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"id": 262195,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/262195/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. Njuguna",
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"speaker": {
"id": 20,
"legal_name": "Peter Njuguna Gitau",
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"content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me start by appreciating the good work that has been done by the Taskforce led by Mutakha Kangu and the other members. I also note that the Kenya Land Alliance contributed immensely to this report. Both players portrayed a high degree of diligence and hard work. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, of great concern to me is the establishment of the County Governments. It is stipulated clearly in this Bill that the County Governments will come into formation immediately after the elections. I note a few observations on the formation of these 47 County Governments in the country. Before the formation of these County Governments, their various headquarters must be in place. Also, the County Assembly halls, governors’ offices and accommodation, county public offices and the offices the deputy governors and their accommodation must be in place. We know that there are areas in this country that do not have these facilities. Therefore, it is important, as we plan for the elections, that these facilities are provided by the Government. We also note that there are marginalized areas in this country where the same facilities are non- existent. Therefore, it is important, as we prepare for the elections and County Governments, that funds are set aside and released to the identified County Governments, to start these constructions immediately. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, on the county symbols, it is stipulated clearly that every county will have a flag, court of arms and public seal. My critical observation on this one is that no county government should ape or copy symbols of any other county government. This must be clearly identified because wananchi should not be put into confusion, as we embark on this very important phase of the County Governments. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, on the County Assembly quorum, the proposal of one- third, in my view, is very high. To realize that threshold sometimes may be very burdensome. Therefore, I would propose an amendment; that we have a quarter of the assembly membership for purposes of making meetings successful. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, on county wards, it is indicated that every county government will have 25 wards and, at least, five wards per constituency. We have said in this House that we need to reconsider this criteria in some areas in this country by creating variation, because of the land mass and interest to make sure that services are delivered to the common man. For example, in my constituency we used to have eight wards and now we have five wards. Therefore, it will be difficult for a citizen to travel for about 50 kilometres to go to his ward representative to get services. I would propose that in certain constituencies the variation be raised to six wards. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, on civic education, it is clearly indicated that this will be conducted at the county level. I would propose that this be transmitted to the sub-county level and even wards, so that the citizens are educated on the importance of these County Governments. Therefore, regular civic education must be provided, so that the citizens are educated on matters of the County Governments. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, on county planning we have seen in the recent past many deaths due to collapse of buildings. Therefore, county planning and development is a key component in this Bill. Therefore, I fully support the laid down procedures to be followed. The county government will have a responsibility to make sure that no buildings; either rental or business premises, will be occupied until thorough inspection is done, in order to avoid loss of human life. Therefore, it is important that, as we will have the County Governments, a firm foundation is laid."
}