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{
    "id": 1268574,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1268574/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 219,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mariam Omar",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Apart from the above specific licensing functions that I have just stated, Part 2 of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution assigns various functions to county governments. Most of these functions require licensing of various activities and sectors by the county governments. In operationalizing these various licensing functions, it has become apparent that there are varied procedures in applying for licenses in different counties, which has a negative impact on the ease of doing business in the counties. Therefore, this Bill aims to establish uniform procedures for licensing in counties to ensure certainty in the process and ultimately encourage private sector investment in all counties. There has also been hue and cry by county licensees of being required to procure licenses in each relevant county for undertaking a single business activity. This has discouraged private sector players from engaging in activities within some counties due to the requirement for multiple licenses, one for each relevant county, when undertaking a single activity across more than one county. This Bill also aims to arrest this issue to ensure that private sector players carry out their business activities seamlessly without unnecessary impediment. Clauses 3, 4 and 5 of the Bill mandates the County Licensing Authority to adhere to, among others, the following principles and obligations: (a) The need to protect consumers, ensure public safety and promote environmental protection. (b) Maintenance of public confidence in respective licensing sector. (c) Access to information on conditions for issuance of licenses and the procedures. (d) Cost-effectiveness in the licensing process. (e) Promotion of efficiency and effectiveness in the administration of the licensing processes. (f) Fairness and transparency in the licensing process. (g) Provision of a mechanism for simultaneous application for more than one license. (h) Prevention of multiple licensing procedures. (i) Ensuring applicants are accorded an opportunity to make representations and applications for licenses."
}