Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Hon. Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, appeared before the Senate to respond to questions raised by Senator Karen Nyamu (Nominated) on the Government’s plan to commercialize the National Youth Service (NYS). The session focused on youth employment creation, skills development, and governance reforms within the Service.

The National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock has begun an inquiry into the pricing of tea in Kenya following concerns raised by Members of Parliament over disparities in farmers’ bonuses between regions east and west of the Rift Valley.

The National Assembly has been urged to safeguard the ancestral rights and livelihoods of the Kiwayu Island community in Lamu East, following reports of illegal encroachment and fraudulent land allocations within the Kiunga Marine National Reserve.

The House has approved the ratification of the amendment to article 24(2)a on the establishment of East African Community (EAC) Customs Union, paving way for the accommodation of the EAC new entrants to the Trade Remedies Committee.

Kenya now joins states that are in the process of ratifying the amendment. Once all the nine partner states complete the process, the Republic of Rwanda, Burundi, Southern Sudan, DRC Congo and Somalia will each nominate three members to the Trade Remedies Committee.