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{
    "id": 1417500,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1417500/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 670,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Marsabit County, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Naomi Waqo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to contribute to this important Bill. Through it, we will overcome some challenges that we have or reduce the gaps that are in our system. I also congratulate the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs and the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs for a job well done. They have given this Bill a lot of attention and came up with recommendations that will guide our nation to another level. It is clear that the memorandum of objects and reasons is that the National Government Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill No.73 of 2023 seeks to make various amendments to the Assumption of the Office of the President Act (No.21 of 2012). The Bill also seeks to enhance the representation of the president-elect in the committee by increasing the number of representatives from three to six. In my opinion, this is a good proposal because when there are only three representatives, an emergency could arise preventing one from attending. It is safer to have five to six people as this will help them to effectively discharge their duties. I support the proposal to increase the number from three to six so that they can effectively work within the short timelines and be productive. The Bill also proposes to amend the National Security Council Act No.23 of 2012. This is good because it designates the National Security Advisor as the Secretary to the National Security Council. I also briefly want to draw your attention to the last amendment; that is, the National Government Co-ordination Act No.1 of 2013. The Bill proposes to amend it to provide for the establishment and functions of the Head of Public Service and the offices of the CASs. We are aware that our Government wants to be very effective in its administration so that it serves Kenyans in the best possible way. This is not the first time we are talking about the Office of the CAS. They have been there in the past but it does not mean that we were constitutionally aligned. There was a big lacuna which we are overcoming by coming up with this amendment. It will enable us to have the 23 CASs depending on what the Government agrees on. We are reducing the number from 51 to 21 due to the challenges that we had faced. The 23 CASs will join the ministries and improve their work. Many times, the cabinet secretaries and the principal secretaries have had a challenge in their performance due to the workload. It is honourable for us to approve this Bill so that the 23 can be appointed. I support this Bill due to the qualification aspect – which was not considered in the past. We have not been talking of the qualification of the officers but you can clearly see that a person shall be eligible to be appointed as CAS if they have a bachelor’s degree from a university recognised in Kenya. That means whoever will be appointed should be well educated. Section 12A (4)(b) clearly states that the individual must have knowledge of and experience in the Public Service. This will ensure that we do not giving opportunity to people who have no experience or political aspirants who lost elections. Section 12A(4)(c) states that they must satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution. Accountability and integrity must be put into consideration for public officers so that as they serve in different offices, their productivity matches the office. Section 12A(5) of the Bill also tells us who is not qualified for the position. It is clear that anybody who has been convicted of any offence in the past does not qualify. Those who have been adjudged bankrupt also do not qualify. There is nothing meaningful that one can do 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"
}