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{
    "id": 364573,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/364573/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 341,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Wandayi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2960,
        "legal_name": "James Opiyo Wandayi",
        "slug": "james-opiyo-wandayi"
    },
    "content": "As I support the amended Motion, I must also point out that this House legislates or undertakes business not only for today, but also for posterity. Why do I say this? There is an impression which has been created out there that the National Assembly is against devolution or this House is against the county governments getting enough money. By the President giving assent to the Division of Revenue Bill today, there is a possibility of that move being misconstrued to mean that the Senate has become impotent or redundant. That will be a very sad affair, indeed. Why do I say this? It is because in a situation like the one we are in, where we have two types of governments, the need for a second House cannot be over-emphasized. Therefore, my plea is that for us not to get into a similar crisis in the next budgetary cycle, because we cannot afford to wish away the controversy that has surrounded the handling of the Division of Revenue Bill--- We cannot afford to sweep under the carpet the dust that has been raised by the handling of this very important Bill in this House. Hon. Speaker, Sir, I, therefore, suggest that the Government, immediately after this process is completed, comes up with the necessary amendments to the Constitution, particularly Article 217, so that the Senate can get its rightful authority in terms of handling monies or Bills that affect the counties. What this House has done is legal within the law as it is currently. There is no any other way out. Hon. Speaker, Sir, the second question that someone may want to ask is whether it is logical for the Senate to be relegated to the periphery. My answer is no. The Senate cannot be made to be a by-stand when matters as serious as the determination of monies allocated to the counties are being discussed. I take note of the fact that even the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, which will come from the Senate, will still find its way to this House. Therefore, this House has veto over that Bill which allocates monies between the counties. Hon. Speaker, for us not to be seen as encouraging sterile competition, let us move with speed and bring amendments to the Constitution so that the Senate can be seized of the matter of determination of monies allocated to the counties and between the various counties. That is very important."
}