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{
    "id": 1376241,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1376241/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 126,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Chimera",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "appreciating and commending the committee Members for a job well done. The industry, effort and endurance that went into coming up with this report is excellent. The Report has a number of very radical and progressive proposals. The proposed recommendations on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) reconstitution, how and the timelines within which as a country the Supreme Court has been accorded to listen to the presidential petition here and determine the same has been increased from 14 to 21 days is fairly progressive. Those of us who are advocates and know what it takes and what it means to draft pleadings, file the same and submit arguments in or against their clients, 14 days surely has been a very short time so to speak. I am glad that the committee saw it in their own wisdom to extend that time to 21 days. Perhaps if we had the time, even 21 days in my own view is still very little time. However, this is something better for a start. The idea of funding the IEBC is also very progressive. For far too long as a country the IEBC has always been blaming lack of funds or inadequate funding to carry out its core mandate. I am happy that this report is proposing proper funding of IEBC so that the IEBC can be financially equipped to be able to carry out its functions. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the recommendation from the report on staggering the election is also very progressive. As a country, we cannot keep on having six elections in a day. I feel the staggering of our elections is progressive in the sense that the IEBC will have time to prepare for these elections and even political players and participants will also have time to adequately campaign and prepare for elections. I know much has been said by my colleague Senators. In the interest of time, allow me to just speak to one very crucial recommendation that I feel is positive on the report. The issue on county boundaries. It is the proposal by the committee that Parliament shall within six months be allowed to enact the County Boundaries Bill, so that at least counties can have a chance to resolve their disputes. As a person, I am in court today on behalf of the people of Kanjaocha in Chengoni Ward, Samburu County, because they have protracted the county boundary dispute for the County Government of Kilifi. Today, the County Government of Taita Taveta is collecting revenue and taxes from residents of Mackinnon Town. Mackinnon Town has always been a Kwale County Town. We have residents from Kwale who invested and vote there. The County Government of Kwale has invested heavily on the infrastructure in Mackinnon town. To see that the County Government of Taita Taveta today is allowed to collect revenue from a town that is in Kwale County is really an insult to the people of Kwale County. I am glad that my colleague, Sen. M. Kajwang’, saw it fit to bring forth the County Boundaries Bill here that for the first time will allow us as Kenyans and those of us who practice the law in various courts in the country to have a legal framework within which we can address county boundaries. Mr. Speaker, Sir, with those many remarks, I support this Report."
}