELEGATION FROM KUIKUI SENIOR SCHOOL IN BARINGO COUNTY The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the public gallery this afternoon of visiting teachers and...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Osotsi is not here? The statement is deferred. (Statement deferred) Next statement by Hon. Catherine Mumma, MP? Yes, Senator for Nairobi City County?

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Osotsi is not here? The statement is deferred. (Statement deferred) Next statement by Hon. Catherine Mumma, MP? Yes, Senator for Nairobi City County?

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Beatrice, I want to give you advice. Next time, you get to the question. Question No.007 MECHANISMS TO SAFEGUARD TRANSPARENCY, ACCURACY AND CREDIBILITY OF NATIONAL ASSESSMENTS

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Cabinet Secretary, proceed. The Cabinet Secretary for Education (Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba) : Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to reply as follows to the four aspects of the question. At the onset, I wish to confirm that the Ministry is not...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Very well. Sen. Beatrice Ogola.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Kisang, there is a point of order from Sen. Osotsi.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Unfortunately, you have over utilised your time, and the system did not even realise. So, you have not done any favour to the Members who are waiting. Sen. Olekina, Standing Order No.36 is very explicit on what happens on your case. However, with the reasons...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Kisang’ proceed.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) That is why you should really keep keen on the lights, because you see the other members are still waiting. (Sen. Osotsi spoke off record) No, no, just one minute. One minute is enough, as you conclude. Just one minute, as you requested.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) That should be the end of the Statements Hour. Next Order. March 11, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 28 THE AGRICULTURE PRODUCE (MINIMUM GUARANTEE RETURNS) BILL, SENATE BILLS NO. 17 OF 2025) THE CULTURE BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILL NO.12 OF 2024) THE PUBLIC AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL, (NATIONAL...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Proceed, Sen. Mandago. This is the last---

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Eddy Oketch, Vice-Chairperson of the CPISFC, if you look at Standing Order No.100, the matter you are discussing on the Floor is very active in your committee, and your committee has not brought in a report to this House. Since the matter is active...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Okay, very well. Sen. Okoiti Andrew.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Fair enough. Let us listen to Sen. Osotsi Godfrey.

Sen. Kathuri Mr. Speaker, Sir, I agree with my colleagues that the data provided in these responses does not meet the threshold of drought-prone areas in this country. Looking at the drought phase classification, the Cabinet Secretary has said that Meru County still remains in the normal phase. Others are...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Cabinet Secretary, welcome to this session of the Senate. However, before we start giving responses, let me make the following communication. (Interruption of Questions) COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR VISITING DELEGATION FROM MAMA NGINA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE IN GATUNDU The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Senators, I...

Sen. Kathuri Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am trying to get that report through this machine, but I am getting some challenges.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Kisang, there is a point of order from Sen. Osotsi.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Unfortunately, you have over utilised your time, and the system did not even realise. So, you have not done any favour to the Members who are waiting. Sen. Olekina, Standing Order No.36 is very explicit on what happens on your case. However, with the reasons...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Kisang’ proceed.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) That is why you should really keep keen on the lights, because you see the other members are still waiting. (Sen. Osotsi spoke off record) No, no, just one minute. One minute is enough, as you conclude. Just one minute, as you requested.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) That should be the end of the Statements Hour. Next Order. March 11, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 28 THE AGRICULTURE PRODUCE (MINIMUM GUARANTEE RETURNS) BILL, SENATE BILLS NO. 17 OF 2025) THE CULTURE BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILL NO.12 OF 2024) THE PUBLIC AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL, (NATIONAL...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Proceed, Sen. Mandago. This is the last---

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Sen. Eddy Oketch, Vice-Chairperson of the CPISFC, if you look at Standing Order No.100, the matter you are discussing on the Floor is very active in your committee, and your committee has not brought in a report to this House. Since the matter is active...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Okay, very well. Sen. Okoiti Andrew.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Fair enough. Let us listen to Sen. Osotsi Godfrey.

Sen. Kathuri Mr. Speaker, Sir, I agree with my colleagues that the data provided in these responses does not meet the threshold of drought-prone areas in this country. Looking at the drought phase classification, the Cabinet Secretary has said that Meru County still remains in the normal phase. Others are...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Cabinet Secretary, welcome to this session of the Senate. However, before we start giving responses, let me make the following communication. (Interruption of Questions) COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR VISITING DELEGATION FROM MAMA NGINA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE IN GATUNDU The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Senators, I...

Sen. Kathuri Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am trying to get that report through this machine, but I am getting some challenges.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) CS, proceed. The Cabinet Secretary for Education (Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba) : Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I can confirm that a number of C1 and C2 schools, in fact, all the schools admitted more students than the placement that they had indicated because...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Senators, you know a supplementary question is not a debate or a congratulatory message. It should be a supplementary question because you have two more questions. I can see time is not on our side and these questions are almost related. Let us give...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Let me get two more then you can answer. March, 11, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 23

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) I can see Sen. Betty Montet but I want you to first listen to Members because you Chair the Committee on Education, then you can come later. Proceed, Sen. Joe Nyutu.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Cabinet Secretary, proceed and give the response. The Cabinet Secretary for Education (Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba) : Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, and Members for the invitation to respond to these questions. I beg to respond to the three aspects of that question...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Cabinet Secretary, you can answer now all those interventions. Cabinet Secretary of Education (Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba) : Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. On the question of capitation and institutions uploading, we have for the first time were able to release capitation this time...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Cabinet Secretary, make clear those clarifications. The Cabinet Secretary for Education (Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba) : Yes, thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. As I said, we have just received the exit reports, so we have not made a decision on what we will do...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) The Honourable Cabinet Secretary can answer those three supplementary questions, then we can get another round. The Cabinet Secretary for Education (Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba) : Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The Career Progression Guidelines are the ones that were developed in 2018 and...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Prof. Margaret Kamar, Senator, please proceed.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Very well. Cabinet Secretary, we have three questions; one from Sen. Wambua, Question No.006 and two from Senior Counsel (SC) , Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, Questions No.007 and No.008. Let us start with the question from the Senator for Nairobi City County, Sen. Edwin Sifuna....

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Hon. Cabinet Secretary, you could first answer those two supplementary questions. The Cabinet Secretary for Education (Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba) : Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The retooling that is being undertaken by the head teachers of these institutions is a curriculum that has...

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) I hope you are noting the questions. Sen. Cherarkey.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) And an educator.

The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) Just one minute kindly, then we move on to the next question. Also, you are doing your second supplementary on the same question.