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{
    "id": 1213512,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1213512/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 325,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Cheruiyot",
    "speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13165,
        "legal_name": "Aaron Kipkirui Cheruiyot",
        "slug": "aaron-cheruiyot"
    },
    "content": "to remind you or bring to your attention that there is a particular issue that the Senate should look into. Many times, matters that are brought before us need either the assistance of investigative agencies. I challenge Committee Chairpersons and Members of various Committees that the 60 days provided for by the Standing Orders remain. I hope we can get to a point where if a Kenyan submits their Petition before the Senate, they will know that in 60 days’ time, they will have a report before them and will have something to consider. I, therefore, urge Committees to consider these Petitions and also urge the Liaison Committee to take action when Standing Committees exceed the stipulated timelines. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have said this on Petitions and on public vetting as well. With respect to Statements, there have been numerous Statements sought pursuant to Standing Order No.53 and a good number committed to Committees for consideration pursuant to Standing Order No.52(3). I continue to urge respective Committees to expedite consideration of the Statements and table reports pursuant to the Standing Orders. Over and above the Statements and Petitions under consideration, which have highlighted a number of issues affecting our constituents, I encourage Senators and respective Standing Committees to identify and come up with legislative interventions that will be converted into Bills. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I will make a comment on Statements and I wish we had many Senators present. We represent specific constituencies, but sometimes I see Statements presented here that are of an extremely narrow nature in the sense that if there is a problem that is affecting the entire country, a Senator will only ask for answers for their respective county. This is the ‘upper’ House. We have sworn to defend and protect the Constitution. We are the Senators of the Republic of Kenya. If you are presenting before the Senate a particular Statement and you know that a particular problem you want addressed affects more than our county, there is no harm in drafting that Statement in a better way that reflects your standing as a Senator of the Republic of Kenya as opposed to a Senator of a particular county. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we are moving out of that habit. Statements have really evolved if I recall back in our first days in the Senate. It was not unusual to find Statements on people wanting a chief transferred or a sub-location that has done something. Occasionally, you will find one or two Members making such requests. Unless that matter is of great national importance that a Senator feels they cannot address it on their own, then that local matter can be brought to the Floor of the House. Most of the time, we borrow from the challenges that are in our specific counties, but seek a solution that will solve the problem across the country. That is the attitude I wish to request colleague Senators to adopt. In conclusion, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I take this opportunity to request for patience and understanding of all Senators, as the Senate Leadership engages to resolve on the matter of change in the Minority Party leadership. Let us look beyond our differences in service to the people of Kenya."
}