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{
    "id": 386930,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/386930/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 97,
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    "content": "that would ensure balanced, equitable and just development within the various regions of Kenya. Hon. Senators, today we have the greatest honour to have with us Members of the first Senate of the Republic of Kenya. May I take this singular privilege and honour to recognize these pioneer citizens and I would like to recognize them by name. We have the hon. Sen. Henry Malingi from Kilifi, Hon. Sen. Omar Abdi Adulahi from Wajir, Hon. Sen. Philip Toikam Lemein from Narok, Hon. Sen. Mohammed Noor Hussein from Mandera, Hon. Sen. Mohammed A. Msalaam from Lamu, the Hon. Sen. Nathan W. Munoko from Bungoma, Hon. Sen. P. N. Munyasya from Kitui, Hon. Sen. Julius Muthamia from Meru, Hon. Sen. J. M. Nthula from Machakos. Hon. Sen. William Rotich from Baringo, Hon. Sen. G.N. Kalya from Nandi, Hon. Sen. Ondiek Chillo from Central Nyanza, Hon. Sen. Lawi Nkubitu from Isiolo, Hon. Sen. Shadrack Nyaga from Embu and the Hon. Sen. Philip Chemjor from Elgeyo Marakwet. Hon. Senators, we wish to pay great tribute to these gentlemen and to accord them our sincere gratitude as great sons of Kenya for their patriotism and foresight. For those present here who have spared their time to grace this occasion we commend them for heeding our call to grace this historic occasion of another Senate. We wish them great health and long life. We will always look upon you for inspiration, guidance and encouragement to actualize the long held dream of devolution. We also want to promise you that this time round, we will get it right. Hon. Senators, as I take the mantle of leadership of the Senate, I am not under any illusion. The task and responsibilities ahead of me and the other leadership that will be elected to various offices are enormous and challenging. The task before us will require exceptional commitment, focus and harmony and the unity of purpose in the performance of our constitutional mandate. Given the high expectations that the Kenyan people have in the devolved system of governance, there is little or no option for us but really to succeed. Devolution is envisioned to be the onerous challenge to take power and resources to the people. The primary mandate of the Senate as per Article 96 of the Constitution will be to represent the counties and serve and protect the interests of the counties and their governments. The Senate has therefore the constitutional mandate to ensure successful implementation of the devolution process. The Constitution also provides that the Senate will participate in law making by considering, debating and approving Bills concerning our counties. Further, the Senate has the mandate to determine the allocation of revenue among counties as provided for in Article 217 and to exercise due oversight over the national revenue allocated to county governments. In addition, the Senate will participate in the oversight of State officers by considering and determining any resolution to remove the President and the Deputy President from office in accordance with Article 145. Hon. Senators, you will therefore appreciate that for us to be able to execute the mandate that the Constitution has given to the Senate, it is important that we conduct our business in this House in a serious manner that will unlock the massive potential of The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}