Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1411573,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1411573/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 321,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Marsabit County, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Naomi Waqo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for allowing me to add my voice to this very important debate on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 10 of 2024). It is now over one year since the last commissioners vacated office and the gap is so huge because we had so many things that needed to be done within the past two years after the last elections. We have lost some Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) and many counties and wards are looking forward to having a replacement of the people who transited. We have also lost a Member of Parliament and his constituents are eagerly waiting because a gap remained and they are not receiving the services they ought to receive. I support this Bill because it is the only way we can get qualified commissioners in place so that Kenya can progress because in the past other chairpersons like Issack Hassan and Wafula Chebukati and their teams have faced a lot of challenges. After every election, Kenyans get passionate and do many things with a lot of energy. They have not had peace to do their work. If we give all the attention that this Bill deserves, we will have in place people who are qualified and ones who would give service to our country. I support this because the issue of reconstitution of the IEBC is a matter of national importance. We seriously need our commissioners in place so that we can progress in different ways. I support this Bill because we will put into consideration the critical function of IEBC under Article 88 of the Constitution 2010. We cannot afford not to have an IEBC in place anymore. We are almost halfway. We are done with our second year and getting into our third year. After this, preparation for the next elections should start. If we are not careful, we will have a lot of work that has not been attended to and our commissioners will be harassed at the end of the day. We cannot afford to waste any more time. The Bill proposes amendments to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act to increase the number of members of the selection panel from seven to nine. This is very important because number seven somehow limits it. Therefore, by adding the two to get nine members for the representation, a wide spectrum of stakeholders and taking care of different groups, will satisfy many people. As we all know, Kenyans have a lot of interest in this commission. Everybody is keen, and even when it comes to application, thousands of people would apply. So, when we take into consideration the methods that will guide us get qualified people, we would be doing the right thing. It is proposed that two persons representing the majority or coalition of parties be nominated by the Parliamentary Service Commission. This would confirm that our interest too, would be taken care of. Also, there should be three persons nominated by the Political Parties Liaison Committee of which, one shall be from a party other than parliamentary or a coalition party not forming the national government, and every interest shall be taken care of. I strongly support this, including the third person nominated by the Law Society of Kenya. This excites me because even the Law Society of Kenya will have a representation and give their input as the process goes on so that we have the right people in place. One person nominated by the Institution of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya is another important area. The input of this qualification will bring a big benefit to the entire nation. Finally, two persons be nominated by the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya. We know very well their role in this country. We are the way we are because of prayers and our religious leaders have always led us in prayers. They have always prayed for this nation and the heavy rains that we are experiencing now is also as a result of prayers. To have this representation will enhance the work of the commission. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor"
}