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{
    "id": 1406335,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1406335/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 261,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kabondo Kasipul, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Eve Obara",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "I thank the Leader of the Majority Party and the Leader of the Minority Party for coming up with amendments to strengthen electoral reforms. First and foremost, there is the issue of transparent campaign financing which has been a problem in this country. If you recall, there was a time when one of our leaders said that if we, as a country, are not careful, we will be led by ‘wash wash’. Guidelines have been introduced and proposed in this Bill to ensure accountability, preventing electoral malpractices and promoting a level playing ground for all candidates during the elections. Secondly, it is what has been mentioned by many of my colleagues, that is, inclusive representation. I fully support the provision because it is crucial to ensure that all demographic groups, including marginalised communities, women, youth and persons with disabilities are included. Even though they included these parts in the Bill, I am a bit disappointed because throughout this Bill, there is no clear mention of two-thirds gender requirement that has bedevilled this country for many years. Somehow, it has not come up even in this Bill. As women, it is a matter that we will be happy to put closure to, so that what the people said in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, is implemented. Thirdly, it is the issue of enhanced voter education. We are aware of the importance of voter education before any electoral process. I endorse the amendment in the Bill and emphasise the importance of enhanced voter education. On the utilisation of technology, we are aware that this is a powerful tool that can enhance efficiency and transparency of electoral processes. I fully endorse this amendment and advocate for the use of technology and innovation in the electoral process, such as digital solutions for voter registration and results transmission. Collaboration with other stakeholders is also very important. I support it. I know there are many Members who want to speak after me. A lot of these issues have already been addressed by other speakers. I do not have to take too much time of the Sitting. However, I would like to address the issue of the CEO that has come up severally. Many speakers have recommended that three years are not sufficient. However, this is in line with the Code of Governance for State Corporations (Mwongozo). All CEOs in Kenya should serve a three-year term and an additional three-year term, subject to the performance evaluation. Performance is reviewed every year. If it is good, then the term can be extended. This is not an issue as long as one CEO sits through an election, that is always after five years. Hon. Temporary Speaker, thank you very much. I support the Bill."
}