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{
    "id": 1240944,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1240944/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 18,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Kingi",
    "speaker_title": "The Speaker",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2023. Passage of this Bill will be followed by the introduction of the County Governments Additional Allocation Bill and the respective cash disbursement schedules. These are crucial financial instruments that by their nature allocate funds to county governments. In addition, the passage of these instruments facilitates county governments to prepare their respective budgets in time for the next financial year that begins on the 1st of July. I, therefore, urge all Hon. Senators to be available in the Senate to consider and pass these legislative and financial instruments. Other business before the Senate includes 26 Bills, of which 21 are at the Second Reading stage; five are at the Committee of the Whole Stage; 15 Petitions are pending before Select Committees and 24 pending Motions. In addition, there are a number of Questions and Statements filed under the schedule in the Order Paper appropriately. I take this opportunity to urge standing committees to prioritize processing of legislative business and table reports, as required by the Standing Orders. Hon. Senators, you will recall that just before we proceeded on recess, we began implementation of the procedure on Questions in the Senate. Two Sittings were held on 23th April, 2023 and 3rd May, 2023, where Cabinet Secretaries appeared before the Senate to respond to Questions. As is expected at the beginning of most new processes, there will be a number of teething challenges and so, we have faced a number, which continue to be addressed by the Senate Business Committee to iron them out. One of the major decisions that the Committee has made and, therefore, necessitates a Communication to the Senate is the requirement to have only three Cabinet Secretaries at any one sitting. This measure will ensure that there is adequate time for the Senate to interrogate the responses from Cabinet Secretaries. This measure will be implemented from tomorrow, Wednesday, 24th May, 2023, during the Morning Sitting. As we progress, we will continue to learn and make the necessary adjustments to improve on procedure for Questions. I also appeal to Hon. Senators to continue familiarizing themselves with the framework on questions as well as the attendant guidelines. Hon. Senators, during the recess, the Senate leadership held candid and constructive deliberations on the processing of legislative business in the Senate and resolved to work harmoniously in the discharge of our constitutional mandates. Focus will, therefore, be given to business scheduled in the Order Paper as the number of Bills and Motions are critical to the operations of county governments. This will sustain healthy and robust debate and the differing opinions and perspectives that will form amendments to Bills and impact on Government policy. On the other hand, and in accordance with the Communication issued before the Senate proceeded on recess, the Chair will not hesitate to drop any business for which the respective Member is not available in the House. These measures are necessary to ensure that the legislative agenda of the Senate remains on track. I implore you, hon. Senators, to work closely with the Senate leadership in delivering on the aspirations of the people of Kenya."
}