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{
    "id": 1383085,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1383085/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 339,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Methu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13581,
        "legal_name": "Methu John Muhia",
        "slug": "methu-john-muhia"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Chairman, Sir, under the current legal framework, specifically Section 69 of the Water Act, there is a clear mandate for the legal Works Development Agencies (LWDA) to hand over completed Water Works to county governments. However, the initial proposal within the Bill sought to restrict the transfer of national public water works to county governments. Water service providers or Joint Committees formed between the national and county governments. This approach not only conflicts with the spirit of cooperative governance as highlighted in Article 99 of the Constitution of Kenya, but also overlooks the shared responsibility inherent in water management, a critical issue considering water's pivotal role in both national and county spheres. Moreover, the Committee took into consideration the provisions of Section 23 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act, which underscores the establishment of Joint Committees between the national and county governments, whenever necessary to achieve the object of devolution as stated in Articles 174 and 175. In light of this consideration, the Committee proposed this amendment. This amendment requires that upon the completion and commissioning of water works, the Responsibility Water Works Development Agency should formalise agreements not just with the county government, but also with cross-county water service providers, Joint Committees, or any other relevant water service provider operating within the jurisdiction of the completed work. This change aims to diversify the potential for partnership and ensure that the management and provision of water services are aligned with county needs and county government structures. Additionally, the committee recommended inclusion of a clear definition of a Joint Committee within the Bill. This intends to eliminate any existing ambiguities, to provide a solid legal foundation for these collaborative entities, thereby enhancing clarity, efficiency and accountability at the handover process."
}