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{
    "id": 302643,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/302643/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 64,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Kibaki",
    "speaker_title": "His Excellency the President",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 43,
        "legal_name": "Emilio Mwai Kibaki",
        "slug": "mwai-kibaki"
    },
    "content": "I must, however, note that devolution does not stop Kenya from being a unitary state. National resources must, therefore, continue to be used for the benefit of all Kenyans. With the discovery of oil and other mineral resources, mechanisms should be put in place to ensure that locals benefit, while the national good is put in place for the benefit of future and current generations. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the completion of this Chamber upgrading project marks an important mile stone for the people of Kenya. Parliament is one of the three State organs to which the sovereign power of the people of Kenya is delegated. One of Parliament’s most important roles is to manifest the diversity of our nation, represent the will of the people and exercise their sovereignty. It is, therefore, an institution for governing as well as defending the rights of Kenyans, particularly the under-privileged. The facilities in this refurbished Chamber will aid Members to fulfill their responsibilities to the people of Kenya more effectively. Of more significance than the physical facilities, however, is the character and conduct of the Members of this House. We must remember that we have a responsibility not only to our constituents but to the entire nation. We should set examples of hard work, integrity and nation building to our fellow citizens. Most importantly, we must actively promote peace, unity and national cohesion in all corners of our country. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the modernization of the Chamber comes at a time when we are fully engaged in implementation of our Constitution. I commend Members of Parliament for rising to the occasion and passing the necessary legislation needed to anchor our Constitution since its promulgation two years ago. In the next few days a number of Bills related to our Constitution will be presented. I am confident that you will give them their due attention as we stick to the timelines provided for under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. Mr. Speaker, Sir, after serving the people of Kenya in Parliament for 50 years I can confidently state that the destiny and future of our beloved nation depends a great deal on the character and composition of Parliament. As leaders, we have tremendous capacity to transform the lives of our people. I call upon Members to use the remaining time of their parliamentary term to ensure that this House goes down in history for its role in improving and uplifting the quality of life of Kenyan workers, farmers, business people, youth and children. Let us use the time left to entrench reforms, and to put in place structures that future leaders will use to transform Kenya into a haven of prosperity as envisaged under our Vision 2030. I also call upon Kenyans to carefully consider those whom they will elect to serve in this House during the forthcoming general election. Let us choose men and women of integrity, who have the people’s interests at heart and who are diligent and selfless. The power to determine the destiny of our nation is in our vote. Let us use that power wisely. As we prepare the forthcoming elections I wish to assure all Kenyans that we are putting in place measures to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections. The Government will support the IEBC to acquire the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) System and contribute to the credibility of the electoral process. We will also fast track the issuance of national identification vards to Kenyan youths. Mr. Speaker, Sir, our democracy has come of age. Let us all play our individual and collective roles, so that we entrench our democratic ideals through peaceful and just elections. To ensure peaceful elections I encourage Members of Parliament, other leaders and citizens to actively participate in the forthcoming county peace conference on the 13th and 14th of August, and the national peace conference on the 30th and 31st August and beyond. I also recommit myself to guaranteeing that our country has a smooth transition to the leadership that Kenyans will vote into office next March. I now declare the refurbished Chamber of the National Assembly officially open."
}