THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS | THURSDAY 26TH JUNE 2025 | MORNING SESSION

The morning session of Kenya's National Assembly on Thursday, 26th June 2025, was focused on deliberating key constitutional amendments, particularly the entrenchment of various national development funds into the constitution. These funds include the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF), Government Affirmative Action Fund (GAAF), and a proposed Senate Oversight Fund. The session featured extensive debate on the impact and necessity of these funds in promoting equitable development and addressing local needs across Kenyan constituencies.

Bills Discussed

• Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 15 of 2025 – Passed through second reading, with emphasis on regulating and licensing virtual asset services.
• Constitution of Kenya Amendment Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 4 of 2025 – Focused on entrenching the NGCDF, GAAF, and Senate Oversight Fund into the constitution.

Topics Discussed

• Importance of entrenching NGCDF, GAAF, and Senate Oversight Fund in the constitution.
• Public participation in constitutional amendments and development planning.
• Impact of NGCDF on education infrastructure and bursaries.
• Comparison of CDF functions and county governments' roles.
• Potential legal challenges and the need for constitutional entrenchment to safeguard funds.
• Debate on members of parliament's roles concerning fund oversight and management.
• Addressing misinformation about CDF management and benefits.

Key Takeaways and Decisions

• The National Assembly moved to read the Constitution of Kenya Amendment Bill for the second time, indicating strong support for integrating critical development funds into the constitutional framework.
• The Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill was read a second time, advancing legislation for regulating digital currencies and related services.

Major Participants

• Hon. Otiende Amolo: Strong advocate for constitutional amendments to include NGCDF and related funds, emphasizing their impact on development.
• Hon. Samuel Chepkonga: Co-sponsor of the constitutional amendment bill, working towards strengthening development funds.
• Hon. Beatrice Kemei: Advocated for increased support and entrenchment of GAAF in the constitution.
• Hon. Irene Mayaka: Emphasized public participation and the visible impact of development funds.

Key Moments

• Intense debate over the role and impact of the NGCDF in local development.
• Several members expressed the need for parliamentarians to rally and secure the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments.
• An emotional appeal by members to safeguard and enhance the reach of national development funds, emphasizing their necessity for equitable progress.

Notable Quotes

• “The Constitution is not the Bible summarized in the Ten Commandments; it is a working document that can be adjusted.” – Hon. Otiende Amolo
• “To deny citizens a right they have enjoyed legally is a travesty; we can only enhance it.” – Hon. Beatrice Kemei

This summary was generated from official YouTube livestreams of the Kenyan Parliament using bunge-bits, an automated transcription and summarization tool.