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{
    "id": 1028273,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1028273/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 309,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Prof.) Kamar",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 33,
        "legal_name": "Margaret Jepkoech Kamar",
        "slug": "margaret-kamar"
    },
    "content": "crucial traditions and customs that have and are important to order decorum in the House proceedings. Such practices include, but are not limited to, when a Senator is called out to speak, he or she rises in his or her place to Speak. The sitting arrangement in the House is such that the Majority side is on the right side of the Speaker, whereas the minority side is on the left and the political leadership have seats designated on either side. The sitting position of the Speaker and the clerks-at-the table; bowing at the bar when Senators enter and leave the Chamber; tabling of documents; significance of the Speaker’s Chair, for instance, application of Standing Order 112 and 113 when crossing the Floor of the Senate; and Senators remaining seated in their seats; and application of Standing 114 on Senators remaining in their places until the Speaker has left the Chamber; vacating from the Speaker’s Chair during Committee of the Whole; drawing of the bar; and ringing of the division bell, amongst many other traditions and practices. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, concerns are also likely to be raised about the place of the Mace, which is one of the most important symbols in the House, as a symbol of the constitutional authority of the Senate and the Speaker. Without its presence in the Chamber, the Senate cannot lawfully meet, debate or pass laws. Although the Standing Orders of the Senate do not recognize the Mace, its significance cannot be gainsaid. The National Assembly Standing Orders recognize the Mace in Standing Order 2(a) that provides that- “The Mace of the House embodies the authority of the Speaker and the House, and shall be kept in safe custody by the Serjeant-at-Arms”. In a remote or virtual model, the place of the Mace would be difficult to define or even place. A hybrid model entails combining the current system as it is and one that allows a Senator, who is not physically present in the House or a committee meeting to participate remotely through a designated virtual platform. Such a model will enable the Senate to preserve its traditions and practices. The Committee is of the view that the hybrid system will, therefore, be the most ideal. Whereas such a model is not perfect, with modifications, it addresses the constitutional and legal concerns that arise with a full virtual or remote model. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move and ask Sen. (Dr.) Zani to second."
}