The Senate has passed a Motion that will help initiate a national conversation and foster an amiable environment following protests witnessed across the country over the last five weeks.

In the resolutions, the Senate called for the National Police Service (NPS) to acknowledge and apologize for all deaths resulting from peaceful demonstrations. The Senate also demanded compensation for all victims of police brutality related to peaceful protests between 2023 and 2024 by the Government of the Republic of Kenya.

Senators argued that the steps were essential in restoring trust between the public and law enforcement.

The lawmakers called on the NPS to extend amnesty to all peaceful protesters unlawfully detained during these demonstrations, urging the Director of Public Prosecutions to withdraw all cases in court involving peaceful protestors against the Finance Bill.

To ensure accountability, the Senate called upon the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate and recommend appropriate action against police officers found culpable of using excessive force against peaceful protestors.

Additionally, the House resolved that Parliament should implement guidelines to actualize Article 37 of the Constitution, ensuring citizens enjoy the right to picket without resulting in loss of life or property.

It directed several Select Committees to engage relevant stakeholders, including the public, on pressing issues. The Standing Committee on Finance and Budget was tasked with auditing the national debt in consultation with the Parliamentary Budget Office and present the actual status to Parliament. 

The committee was also asked to engage the National Treasury to submit a roadmap on its strategy to reduce public debt to not more than 55% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in present value terms, as per Section 50 (2) (c) of the Public Finance Management Act.

The Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights was tasked to repeal sections 2 and 12 (a) of the National Government Administration Laws (Amendment) Act, which established the position of Chief Administrative Secretaries. In addition, it was directed to introduce legislation to cap the number of Principal Secretaries appointed pursuant to Article 155 of the Constitution of Kenya and establish a legal mechanism for merging parastatals and state agencies with duplicate functions to achieve a lean government.

On security sector reforms, the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Affairs was tasked to engage with the National Police Service on matters of security and standard operating procedures for handling demonstrations.

It was also tasked with ensuring compensation for all persons whose property was damaged or lost due to the demonstrations and fast-tracking insurance compensation to police officers who lost their lives or suffered injuries as a result of the protests.

To combat corruption, the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights was directed to engage the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to scale up efforts to address corruption, especially in county governments. 

The Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration was tasked to audit employment in the public service, including county governments, and propose strategies to ensure meritocracy, equality and equity of opportunities.

Effective public participation and stakeholder engagement were also prioritized by the Senators in their resolution. 

The Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights will implement mechanisms ensuring broader citizen concerns, especially from the youth, were considered in public affairs decisions with integration of “new media” as a medium for public participation in legislative processes.

With regards to Health sector reforms that were termed ‘urgent’, the Standing Committee on Health was asked to expedite public participation in re-enacting the Social Health Insurance Act, the Digital Health Act and the Primary Health Care Act, in compliance with a High Court judgement.

Furthermore, the Standing Committee on Education was directed to address concerns regarding Junior Secondary School (JSS) education, the new funding model for university education, and the Competence-Based Curriculum. The committee is expected to report their findings and recommendations to the Senate within 30 days.

According to the legislators, the resolutions marked the Senate’s commitment to healing a fractured nation, fostering dialogue and implementing reforms to ensure justice, equity and prosperity for all Kenyans.