Parliament of Kenya

𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝟏 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒/𝟐𝟓 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐓𝐡𝐮, 𝐉𝐮𝐥 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The National Assembly has given its green light to the Supplementary Estimate 1 for the 2024/25 financial year. The approval comes amidst a challenging economic climate that has necessitated adjustments to the original budget.

The Supplementary Estimates, tabled by the Budget and Appropriations Committee, proposed a significant reduction across the Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary, constitutional commissions as well as counties.

This move was primarily driven by the need to rationalize spending and align the budget with the revised fiscal framework following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2024.

𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀

The adoption of the Supplementary Estimates 1 by Members of the National Assembly forms the basis for the Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

The Supplementary Appropriation Bill seeks to authorize the issuance of certain sums of money from the Consolidated Fund. It is based on the Supplementary I Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2024/25 and allocates funds for recurrent and development expenses.

The National Assembly is expected to begin consideration of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill on Tuesday, 30th July 2024.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝟭 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰/𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿

𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐔𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐈𝐕/𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐒, 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀, 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐕𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐒

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

A joint session of Parliament's Health Committee has raised concerns about attempts by donor partners in the health sector to economically disadvantage Kenya through practices that foster overdependence on their support for financing programs related to HIV/AIDS, malaria, and vaccine procurement.

The National Assembly Health Committee and the Senate Standing Committee on Health allege that these agencies have developed a habit of creating algorithms designed to advance their interests at the expense of the Kenyan people.

The lawmakers mentioned the Global Fund and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), describing them as the most notorious for advancing such practices, despite their support in financing critical programs in the health sector.

They spoke during the approval hearing of the nominee for the Director General of Health position Dr. Patrick Amoth.

“We faced many challenges with procurement, particularly concerning items like cancer medications and malaria mosquito nets. In your opinion, what steps should we take to become independent and ensure that our cooperation with these agencies does not lead to the development of an algorithm designed to advance their interests at the expense of our people? Posed Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina.

“Is there plan to have the country self-reliant in matters related to procurement of vaccines, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and support for TB programs,” asked Ndhiwa MP Martin Peters Owino.

In his response, Dr. Amoth stated that the Ministry of Health has begun developing a sustainability plan to give Kenya greater leverage in managing and running its programs.

He stated that, by assessing the fiscal space, available resources, human resources for health, and existing infrastructure, the country can finance all programs currently funded by donors through the national budget within the next five years.

“Sometimes it's tough, especially when you're in a situation where this type of support is only available from a specific partner. These are the conditions and the price you sometimes have to pay for being part of the underdeveloped world,” he said.

“But going forward to your support to this committee and the rest of the country. We need especially for her we need to plan for her as a country. That is when we can be able to talk about independence,” he stated.

“Moving forward, your support is crucial not only to this Ministry but to the entire country. We need to plan strategically for health as a nation. Only then can we begin to discuss true independence,” he added.

Endebess MP Hon. (Dr.) Robert Pukose, who chairs the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, sought to know from Dr. Amoth what his plans would be once he is approved and confirmed as Director General of Health under the Ministry of Health.

“What is the one thing you will do once approved by Parliament and confirmed by the Cabinet Secretary of Health?” Dr. Pukose asked, a question that was echoed by Nominated Senator Omar Mariam Sheikh, who is also the vice-chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health.
Dr. Amoth, who has been acting the Director General for Health in the Ministry of Health, for the past 4 years pledged to address the longstanding human resource conflicts affecting various departments within the Ministry of Health, including resolving issues related to industrial strikes and the posting of medical interns.

This is even as he made a case for the Kenya Health Human Resource Advisory Council (KHHRAC) to be resourced properly to enable it deliver on its mandate.

Under the Health Act of 2017, KHHRAC is mandated to review policies and establish uniform norms and standards for the posting of interns to both National and County Government facilities, as well as for the inter-county transfer of healthcare professionals.

The Act also stipulates that KHHRAC shall manage the transfer of healthcare professionals between different levels of government, oversee the welfare and service schemes for health professionals, handle the management and rotation of specialists, and maintain a master register for all health practitioners in the counties.

“If approved by Parliament and confirmed to this position, I will be requesting your support in adequately resourcing this institution to help us address industrial strikes, such as the one concerning the posting of medical interns, and to manage the human resources within the Ministry of Health and the County governments,” said Dr. Amoth, who also the Vice President of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO), representing the African region.

“Currently, KHHRAC is underfunded as well as understaffed, it has only the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and three other staff. Therefore, being unable to execute its mandate effectively,” he added.

He explained that if the institution had been in place and well-resourced, the industrial strikes by health professionals witnessed in the country could have been averted by addressing their welfare and the scheme of service.

On the critical debate whether Health function should be reverted back to the National government, Dr. Amoth emphasize the need for consultation, cooperation, and technical assistance to help counties deliver on their mandate.

He highlighted the importance of a more robust framework to support counties in their efforts to provide essential services to citizens.

“I cannot imagine at any given day that the health function which is a devolved function being taken back to the national government. If you look at the infrastructure as well as the equipment they have put in place as a ministry I can tell you that devolved is working but there are teething problems to make it better,” he stated.

“For example, if you look at the healthcare infrastructure, some counties buy up to 10 ambulances to support their services, really we cannot go back those days when things were centralized,” he held.

At the national level, he reiterated that counties need support to fulfill their mandate through technical assistance and by ensuring they have the resources necessary to continue delivering healthcare services.

Kitutu Chache South Hon. Richard Kibagendi asked Dr. Amoth to disclose whether he will be courageous enough and have gut to confront the overreaching, especially of those who are close to the presidency and the President's advisors.

“So I'm concerned will you be confident enough to tell the president and those who sometimes misguide him that this is inappropriate and this cannot work? This will be will this will embarrass us when the courts when members of the public go to court? Posed Hon. Kibagendi.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY REJECTS THE FINANCE BILL ( NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 30 OF 2024) IN ITS ENTIRETY BY DELETING ALL CLAUSES

Parliament Buildings
Thursday, 25th July, 2024

This afternoon, in a Committee of the Whole House, Members voted in agreement with the President's Reservations and the recommendation to delete all the Clauses of the Finance Bill, 2024.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗢 𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗛.𝗘. 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁.

To complete the process contemplated under Article 115 of the Constitution, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁.

𝐒𝐄𝐍. 𝐅𝐀𝐊𝐈 : 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐍𝐒

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Sen. Mohamed Faki (Mombasa) has requested a statement from the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources regarding the ownership of freehold land by non-citizens of Kenya.

Sen. Faki’s request follows a recent statement by the former Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Alice Wahome, that foreign residents are not allowed to own freehold land in Kenya. This statement has caused panic and fear among foreign investors and Kenyan citizens, particularly in Mombasa and the Coast region, where many foreigners own land and businesses.

“Article 65(1) of the Constitution provides that a person who is not a citizen may hold land on the basis of leasehold tenure only and any such lease, however granted, shall not exceed ninety-nine years,” said Sen. Faki.

He, however, wondered why Land Registrars are refusing to deal with land transactions leading to confusion among members of the Public.

The Mombasa Senator has urged the Committee on Lands to outline any measures the Government has put in place to convert the freehold land owned by non-citizens to leaseholds. He also seeks an explanation of any legal framework the Government has proposed for this conversion process.

𝐒𝐄𝐍. 𝐅𝐀𝐊𝐈 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐇𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒.

Sen. Mohamed Faki Mwinyihaji (Mombasa) has asked the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to furnish the Senate with a report on the status of the human resource department of the County Government of Mombasa.

The Senator observed that the County Government of Mombasa has since the inception of devolution attracted adverse reports from the Auditor-General on matters Human Resources.

Moreover, Sen. Faki expressed concern over the recurrent expenditure on human resources that takes up about 48% of the total budget of the county which is contrary to the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act.

In his request, the Mombasa Senator has urged the Committee to establish why the County Government of Mombasa has been unable to implement its own report on Human Resource Management within the county and explain why the County Government continues to recruit more personnel despite the wage bill exceeding the stipulated 35% maximum under the PFM Act.

In addition, Sen. Faki tasked the Committee, chaired by Sen. Julius Murgor, with outlining the steps taken by the County Government to reduce the wage bill to an acceptable level, considering the understaffing in critical departments affecting service delivery.

𝐁𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Sen. Wakili Hillary Sigei (Bomet) has called for an urgent investigation into numerous stalled and abandoned infrastructure projects in Bomet County, citing concerns over wasted public resources and the deprivation of essential services to residents.

Rising pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1), Sen. Sigei sought a statement from the Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation regarding stalled and/or abandoned infrastructure projects in Bomet County that have remained incomplete for periods ranging from three to ten years.

The senator highlighted 11 key projects that require immediate attention, including the Governor's residence in Tarakwa, various ward offices and critical road developments such as the Saseta-Cherpiriri Road and the Kolongei-Kipsigis Road. Other notable projects mentioned were the Merigi Sot TTI Access Road, Mogoiywet-Ng'anet Road and the Kiswahili Bridge in Silibwet Township Ward.

"Several incomplete and abandoned infrastructure projects in Bomet County represent a significant waste of public resources and have deprived the residents of the services and facilities they rightfully deserve," Sen. Sigei emphasized, underscoring the impact on local communities.

The Bomet Senator asked the Committee to provide reasons for the project delays and insights into the tendering processes and budgetary allocations. Specifically, he asked the Committee to provide a comprehensive report that comprise copies of tender advertisements, evaluation reports and Bills of Quantities for each project.

Furthermore, Sen. Sigei requested for a status update on the development stages, expenditures incurred and any pending payments to contractors.

"The Committee should state the timelines within which these projects are expected to be completed and/or put to use," he added.

The call for this investigation comes amid growing frustration among Bomet County residents over the lack of progress on these crucial infrastructure projects, which are considered essential for the region's growth and development.

𝐒𝐄𝐍. 𝐌𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐉 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐑𝐒

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Sen. Miraj Abdullahi has called on the Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation to provide a detailed report on the international convention on training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers to ensure seafarers meet the international technical requirements.

Speaking on the floor of the House, Sen. Miraj asked the members of Sen. Karungo wa Thang’wa-led Committee to ensure that the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa furnishes the Senate with an elaborate report that details the compliance progress report for International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions and related instruments.

“The Committee should also establish measures taken by the Bandari Maritime Academy and the Kenya Maritime Authority to support students and graduates attain full international recognition of their certificates of competence,” emphasized the Senator.

The legislator also requested the Roads Committee to specify the measures put in place to ensure a detailed pathway for further specialized training within the context of the courses being offered by the Academy—from certificates and diplomas to the highest levels attainable.

In August 2023, Sen. Miraj had, on the floor of the Senate, highlighted the challenges faced by Kenyan seafarers regarding international recognition of the certificates of competence issued by the Academy.

𝐒𝐄𝐍. 𝐎𝐍𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐊𝐀 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐊𝐈𝐀

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Sen. Richard Onyonka (Kisii) has requested a detailed report from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing regarding the alleged leasing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) under the 'Build, Operate and Transfer' model of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to a private company.

Sen. Onyonka has asked the Committee to confirm whether the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has entered into an agreement with M/S ADANI Commercial, a private company, to lease JKIA under this PPP model. If an agreement exists, he demands details of the terms, including costs to be incurred by airlines and other airport users.

The Committee is required to present the contract documents to the Senate, providing information on the ownership of M/S ADANI Commercial, the selection and award process of the lease and whether public participation was involved.

"State whether a tendering process was conducted, disclose the details of the contract award, the number of bids received, the criteria used in selecting the company and the cost of the award," Sen. Onyonka insisted.

The Committee, led by Sen. Karungo Thang’wa, shall also be required to provide details of the contract between KAA and M/S ALG, a Spanish firm acting as the transaction advisor. This includes information on the company's ownership, the selection process and the KES. 160 million payment for developing an Air Transport Policy in Kenya.

Additionally, the lawmaker seeks records of the KAA board meeting held on July 15, 2024, including the notice, agenda, minutes and resolutions stating whether the government plans to avail free land to the company to build a city-side development on public land which may lead to land disputes in areas surrounding JKIA.

𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐔𝐒 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐒, 𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Japan Ambassador to Kenya Ken Okaniwa has urged the Senate to help the Government implement the National Automotive Policy to promote the local assembly of cars in the country.

The policy seeks to unlock the potential of the automotive industry in Kenya by scaling up local production and assembly of motor vehicles and parts and implementing a total ban on the importation of used fully built units of commercial vehicles.

While meeting with the Senate Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialization, and Tourism earlier today, Ambassador Okaniwa informed Senators that the National Automotive Policy was put in place to stop the importation of used cars in the country and its non-implementation is negatively affecting the local automotive industry.

He explained that cheaper and older cars are entering the market at the moment due to the non-implementation of the policy making locally assembled automotive unattractive to Kenyans and asked the Members of the Senator Lenku Seki-led Committee to consider giving incentives to the automotive companies.

“In February this year when President Ruto met with Japan's Prime Minister, Toyota agreed to invest in the KBM factory in Ruiru to promote local assembly by installing new production equipment. If the National Automotive Policy isn’t implemented, this will be a hard nut to crack,” Ambassador Okaniwa said.

The Japanese diplomat explained that Kenya would benefit from phasing out the old cars from the market since they aren’t energy efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
Senators reiterated the need to manufacture and assemble cars in the country and resolved to follow up on the implementation of the policy, adding that its implementation will go a long way in creating job opportunities for the youth.

They, however, requested Japan to consider setting up manufacturing factories in addition to the assembling factories across the country and training Kenyan mechanical engineers to enable them to manufacture original motor vehicle parts.

“Saying we need more vehicles assembled locally is like rubbing a zero and writing an O. We need to make Kenya an original vehicle parts manufacturer. How can Japan help Kenya to become a manufacturing country?” Busia Senator Okoiti Omtatah posed.

“We will work together so that we can help our country have good legislation and policies that will make the economy grow,” Kajiado Senator Lenku Seki added.

Ambassador Ken Okaniwa was appearing before the Senate Trade Committee to deliberate on Japan’s support for Kenya’s trade and industrialization and the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone.

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃𝐒’ 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒

The Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure chaired by Ndia MP, Hon. George Kariuki made deliberations on the following Bills:-

I. Kenya Roads Board (Amendment) Bill 2024 by Hon. Charles Gimose, MP

II. Kenya Roads Board (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by the Leader of the Majority, MP

III. Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill 2024 by Hon. Naisula Leesuda, MP

The Kenya Roads Board(Amendment) Bill, 2024 sponsored by Hon. Charles Gimose, seeks to amend the Kenya Roads Board Act,(No.7 of 1999) to provide for the inclusion of the members of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) committee into the constituency roads’ committee.

The Bill further intends to provide mandatory consultative mechanism between the National Government Constituency Development Fund(NG-CDF) Board and the Kenya Roads Board. This is geared towards ensuring adequate representation of the citizentry in the operations of the Kenya Roads Board.

If the Bill is enacted, it will provide a mechanism for consultations between the National Government Constituency Development Fund Committee and the Kenya Roads Board in all matters relating to all roads in the respective constituencies.

The Bill also contains provisions that affect the functions and powers of the county government in terms of Article 110 (1) (a) of the Constitution.

Hon. Naisula Lesuuda-sponsored Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2024, looks to amend the Kenya Roads Act to make provision for design and construction of lanes for non-motorized transport.

The Bill also seeks to amend section 4 of the Act to make provision for the Kenya National Highways Authority, section 7 of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority and section 10 of the Act to make provision for the Kenya Urban Roads Authority to design and construct lanes for non-motorized transport such as side-walks ,pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes in designated roads under its control.

On the other hand, the Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah- sponsored the Kenya Roads Board (Amendment) Bill, 2024 intends to amend Section 7(1) and the first schedule to the Kenya Roads Board Act, 1999 to reduce the membership of the Board and the institutions from which the membership may be nominated.

It also seeks to delete the word "Minister" and substitute it with "Cabinet Secretary" to align with the constitution.

The lawmakers agreed to review input from other stakeholders and consider the recommendations to put inplace before the chair George Kariuki can present the report of the Committee to the House for further consideration.

𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘, 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐘𝐀’𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐁𝐀𝐋 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐓𝐄 (𝐆𝐆𝐆𝐈)

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Members of the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Environment Forestry and Mining have resolved to further engage the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry and other stakeholders before making a determination on Kenya’s Membership to the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).

In a meeting chaired by Baringo South legislator and the Committee’s Vice-chairperson Hon. Charles Kamuren, the Committee’s Legal Counsel took Members through a detailed scrutiny of provisions of the agreement, obligations imposed to Member States and the possible benefits to the country.

"Looking at the presentation and specifically to other African Countries, GGGI already has 9 African Countries including our neighbors Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda, this tells you that we are lagging behind if indeed the initiative is geared towards supporting developing Countries", said Hon. Beatrice Kemei, the Kericho County MP.

"Chair, that means if we stand to benefit, as a Committee, we need to move with speed as we give it the much needed seriousness to complete the process", she added.

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty based intergovernmental organization that supports and promotes sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies, provides green growth services to Governments, promotes Climate Action and helps address policy, capacity gaps and challenges.

Upon its accession, Kenya shall be in position to attend and participate in the biennial meetings of the GGGI Assembly, guide cooperative partnerships and linkages with other international bodies and also carry out all the functions of the Assembly including electing Members to the Council, appointing the Director/General among other requirements.

Currently GGGI boasts of a membership of forty-eight (48) including 9 African Countries.

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐄𝐓 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐒

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

National Assembly Committee on Appointments chaired by Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula this morning met to set the mood and prepare for the upcoming vetting of Cabinet Secretary Nominees starting on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

“Hon. Members, as you are aware, the House received nomination of 20 persons for appointment as Cabinet Secretaries. The President, in exercising powers conferred on him by Articles 152(2) of the Constitution, as read together with sections 3 and 5 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011, had forwarded the list of appointees for consideration by Parliament”, the Speaker said.

“As a matter of procedure that list of appointees was referred to this committee for vetting and approval or otherwise disapproval for appointment to the position," added Speaker.

Dr. Wetang’ula implored Members of the Committee to prepare for long hours of thorough scrutiny of the candidates while emphasizing adherence to instruments of the law and, in particular, Chapter 6 of the constitution on leadership and integrity.

The Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Samuel Njoroge highlighted the schedules of interview dates as he indicated that candidates had been notified of the schedule of interviews and the venue.

He further indicated that the public continues to send in Memoranda, which will be considered by the Committee in the process of vetting.

The Committee on Appointment chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is deputized by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Gladys Boss and comprises of the following members; Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah, Hon. Anthony Kimani, Hon. Owen Baya, Hon. Robert Mbui, Hon. Rahab Mukami, Hon. Dido Raso, Hon. George Murugara, Hon. David Gikaria, Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi, Hon. Mary Emaase, Hon. Rahim Dawood, Hon. Junet Mohammed, Hon. Caleb Amisi, Hon. Stephen Mule, Hon. Nelson Koech, Hon. Abdi Shurie, Hon. Naisula Lesuuda, Hon. David Pkosing and Hon. Mishi Mboko.

However, the Speaker clarified that Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, who was a member of the Committee will not be attending to vet CSs but will be appearing before the committee to be vetted.

𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐘 𝐀𝐓 𝐊.𝐏.𝐂.𝐔

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲, 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒.

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has directed the management of the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (K.P.C.U) to review its approach to warehouse modernization.

The Committee chaired by Hon. James Gakuya (Embakasi North) in a report expressed concerns that current mode where the agency is refurbishing multiple storage facilities is not cost-effective and may not achieve its intended results.

“We recommend that once New KPCU receives budgetary allocation for modernization of its warehouses, it should prioritize the completion of one warehouse at a time,” reads the report tabled at the floor of the House by Committee Vice Chairperson Hon Marianne Kitany (Aldai), in part.

“This approach is proposed because the agency attempted to modernize multiple warehouses simultaneously, resulting in slow progress towards completion. By prioritizing one warehouse at a time, the agency can streamline the process and achieve more efficient results,” adds the report.

Members of the Hon Gakuya-led committee in the report recommended that the National Assembly should consider and approve the allocation of Kshs. 15 billion in the current financial year, for the optimal operation of the Coffee Cherry Fund.

They observed that the amount will adequately cater for the upscaling of payment to the coffee farmers across the country. The committee noted that the current allocation of Kshs. 4 billion in the 2023/ 2024 financial year is insufficient.

In March, members of the House Team conducted an inspection visit of the New K.P.C.U headquarters in Nairobi, where they also engaged the management of the agency led by CEO Timothy Mirugi.

The lawmakers also undertook inspection tours of the union godowns at Dandora in Nairobi County, Sagana in Kirinyaga county and Meru town in Meru County where they apprised themselves on the agency’s operations.

𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐒

𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐓 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀 _ IN THE MATTER OF ARTICLE 118(1)(b) AND 152(2) OF THE CONSTITUTION AND IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS (PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL) ACT, CAP. 7F AND IN THE MATTER OF APPROVAL BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF PERSONS NOMINATED FOR APPOINTMENT AS CABINET SECRETARIES.

𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝟏 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒/𝟐𝟓 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The National Assembly has today commenced
debate on the Supplementary Estimates 1 for the Financial Year 2024/2025.

This follows a motion, moved by the Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Hon. Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu).

The Supplementary Estimates 1 outlines a Ksh. 146 billion reduction in the overall budget. This includes a Ksh. 38.9 billion cut in current expenditure and a Ksh. 107.4 billion reduction in capital expenditure.

While making his remarks, Hon. Ndindi Nyoro, emphasized the need for fiscal discipline in light of the current economic climate.

"The cuts have been done in all levels of government. The cuts have been spread across the two levels of government. Even the county governments are losing Ksh 20 billion in their equitable share out of the realities that we face at the moment," added the Kiharu legislator.

Members of Parliament acknowelged the unprecedented nature of the First Supplementary Estimates of the 2024/25 financial year. A number of legislators spoke to the implications of the budget cuts, particularly on ongoing projects.

Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza) highlighted the need to prioritize completion of existing projects.
"One very important thing that I have noticed is that we've had a lot of cuts. We, therefore, should complete the ongoing projects before we start new ones because of the financial constraints," stated Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi.

Chairperson Committee on Health, Hon. Dr. Robert Pukose (Endebess) and Chairperson Committee on Education, Hon. Julius Melly (Tinderet) highlighted budget cuts that have affected key sector programmes.

To remedy this, the Budget and Appropriations Committee in its Report has recommended
the National Treasury ensures that at least 30% of the national budget is allocated to development expenditure during the preparation of the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS), in accordance with the fiscal responsibility principle, as set out in section 15(2)(a) of the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, CAP 412A.

In its Report, the Budget and Approprtioans Committee also called for financial discipline. The Committee directed the National Treasury to provide a comprehensive report on Appropriation-In-Aid (AIA), review legal frameworks governing State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to optimize revenue collection and reduce the fiscal deficit.

On his part, the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichungwah (Kikuyu) spoke of possibility of additional supplementary budgets in the coming months. He urged the National Treasury to closely monitor revenue collection and expenditure to avoid excessive borrowing.

"I ask the National Treasury, as they begin implementing this budget and as the ministries and state departments take shape, they will need to further review these budgets to be able to align them with the new governance system and to ensure that there are further cuts so that if the projected revenues are not realised then we do not need to go out and borrow much more," stated Hon. Kimani Ichung'wa (Kikuyu).

The National Assembly is expected to continue debate on the Supplementary Estimates 1 with legislators proceeding to the Committee of Supply for detailed consideration of individual votes and programs tomorrow, Thursday, July 25th 2024.