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national assembly
17 June 2025
4h 41m
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS | TUESDAY 17TH JUNE , 2025 | AFTERNOON SESSION

National Assembly Proceedings Summary

Tuesday 18 June, 2025 | Afternoon Session

The session focused on the Second Reading of the Finance Bill, 2025, alongside the First Reading of two key appropriation bills. Members also considered a special motion approving three appointments to the National Police Service Commission. Debate around the Finance Bill highlighted issues of tax equity, digital compliance, and social protection. Several members voiced support while urging caution on measures that might burden ordinary Kenyans. Additional focus was placed on constituency development fund disbursements, regional disparities, and parliamentary independence.

Bills Discussed

  • Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 21 of 2025 – First Reading; publication period reduced from 7 to 6 days
  • Appropriation Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 23 of 2025 – First Reading; publication period reduced from 7 to 5 days
  • The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 4 of 2025 – Mentioned in committee report
  • Finance Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 19 of 2025 – Second Reading
  • Special Motion: Appointment to the National Police Service Commission – Approved nominees Ms. Peris Mudoni Kimani, Mr. Benjamin Juma Imai, and Prof. Coletta A. Suda

Topics Discussed

  • Tax fairness and the impact of digital economy taxation
  • Rising fuel prices and proposals for exemption of key inputs
  • Constituency Development Fund (CDF) delays and budget disbursement challenges
  • Climate change response and funding for ASAL regions
  • Education funding, NG-CDF bursaries, and support for students
  • Financing of the Kenya Revenue Authority and audit transparency
  • Role of Parliament in protecting national economic sovereignty

Key Takeaways and Decisions

  • First Reading of both the Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill and the Appropriation Bill completed
  • House approved publication waivers for both bills to expedite debate
  • The National Assembly approved three nominees to the National Police Service Commission
  • Second Reading of the Finance Bill began, with multiple MPs contributing positions

Major Participants

  • Hon. Naomi Waqo, Deputy Speaker: Presided over the session
  • Hon. Kuria Kimani, Chair, Finance Committee: Introduced the Finance Bill and summarized committee recommendations
  • Hon. Makali Mulu: Cautioned against over-reliance on digital taxation and praised targeted subsidy protection
  • Hon. Robert Mbui: Urged for increased education funding and proper CDF utilization
  • Hon. Yusuf Hassan: Called for greater tax equity and strengthened oversight of KRA
  • Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi: Advocated for locally driven economic solutions
  • Hon. Mishi Mboko: Emphasized gender equity and investment in girls' education

Key Moments

  • Parliament approved the appointment of three commissioners to the National Police Service Commission
  • Multiple members raised concerns over fairness in tax administration and urged protection of vulnerable households
  • Delays in disbursement of NG-CDF funds were flagged as urgent by several MPs

Notable Quotes

  • “The moment you tax the tools of production, you reduce productivity.” – Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi
  • “We must be seen to protect the hustler from oppressive tax policies.” – Hon. Makali Mulu
  • “Revenue is important, but Parliament must remain the guardian of the people’s economic welfare.” – Hon. Yusuf Hassan

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