National Assembly · 13th Parliament (2022–2027)

National Assembly Hansard — 1 July 2026

Wednesday, 1 July 2026 — Morning Sitting

Summary

The sitting opened with quorum issues resolved by ringing the bell, followed by laying of multiple committee reports and papers. Several Requests for Statements were made on key issues including the leather industry, road infrastructure, recurrent school fires (with extensive Member comments), workplace injury compensation, and insecurity. Responses were provided on the Inua Jamii programme, with the House recognising visiting students throughout. The sitting addressed procedural issues around statements, points of order on litigation matters involving statements by Hon. Joyce Kamene and Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga, followed by First Readings of multiple amendment Bills and a detailed Motion for adoption of the Eighth Report of the Public Investments Committee examining audited accounts of six State Corporations. The sitting covered conclusion of debate on a Public Investments Committee report on State Corporations, deferral of several Bills and Motions, a Communication from the Chair on Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill amendments, and extensive Committee of the Whole House consideration of the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill with multiple amendments moved by Hon. Makali Mulu and Hon. Wangwe, followed by the Kenya National Library Service Bill. The sitting covered completion of Committee stage amendments and Third Readings for the Kenya National Library Service Bill and Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, followed by the Second Reading debate on the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges (Amendment) Bill and deferral of several other Motions and Bills before adjournment.

Speakers in this sitting (245)

Debate (437 entries)

Select a member's name for their speaking record. Hon. Members: marks the chamber speaking together (not linked to one person). The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or Temporary Speaker are labelled when in the Chair. Use [Expand] for brief details; floor counts exclude moderating turns.

Section

Section

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Hon. Members, there being no quorum, I order the Serjeant-at-Arms to ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.

(The Quorum Bell was rung)

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Serjeant-at-Arms, you may stop the Quorum Bell. Let us proceed.

Section

Hon. Hon. Owen Baya(UDA · Kilifi North Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table: 1. The 9th Annual Report on the Treaty Ratified by Kenya for the Financial Year 2025/2026 from the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. 2. Reports of the Auditor-General and Financial Statements for the years ended 30th June 2021, 30th June 2022, 30th June 2023, 30th June 2024 and 30th June 2025 and the certificates therein in respect of the following Schools— (a) John Osogo Secondary; (b) Kagumo Secondary; (c) Kiheo Secondary; (d) Kiini Highs; (e) Leshau Boys High; (f) Mawingo Secondary; (g) Muruaki Boys Secondary; (h) Mwijabu Secondary; (i) St. Mary’s Mbaranga Secondary; and, (j) St. Paul Busende Secondary.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Next is the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

Hon. Hon. Bernard Shinali(ODM · Ikolomani Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives on its consideration of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood) Bill (Senate Bill No. 41 of 2023).

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

The Chairperson, Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity, is not here, as is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations. Normally, Hon. Raso holds the brief, but I cannot see him. I will defer them until later.

(Papers deferred)

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

The Chairperson, Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture, you may proceed.

Hon. Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe(ODM · Navakholo Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Tenth Report of the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration, and Agriculture on the Consideration of Audited Financial Statements of the Following State Corporations— 1. National Youth Service for the Financial Years 2019/2020 to 2024/2025; 2. National Syndemic Diseases Control Council for the Financial Year 2024/2025; 3. Child Welfare Society of Kenya for the Financial Year 2024/2025; 4. Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority for the Financial Year 2024/2025; 5. Communications Authority of Kenya for the Financial Year 2024/2025; 6. Kenya Medical Supplies Authority for the Financial Year 2022/2023; and, 7. Agricultural Finance Corporation for the Financial Years 2012/2013 to 2018/2019.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

We will go back to this Order if the Hon Members come. Additionally, there is also a pending Communication from the Chair, but in the meantime, we will proceed to the next Order.

Section

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

The Chairpersons of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, and the Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity are not in the House.

(Notices of Motions deferred)

Topic

Hon. Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe(ODM · Navakholo Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT this House adopts the 10th Report of the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture on the Consideration of Audited Financial Statements of the following State Corporations, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 1st July 2026— 1. National Youth Service for the Financial Years 2019/2020 to 2024/2025; 2. National Syndemic Diseases Control Council for the Financial Year 2024/2025; 3. Child Welfare Society of Kenya for the Financial Year 2024/2025; 4. Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority for the Financial Year 2024/2025; 5. Communications Authority of Kenya for the Financial Year 2024/2025; 6. Kenya Medical Supplies Authority for the Financial Year 2022/2023; and, 7. Agricultural Finance Corporation for the Financial Years 2012/2013 to 2018/2019.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

The Chairperson, Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity, is here now. You can lay your Paper and then give Notice of Motion.

Section

Hon. Hon. Duncan Mathenge(UDA · Nyeri Town Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity on the Peace and Security Engagement in Isiolo County from 25th to 27th March 2026.

Topic

Hon. Hon. Duncan Mathenge(UDA · Nyeri Town Constituency)

I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity on the Peace and Security Engagement in Isiolo County from 25th to 27th March 2026, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 1st July 2026. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Section

Topic

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

We have a number of Requests for Statements.

(The Deputy Speaker consulted with the Clerk-at-the-Table)

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Let us have the Member for West Mugirango, Hon. Stephen Mogaka. If the Member is not present, let us skip to the next one.

(Request for Statement by Hon. Stephen Mogaka deferred)

(Hon. Joyce Kamene entered the Chamber)

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Let us have the Member for Machakos County. I will allow you to catch your breath.

(Request for Statement by Hon. Joyce Kamene deferred)

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Next is the Member for Manyatta, Hon. Mukunji.

Topic

Hon. Hon. Hon. Hon. Gitonga Mukunji(UDA · Manyatta)

Hon. Deputy 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 Trade, Industry and Cooperatives regarding the status of the leather industry in the country. The leather industry is a priority sector for national economic development due to its immense potential for value addition, job creation, and export growth, as underscored in Vision 2030 and various national industrialisation strategies, including the introduction of the Kenya Leather Industrial Park. Despite its potential, the sector continues to face numerous challenges, including the illegal export and misclassification of hides and skins, particularly the export of ground dry hides disguised as semi-processed products. High export duties on raw hides and skins, previously set at 80 per cent and subsequently reduced to 50 per cent, were intended to discourage raw exports, but have instead encouraged smuggling and under-declaration. These practices deny the country critical revenue and discourage investment in domestic leather processing and manufacturing. As a result, leather processors in the country continue to operate below capacity, relying on inconsistent, often low-quality inputs, which is leading to the closure of local leather industries. Notably, the number of leather factories has dropped from 19 in 2019 to only six as of 2025. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives on the following: 1. A report on the current status of the leather industry in the country, providing, inter alia, an impact analysis of the reduction of export duty from 80 to 50 per cent. 2. The implementation status of the Kenya Leather Industrial Park Programme. 3. Measures that the Government is taking to unlock the untapped potential of the leather industry. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Let us have the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives. Who is representing the Committee? How soon can you bring a response?

Hon. Hon. Bernard Shinali(ODM · Ikolomani Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I will bring a response in the first week after we resume from recess.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Thank you. Next is the Member for Mathioya, Hon. Edwin Mugo.

Topic

Hon. Hon. Edwin Gichuki(UDA · Mathioya Constituency)

Hon. Deputy 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 Transport and Infrastructure regarding the deteriorating state of the Thika Superhighway. The Thika Superhighway, also known as Thika Road, is an A1 international road which links the capital city of Nairobi to the central, eastern and northern regions of the country. It also connects Namanga Town at the Tanzania-Kenya border to Moyale, a Kenya-Ethiopia border town. However, over the years, the road section between Ngara and Kenol Town in Murang’a County has significantly deteriorated, now characterised by numerous potholes and a worn-out surface. The road’s poor condition poses a safety risk to motorists and other road users and causes frequent traffic disruptions and delays in the movement of people and goods. Several sections of the superhighway lack functional street lighting, notably along Drive-Inn, Roysambu, Kahawa Wendani, Kahawa Sukari, Juja and parts of Thika. The lack of street lighting in these areas has led to increased insecurity and road accidents, especially at night. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on the following: 1. A report on the maintenance and rehabilitation plans put in place by the Ministry of Roads and Transport for the Thika Superhighway, particularly the stretch from Ngara to Kenol in Murang’a County. 2. Reasons for the delay in repairing potholes and other damaged sections of the Thika Superhighway, and measures being undertaken to address the deterioration to enhance road safety. 3. The timelines within which the Government intends to complete the necessary repairs and rehabilitation works to ensure that it is in a motorable condition. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Let us have the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. Is any Member of the Committee present? Can you undertake on behalf of the Committee?

Hon. Hon. Johnson Naicca(ODM · Mumias East Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, his Request for a statement is valid. We promise to bring a response in the first week after we resume from recess.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Thank you. Hon. Members, allow me to recognise students from St. Gregory Kipkabus School from Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County, who are seated in the Speaker's Gallery. The Serjeant-at-Arms has not advised the students to rise when they are being recognised. I will repeat. I wish to recognise students from St. Gregory Kipkabus School from Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County. Are those not students from St. Gregory Kipkabus School? They are on that side. I also wish to recognise students from Kiamuruga Secondary School in Kirinyaga Central Constituency, Kirinyaga County, and from Githinji Secondary School in Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua County, who are seated in the Public Gallery. (Applause) On behalf of the substantive Speaker, I and the Members welcome you to Parliament. Let us proceed. I saw that the Member for West Mugirango has arrived.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Are you ready to make your Request for Statement?

Topic

Hon. Hon. Stephen Mogaka(JP · West Mugirango Constituency)

Hon. Deputy 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 the recurrent fire incidents in schools within West Mugirango Constituency. In the recent past, the country has witnessed a disturbing trend of fire outbreaks in learning institutions, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of learning. Several schools in West Mugirango Constituency have recently experienced fires, raising concerns about disaster preparedness. For instance, on 20th June 2026, a fire broke out at Kebirigo Boys High School, which is a national school, destroying part of the boarding facilities. Although no fatalities were reported, the incident led to the school's closure, disrupting learning. Similarly, on 8th June 2026, a fire broke out at Kuura Senior School in Bosamaro Ward. Further, on 3rd June 2026, a fire razed down a dormitory at Masosa Mixed Secondary School in Nyamaiya Ward, destroying property and school infrastructure. These unfortunate incidents have exposed learners to danger, disrupted academic programmes, and occasioned substantial loss of public resources. They have also raised concerns regarding compliance with safety standards and disaster preparedness measures in learning institutions. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education on the following: 1. A report on the circumstances surrounding the fire incidents at Kebirigo Boys High School, Kuura Senior School and Masosa Mixed Secondary School, including the findings of any investigations thereon. 2. Measures taken by the Ministry of Education to facilitate the restoration of learning and repair of damaged infrastructure in the affected schools. 3. The steps being taken to ensure all schools comply with prescribed safety standards, particularly in dormitories and other boarding facilities, including proof of insurance against fire and other disasters. 4. The long-term measures in place to strengthen disaster preparedness, fire prevention, and emergency response mechanisms, and prevent recurrence of fire incidents in schools across the country. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I urge the Ministry of Education to rise to the occasion and restore the lost infrastructure.

[The Deputy Speaker (Hon. Gladys Boss) left the Chair] [The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Martha Wangari) in the Chair]

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

Hon. Members, I see a few Members intend to ride on this. I cannot see the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education. He was still missing in the morning. Hon. Vice-Chairperson? Is there any Member? I see a few Members. Kindly take note. Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Gladys Gladys Boss(UDA · Uasin Gishu County)

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity to comment on this issue. I thank the Member for West Mugirango for raising this issue once again. It seems that every time there is a fire incident, as soon as the hue and cry is over, everybody goes back to business as usual. We do not keep the issue alive. This has been happening for more than 20 years, and it seems to be getting worse. It is just not enough for the Departmental Committee on Education to respond to this. The Committee, together with the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, should summon the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Ministry of Education to appear before them and, first, give us a report on the ongoing investigations. I believe a multisectoral team was set up after the fire at Utumishi Girls in Gilgil. We can then build on that and take one area as a case study. In fact, it is a bit unfortunate that the girls are in the justice system. They should also be studied by psychiatrists to find out what could possess someone so young to commit such a heinous act. If we understand how their brains work, what the challenges were, or what led them to reach the point where they could do something like that, we can then work with our other children in other schools. However, if we do sporadic checks and quick fixes about the issue, we will never get to the bottom of it. This is because it is the same in every other school. We should separate the issues, analyse what the students caused, and study what drives them to that point. When they are caused by power failures, accidents, or other factors within schools, we would then know what to do to prevent those accidents. If it is about implementing safety measures, such as fire drills, we also separate that as an issue. This is an important matter, and I urge the Departmental Committee on Education not only to look into the cases in West Mugirango but also to summon the concerned Cabinet Secretaries to explain how far along they are with the investigations and at what stage they are, so that we get to the root cause. At the moment, we are dealing with the symptoms rather than the root cause of the issue. Thank you.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

I fully agree with you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. As Hon. Members representing Utumishi, we had many of these issues when the issue was hot. I agree that sometimes we just react and then let it die off because we are yet to know exactly the findings of the multi-sectoral team. I will indulge a few more Members on this because it is a national issue. However, the Departmental Committee on Education should take note, including examining the law, particularly the Basic Education Act, to determine what is missing and whether the regulations cover the issues Members have raised. It will be important to have a holistic view and review of these questions. Member for Bomet East.

Hon. Hon. Richard Yegon(UDA · Bomet East Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this weighty matter. I have also been thinking very widely about these incidents in which students go on the rampage and burn schools and dormitories. From the time we stopped canning students, that is when we started having these problems. The issue of caning students needs to be reinstated. During our time, we were disciplined very well, and that is why many of us are where we are today. The indiscipline has also been largely caused by parents not taking the issue of guiding students seriously, failing to ensure that they become disciplined in school and respect their teachers. Teachers have been left to manage students alone, yet this responsibility should be shared. We need to work together with teachers, talk to the students, and ensure discipline is restored in our schools.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

Hon. Members, let us also realise that this is not a debate. It is a Request for a Statement. If you get an opportunity to ride on it, do it for about 30 seconds. Hon. Maungu.

Hon. Hon. Richard Yegon(UDA · Bomet East Constituency)

Thank you, Temporary Speaker. Let me end it at that. I urge that we reinstate the cane.

Hon. Hon. Dick Oyugi(DAP-K · Luanda Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity to also share my thoughts on this matter. First, I appreciate the Hon. Member for bringing up this matter. As you are aware, school fires have caused great distress to our people and communities. The recent one being in your area, Hon. Temporary Speaker, where we even saw videos circulating of young souls having the audacity to torch a building in which their colleagues were asleep. As the Departmental Committee on Education moves in to come up with a report of the same, they must also remember the Hillside Endarasha school fire just before that and many other similar fires that have engulfed our schools, and we ended up losing very young lives. As the Hon. Deputy Speaker has said, we must go further and ask ourselves what has come to our children. Is it a failure of parental guidance and responsibility? Looking at the video clips, it was inhuman to see very young souls, teens, torching a dormitory or school while others were asleep. As the Departmental Committee on Education moves to respond to this, we shall be keen to find out what futuristic strategies they will provide to ensure that such incidents never happen again. I also wish to call upon parents. We have reached a point where, as parents, we have somehow abdicated our roles to teachers. It is not the sole responsibility of the teacher to take care of these kids. As parents, we should ensure we instil the right values and morals in these kids so that when they go to school, they appreciate that life is important and precious.

[The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Martha Wangari) left the Chair] [The Deputy Speaker (Hon. Gladys Boss) in the Chair]

Hon. Hon. Zamzam Chimba(ODM · Mombasa County Woman Representative)

Asante sana, Mhe. Naibu Spika. Kwa ufupi, sasa imekuwa ni kama itikadi kwamba kila unapokaribia wakati wa mtihani, watoto wanachoma shule na hata kuwaua wenzao, kama ilivyotokea juzi. Nampa pole Mhe. Martha, kwa maana kule kwake alipata mtihani mkubwa sana kwa kuwapoteza wanafunzi 16. Ni wakati ambapo jambo hili sharti liangaliwe kwa kina ili tujue shida ni nini. Isiwe kwamba sisi wazazi tunawaachia walimu watoto wetu ili watulelee. Mtoto akija nyumbani, anakaa tu na simu akiangalia vitu vya kipuuzi, kisha akienda shuleni inakuwa vigumu hata kwa mwalimu kumkosoa. Tungependekeza pia watoto wetu wengi wasisome katika shule za mabweni, bali katika shule za kuenda na kurudi nyumbani ili tuweze kuwaangalia jinsi wanavyokaa. Hii Statement ambayo mwenzetu ameitisha ni ya muhimu sana katika taifa hili. Kila wakati shughuli hii inaanza, hata baada ya kuona wenzao wamechukuliwa hatua kali, bado watoto wengine wanaendelea kuchoma shule. Kwa hivyo, kuna kitu kibaya sana kinachoendelea ambacho kinahitaji uchunguzi wa kina ili tuhakikishe kwamba watoto wetu wakirejea shuleni watakuwa salama. Kwa mzazi, kama mtoto wako ana tabia kama ya wale waliotekeleza vitendo hivyo, usilie kwa nini mtoto anafungwa, maana pale walipofungwa ndipo wanapostahili, ili iwe funzo kwa wenzao. Kulikuwa na vijana wanne waliokuwa prefects waliofungiwa katika bweni, na kuchomewa ndani na wanafunzi wenzao. Wazazi wamehangaika kutafuta karo ili kuwasomesha watoto wao. Msiende shule, nyie wanafunzi, mkageuka kuwa kama mashetani. Nyinyi ni watoto mnaofaa kuabudu na kuomba Mungu, na kuwaskiza wazazi na walimu wenu. Mzazi hujitolea na kile kidogo anachoweza: anajitolea kuuza sambusa au mahamri ili akusomeshe. Anakutakia maisha mazuri. Usiende kule ukageuka kuwa mtoto mbaya. Asante sana.

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I also join colleagues in appreciating this Request for a Statement. At this point, we need to be very careful about how we handle this Statement. We have quite a number of stakeholders in this matter. We need to critically look at the role of each stakeholder, that is, the Ministry, parents, students, and teachers. After critically examining each stakeholder's role, we should be in a position to document what each should do and develop an enforcement mechanism. I see a lot of gaps among these stakeholders. If we get it right at that point, we will be able to stop this issue. This is not the first time. It has happened in the past. Reports have been prepared, but enforcement has been very poor. We need to put a stop to it because it involves loss of life. It is very important that, as a House, we take this Request for a Statement very seriously.

Hon. Hon. Hon. Hon. Gitonga Mukunji(UDA · Manyatta)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I rise to support this Request for a Statement by the Member of Parliament for West Mugirango. I also take this opportunity to welcome the young kids who are in this House. This issue must warrant a little keener interest by this House. When we talk about fires and disasters in schools, we cannot say there are no accidents. However, our preparedness in terms of disasters, especially in our schools, is in question. When the fire that engulfed Utumishi Girls Academy happened, I remember us taking a minute of silence to remember those young kids. But I want to appeal to this House to consider one thing: capitation in schools is given per term, and it is not enough. When the term is over, and there is a disbursement in the next term, the Ministry always gives money as if it were starting to give the capitation of that new term without considering the pending capitation. I appeal to this House to see how it can actually consider unsubmitted capitation for schools as a pending bill when the year ends. This will ensure that we do not burden our principals. They need to prepare for major disasters such as fires. As it is, simple things such as electric installations in schools are a problem. Principals are in debt and have not managed to pay simple bills, such as those of watchmen who can catch culprits and kids who are misbehaving. I appeal to this House to consider this. We do give a good budget to schools, but you find that by the time the year ends, not even more than 80 per cent usually has been issued. I appeal to this House to be considering the capitation that has not been given to schools as a pending bill. This will ensure that schools do not run into debt. Some schools have water debts of more than five years. Some have electric debts that Kenya Power always threatens them with. They are forced to appeal to leaders like you, me, and others to request that the Kenya Power Company not disconnect electricity. I think that is the best we can do. Additionally, we should consider setting aside a specific amount for disaster preparedness in our schools. That can really help in solving these issues. I also appeal to kids to always behave. It is good to always look at discipline. Parents also have an opportunity to engage their kids in a better way.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

We need to make it a bit brief. Hon. Member for Moiben, I will let you go last because you are in the Departmental Committee on Education. Let me give Hon. Martha Wangari a chance first.

Hon. Hon. Martha Wanjira(UDA · Gilgil Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for this opportunity. I thank Hon. Member for West Mugirango for bringing this issue to the Floor of the House, as the latest victim of these fires in Gilgil. I also appreciate you and other Members who took the time to come to Utumishi Girls Academy to visit those families that were affected. It brought out some issues that we still have not dealt with. There is the issue of CCTVs in schools, which are supposed to be monitored throughout, and the issue of safety. It also brought out the issue of the discipline of children. We may not want to talk about it, but we need to. In the Basic Education Act, Hon. Yegon has talked about bringing back the cane. I am not sure whether that will sort out the issue, but we need to deal with the consequences in terms of discipline in school. By the time Utumishi Girls Academy was being burned, there was a talk that they wanted to go home like a school in the neighbourhood, which I will not mention. Students from that school had tried to burn it and had actually closed the school for some time. Do you know how those students tried to burn the dormitory? They are very daring. Some kids went to the kitchen, took some burning charcoal, put it in a geometry set, and put the set in their pockets. They actually succeeded in ensuring that they went home. We are dealing with children who are also very daring because they know there will be no consequences at the end of the day. In the Basic Education Act, even if we do not reintroduce caning, is it not time we reviewed what we went through ourselves? If you are a ring-leader in plans to burn a school, you must face the consequences. You are either suspended or expelled from school. We have put teachers in a very bad position, because they do not know what to do with errant students. We have parents who come and lecture the teacher when the child is watching, including at Utumishi Girls Academy. We have become a whole society that is not getting results because we are part of the problem. If you ask me, this issue of discipline in school calls for a national dialogue. It calls for what we had at the Bomas of Kenya with the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO). If we seriously want to ringfence our community in the next 10-20 years, as a country, we must prioritise this. It is not just the Ministry of Education. We must have the parents’ associations and the teachers’ representation. Let us have a national conversation led by this House to find a way forward. This is because the current measures will not do it. I also hope that we can get the Cabinet Secretary to come to this Floor and answer some of these problems that we are dealing with.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

I will give a chance to the Member from the Departmental Committee on Education, Prof. Barto.

Hon. Hon. Phylis Bartoo(UDA · Moiben Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for this opportunity. The Departmental Committee on Education is taking this matter of burning of schools very seriously. We are doing a very comprehensive report. Very soon we will present it in Parliament. On top of that, behaviour in our schools has become an issue. Whatever the students are doing is a characteristic of what is happening in society. The moral fabric of society is destroyed. Whatever the students are doing is a replica of what is happening in society. For example, we have leaders hurling insults at each other in front of young people. We have leaders hiring and paying goons to fight each other in public rallies. What do you expect young people to be doing? We, therefore, need to look at it very seriously and start from the parents to every other member of society. This is because our young people are just a replica of ourselves. They do what we do best. It is high time we looked at everything, including the Basic Education Act. We need to look at the population of students per school. Why would one school have 4,000 students and another one have no students, yet the infrastructure is the same? There are so many issues. It must be looked at from a multi-faceted approach so that we solve this problem once and for all. I assure you that the Departmental Committee on Education is giving it the seriousness it deserves. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Thank you, Hon. Members. This is not just a Statement. It is a matter of national importance, and that is why we gave Members an opportunity to comment on it. We will not be able to get to the other Orders if we do not move on. We will now be getting a Statement from the Member for Machakos County.

Topic

Hon. Hon. Joyce Kamene(WDM · Machakos County Woman Representative)

Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Labour regarding a work injury compensation claim against Outdoor Springs East Africa, PLC. Mr Anthony Mwetu of ID No. 28XXX86 sustained an injury to his right wrist joint on 14th October 2014 while in the course of his employment with Outdoor Springs East Africa, PLC, which formerly traded as Outdoor Springs Manufacturers Limited and was based in Athi River, Machakos County. Following the injury, he was maintained in employment until 2018, when his contract was terminated. However, he has never been compensated for the workplace injury. That situation has left him facing financial hardship and unable to fully engage in gainful economic activity to support his household. In pursuit of compensation, Mr Anthony Kyalo initiated civil suit No. 6 of 2015 at the Mavoko Magistrates' Court. He also reported the matter to a labour office. Regrettably, these efforts have been frustrated as the former employer or their agents have repeatedly failed to appear before the court, thereby delaying the determination of the matter and his access to rightful compensation. It is a fundamental obligation for every employer to ensure the safety of their employees by taking all reasonable precautions in the workplace. Where an employer fails in his duty, and an employee suffers injury in the course of employment, the employer is under legal and moral obligations to ensure compensation for the injury resulting from negligence, breach of statutory duty, or violation of the duty of care owed to the employee. It is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Labour on the following: 1. Steps taken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to ensure Mr Anthony Kyalo Mwetu is compensated for the injury he suffered. 2. Actions taken against his former employer for negligence and breach of statutory duty in accordance with provisions of the labour laws on workplace safety. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Hon. Chonga is the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Labour. Do we have someone to give an undertaking on behalf of the Committee? Deputy Leader of the Majority Party.

Hon. Hon. Owen Baya(UDA · Kilifi North Constituency)

The Request for Statement is directed to the Departmental Committee on Labour. I will diligently inform Hon. Ken Chonga to bring a response after recess.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

All right, thank you. Next, we have a Request for Statement from the Member for Narok North. Before that, allow me to recognise the following schools that are seated in the Public Gallery. They are: Yard DEB Primary School, Laikipia East Constituency, Laikipia County and Mugeka Primary and JSS, Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency, Tharaka-Nithi County. Member for Narok North Constituency, please welcome them before you make your Statement.

Hon. Hon. Agnes Pareiyo(JP · Narok North Constituency)

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to welcome students from Laikipia and Tharaka-Nithi. Together with the teachers who accompanied them, I wish them well. I want to tell them that they are in the 13th Parliament. What they see here is what they will experience if they get serious with their education. I wish them well and a safe journey back home.

Topic

Hon. Hon. Agnes Pareiyo(JP · Narok North Constituency)

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 security situation at the Rose Farm bordering Olokurto Location in Narok North Constituency. Rose Farm has, in recent days, experienced heightened tension and insecurity, allegedly arising from a dispute over ownership and occupation of the farm. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the steps taken to identify and address the underlying causes of the conflicts, and the adequacy of the government’s response. The situation has escalated into violent confrontations, creating widespread fear and uncertainty among residents. The unrest has also forced many families, particularly women, children, and the elderly, to flee their homes in search of safety. Learning has also been disrupted. Pupils are unable to attend school due to fear for their security. There are also disturbing allegations that police officers deployed to restore law and order use excessive force in responding to the situation despite the absence of weapons among area residents. While security agencies have a duty to protect lives and property and maintain public order, the Constitution, the law and internationally accepted standards on the use of force must always guide the conduct of law enforcement officers. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the following: 1. The circumstances that led to the current insecurity and violence at Rose Farm that borders Olokurto in Narok North Constituency, including a record of the legal ownership of the farm and the history of the dispute. 2. Measures currently in place to restore law and order, protect residents, and provide humanitarian assistance. 3. Reasons for the alleged use of excessive force by police officers during the operations. 4. Steps being taken to ensure that policing is undertaken in accordance with the law. 5. Long-term interventions that the Government has put in place to permanently resolve the dispute, hold those responsible for violence and destruction accountable, and guarantee lasting peace and security in Rose Farm and the surrounding areas. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Thank you. That is going to the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security. Do we have a Member present to undertake?

Hon. Hon. Edward Oku(ODM · Teso North Constituency)

Thank you very much, Hon. Deputy Speaker. On behalf of the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, I would like to ask that we give the response in the first week after recess. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Section

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Thank you. Now, we can go to the responses. There is one request for a Statement by the Hon. Member for Taita-Taveta County. Let us have the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Social Protection.

Topic

Hon. Hon. Alice Ng'ang'a(UDA · Thika Town Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. On 24th February 2026, Hon. Lydia Haika, the County Women Representative for Taita-Taveta County, requested a Statement on the Floor of the House regarding the delay in registration of older persons under the Inua Jamii Older Persons Cash Transfer Programme (OPCT). The Member further requested information on the measures put in place by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to ensure that the older persons who have attained the age of 70 years and above are registered in a timely manner. Hon. Deputy Speaker, the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs is responsible for implementing the Inua Jami OPCT Programme. The Programme targets older persons aged 70 and above who are not in any government pension programme. The Inua Jami Programme currently covers 1,141,181 beneficiaries, with each beneficiary receiving Ksh2,000 monthly through the e-Citizen MPESA platform. The last time the State Department registered new beneficiaries in the Programme was in 2023, following a directive from His Excellency, the President, to expand the Programme by registering 50,000 new beneficiaries. The delay in registering and enrolling new beneficiaries into the programme has been occasioned by the lack of additional budgetary allocation from the National Treasury to cater for the additional beneficiaries. The OPCT Programme is facing a budget shortfall of Ksh5.2 billion to cover cash transfers for in-post beneficiaries, up to the end of the just concluded Financial Year. In light of the foregoing, the Department requests an additional allocation to cover the shortfall and to register new beneficiaries in the Programme. Hon. Deputy Speaker, I submit. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Hon. Member for Taita-Taveta County, are you satisfied?

Hon. Hon. Lydia Mizighi(UDA · Taita Taveta County Woman Representative)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Clearly, I am not, though I appreciate the feedback from the Departmental Committee on Social Protection led by Hon. Alice Nganga. Inua Jamii is a programme that is meant to cater for all elderly people aged 70 and above, not just a few. Therefore, when I hear that some are receiving the stipend and others are not, the Committee's answer is not satisfactory at all. What I can say is that we need to develop a mechanism so that, as the government promised, every elderly person aged 70 and above receives that stipend. These elderly people used to walk to towns or cities to receive the stipend. However, at the moment, those receiving the money get it straight to their mobile phones. On that one, I applaud the government, but it is high time they updated the register again to capture all elderly persons in Kenya who have attained the age of 70 and above. I thank you.

Hon. Hon. Martha Wanjira(UDA · Gilgil Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for indulging me. This is a recurrent issue in this House. We have spoken about the periodic updating of this register. These issues are everywhere, even in Gilgil. You get 70-year-olds who are not in the system. Some were removed, and I do not know why. Even the ones who have died should be replaced immediately so that we do not have this issue recurring every time. Finally, there is a problem with the issue of orphaned and vulnerable children, specifically persons with disabilities. I know a mother in Chokereria, Gilgil, who has three disabled children. She cannot work, but you are told that only one will be eligible for this money. What do you do with the other two? It should be automatic that if you have a person or child with disability, he or she should get this money. It should be universal. The issue of quotas should not apply because you do not intend to have a child living with disability. We can have the Chairperson also respond to some of these issues.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Chairperson, I think you have heard other questions Members have raised. Please raise them with the relevant Ministry. I do not know if you want to respond before we proceed.

Hon. Hon. Alice Ng'ang'a(UDA · Thika Town Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I will talk to the Ministry, but the bottom line is that we do not have enough cash. If we had enough, we would register all of them. Right now, there is no need to register them, yet they will not be receiving their money at the end of the month. As soon as we get the budget, we will look into this issue. However, the Ministry can answer further.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Okay, thank you. Is the Hon. Member for Samburu County,

(The Deputy Speaker consulted with the Clerk-at-the-Table)

Hon. Hon. Japhet Mbiuki(UDA · Maara Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. A Statement was sought by the Member for Samburu, Hon. Pauline Lenguris.

Hon. Hon. Japhet Mbiuki(UDA · Maara Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, since she is not here, allow me to table the response.

Hon. Hon. Japhet Mbiuki(UDA · Maara Constituency)

I thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

(Hon. Kareke Mbiuki laid the document on the Table)

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg your indulgence before we go to the next business. I know these statements are usually very many, and you allow Members to speak. However, my attention was caught by the Statement by the Member for Machakos County, Hon. Joyce Kamene, regarding the work-injury compensation claim against Outdoor Springs, East Africa. I was listening to that Statement from my office, and I could not help but notice she averred that the matter is under litigation in a civil suit, which she actually quoted. I would have wanted your guidance. I request your guidance on how to handle it as Parliament.

(Hon. Joseph Lekuton consulted the Deputy Speaker)

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

I wanted the Member for Laisamis to allow you to pay attention to my contribution. This statement may have been approved by the Speaker and the Clerk’s desk. It concerns a matter that is under active litigation in court, to which the Mover of that Statement has averred.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

You are very right, Leader of the Majority Party. In fact, I have just raised it with the Table Office. Usually, it will come from the Table Office, recommending it for the Speaker’s approval. So, no one expects the Speaker to do the due diligence. We have teams that are supposed to do that. The legal team that normally reviews it should have said this could not be approved.

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

They should have guided the Member for Machakos.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

This is the second one. There is also another one that came to my desk from Hon. Kalasinga. I signed it, but thereafter, realised that it had been recommended to me by the Table Office for approval. After approving, I noticed in the occurrence book number that it was a matter before the court. There has to be vigilance and due diligence done by the legal team that supports the Speaker's Office.

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, you got it right. I suggest you direct the Directorate of Legislative and Procedural Services to scrutinise some of these statements. A matter that is in court cannot be discussed. I heard my Deputy say he will relay the matter to the Departmental Committee on Labour yet they cannot do anything about it. The Departmental Committee on Labour cannot direct a plaintiff in a court case to appear in court. The court has all the powers and means of enforcing people to appear in court. Secondly, the House should not, and must never, be seen as litigating matters already being litigated in court. Therefore, as much as we may want to be seen as helping our constituents, we also have a duty and obligation as leaders to guide them: that if a matter is in court, it cannot be prosecuted in the House. That is an oversight by the person who submitted the statement for approval. I propose that Hon. Kamene relooks into that issue and sees how she can assist that particular citizen from Machakos County, even with the matter in court. Otherwise, it is a civil matter concerning an insurance company. We do not know whether the insurance company had received premiums or whether Auto Springs had insurance coverage. The Director of Legislative and Procedural Services should have guided the Member to reword that statement as an inquiry into whether Auto Springs Company had taken out insurance cover, rather than the matter of compensation already in court. That matter will be moot and redundant in the House. Just my two cents, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

I direct that the Table Office be keener in what they approve because they normally assist Members. Thank you. We can move to the next one.

Hon. Hon. Joseph Kalasinga(FORD-K · Kabuchai Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you very much for your indulgence. I am humbled by your perusal and forwarding. To put it clearly, this matter is not in court. This matter was just reported to the police, and it ended there. Honestly, that is the fact as it stands today.

Hon. Hon. Joseph Kalasinga(FORD-K · Kabuchai Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, it is not active in any court of law. As the Leader of the Majority party said, the matter I am about to bring forward to this House is not in any court of law.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

You cannot say that. When an occurrence book number is filed, it means investigations should immediately kick in. Therefore, you should go to the police station to confirm that the matter has proceeded.

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga, the Member for Kabuchai, who is now famous for Clause 169 of a Finance Bill that never existed, has a problem with listening.

(Laughter)

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

I addressed a particular issue, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Hon. Joseph Kalasinga(FORD-K · Kabuchai Constituency)

On a point of order, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I am on a point of order, so he should be guided that when I am on a point of order, they take their seat and relax. He cannot be on a point of order when I am on one. I have to finish with my point of order first.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Sorry. I did not realise you were on a point of order.

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

I rose on a point of order. This is not like clause 169. I am now talking about serious business of the House. We are not in clause 169.

(Laughter)

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Order, Hon. Members. Hon. Kalasinga, I will give you an opportunity.

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Member has a problem with listening. I rose on a particular statement raised by the Member for Machakos. I never mentioned the Member of clause 169. I mentioned the Member for Machakos County. I spoke about the issue that was in court, and Hon. Joyce Kamene appreciates. We are here to help each other. He should seek guidance from the Speaker and not accuse the Leader of the Majority Party. I have not mentioned anything to do with him, and neither is there any clause 169 on this matter.

(Laughter)

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Hon. Kalasinga, I am the one who declined to allow your statement after I reviewed it. I sought concurrence from the Table Office, and they agreed. Proceed.

Hon. Hon. Joseph Kalasinga(FORD-K · Kabuchai Constituency)

Thank you very much, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I first started by appreciating you for assenting to this statement. Likewise, I am accordingly advised by this Parliament. As we proceed, I hope this matter will be approved in the coming days, as it is different from Hon. Kamene’s and is not before a court of law. It will come to the Floor of this House. There is nothing wrong about that. I demand respect from the Leader of the Majority Party. He has continuously mentioned me over clause 169. I want to set the record clear here in front of you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Page 966 of the Finance Bill, 2026, Article 1A, Clause 31, sub-article 169, talks about mitumba. Why is Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah thinking he is the overall head boy of this House? I am not a young boy in school. This is not a school. I have been irritated to that level. Let him open the Finance Bill that we assented to. Check Page 966, Article 1A, Clause 31(9).

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

I will close this issue. Hon. Member, we are not discussing the Finance Bill. You could have just said that you take issue with that reference and let it end there. We do not have to proceed.

Hon. Hon. Julius Rutto(UDA · Kesses Constituency)

On a point of order, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Let the Member of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning talk first. Let us allow his point of order.

Hon. Hon. Julius Rutto(UDA · Kesses Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. As a Member of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, there is something that I need to put straight. When a Bill is still a Bill, it neither has articles nor sections. It has clauses on pages. When it is assented to by the President to be an Act of Parliament, the clauses become sections and not articles. Therefore, I wanted to put that on record as a Member of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. In any case, we were dealing with 57 Clauses. Unless the amendments were referring to existing sections of an existing law. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

What is your point of order? The last one, then we close this issue. Give us only your point of order.

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I rise on Standing Order 87 on contents of speech. Since we are elected, we have a duty and responsibility to the people of Kenya to inform them. For instance, the Member for Kabuchai is elected from among the best people of Kabuchai, and that is how he won his election. Hon. Deputy Speaker, for instance, the Member for Kabuchai was elected from among the best people in Kabuchai. That is how he won the election. We are not saying that he is the best person in Kabuchai, but he is among the best people Kabuchai has found. Therefore, the people in the villages in Kabuchai and those in Chwele Market expect that since they have sent one of their best sons to Nairobi to represent them, he will take the time to read, internalise, and conceptualise what is contained in a Bill.

(Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga spoke off the record)

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, it is on record that when the Member for Kabuchai was seated on this seat here, he quoted Clause 169 in the Finance Bill. He is further misleading the House and Kenyans that this Bill had 966 pages. It had 57 Clauses but 966 pages. As the Member of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, Hon. (CPA) Rutto, has said, the Bill had particular clauses with sub-clauses. When we legislate, we quote those clauses. That is why I was challenging these Members to please tell us the clauses. When we are amending the Bill, we amend clauses. The Member for Kabuchai went further to mislead the public again, that there was a tax on mitumba when it was not there. I challenged him to show us where it was in the Bill. He has now moved from Clause 169 to 966 pages. Next time, he will tell us there is Bill No. 40 of 56. Read the Bills. Do not embarrass the people of Kabuchai. There are very serious scholars in Kabuchai. We must not allow you to embarrass the people of Kabuchai. You cannot do that. This is where Hon. Speaker—Dr Masika Wetang’ula, Senior Counsel—comes from. We have serious leaders in Kabuchai. Do not be an embarrassment to the people of Kabuchai.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

I will allow the Member for Kabuchai to speak, and then we will finish, so that he does not feel he does not have a right of reply.

Hon. Hon. Joseph Kalasinga(FORD-K · Kabuchai Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, we preside over documents on the Floor of this House. We debate tabled documents. The House you lead is in possession of that document in the archive. I want it to be retrieved to clear my name. On the left-hand side and centre of the document, it is written page 966. Clause 31 is on page 169 in that document. It talks about worn-out clothes and mitumba. This must come out clearly. Why is he talking about the clauses in the Bill, but not the item called mitumba? The leader of the Majority Party knows that the document is there. I kindly request that the document be produced so that I can read it on the Floor of this House right away.

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Put that request in writing to the Speaker to say that you want to confirm something. Thank you. Can we move to the next Order?

(Loud consultations)

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Hon. Kamene, is there a problem? Order Members. Hon. Kamene, I thought you were satisfied.

(Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga spoke off the record)

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

I thought your issue was straightforward. Hon. Members, let us proceed to the next Order.

Section

Topic

Topic

Topic

Topic

Topic

Topic

Topic

Topic

(The Bills were read a First Time and referred to relevant Committees)

Section

The Deputy Speaker(Gladys Gladys Boss)

Hon. Chairperson, Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture.

Topic

Hon. Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe(ODM · Navakholo Constituency)

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Eighth Report of the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture on its examination of audited financial statements of the following State Corporations, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 12th March 2026— 1. Communications Authority of Kenya for the Financial Years 2019/2020 to 2023/2024; 2. Kenya Medical Training College for the Financial Years 2021/2022 to 2024/2025;

[The Deputy Speaker (Hon. Gladys Boss) left the Chair] [The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Martha Wangari) in the Chair)] (Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga crossed the Floor without bowing to the Chair)

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

Order, Hon. Wangwe. Hon. Kalasinga, you are out of order. You know what to do.

(Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga spoke off the record)

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

No. You know what to do. Hon. Wangwe, continue.

Hon. Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe(ODM · Navakholo Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Eighth Report of the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture on its examination of audited financial statements of the following State Corporations, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 12th March 2026— 1. Communications Authority of Kenya for the Financial Years 2019/2020 to 2023/2024; 2. Kenya Medical Training College for the Financial Years 2021/2022 to 2024/2025; 3. Kenya Medical Supplies Authority for the Financial Years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021; 4. Public Benefit Organisation Regulatory Authority for the Financial Years 2007/2008 to 2023/2024; 5. Child Welfare Society of Kenya for the Financial Years 2019/2020 to 2023/2024 6. Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital for the Financial Years 2020/2021 to 2024/2025. Hon. Temporary Speaker, at the outset, allow me to comment that during the processing of this Report, my Committee relied on a few instruments, such as the Constitution of Kenya, the Public Finance Management Act, the Public Audit Act, and our Standing Orders, read together with the State Corporations Act. Hon. Temporary Speaker, there are various issues that were observed during the interrogation of the agencies. I wish to highlight a few of the cross-cutting issues that emerged during the review of these six agencies. One of the issues that became clear was the lack of ownership documents for land and buildings. Most agencies faced challenges in this regard. I wish to be specific. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) did not have the title deed to the land on which the Modika Radio Monitoring Station is located in Garissa County. Similarly, the Child Welfare Society of Kenya (CWSK) had only partial ownership documents, and in some cases, had no ownership documents for 18 parcels of land. There was an observation from the submissions to the Committee on the delay in availing documents to the auditors. This was a recurring issue. Most of the agencies submitted documents to the auditors late. As we are aware, the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, and the regulations made thereunder, particularly Section 68, require all accounting officers to submit documents to the auditors within the prescribed timelines. However, many agencies submitted documents late and, in some instances, were unable to substantiate the reasons for the delay. Consequently, the Committee found it necessary to recommend that accounting officers comply with the law. We further recommended that whoever fails to comply be prosecuted pursuant to Section 62 of the Public Audit Act for the offence provided under the same Section. Another cross-cutting issue was long-outstanding receivables. All six agencies had long-outstanding receivables. However, I wish to single out a very long outstanding and controversial receivable involving the CA. At the time of the audit, Telkom Kenya Limited owed the CA Ksh5,695,935,298. The amount of US$40,079,861 relates to the period under review and does not reflect the current position. Today, the amount is higher than that. This is a substantial amount. Unless this House takes a firm position by interrogating the matter and adopting the Committee's recommendations, the CA may never recover these funds. There is also the issue of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), which had outstanding receivables amounting to Ksh78,672,640 relating to uncollected rent. Medical trainees from the University of Nairobi were allocated houses owned by KMTC under arrangements involving Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). However, the rent has not been remitted to KMTC despite the properties belonging to the institution. There have been numerous engagements involving the Ministry, KMTC and the University of Nairobi. However, the amount of Ksh78,672,640 remains unpaid. The Committee therefore recommended that this money be paid to KMTC. The University of Nairobi is taking advantage of the Government's policy of not engaging in legal battles between government institutions. However, that should not be the case. Where a debt is due, we urge the University of Nairobi to remit the outstanding amount. I also wish to address the issue of monies owed to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). We know that KEMSA is a supplier of medical commodities to county governments. As at 30th June 2020, county governments and the Ministry of Health owed KEMSA Ksh2,849,869,466. We all know that KEMSA does not trade in medical supplies. Instead, it is a logistics organisation responsible for handling and the distribution of medical commodities. It is therefore important that users, namely the Ministry of Health and county governments, settle their outstanding obligations. The level of receivables across these six agencies is substantial. If we do not address this issue, it may eventually become part of the country's pending bills. The Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning should therefore consider addressing these debts because, if left unresolved, they are likely to contribute to the accumulation of pending bills. What did the Committee recommend? We recommended that accounting officers establish robust debt-collection mechanisms, implement effective debt-management policies, and maintain proper systems for recording debts. Although these debts have been disclosed, we also noted weaknesses in debt recording and felt it was important that we take a firm position on the matter. There is also the issue of long-outstanding payables across the six agencies, where the agencies themselves owe money to other institutions. Section 94 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) provides that pending bills shall constitute the first charge on the budget of the subsequent financial year. However, most accounting officers are not enforcing this requirement. Instead, debts continue to accumulate, while payments are made selectively, sometimes to creditors who are more vocal or have closer relationships with the institutions concerned. That should not be the case. The law is clear that outstanding obligations should constitute the first charge in the subsequent financial year. Unfortunately, this requirement has not been enforced across the six agencies. There is also the issue of delayed surrender of imprests. This House appropriates funds to enable agencies to facilitate official travel, seminars and training. However, officers frequently fail to surrender imprests on time. The law is clear. An officer must surrender an imprest within seven days after returning from official duty. Across the six agencies, there were numerous instances of delayed accountability for imprests. That should not be the case. The Committee therefore recommended that accounting officers be held accountable and ensure that officers surrender imprests within the stipulated seven days after returning from official duty, in accordance with Regulation 93 of the Public Finance Management (National Government) Regulations, 2015. There was also noncompliance with the one-third basic-salary rule. Many of the six agencies failed to comply with this requirement. I wish to single out the KMTC, a large institution with operations across the country, where compliance with the one-third basic salary rule was inadequate. Another agency that stood out was the CWSK, where compliance with the one-third basic salary rule was an issue. In some instances, salary deductions exceeded the one-third limit, contrary to Section 19(3) of the Employment Act, 2007, which provides that the total amount of all deductions made by an employer from an employee's wages at any one time shall not exceed one-third of those wages. I ask the House to allow me to proceed to the individual agencies and outline how each agency responded. Beginning with the Communications Authority of Kenya, I want to move the House, especially for the Financial Year 2019/2020 and the Financial Years 2020 to 2023. I alluded in the generalities that the issue of Telkom Kenya came out clearly. We as a House must put our foot down on the issue and seek that either the engagement comes to an end, and the relevant authority, that is the Government of Kenya, moves in to recover this money, or this House makes a clear headway to ensure that the money is recovered through the National Treasury. It came out clearly that the National Treasury, through a letter dated 28th June 2020, committed to paying frequency spectrum fees amounting to Ksh2,213,077,093 on behalf of Telkom Kenya Limited. This commitment was made on paper. The National Treasury is aware of this engagement. It made an undertaking, but the Communications Authority of Kenya is yet to receive the money. The Director-General of the Communications Authority of Kenya informed us that this institution is a security concern. That, should it proceed to enforce the collection of the money by stopping Telkom Kenya's operations, might put our country in a security quagmire. That being the case, and with the National Treasury agreeing to pay this money, it is now upon the National Treasury to release the funds and allow the Communications Authority of Kenya to operate as normal. I would like to raise an issue regarding the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). We observed that KMTC had reconciliation issues between the two systems, especially after acquiring a new system. That is contrary to Regulation 90(3) of the Public Finance Management (National Government) Regulations of 2015, which requires officers to always ensure that any discrepancy identified during bank reconciliation exercises is investigated immediately and appropriate action taken. The institution delayed filing the reconciliation. Their reconciliations had taken place by the time they appeared before the Committee. The question is why they had to delay. Had we delayed inviting them before the Committee, reconciliation would not have taken place promptly. That is contrary to the regulations. I want to look at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). There was a gap in the procurement of COVID-19-related stocks that led to over-procurement of stocks worth Ksh5,639,656,550. There was a quick rush. This relates to the accounts for the Financial Year 2019/2020 and Financial Year 2020/2021. There was a rush when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. That resulted in the institution overstocking supplies to the tune of Ksh5,639,656,550. The accounting officer then failed to manage the inventory to prevent wastage and loss. That is contrary to Section 160 of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (Cap. 412C). There was also an adjustment of stock amounting to Ksh1,680,377,225 as a consequence of the overstocking of medicines. This adjustment was effected through a journal entry. I want to be on record that it is specifically journal KEMSA-JV-1-20-2021 under nonpharmaceutical stocks and the Medical Commodities Fund. It could not be traced under the Medical Commodities Fund, hence implying that the entry could have been non-existent. We examined the journal entries of the Medical Commodities Fund, and that entry could not be found. Instead, it was purported to have been entered under the non-medical stocks’ books of KEMSA. That alone depicts that the entries in KEMSA's books at that time were questionable. While we were looking at an overstock worth Ksh5.6 billion and a maladjustment of stock worth Ksh1.6 billion, it leaves a significant gap unexplained. What does my Committee say about it? Upon adoption of this Report, we recommend that the Director-General of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, in collaboration with the Attorney-General, fast-track amendments to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (Cap. 412C) to introduce a provision under Section 69 to provide retrospective approvals under prescribed circumstances. The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority appeared before my Committee and made a recommendation. That, in the current situation, the law does not provide retrospective procurement approvals. Today, we are talking about Ebola. We spoke about COVID-19. Should Ebola emerge, we would be staring at a similar situation that could again hinder or affect our budgeting or procurement of various stocks, goods, and services. Further, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority suggested amending procurement regulations to govern public procurement during pandemics, effectively taking into account their scale and duration. The proposal was submitted to the Committee. It is annexed to the Report so that we can move to make the proposal and amend the provisions so that such a situation does not befall our country again. Allow me now to move the House to the issues canvassed by the Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority, formerly known as the Non-Governmental Organisation Coordination Board. We observed irregularities in board committee meetings and the appointment of unqualified board members. The organisation decided to hold meetings whenever it wanted, failing to meet the required number of meetings within a particular session of the year. Similarly, the organisation picked officers from the ministry to sit on the board. It treated them as board members without observing the legal requirements governing who qualifies to serve as a board member. It does not mean technical officers attending board meetings become board members. Neither does it qualify them to earn allowances. Technical staff the Auditor-General sends to appear before our committees do not earn committee allowances because they are simply performing their official duties. Accordingly, we observed that both the board and its constituent committees were not properly constituted in accordance with the Mwongozo Code of Governance regarding the number of members and the requisite experience, knowledge, and professional qualifications. Therefore, we recommended and reprimanded the then accounting officer and the chairperson of the board for failing to convey deficiencies in the composition of the board to the appointing authority. We questioned whether there had been any discussion or issues raised with the appointing authority regarding whether the board had been properly constituted. There was none. The CEO never felt it was necessary. In fact, he felt that was part and parcel of a good board. Such a position cannot be sustained because ignorance is no defence in law. Therefore, they need to give it to him. Let me move the House to the last agency, the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, especially for the Financial Years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. The organisation has budgetary control and performance challenges. The society over collected Ksh22,000,238,008. In particular, the Society over-collected Ksh22,238,008, which is about 2 per cent of the budgeted revenue. This included a government grant of Ksh14,302,826 that had not been budgeted for, resulting in a 100 per cent over-collection. It is very difficult to see an organisation realising a 100 per cent over-collection. This means the organisation simply includes figures and estimates in its budget. They do not have any budgetary control to realise the organisation's future financials. What did we say about the mis-budgeting? As a Committee, we felt the accounting officer should ensure expenditure remains within the amount received and that budgets are realistic at all times. This is a House of budgets. This is an organisation that earns more Appropriation-in-Aid (A-in-A) than budgeted and ends up spending on items that have not been approved through the parliamentary approval structures. The Child Welfare Society became a parliament in its own right. It prepared its own budgets, approved them, and proceeded to spend the money, contrary to Paragraph 44(2) of the Public Finance Management (National Government) Regulations, 2015. Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to address the House on the issue of Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH). In the Financial Year 2024/2025, KUTRRH encountered unsupported waivers of patient bills. The Committee observed that the hospital granted waivers to patients amounting to Ksh139,270,498 without any supporting documents. The waivers had accumulated to the tune of Ksh669,781,907. It is important to note that a medical facility can waive patients’ bills. That is within its mandate. We must also agree that not all Kenyans can pay these bills. Therefore, should any patient require a waiver, it must be done within the provisions of the regulations and with the necessary approvals of the Board and the organisation, especially at KUTRRH. What did we say about it? We felt that within three months upon adoption of this Report, the accounting officer, together with the Board, should develop and approve a waiver policy. The policy should outline the conditions necessary for granting such waivers, who is eligible, the process for identifying and assessing needy cases, the required documentation, and the final report by the vetting committee established under the policy. This report should be submitted to the National Assembly. The existence of such a policy is very important. Together with my colleagues, I felt that it was not good enough to just waive a figure. What happens to the difference? Out of Ksh669 million, only Ksh139 million was waived. What happens to the balance? Because of the lack of a policy to guide the hospital on how and to whom waivers should be granted, it becomes difficult. It also makes it difficult for the managing director or the Director General to run the organisation, especially an institution of such public interest and importance. With that, allow me, with great humility, to thank the Office of the Speaker, the Office of the Clerk and especially the Directorate of Audit, Appropriations and General-Purpose Committees for the immense support and time dedicated to making sure that this Report is generated to its maturity. The time we spent with the Secretariat preparing this Report was immense. We were well guided by the Clerk’s Office, particularly the Directorate of Audit, Appropriations and General-Purpose Committees. It is something that I deeply appreciate. Allow me to also appreciate and thank my colleagues who are Members of this Committee. To come up with such a Report took time. When you look at the attachments to the Report, particularly what many have referred to as the list of shame, generating that list of those who supplied the KEMSA took us two weeks to review. This was so that when we bring a list before this House, it is associated with those who supplied particular commodities during that time. Allow me to appreciate my colleagues and thank them most sincerely for their support until we brought this Report to its maturity. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg to move and ask the great Member for Othaya to second.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

Hon. Wainaina. Give the Member for Othaya the microphone.

Hon. Hon. Michael Wainaina(UDA · Othaya Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this chance to support this Report. From the onset, I support this Report as a Member of the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture. We produced this Report. For most of those agencies that do not have land ownership documents, we tried to pursue the documents. You know, land issues nowadays in this country are very emotive. Some of those agencies without land documents have land occupied by intruders. Some of the agencies have taken more than 10 years without pursuing the documents. Many times, as they pursue these documents, they end up in litigation because of people occupying the land. The people in possession of this land should make sure they get the relevant documents to secure those lands. Some of the officers occupying this land do not even have documents showing that they pay land rates. That means there is nothing they can produce to show that they own the land. We are living in an era where many people want to occupy government land. Most of those invading land are invading government property. Therefore, we are pursuing these people and the documents so that we can secure land belonging to government agencies. On the issue of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), many people are looking for medicine from KEMSA. In our rural areas, many hospitals do not have medicine. Officers who are supposed to follow the law and make sure they check the inventory so that they can buy the quantities needed do not do so. Some medicines expire in stores because of a lack of inventory. Officers should know when medicines will expire. In our rural areas, people are not getting medicine yet some medicines are eventually destroyed because officers failed to put the inventories in order. If you go further, you will find an adjustment of Ksh1.6 billion. When you look deeper, you are not sure whether this adjustment truly represents the medicine that is there. Lack of documentation and lack of an inventory is where we are missing a lot. The issue of KEMSA is a big issue even today, together with the COVID-19 issue. An amount of Ksh5.6 billion can supply the whole country with medicine. Today we are suffering. This is taxpayers’ money, which was taken by officers who ought to have known the quantities needed to serve the country. The procurement officers assigned to those areas are supposed to know what is needed. This is a very big loss for KEMSA. I support.

(Question proposed)

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I want to start by thanking the Committee for the detailed report. I listened to the Chairman as he moved the Motion on these various institutions. I want to comment on three general statements which are worth mentioning. The first is whether we are getting value from some of these audit reports because of the timing of their release. The one for the Public Benefit Organisation Regulatory Authority spans from 2007 to 2024. It captures 17 years. The others are also way behind the current year. I ask myself, a time like this when a report is presented to the House, assuming as a House we adopt all the recommendations and we want to take action on accounting officers who are not able to account for resources, it is likely that we may find that a number of them might have retired from the service, others might have gone to see their Maker and on that note, we cannot do anything to them. It is high time we started asking ourselves whether we are really using resources in the right way and following up on such audit reports. I do not think there will be any convenient or convincing reason why a report should take that long before it is presented to the House. This Committee has a lot of work to do. To me, we are just doing it as a matter of routine and not adding value to the process. The second issue is people not surrendering imprest in time. The law is very clear that imprest is neither a loan nor a grant. It is money given by an employer to an employee to go and work. And once they are through with the given assignment, they are supposed to go back to the office and show the expenditure they incurred. When officers do not surrender imprest or take a long time before surrendering it, it means that we are taking financial management and the law very casually. As a result of that, it then begs the question which I asked earlier: are we serious as a House even in our own financial management as an arm of government? When people do not surrender imprest, it basically means that they converted the imprest to a loan. The other thing is the long outstanding receivables, money which is supposed to have been collected, but has not. When we hear that the Communication Authority of Kenya is owed about Ksh5 billion, the Kenya Medical Training College is owed Ksh78 billion, and the KEMSA is owed about Ksh2 billion, we have to ask ourselves the reasons why they are not able to collect the money, if it is really money they should have collected. This calls for a more serious analysis of the reasons so that, as we move to the future, we do not just have these reports tabled in the House for the sake of having them, but they do not help anybody, do not help the country, and they do not improve our financial management. The last issue, which is also very annoying, is the delay in the submission of financial statements. Most of these parastatals have very qualified accountants who are called finance directors, with people who are Certified Public Accountants (CPA) in Kenya, and others are Fellows of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (FCPAs) in Kenya. We have to ask ourselves if they are qualified accountants, and in this era of automation, why would they face challenges in providing information relating to their accounts? This is just a situation where people say, "What will you do, even if I do not submit. The time has come when we need to come out clearly and spell out sanctions to impose on these characters. Otherwise, it will be a waste of time discussing these reports. I have seen this problem cutting across all the Public Investments Committees and the Public Accounts Committee. This House, being a House of oversight, should support the Auditor-General on enforcement matters. In a situation where we take these things very casually, it makes the work of the Auditor General very difficult. As the House, we need to stand behind this office and resolve that if a parastatal does not account for resources, we will not give them more resources. If possible, we want to see you taken to court to answer these important questions. With those remarks, Hon. Temporary Speaker, I support. But we need to act.

Hon. Hon. Dick Oyugi(DAP-K · Luanda Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity you have granted me to comment on his good report. I appreciate the Committee for a job well done, and for having come up with a report that adds value to our existing governance mechanisms. One key issue to observe is that one of the organisations being reported on today is the Public Benefit Organisation Legislative Authority, and the years in question are from 2007 and 2008 all the way to 2023/2024. I must commend the Chair and his team for trying to put it current. When we table a report in 2026 for the Financial Year 2007/2008, that is quite a long time ago. As a Member has said, we may find that some of the committee’s recommendations are targeting specific accounting officers and those who were in office then but who may now have retired. That is a challenge to us as a House. We need to ensure that we add value to the work of the organisation. As a House, we need to ensure that we add value to the work of the Auditor-General by expeditiously considering the audit reports tabled before this House. The recommendations from those reports can add value and help mitigate some of the negative trends that occur. I have gone through this Report. The Committee, through its Chairperson, has tabled a very comprehensive Report. However, there are a few issues I wish to comment on, as they are matters of concern.

Unknown speaker

The first issue is land ownership. The Report shows that the six State Corporations, including the Communications Authority of Kenya, still face challenges with ownership documents for their land. We live in a country where some people have a funny appetite for public land. If land is not properly secured and the ownership documents are not in order, people encroach on it and advance their selfish interests by attempting to acquire it. Therefore, as the Chairperson has observed, this is a national issue that this House must take seriously. Why do I say so? I am the Chairperson of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education. Most of the institutions that appear before my Committee face challenges with land ownership. Kenyatta University appeared before the Committee this morning. It has the same challenge. The issue of land is a serious matter. The recommendations contained in this Report are in order. It is high time that we direct the National Land Commission, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and the relevant agencies to ensure that every public entity regularises its land ownership so that it can own its land properly. The second issue I take cognisance of is the delay in the submission of documents. The law is very clear. Section 82 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, clearly sets out the duty of accounting officers to submit documents within the prescribed timelines. Today is 1st July. The financial year ended yesterday. Accounting officers are now entering the audit season, during which the office of the Auditor-General examines the accounts. It is unacceptable that an accounting officer, entrusted with millions of shillings of public money, delays submitting the required documents. How, then, can the Auditor-General give assurance? How can she confirm that no public funds have been lost? How can she assure this country that the public resources allocated to those institutions are safe? The delayed submission of documents has been flagged by the Committee. It is a very important issue. The law is clear. The Public Finance Management Act is clear on what the accounting officers must do. It is clear what kind of measures can be put in place to compel accounting officers to comply. The Chairperson has spoken about delays. It is important that we warn accounting officers that submitting documents for audit is not optional. Submitting documents on time is not an option but a constitutional and legal obligation. Every accounting officer is required to account for public resources allocated to them. The third issue that I found important is the accountability for imprest. It is unacceptable for an officer to receive imprest, execute an assignment and then fail to surrender the imprest. It is not personal money but an advance given to an officer to attend a meeting or complete an assignment on behalf of the organisation. The least an officer can do is to account for the imprest within seven days, so that the books can be closed. However, we have huge balances in our books arising from unaccounted-for or unsurrendered imprests. The Committee has correctly flagged this matter. Where imprest remains unaccounted for beyond the prescribed seven days, the responsible officers should be surcharged, and the money recovered. That is the only way to ensure that public funds are used for the right purpose and accounted for. Public funds are difficult to generate and must be used prudently. With those few remarks, I thank the Committee and commend it for a job well done.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

Very well. There being no further interest in this Motion, I call upon the Mover to reply.

Hon. Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe(ODM · Navakholo Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Allow me, first and foremost, to thank my colleagues who have contributed to this Report. In particular, I commend Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu, a seasoned economist, for his contribution. I also thank Hon. (Eng) Dick Maungu for raising the issue of timelines. As you are aware, the issue of timelines was canvassed by the Liaison Committee. We are now time-bound. As you can see, my committee has moved with speed. We are now considering accounts for the Financial Year 2024/2025. We look forward to concluding the current financial year's accounts so that, going forward, State agencies will have their most current audited accounts reviewed and reported to the House in good time. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I beg to reply.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

Very well. I must commend the Committee. Through the Liaison Committee, you have done well in bringing these accounts up to date.

(Question put and agreed to)

Section

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

Leader of the Majority Party, what is out of order?

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg your indulgence. Since the Chairperson of the Committee is away on official business, I request that we defer consideration of this Bill to another appointed time to enable him to move the Second Reading.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

I was headed there. I do not see the Chairperson in the House. Therefore, the Bill is deferred to the next appointed time.

(Bill deferred)

Section

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

I have information that the Member concerned is bereaved. Therefore, we will defer this Motion to the next appointed time.

(Motion deferred)

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

What is out of order, Leader of the Majority Party?

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

I beg your indulgence again, Hon. Temporary Speaker, on Order No. 18 on the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill. As directed by Hon. Speaker and as we requested yesterday, the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning is currently meeting in Committee Room No. 9 with Members who have proposed various amendments. They have walked out for the winnowing of the amendments. I beg your indulgence that we consider this Bill tomorrow.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

Leader of the Majority Party, I already have a Communication to that effect.

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I do not know whether your Communication also covers the Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

Leader of the Majority Party, allow me to make the Communication so that it is on record. It has the same effect as your request.

Section

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

This is Communication No. 27 of 2026 on the referral of proposed amendments to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill to a harmonisation process. Members, as you have noticed, in the Supplementary Order Paper for this Sitting, the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill (National Assembly Bill, No. 7 of 2026) be scheduled for Committee of the whole House under Order No. 18. You may recall that the said Bill was also scheduled for considerations in the Committee of whole House yesterday, but I directed the deferment of its consideration to today in the afternoon sitting. This was to allow Members desirous of amending the Bill to file their proposed amendments in accordance with the Standing Orders. Following the deferment, the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and several Members have filed a wide range of proposed amendments to the Bill. The amendments have been published in the notices of Today’s Order Paper. I have reviewed the proposed amendments and noted their diverse implications for the Bill. They include money Bill implications under Article 114 of the Constitution and the potential for some amendments to unduly expand the scope of the Bill contrary to Standing Order 133(5). In the circumstances and to ensure the smooth consideration of the Bill, I am inclined to stay the consideration of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 7 of 2026) in the Committee of the Whole House to allow further review of the proposed amendments. To this end and pursuant to Standing Order 131, I hereby refer the proposed amendments to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2026, to a winnowing process before the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. Being conscious of the fact that the House will proceed on recess from tomorrow and to facilitate the expeditious consideration of this Bill, I have authorised the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning to hold a sitting today at 5.00 p.m. in Committee Room No. 9, Main Parliament Buildings, to consider the proposed amendments by Members. All Members with proposed amendments, including any other Members desirous of proposing amendments to the Bill, are required to appear before the Committee to prosecute their proposals. The Committee is urged to pay close attention to proposed amendments that are subject to Article 114 of the Constitution and to consult the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Planning before making recommendations on those amendments. Additionally, the Committee is expected to be alive to provisions of Standing Order 133(5), which bars consideration of proposed amendments that are likely to unduly or unreasonably expand the scope of the Bill. In line with Standing Order 131, the Committee is required to provide the Speaker with an update on the winnowing process by tomorrow, Thursday, 2 July 2026, at 10.00 a.m. This will be necessary in guiding the Speaker on the possibility of rescheduling the Bill for consideration in the Committee of the whole House during tomorrow afternoon's sitting. Consequently, the business appearing as item I under Order No. 18 in today's Supplementary Order Paper is hereby stayed. The House is accordingly guided. I thank you.

Hon. Hon. Anthony Ichungwah(UDA · Kikuyu Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, and my apologies. I did not know you had that Communication, but it serves the purpose of item 1 under Order No. 18. I also seek your indulgence regarding item (ii) under Order No. 18, the Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 28 of 2026). The Chair of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning is currently chairing the winnowing process. We are also considering requests from Members on proposed amendments; I request that consideration of this Bill also be stayed until after the recess. Lastly, I request that we reorder the Order Paper to begin with the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, sponsored by Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu. He had indicated that he had another engagement. It is a Bill that he has consistently urged the House Business Committee to prioritise. We should indulge him by taking the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill first, followed by the Bill from the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture. Thank you.

(The Temporary Speaker consulted with Clerks-at-the-Table)

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Martha Wanjira)

The Leader of the Majority Leader, your request has been acceded to. Therefore, Hon. Members, consideration of the Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill is stayed to a later date. The Order Paper is also reordered to begin with the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, followed by the Kenya National Library Service Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 20 of 2023).

Section

(Order for Committee read) [The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Martha Wangari) left the Chair] IN THE COMMITTEE [The Temporary Chairman (Hon. Omboko Milemba) in the Chair]

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Very well. Order Members. We are in the Committee of the whole House on the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill, No. 5 of 2023).

(The Temporary Chairman consulted with Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu and Clerks-at-the-Table) The Deputy Leader of the Majority Party, please approach the Table. (Hon. Owen Baya consulted with Clerks-at-the-Table) Very well, Hon. Makali Mulu, we have agreed that you will do that part which you have asked. Members, as I had said, we are in the Committee of the whole House on the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill, No. 5 of 2023)

Section

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

We have amendments on this one. Mover, Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu, proceed and move those amendments.

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move: THAT, Clause 3 of the Bill be amended— (a) by inserting the following new paragraph immediately after paragraph (d)— (da) by deleting the definition of “Appeals Tribunal” and substituting therefor the following new definition— “Appeals Committee” means the Appeals Committee established under section 20;” (b) in paragraph (e) by inserting the following new definitions in the proper alphabetical sequence— “Director General” has the meaning assigned to it under section 2 of the Health Act; “term” means the period from the date of gazettement of a Member of Parliament to the date when the Member ceases to hold office by virtue of any of the reasons under Article 103 (1) of the Constitution, and in respect of which period deduction of contributions in accordance with section 4 has been made; The justification for this amendment is to define the word “term” which is used in the Bill for purposes of payment of pension, gratuity and death gratuity. Additionally, to define the director-general for health as per the Health Act for the purposes of constituting a medical board. I submit.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be inserted be inserted, put and agreed to) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to)

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Hon. Wangwe, do you have any further amendments to Clause 3?

Hon. Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe(ODM · Navakholo Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman. Yes, I do. I beg to move: THAT, Clause 3 of the Bill be amended in paragraph (e) by inserting the following new definitions in proper alphabetical sequence— “leader of the majority party” has the meaning assigned to it under Article 108 of the Constitution; This amendment relates to the holders of the office, the commencement date being upon the publication in the Gazette immediately after the expression 2023.

(Question of the further amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be inserted be inserted, put and agreed to) (Clause 3 as amended agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman. I beg to move: THAT, clause 4 of the Bill be deleted. The amendment we are proposing here is a deletion of Clause 4. We are deleting the option of gratuity or pension. The Bill now requires that a first-term Member of Parliament be eligible for gratuity. Still, in their second term, the Member of Parliament may elect to forego the gratuity or become eligible for a pension. This aligns with the advice of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Initially, we had proposed that you could choose, but now we are not allowing second-timers to choose a gratuity. When you come as a second-timer Member of Parliament, you become pensionable. This is very important when Members of Parliament retire. Thank you.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Clause 4 deleted)

Section

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman. I beg to move: THAT, clause 5 of the Bill be deleted. We propose deleting Clause 5 because it provides details of Clause 4, which we have already deleted. So, it is just a consequence of deleting Clause 4 that we are now deleting Clause 5, which provided the option of either gratuity or pension. I submit.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Clause 5 deleted) (Clauses 6 and 7 agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman. I beg to move: THAT, clause 8 of the Bill be amended in the proposed new section 7— (a) by deleting subsection (2); (b) in subsection (4) by— (i) deleting the words “under subsection (2)” appearing immediately after the words “If after receiving gratuity”; (ii) deleting paragraph (a) and substituting therefor the following new paragraph— (a) repay the gratuity paid to the member plus interest at the rate of fifteen per cent per month within forty-five months, from the date the member elects to be pensionable; and The justification for this is what I said earlier: we have removed the option of gratuity for second-term Members of Parliament. That is where we need to make an amendment. The second part is to prescribe further the option to refund the gratuity paid in the first term. The amendment also extends the refund period from 15 months to 45 months. The current proposal is to issue an immediate refund, but we are now extending the refund period to 45 months at the agreed interest rate. So, this is better for Members who will come for a second term after a break. I submit.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to) (Clause 8 as amended agreed to) (Clause 9 agreed to)

Section

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

There is an amendment on this one. Mover.

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman. I beg to move: THAT, the Bill be amended in clause 10 by deleting the proposed new section 9 and substituting therefor the following new section— Payment of gratuity or pension on medical grounds. 9. Where a Member of Parliament is unable to perform the functions of the office by virtue of a medical condition, and the medical condition is certified by a medical board appointed by the Director General, the Committee shall grant a pension or gratuity notwithstanding that the Member may not have attained the age of forty-five years. The justification is that we want to provide for the payment of a pension when a Member is certified as unwell, even if they are under 45 years. The current situation is such that a Member cannot access his pension before he attains the age of 45. We propose that, in a situation where a Member has a medical condition certified by the Director-General of Medical Services, he may access his pension earlier, even if he is younger than 45 years. I submit.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to) (Clause 10 as amended agreed to)

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Hon. Members, before I proceed to Clause 11, let me acknowledge the presence, in the Public Gallery this afternoon, of Yakarengo Secondary School from Mathioya Constituency, Murang'a County, and A.C.K. Moi Girls School from Kimilili Constituency, Bungoma County. Welcome to the Chamber. On behalf of all the Members, we welcome you. We proceed.

(Clauses 11 and 12 agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move: THAT, Clause 13A of the Bill be deleted. The justification for this deletion is that Clause 13A proposed the transfer of the administration of Members’ pensions to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC). However, after consultations, we agreed that the administration should remain under the National Treasury so it can continue to provide the necessary funding. Therefore, we are reverting to the previous arrangement, in which the National Treasury will continue to undertake the administrative work. We have agreed that, just as is done for the military, there may be a need to establish a stand-alone desk for Members of Parliament within the PSC framework. I submit.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Clause 13A deleted)

Section

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move: THAT, clause 14 of the Bill be amended by— (a) deleting paragraph (a) and substituting therefor the following new paragraph— (a) by deleting subsection (1) and substituting therefor the following new subsection— (1) This Act shall be administered by a Management Committee which shall consist of— (a) the Speaker of the National Assembly, who shall be the chairperson; (b) the Principal Secretary to the National Treasury or his representative; (c) three members of the National Assembly, who shall be appointed by the National Assembly; (d) two members of the Senate, who shall be appointed by the Senate; (e) the Clerk of the Senate; (f) the Clerk of the National Assembly, who shall be the Secretary to the Committee. (b) deleting paragraph (e) and substituting therefor the following new paragraph— (e) in subsection (5) by deleting the words “the National Assembly” and substituting therefor the word “Parliament”. Essentially, we have established the Management Committee to oversee internal pension matters. We are also amending the provision to bring the Senate on board. The original Bill did not fully appreciate that Parliament has two Houses. We are therefore providing for Senate representation on the Management Committee. I submit.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to) (Clause 14 as amended agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move: THAT, the Bill be amended by deleting clause 15 and substituting therefor the following new clause— Amendment of section 20 of Cap. 196. 15. Section 20 of the principal Act is amended— (a) in subsection (1) by deleting the words “Appeals Tribunal (hereinafter referred to as the Tribunal)” and substituting therefor the words “Appeals Committee”; (b) by deleting subsection (2) and substituting therefor the following new subsection— (2) The Appeals Committee shall consist of— (a) the Attorney General or a representative of the Attorney General, who shall be the chairperson; (b) one member of the National Assembly appointed by the National Assembly during the first session of each new Parliament; (c) one member of the Senate appointed by the Senate during the first session of each new Parliament; (d) the Secretary to the Committee who shall be an officer to be appointed by the Parliamentary Service Commission. (c) in subsection (3) by deleting the word “Tribunal” and substituting therefor the words “Appeals Committee”; (d) in subsection (5)— (i) by deleting the word “Tribunal” appearing immediately after the words “may appeal to the” and substituting therefor the words “Appeals Committee”; (ii) in the proviso by deleting the words “the Tribunal” appearing immediately after the words “hearing any appeal,” and substituting therefor the words “the Appeals Committee”. First, we are renaming the Appeals Tribunal to the Appeals Committee. Secondly, as I indicated earlier, we are including representation from the Senate so that the committee reflects the bicameral nature of Parliament. Therefore, we are making two amendments: changing the name from the Appeals Tribunal to the Appeals Committee and including Senate representation so that the committee is fully constituted. I submit.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to) (Clause 15 as amended agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move: THAT, clause 16 of the Bill be deleted. I propose that Clause 16 be retained as it is. Instead of deleting it, we will retain it. The proposed deletion arose from what was intended to be merely a cleaning-up exercise. It was an oversight. The original Act refers to the Office of the Auditor-General. Under the Constitution, we now have both the Office of the Auditor-General and the Office of the Controller of Budget. These are two distinct constitutional offices responsible for oversight of the Fund. Accordingly, I withdraw my amendment proposing deletion and request that Clause 16 be retained in its original form.

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Hon. Makali, the Order Paper proposes deletion of this clause. Are you now saying that you wish to withdraw that proposal? Proceed and be clear.

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

In the Order Paper, we proposed its deletion. But I now move a further amendment to withdraw that proposal and retain the clause as it appears in the Act. I drop the deletion. It was intended merely as a clean-up exercise. Since the provision remains relevant, I withdraw the proposed deletion and retain the original clause.

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Very well. Since the Mover has withdrawn the amendment, there is no amendment to this clause.

(Proposed amendment by Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu dropped) (Clause 16 agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move: THAT, clause 17 of the Bill be amended in paragraph (a) (i) by deleting the words “Parliamentary Service Commission” and substituting therefor the words “the Committee”. The original Act assigned responsibility for administering the pension fund to the Parliamentary Service Commission. Since we have now established a Management Committee, we are replacing the reference to the Parliamentary Service Commission with "Management Committee" to facilitate operational efficiency. I submit.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to) (Clause 17 as amended agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move: THAT, clause 18 of the Bill be deleted. The justification is that we had initially intended to transfer the administration of this pension scheme to the Parliamentary Service Commission. However, following discussions and consultations, we agreed that the administration should remain with the National Treasury. Accordingly, we are deleting this provision because the pension scheme will continue to be administered by the National Treasury. I submit.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Clause 18 deleted)

Section

THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following new clause immediately after clause 9— Insertion of new section in Cap. 196. 9A. The principal Act is amended by inserting the following new section immediately after section 8— Equitable adjustment for former members. 8A. (1) This section applies to persons who were former Members of Parliament under section 8 and had started receiving pension but were subsequently re-elected to Parliament for another term. (2) Where a Member of Parliament is re-elected to Parliament and any pension previously payable to that Member ceased by reason of such re-election, the pension payable to that Member upon retirement in respect of the new period of service shall be subject to an adjustment at the rate of two and one-half per cent per annum for each year of the Member’s prior reckonable service, provided that the total cumulative period shall not exceed four terms of Parliament. (The new clause was read a First Time)

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Hon. Members, I call upon the Mover to move Second Reading of clause New Clause 9A.

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move that the new clause 7A be now read a Second Time. This new clause applies to persons who were former Members of Parliament under Section 8. Some of our colleagues have served in Parliament for many terms, but with many breaks in between. If a Member serves two terms and is eligible for a pension, then goes out and returns after 10 years, for example, Hon. Wamunyinyi, they realise that upon returning, they will only receive a pension for the last two terms. Therefore, to acknowledge the first two terms before returning to Parliament, we consulted an actuarial firm that devised a formula that takes into account these members' total of four terms, rather than just pensionable ones. This is to accommodate the earlier service of two terms. This does not affect many Members. But it would be unfair not to factor in the service of four terms and only consider two terms. This new clause addresses this kind of scenario. This is unlikely to happen again because it has been included in the pension law. It will help ensure fairness in the payment of pensions to former Members of Parliament. I submit.

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Thank you. You have done very well.

(Question, that the new clause be read a Second Time, proposed)

Hon. Hon. Owen Baya(UDA · Kilifi North Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Chairman. I stand to support Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu on this. This issue came to the fore when we were training Members in Mombasa during the 13th Parliament induction. Some Members who returned after serving one term took a break and were later re-elected. This presented an interesting scenario: what would happen to such a Member now that pension was a significant issue? We also have another issue being addressed here where a Member has served two terms and is receiving a pension, but they took a break and returned for a third term. What happens then? Do they continue to receive a pension for the two terms served, and is the third term counted as one that does not qualify for a pension? Realigning this is very important. I am cognisant of Hon. Gonzi Rai, who has now served five terms, but there is a break after each term. Other Members suffer the same fate, too. So, I support.

(Question, that the new clause be read a Second Time, put and agreed to) (Question, that the new clause be added to the Bill, put and agreed to)

Section

THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following new clause immediately after clause 12— Repeal of section 15 of Cap. 196. 12A. The principal Act is amended by deleting section 15. (The new clause was read a First Time)

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Hon. Members, I call upon the Mover to move Second Reading of clause New Clause 12A.

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move that the new Clause 12A be now read a Second Time. This provision is being deleted because it provides for reducing a Member's benefits for serious misconduct, contrary to the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act. The proposal is to delete that section so that we do not have some Members being mishandled by the inclusion of this clause in the Bill. I submit.

(Question, that the new clause be read a Second Time, proposed) (Question, that the new clause be read a Second Time, put and agreed to) (Question, that the new clause be added to the Bill, put and agreed to)

Section

THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following new Clause immediately after Clause 15— Insertion of new section 20A in Cap. 196. 15A. The principal Act is amended by inserting the following new section immediately after section 20— Benefits for retired party leaders. 20A. (1) A Member of Parliament who has served as the leader of the majority party or the leader of the minority party from 28th March 2013 for at least eighteen consecutive calendar months within a term of Parliament shall be entitled to the benefits set out in the Schedule. (2) The benefits granted under this section shall be— (a) provided for in the estimates of the parliamentary service prepared pursuant to Article 127(6)(c) of the Constitution; and (b) administered by the Clerk of the National Assembly. (The new clause was read a First Time)

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Hon. Wangwe, move Second Reading.

Hon. Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe(ODM · Navakholo Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move that the new clause 15A be now read a Second Time. The rationale for this is to prescribe the benefits for retired holders of offices under Article 108 of the Constitution who served for at least 18 consecutive calendar months within a term of Parliament. Thank you.

(Question, that the new clause be read a Second Time, proposed) Hon. Members: Put the question! (Question, that the new clause be read a Second Time, put and agreed to) (Question, that the new clause be added to the Bill, put and agreed to)

Section

THAT, the Bill be amended by inserting the following new Clause immediately after Clause 18— Insertion of a new Schedule in Cap. 196. 18A. The principal Act is amended by inserting the following new Schedule immediately after section 22— SCHEDULE [s. 20A (1)] BENEFITS FOR RETIRED PARTY LEADERS (a) One four-wheel vehicle of an engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc which shall be replaceable once every four years. (b) Vehicle maintenance expenses equivalent to the rate prescribed by the Commission under the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State officers) Act. (c) Two drivers. (d) Four-armed security guards, provided on request. (e) One housekeeper. (f) One cook. (g) Diplomatic passports, during the life of the retired leader, for the retired leader and the spouse. (h) Access to the government lounge at all airports within Kenya, during the life of the retired leader, for the retired leader and the spouse. (The new clause was read a First Time)

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Hon. Wangwe, move Second Reading.

Hon. Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe(ODM · Navakholo Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move that the new clause 18A be now read a Second Time. The rationale is to prescribe the additional benefits for the holders of the offices.

(Question, that the new clause be read a Second Time, proposed) (Question, that the new clause be read a Second Time, put and agreed to) (Question, that the new clause be added to the Bill, put and agreed to) (Clause 2 agreed to) (Title agreed to)

Section

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

There is an amendment to this Clause. Is the amendment by the Mover or by Hon. Wangwe? Hon. Wangwe, you have the microphone. It is now working.

Hon. Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe(ODM · Navakholo Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move: THAT, Clause 1 of the Bill be amended by inserting the words “and shall commence upon publication in the Gazette” immediately after the expression “2023”.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be inserted be inserted, put and agreed to) (Clause 1 as amended agreed to)

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Hon. Members, we are done with the consideration of that Bill. I now call the Mover to move reporting. Let us have Hon. Makali Mulu.

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move that the House reports its consideration of the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 5 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

(Question proposed) (Question put and agreed to)

Section

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Hon. Members, we are still in the Committee of the whole House. We now move to the Kenya National Library Service Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 20 of 2023).

(Clauses 3 and 4 agreed to)

Section

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Let us have the Mover, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture.

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move: THAT, the Bill be amended by deleting Clause 5 and substituting therefor the following new clause— Role of the National Government. 5. The National Government shall⎯ (a) develop the national library policy legislation and set the standards for the library sector; (b) provide capacity building and technical assistance to the county governments; (c) equip, develop, manage and maintain the national libraries; (d) acquire, preserve and maintain a collection of library resources, including books published within and outside Kenya and such other materials and sources of knowledge necessary for a comprehensive national bibliography; (e) liaise with other government agencies to ensure compliance by publishers with the Books and Newspapers Act; (f) carry out and promote research in the development of libraries and related services; (g) promote reading for knowledge, information and enjoyment through the stimulation of public interest in books and participation in campaigns for the eradication of illiteracy; (h) administering international standard numbers for books, serials and music; (i) publish the Kenya National Bibliography and the Kenya Periodicals Directory; (j) establish the national webcat to publish catalogues for all libraries; (k) provide a national library reference and referral service; and (l) perform any other function necessary for the attainment of the objectives of the Act. The amendment seeks to clearly spell out the role of the national Government in relation to library services, to avoid duplication and conflicts of mandate between the national Government and the county governments. These functions align with Legal Notice No. 142 of 2019, which delineates the functions between the national Government and the county governments in relation to library services.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to) (Clause 5 as amended agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move: THAT, clause 6 of the Bill be amended in sub-clause (1)(i) by inserting the words “and an ex officio member” immediately after the words “Chief Executive Officer” The justification is that the amendment seeks to provide that the Director General shall be an ex officio member of the board. This is to allow the Director General to sit in the board meetings and implement the decisions of the board.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be inserted be inserted, put and agreed to) (Clause 6 as amended agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move: THAT, clause 7 of the Bill be amended— (a) in sub-clause (1)— (i) by deleting the word “degree” appearing in paragraph (b) and substituting therefor the words “minimum of a bachelor’s degree” (ii) by deleting the word “seven” appearing in paragraph (c) and substituting therefor the word “five”; (b) in sub-clause (2)— (i) by deleting the word “degree” appearing in paragraph (b) and substituting therefor the words “minimum of a bachelor’s degree”; (ii) by deleting the word “five” appearing in paragraph (c) and substituting therefor the word “three”. The amendment seeks to ensure that for a person to be eligible for appointment as Chairperson or member of the board, the person must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree. It also provides that the years of experience at the management level shall be five years in the case of the chairperson, and three years in the case of a member of the board.

(Question of the amendment proposed) (Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to) (Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to)

(Clause 7 as amended agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move:
THAT, clause 8 of the Bill be amended by deleting paragraph (f).
The amendment seeks to eliminate the ambiguity that may arise in the interpretation of the provisions of a failure to meet tax and other statutory obligations, as a disqualification from membership to the board.

(Question of the amendment proposed)

(Question, that the words to be deleted be deleted, put and agreed to)

(Clause 8 as amended agreed to)

(Clause 9 agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move:
THAT, clause 10 of the Bill be amended in paragraph (c) by inserting the words “without the option of a fine” immediately after the words “imprisonment exceeding six months”.
The amendment seeks to ensure that a vacation from office of the chairperson or a member of the board on account of a criminal offence shall only occur when a person is convicted of a felony that does not allow the option of payment of a fine.

(Question of the amendment proposed)

(Question, that the words to be inserted be inserted, put and agreed to)

(Clause 10 as amended agreed to)

(Clauses 11, 12 and 13 agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move:
THAT, clause 14 of the Bill be amended by inserting the words “Salaries and Remuneration” immediately after the words “in consultation with the”.
The amendment seeks to specifically provide that the board members shall be paid such remuneration or allowances as may be determined by the Cabinet Secretary, in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

(Question of the amendment proposed)

(Question, that the words to be inserted be inserted, put and agreed to)

(Clause 14 as amended agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move:
THAT, Clause 15 of the Bill be amended—
(a) in sub-clause (1) by deleting the word “once” and substituting therefor the words “for one further term of three years”;
(b) in sub-clause (2)—
(i) by deleting the words “master’s degree” appearing in paragraph (b) and substituting therefor the words “minimum of a master’s degree”;
(ii) by deleting paragraph (c) and substituting therefor the following new paragraph—
“(c) has at least 10 years’ professional experience of which at least five years are at senior management level; and”

(Question of the amendment proposed)

(Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to)

(Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to)

(Clause 15 as amended agreed to)

(Clauses 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move:
THAT, Clause 29 of the Bill be amended by deleting the words “DirectorGeneral” and substituting therefor the words “Corporation Secretary”.
The amendment seeks to ensure that responsibility for keeping the Seal of the Board shall lie with the Corporation Secretary, in line with the recommendations of the Mwongozo Code of Governance for State Corporations.

(Question of the amendment proposed)

(Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to)

(Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to)

(Clause 29 as amended agreed to)

(Clauses 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 agreed to)

Section

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move:
THAT, the First Schedule to the Bill be amended by deleting paragraph (5) and substituting therefor the following new paragraph
“(5) The minutes of each meeting of the Board or of a committee of the Board shall be kept by the Corporation Secretary and shall be confirmed by the Board or the committee at the succeeding meeting and be duly signed by the Chairperson or the person presiding and the Director-General.”
The amendment seeks to ensure that the responsibility of keeping board minutes shall lie with the Corporation Secretary, in line with the recommendations of the Mwongozo Code of Governance for State Corporations.

(Question of the amendment proposed)

(Question, that the words to be left out be left out, put and agreed to)

(Question, that the words to be inserted in place thereof be inserted, put and agreed to)

(First Schedule as amended agreed to)

(Second Schedule agreed to)

(Third Schedule agreed to)

(Clause 2 agreed to)

Section

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Hon. Chairman, proceed to move your amendment.

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move:
THAT, the Long Title to the Bill be amended by inserting the words “to give effect to Article 11(2)(a) of the Constitution” immediately after the words “An Act of Parliament”.
The amendment seeks to expressly provide that the main object of the Bill is to give effect to the provisions of Article 11(2)(a) of the Constitution, which obligates the state to promote all forms of national and cultural expression through, among others, literature and libraries.

(Question of the amendment proposed)

(Question, that the words to be added be added, put and agreed to)

(Long Title as amended agreed to)

(Clause 1 agreed to)

The Temporary Chairman Hon. Jeremiah Milemba(ANC · Emuhaya Constituency)

Again, we have come to the end of this one. Therefore, I call upon the Mover to move the motion for reporting to the Plenary.

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Chairman, I beg to move that the Committee do report to the House its considerations of the Kenya National Library Service Bill (National Bill No.20 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

(Question proposed)

(Question put and agreed to)

(The House resumed)

Section

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

[The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Omboko Milemba) in the Chair]

Section

Topic

Hon. Hon. Owen Baya(UDA · Kilifi North Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the whole House has considered the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.5 of 2023) and approved the same with amendments.

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said report.
I request Hon. Rindikiri to second the Motion for agreement with the report of the Committee of the whole House.

(Question proposed)

(Question put and agreed to)

Section

Topic

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 5 of 2023) be now read a Third Time. I request Hon. Rindikiri to second.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Hon. Rindikiri, that is the English version of your name.

Hon. Hon. Mugambi Rindikiri(UDA · Buuri Constituency)

The correct pronunciation is Rindikiŕî and, traditionally, it is Rindikiri.
Hon. Temporary Speaker, I second.

(Question proposed)

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Hon. Makali Mulu, I was going to put the final Question. You nearly missed the opportunity to appreciate Members and other stakeholders on this Bill. You have had a long journey with it.
Please, make your final remarks.

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I seek your indulgence to appreciate Members for the long journey that we have travelled together…
(Technical hitch)

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Use the next microphone to your left. Please, switch off all the other microphones. Try that one.

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I appreciate this opportunity. I was seeking your indulgence, bearing in mind that we have walked a very long journey with this Bill. I would like to appreciate Hon. Members and specifically single out two of my colleagues who are not in the House -The Governor for Taita/Taveta and Hon. Dawood, who is the Member for North Imenti. We have worked together to make this Bill a reality. I also appreciate former Members of Parliament who served at different times and had breaks—the likes of Hon. Wamunyinyi and all those who had been pushing to make this Bill a reality so that they get their fair share of pension.
I thank the Speaker and the leadership of the House for facilitating the Bill. We have discussed this Bill in our annual meetings. I am very happy to see its enactment process get to this stage. I appreciate all the stakeholders who took part in processing this Bill.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Hon. Makali, it has indeed been a heavy task. You travelled through a long journey. I am sure you inherited the Bill from the Governor some time ago. Having been a religious follower of the House, I can confidently confirm this to the House. We thank the House leadership of the National Assembly for allowing sitting Members to adopt Bills that lapse with previous Parliaments. The arrangement allows a sitting Member to adopt a Bill moved by a Member in a previous Parliament whose term had lapsed before the Bill was enacted.
I will now put the final Question on the Third Reading of this Bill.

(Question put and agreed to)

(The Bill was accordingly read a Third Time and passed)

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Hon. Members, let us move to the next Bill, which is the Kenya National Library Service Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 20 of 2023). I call upon the Chairperson to report to the House.

Section

Topic

Hon. Hon. Owen Baya(UDA · Kilifi North Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to report that the Committee of the whole House has considered the Kenya National Library Services Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 20 of 2023) and approved the same with amendments.

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said Report.
I request Hon. Irene Mayaka to second.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Hon. Irene Mayaka loves sports. I am sure she has been watching all the World Cup matches. Please, proceed.

Hon. Hon. Irene Mayaka(ODM · Nominated)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, you are right. I have been watching the World Cup matches.
I beg to second.

(Question proposed)

(Hon. Members: Put the question.)

(Question put and agreed to)

Section

Topic

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the Kenya National Library Service Bill (National Assembly Bill No.20 of 2023) be now read a Third Time. I request Hon. Irene Mayaka to second.

(Question proposed)

(Question put and agreed to)

(The Bill was accordingly read a Third Time and passed)

Section

Topic

Hon. Hon. Joseph Lekuton(UDM · Laisamis Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No.5 of 2022) be now read a Second Time.
Hon. Temporary Speaker, this Bill was read a First Time in the National Assembly on 27th June 2023 and was thereafter referred to the National Assembly Committee on Powers and Privileges for consideration and reporting to the House. The Bill, which is sponsored by Senator Danson Mungatana, seeks to place a specific obligation on officials of the Executive, Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices to comply with the requirements to give feedback on Parliament’s resolutions.
The Bill provides a structured mechanism through which the Executive, Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices are required to give greater consideration to the issues raised and the recommendations made by Parliament. The Bill further seeks to amend Section 7 and delete Section 11 of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act to comply with the decision of the High Court in Apollo Mboya v. Attorney General & 2 Others (2018).
Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to amend Section 7 of the Act relating to the service of civil process by refining the procedure with regard to parliamentary proceedings. For clarity, the clause also replaces the words "either one or both Houses" with the reference "a House of Parliament." Clause 3 of the Bill seeks to delete Section 11 of the Act, which currently provides that no proceedings or decisions of Parliament or of the Committee of Powers and Privileges, acting in accordance with the Act, shall be questioned in any court. This is pursuant to the Judicial declaration on that provision.
Clause 4 of the Bill seeks to ensure accuracy in the numbering of sections following the deletion of Section 11 of the principal Act. Clause 5 of the Bill proposes the insertion of a new Part in the Act to impose an obligation on responsible officers to report to Parliament on parliamentary resolutions. It also specifies the procedure for the submission of reports on action taken in respect of parliamentary resolutions.
Hon. Temporary Speaker, the 2018 landmark decision on the case of Apollo Mboya versus Attorney General & 2 Others, Petition No.472 of 2017, the High Court of Kenya declared Sections 7 and 11 of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, 2017, unconstitutional, null and void. The High Court held that these provisions operated outside the law in that they unlawfully shielded Parliament and its committees from judicial scrutiny and unjustifiably limited the public's constitutional right of access to justice. The Bill, therefore, seeks to remedy the sections in line with the Judicial declaration.
Pursuant to its mandate under Standing Order 127, the National Assembly Committee on Powers and Privileges undertook the requisite public participation exercise and invited members of the public, as well as various stakeholders, to submit memoranda on the Bill. Following consultations with stakeholders, including the Office of the Attorney-General, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Committee recommends the deletion of Clause 5 of the Bill.
Clause 5 of the Bill proposes the insertion of a new Part 6A in the Act to provide for the manner in which the Executive, Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices should deal with reports on parliamentary resolutions. The Committee is of the view that this is a matter that should be addressed through the Standing Orders.
It is worth noting that the National Assembly has established the Committee on Implementation under Standing Order 209. The mandate of the Committee is espoused under Standing Order 209(2) as follows:
The Committee shall scrutinise the resolutions of the House, including adopted committee reports, members' reports, petitions and undertakings given by the National Executive and examine
1. Whether such resolutions and undertakings have been implemented and, where implemented, the extent to which they have been implemented and whether such implementation has taken place within the minimum time necessary; and,
2. Whether or not legislation passed by the House has been operationalised, and if so, the extent to which such operationalisation has taken place within the minimum time necessary.
The implication of this is that the National Assembly already has a system of implementing or following up on resolutions, which has so far been effective without legislative intervention, thus the proposal for deletion. I urge Members to read the Committee's Report on the Bill in order to fully appreciate it and enrich the debate.
Secondly, as a Committee, we will move amendments during the Committee of the whole House on the Bill to delete Clause 5 of the Bill for the reasons stated above, and amend the long title consequentially.
With those remarks, I beg to move and call upon Hon. Wanyama, Member for Webuye West, to second.
Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

Hon. Hon. Daniel Sitati(UDA · Webuye West Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, this is a very good Bill for this House. I beg to second.

(Question proposed)

Hon. Hon. Benson Mulu(WDM · Kitui Central Constituency)

No, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Very well. There being no further interest in this particular Bill, I call upon the Mover to reply.

Hon. Hon. Joseph Lekuton(UDM · Laisamis Constituency)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I would like to thank you and the Members for considering this Bill and listening attentively.
I reply.

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Very well. We shall deal with the rest of the business later.

(Putting the question deferred)

Section

Topic

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

THAT, this House notes the Report of the Kenya Delegation to the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related meetings held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19th to 23rd October, 2025, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 11th March 2026.
Hon. Members, the Leader of Delegation is one of the Members attending a meeting in Room 9. Therefore, we defer this Motion to the next session.

(Motion deferred)

Topic

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

THAT, this House adopts the Second Report of the Committee on Implementation on status of Reports on Petitions and Resolutions passed by the House, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday 26th October 2023.
Hon. Members, the Chairperson of the Committee on Implementation had indicated that he would deal with this Motion in the next session. Therefore, we will defer it to the next session.

(Motion deferred)

Topic

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Public Petitions Committee on its consideration of Public Petition No. 14 of 2025 regarding the proposal to amend the Consumer Protection Act to provide for the In Duplum rule, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 1st April 2026.
Chairperson, Public Petitions Committee. Again, Hon. Members, this Motion is deferred to the next session.

(Motion deferred)

Topic

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy on its examination of the audited financial statements of selected State Corporations in the roads and transport sector, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 14th October 2025.
Hon. Members, the Chairperson of the Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy had requested that this Motion be deferred to the next session, and permission was granted. Therefore, we also defer this Motion to the next sitting.

(Motion deferred)

Section

Topic

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Hon. Irene Mayaka is not in the House. Therefore, the Bill is deferred to the next session.

(Bill deferred)

Topic

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Hon. Members, the Leader of the Majority Party has business elsewhere. He requested that we defer initiation of debate on this Bill to the next session.

(Debate on the Bill deferred)

Topic

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Hon. Members, this is one of the Bills whose debate we had been requested to defer to the next session.

(Debate on the Bill deferred)

Section

The Temporary Speaker(Hon. Jeremiah Milemba)

Hon. Members, there being no further business, the House stands adjourned until Thursday, 2nd July 2026 at 2.30 p.m.

(The House rose at 6.12 p.m.)

← Back to National Assembly Hansard archive · Permanent link to this day