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{
    "id": 1374357,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1374357/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 438,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Osotsi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13588,
        "legal_name": "Osotsi Godfrey Otieno",
        "slug": "osotsi-godfrey-otieno"
    },
    "content": "and most importantly, those in power, to ensure that court orders are obeyed, as clearly stated in this NADCO Report. Madam Temporary Speaker, there are issues in our bicameral relationship. We have had problems between the Senate and the National Assembly. This Report proposes how that can be solved. We must acknowledge that to implement some provisions of this report, we will have to amend our Constitution. For us to entrench the offices suggested here; these are the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and two deputies, we will need constitutional amendments. That also has to be given an implementation framework. The position of Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition is clear when it comes to the issue of the cost of living. Unfortunately, the Kenya Kwanza Government requested that assignment be left to them. Therefore, Kenyans are waiting to see whether the cost of living will be reduced. Madam Temporary Speaker, proposals on the counties are good. They are talking of increasing shareable revenue to 20 per cent, finalising transfer of functions to the counties and ensuring that regional development authorities have representation of the counties. That is progressive for us as a Senate and it is good to support. There are issues to do with retirement of the Auditor-General. This is a serious issue because the Auditor-General is not included in the Retirement Benefits Act, yet this is an important office in this country. I also support the proposal to increase the terms of Senators to seven years. This is something we need to think about because in other jurisdictions, that is what happens. Kenya is not an island. We can also have that arrangement. Madam Temporary Speaker, we should also stagger elections so that we do not hold six elections in one day. Elections should be staggered for several days. There is the issue of cash transfer to older persons. There is a recommendation to enhance it from Kshs2,000 to even Kshs10,000, so that the elderly do not continue to suffer the way they are suffering. The money should also be paid promptly. There are many exciting recommendations in this report, including that election laws should be enacted at least 18 months before elections. That is progressive. The issue of increasing the period for lodging and determination of election petitions at the Supreme Court from 14 days to 21 days is progressive as well. However, as I said earlier, the biggest challenge we have even as we debate this report, is to find out how Parliament is going to implement. It will be a waste of taxpayers’ money for such a wonderful report meant to unite this country to be passed by this House, but we are not sure of who will do what or which committee will do that. Madam Temporary Speaker, my request is to the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders of the two Houses to incorporate amendments that are going to define the implementation framework for this report. I am sure that if this report is implemented, we will be on the right track as a country. We want a country where we respect each other and the opposition and those in power move together. We want a country where the spirit of the NADCO will be seen in"
}