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{
    "id": 1162363,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1162363/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 225,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. M. Kajwang’",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13162,
        "legal_name": "Moses Otieno Kajwang'",
        "slug": "moses-otieno-kajwang"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I sympathize greatly with Sen. (Dr.) Mwaura who repeatedly on the Floor of this House and in the other communication channels we have as Senators, complained about the difficulties in contributing whenever this House is in a hybrid session. We must be honest with each other. The hybrid session should not just be seen as a voting machine. It only works when people are voting. It does not work when people are contributing. I have previously tried to contribute online and sometimes even getting the eye of the Speaker is not that easy as it is in the House. Senators need to be given an explanation why two years down the line since the advent of Covid-19, we have not found a proper solution. A proper legislative platform will ensure confidentiality of our discussions, integrity of our communications and all the other attributes that you need when using technology in such a sensitive setting. At some point, we were told that we were developing a proprietary platform by the Parliamentary Service Commission which then will replace Zoom that everyone can access. The Legislature in Kenya and the entire world is held in extremely high esteem. Even if that is not implemented in this Parliament, it can be done for the next one. I would not wish that we scrap the hybrid approach. We must make the right investments for the next Parliament. Sen. Mwaura consistently tries to connect and it is for lack of data bundles. Many other Senators sometime try to contribute to the debate but they are unable. I do not want to say that the gentlemen and lady seated at the Clerk's Office only make it work during voting. It is Just that during voting, the Whips of the House work more aggressively. I hope that when a Member attempts to contribute online, and they are moving a Bill, and there are technology challenges, then that Order is deferred the way you have rightfully done but not dropped. Those who sometime favor the hybrid approach are really suffering. I hope that the administrative arm of this Parliament will give us some assurances. Some of us are experts in this subject and if the way we consult our senior counsel on legal matter, if we just look at the Member of this House there are people with serious competencies on some of this things both in technology and digital platforms. We can provide help pro bono so that we can secure the best, the most robust, and efficient solution to avoid the kind of frustrations that Sen. Mwaura and others have been facing. Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir."
}