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{
    "id": 1175803,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1175803/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 379,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Kingi",
    "speaker_title": "The Speaker",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "As the renowned American writer and political commentator, Walter Lipmann wrote, “the final test of a leader is that he leaves behind in other men and women for thatmatter the conviction of the will to carry on. ” We salute both the Rt. Ekwe Ethuro and The Rt. Hon Kenneth Lusaka, and their leadership teams for their remarkable contributions. The fourth Senate must now build on the decade of institutional maturity. Hon. Senators, permit me, to also appreciate and laud the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye and his team for the unwavering and steadfast support and for making the appropriate preparations for this momentous occasion. Hon. Senators, devolution as an oval development model was meant to ensure balanced, equitable and just development in all regions of Kenya. I can submit without fear of contradiction that so far it is working. I welcome and associate myself with the positive spirit exhibited and pronouncements made that the newly elected governors to change their strategy of engagement and work more closely with the Senate, the National Assembly and the national Government. In addition, the pledge and commitment currently being witnessed to intensify the fight against corruption in the respective governments is highly commendable. Kenyans are looking forward to a new dawn and expect Senators to aggressively defend devolution and county governments better. We must ensure devolution works for the people and more accountability is therefore exercised. Distinguished Senators, the critical question is; what is next for the Fourth Senate? How do we build on the achievements of the First, Second and Third Senates? Fundamentally, the Senate must continue to play its constitutional mandate and role more vigorously. Just to reiterate and remind ourselves, the primary mandate of the Senate is to represent the counties and the governments and protect the interests of the counties and hence, successfully implement devolution. The Senate is involved in law making by considering, debating and approving Bills concerning counties, determines the allocation of revenue among counties, exercises oversight over the national revenue allocation to counties and participates in oversight of State officers by considering and determining any resolution to remove the President and Deputy President. Distinguished Senators, the Senate is the bastion of devolution. Devolution has been a game changer and has significantly transformed our country. The county governments are currently receiving billions of shillings courtesy of the Senate’s intervention, to finance various development programs and provide essential services that are aimed at improving the wellbeing and welfare of the Kenyan people. Massive infrastructural projects have been built throughout the country including roads, education and health facilities as well as housing projects. In addition, local entrepreneurs, youth and women have greatly benefitted in terms of securing businesses and employment opportunities. Distinguished Senators, since 2013 without doubt, devolution has dramatically altered the political and socio- economic fabric of our country. Kenyans are currently reeling and undergoing tough economic times. The Senate is duty- bound to be more sensitive to the dictates and aspirations of the ordinary mwananchi ."
}