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"speaker_name": "Mr. Balala",
"speaker_title": "The Minister for Tourism",
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"content": " Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise to support the Motion of Adjournment, when we are now ending this year, 2008. We began in a bad way. It was a very difficult year. Even the election of Mr. Speaker and yourself was a challenge. But, today, I am happy that we have made history. We agreed and formed a Grand Coalition Government. I applaud the leadership of President Kibaki and Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, for taking the first step, sacrificing and saying that this country is bigger than them. I think that support that this Parliament and the people of Kenya have given the two leaders is enormous. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is important to note that we should never repeat again what happened during last year's General Election. Today's changes at the Electoral Commission of Kenya is a testimony to say: \"Yes, we can bring that change. Yes, we can.\" So, I think that it is the December 17, 2008 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 4189 dignity of this House that guides and gives leadership to the country. This dignity needs to be preserved at all costs and every time. In the last few months, this dignity has been belittled by everyone in the country. I think that it is important for us to rise to the occasion when we are required to be accountable, transparent and modern in our way of thinking and delivery of services and contributions in this House. I think that it is important for the Parliamentary Select Committee to think about how we can improve the image of this House and Members of Parliament. I think that our Public Relations Department should be able to help to put the good work in the forefront of the eyes and ears of the nation. Yes, we know that we are modernising our operations through the internet or website, but that is not good enough. It needs to be interactive. When we have Bills, they should be posted on the website. When they are amended they should be on the website. People should know what is going on. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, National parliaments are also areas of visit, where people can come in and learn what the dignity of the nation is. It is important for us to make sure that as a Parliament, nation and leaders, we are able deliver to our people. I think when we campaigned during the 2007 General Election, it was one of the excellent campaigns. It was very modern, competitive, dynamic, creative and innovative. I think that the 2007 General Elections have given hope to this nation and we are moving in the right direction. But, we want to achieve even much more by delivering the promises that we have given the people. I believe that this is the first time we are doing it by creating the road-map for the Constitution-making; changing the Electoral Commission of Kenya and other commissions. I think that the Constitution is a priority for this Tenth Parliament. We cannot compromise on that. Today, after approving the list of the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Review of the Constitution, I am privileged to be part of that list. We will uphold what is right for this country and not for our party or tribes. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the second issue is that of empowerment and devolution. We are undertaking devolution in a stingy way. There is the Constituencies Development Fund (CDF), Special Programmes, Roads Fund, Local Authorities Transfer Fund (LATF) et cetera . If all these funds are consolidated and given to the regions, we would see development. I believe that if all these funds are co-ordinated properly, transparently utilised, and the persons entrusted to oversee them are accountable, we can achieve much more. Finally, I come to the issue of wealth creation and employment of our youth. We will be living with a time bomb if we do not address the wishes and desires of our youth and Kenyans generally. I think we can create hope in 2009 by delivering a new Constitution. This House seems to be very committed. I want to be part of that commitment. With those remarks, I beg to support."
}