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{
"id": 1065217,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1065217/?format=api",
"text_counter": 178,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Poghisio",
"speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
"speaker": {
"id": 202,
"legal_name": "Samuel Losuron Poghisio",
"slug": "samuel-poghisio"
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"content": "I want to assure Members that the opportunity to speak will be accorded because this is a rare opportunity. Everyone who wishes to speak on this matter should actually have a chance to record their participation. This is akin to those of us who participated in the 2010 Constitution, when we went to a constitutional conference. In this case, this is a direct application and Members are beginning to change the Constitution without having to go to that conference. Those of us who attended the constitutional conference felt like we participated and contributed, and this is another chance. Members who wish to contribute to this matter will have built their names into the annals of history as having participated in amending the Constitution. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have highlighted some of the changes or amendments intended by this Bill. I have spoken to the chapters of the Schedules, and now, according to our Standing Order Nos. 141 and 224, this Bill, after First Reading, was committed to the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, which was mandated to work jointly with the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, in accordance with the National Assembly Standing Order Nos. 127 (1) and 202 (a). Commendably, there has been a thorough scrutiny by the joint sittings of the Joint Committee. They have given a very comprehensive Report. Those of you who have the Report can see that it is a big one. As we get to discuss this Bill, we cannot therefore leave behind what we have gathered or gained from reading the Report of the Committee. That is why immediately after this Bill has been moved and seconded, we will get the details of that Report. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the joint sittings, which have taken quite a number of days, addressed the various issues that had been raised during the immense public hearings. I am sure that the Chairman of the Committee will expound on that and give us more of the details of their experiences. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Senators have noted – having had our moments this morning – that The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2020, significantly benefits the devolved units. It increases revenue allocation and enhances the oversight role of the Senate. Wholesomely, The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2020; The BBI Bill – has vast benefits in the sustainable development of all sectors of our economy. Economic and political spheres have been covered and the centrality of the Republic and governance within the Republic has been emphasized. In light of all that, I have shared and whatever will come in here, I urge Members to debate this Bill with the hindsight that the beginnings of this contribution has come from our own citizens. This is a citizen-driven programme or process, and we are the representatives of those citizens, and so they have spoken. The county assemblies have spoken and the verdict is clear. It is now our turn, as Parliament, to consider this with the view and voice of our people in the background. We represent and listen to them. Therefore, I am confident that Members will support, pass and help this Bill move from this level to the next level. I urge all Senators to consider and pass this Bill, for the people of Kenya, national development, strengthened devolved units and systems, gender parity, responsive and all- The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}