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{
    "id": 1275820,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1275820/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 344,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Osotsi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13588,
        "legal_name": "Osotsi Godfrey Otieno",
        "slug": "osotsi-godfrey-otieno"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I have also seen an amendment proposing that the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for National Treasury and Economic Planning will by 30th of April of every year, submit a report on the status of public debt to Parliament. As I have said before, that should be Parliament. Again, if amended, that would be a good provision because Parliament will keep on monitoring the status of debt. Right now, we do not get a report. We even heard the other day the Office of the Auditor-General complaining that they are not aware of the public debt statement. They cannot verify the statement of public debt. I think that was a very unfortunate thing. The Committee responsible, which in this case is the Committee on County Public Accounts (CPAC), needs to invite the Auditor-General to shade more light on that revelation. We have a responsibility as Parliament to know how much we are borrowing and our debt status. I think this provision, save for the fact that it is only making reference to the National Assembly and not Parliament, is a very progressive amendment. The words ‘Parliament’ and ‘every year.’ I propose that it even be done every six months. We should know the position in as far as public debt is concerned. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I hope that the Committee on Finance and Budget will sponsor these amendments that I have suggested so that we, as a Senate, should not legislate ourselves out of work. If we allow this Bill to pass as it is, then it will be an unfortunate moment for this Senate because we will be legislating ourselves out of work and then complain later. We expect the Committee on Finance and Budget to make appropriate amendments to ensure that this Bill is constitutional. As it is now, this Bill is unconstitutional. Any Kenyan has a right to move to court to challenge the provisions contained in this Bill. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, with those few remarks, I support but with reservations. I have made comments in relation to the constitutionality of this Bill and as far as the position of Senate in this matter is concerned. Thank you."
}