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{
    "id": 176507,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/176507/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 182,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Ms. Karua",
    "speaker_title": "The Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 166,
        "legal_name": "Martha Wangari Karua",
        "slug": "martha-karua"
    },
    "content": " Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Bill and to say that it is a good idea and it will give Parliament the necessary muscle to play its watchdog role. It is in the light of the comprehensive reforms that are being done within the country. We need forward looking Bills like this one. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, since my colleagues in the Ministry of Finance are not present, I expect that during the Committee Stage any adjustments that may be necessary to this Bill will be made but I know that within the Government the idea of the Bill is totally acceptable. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I notice that the Bill is laying down clear principles for prudent fiscal management. We have had disasters in terms of the way we spend our money and also the way we commit the country and future generations with debts that we need not approach in that term. We know that in the case of the Anglo Leasing contracts, we were using a mechanism that cost this country a lot of money and will continue to be a problem in the future. It is, therefore, proper that we have clear policy and legal guidelines on how to commit this country to financial obligation and to do it in a transparent manner. Currently, the law requires that Parliament be informed but the practice has been otherwise. With these clear provisions of the Bill, once they become law, it will be totally December 04, 2008 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 3905 impossible to ignore Parliament. Parliament, on its part, will be expected to play its watchdog role competently and thoroughly to ensure that the nation is not put at risk because of negligence, corruption or both. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I need not repeat the very many things that have already been said by my colleagues. I welcome the idea and urge that Parliament takes this Bill seriously and makes whatever additions or deductions that are necessary before we finally approve it at the final stage. With those remarks, I beg to support."
}