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{
    "id": 1065246,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1065246/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 207,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Orengo",
    "speaker_title": "The Senate Minority Leader",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 129,
        "legal_name": "Aggrey James Orengo",
        "slug": "james-orengo"
    },
    "content": "Since the Government will sit in the National Assembly, the most effective way of putting it to account is by having a strong Senate. I think the position of Senators should be enhanced even as we deal with governments, officials and bureaucracies. That was not quite well done, but that is not to say that some vetting powers that were not there originally have not been placed before the Senate. Regarding the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, again, the role of Parliament has, to some extent, been compromised. It will make that body more accountable to the Executive rather than to Parliament and other institutions, which are important like the independent Commissions. I also hope that when the BBI Bill goes through, the National Assembly will not use it to appeal for more funds. The Ward Fund is 5 per cent of the funds that go to the counties, and there will be competition for funds. The more we do that, the less the role the Senate and then Parliament will be undermined. Mr. Speaker, Sir, as we had agreed, I do not have to take all the time. I want to say without fear of contradiction, and I must repeat this because it has been said again and again, that our role is simply ceremonial. I think the provisions that I have gone through answers that question very clearly. When we pass this Report, it is on the basis of the process that we undertook, including public participation. The Bill, for the first time, is edified by being passed through Parliament. This is because all through, it was a draft Bill. What we are going to pass is a Bill that now can go to the people for enactment. Mr. Speaker, Sir, with those many remarks, I beg to second."
}