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{
    "id": 1442635,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1442635/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 43,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Veronica Maina",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "These national values and principles of governance; patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power, the rule of law, democracy and participation of the people are some of the principles that are supposed to guide the governance and the implementation of any public policy. Also respect to human dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, non-discrimination and protection of the marginalised. When I read Article 10(1)(C) about good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability and having regard to sustainable development; if only we had paid more attention as public officers or state officers, would we have been where we were last week on Tuesday? I specifically looked at the role of the Senate as very well laid out in the Constitution on issues of good governance, transparency, accountability and the fact that we have a function of oversight over the counties. Is there anything we could have done better than how we did it? Yes, there are areas that we need to improve as a House. The storm we saw sweeping this nation and Parliament being at the eye of it, was also an indictment of the institution of Parliament. I want to say and follow what the other speakers have said; today is not a day of competing on who gives a better speech or who does better debating than the other. I want to apologize. If we have failed as Senators, we are sorry. I am sorry. Are there any tools that would have enhanced transparency and slowed down issues of corruption? I have served in other respects such as being the Secretary-General of the ruling party. Therefore, I know from my own experience that it is possible to run a system without collecting a bribe. First, I want as we debate we form a platform for us to have an introspection as the Senate. That is our tool. When we do the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPISF) and the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), what do we do with the reports that emanate from counties where we can see that corruption is rampant? It is my view that we need a way of improving the system so that we inject public confidence once again in this institution. The reports of those notorious counties should come back to the Floor of this House. As such, concerted and collective action agreed upon by all the Senators should be taken. What needs to be done by the Ethics and Anticorruption Commission (EACC) with counties that have had wanton corruption and misuse of public funds? Concrete action must also be taken. We have also had a chance as a House to look at some of the impeachment proceedings. It has also given us time to reflect on what and how we have conducted those proceedings and whether they have met the legitimate expectations of the population or not. The Gen Z have woken us up and called institutions to rethink how we are conducting our business. These are our children and they have done well and in a very bold way. Without any experience, without having any forms of arms, they came out to resoundingly say something must change. The Finance Bill was the trigger. They were not comfortable with how that Finance Bill was phrased. They also felt that they were not listened to. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only.A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and Audio Services,Senate."
}