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{
    "id": 110658,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/110658/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 348,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Musila",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister, Ministry of State for Defence",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 94,
        "legal_name": "David Musila",
        "slug": "david-musila"
    },
    "content": "The other area of representation--- I think for the first time in the history of this country, we were able to come up with a formula that will guarantee fair distribution or delimitation of electoral units. The introduction of a formula - like what Dr. Khalwale referred to as a population quota - will go a long way in ensuring that the boundaries commission will be guided by certain formula in delimitating electoral units. In the past, gerrymandering was the order of the day and nobody was able to explain why certain constituencies were made. Having said that, I have noted and I am persuaded that, in fact, much as we tried to improve on this, there may be a very good case to consider another way of assisting those areas which are sparsely inhabited. Therefore, I think there is a good case for allowing the boundaries commission further leeway beyond the 40 per cent, so that the less or sparsely populated areas can be considered. I think I have seen an amendment by Mr. Bahari to that effect and I think the House will be well advised to support it. I think that we must consider all areas when we talk about resources and delimitation so that we are a nation. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the other issue that I want to point out is the area of Provincial Administration. The service known as Provincial Administration has been retained in this Constitution as indeed was the popular request by members of the public to the Committee of Experts. The proposed Constitution requires that the Government or the Executive will reform the Provincial Administration to conform to devolved units. It is necessary that the Government, as a matter of priority, looks into the issue of Provincial Administration so that although it is retained in the draft it does not mean that it is perfect. I think a lot of retraining should be done to the Provincial Administration so that it conforms to the present day Kenya. Of paramount importance is the need for the Government to immediately bring to this House a Bill so that we may legalize all districts that were formed after 1992. As we speak, all districts that were formed after 1992 are illegal. It is only fair that the Minister responsible brings a Bill to this House so that we may proceed and legalize them. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would also like to appeal to hon. Members to close ranks so that when we go to the issue of making the proposed amendments, we sit down and dialogue so that we ensure that all those amendments that are proposed that are for the benefit of this nation and our people are given priority and the necessary care and consideration so that we do a very fair job to this document, which is clearly a historic document. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the eyes of Kenyans have been pegged to our activities as a House in the process of making this Constitution. Many people have even blamed the House for delaying the process. I am confident that in a week’s time, this House will finish its business and pass on the responsibility of constitution-making to Kenyans. I want to appeal that we ensure that the process of the referendum that will follow eventually will not be acrimonious. Let us not replay the campaigns of 2005. As we go to the next process of referendum, I want to appeal to all of us to ensure that we unite our people so that we go to that exercise a very united nation. This will ensure that at the end of the day when we finish the process, we will be a stronger and more united nation. We owe it to Kenyans, our children and to future generations to ensure that we pass the document that will stand the test of time so that those who come after us will praise us like we are praising others who have come before us. Thank you."
}