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{
    "id": 404558,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/404558/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 116,
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    "content": "devolution, there are threats to devolution that we must look at from a holistic way. Some of the threats to devolution are external. For example, in the last seven months, we have seen some actions by the national Government that would easily translate to a threat to devolution. This House has been able to deal with them. We have been able to discuss with the national Government and ensured that some of the issues are addressed. Threats to devolution cannot only be external. We also have internal challenges and threats to devolution. It is very sad that one of the other challenges to devolution as it emerges right now is the attitude with which the county Governments are handling their issues. If we have county Governments that are so keen on entrenching corruption at the county level and corruption is taking root, where we thought we had devolved power and resources to the grassroots but apparently may have devolved corruption; that becomes a threat to devolution. Therefore, we should never have this notion that devolution means Governors; that if you want to ascertain whether a Bill or a Motion in this House supports devolution or not, you look at the reaction of the Governors. I think that cannot be. This House has the sole responsibility of protecting and serving the interests of counties. No legislative proposal will emanate from this House that will do contrary to that. County governments are meant to be centres for development, but we are seeing an emerging situation where most of the counties are busy entrenching bureaucracies at the counties. I think these boards will help us in addressing some of these challenges at the county level and ensure that every development project at the county level has the goodwill and the support of all the elected leaders at the county level. I think that is very clear. Mr. Speaker, Sir, finally with regard to the issue of seeking positions, I think this House will have an opportunity to express itself even more clearly when we go to the amendments. I think we want to be very clear that no Senator in this House is interested in executive authority that is vested in the Governor. We are not interested in that but we want to make a meaningful contribution in our own rightful position as leaders and as Senators in our various counties in ensuring that devolution is entrenched, especially at this foundational level. I want to make it clear that I have received a lot of pressure from a lot of quarters, especially from the county governments who initially thought that this Bill was intended to take over the executive responsibilities of the Governors and the county executive. I want to report here and now that in the last almost one week, people have appreciated the need for these County Development Boards. A few of the Governors have confided in me that they support this Bill and I think we should not just look at the position taken by the Chair of the Council of Governors because sometimes, some of these positions are taken at individual level. Some of the Governors have realized the need for these boards and they support them. Therefore, the position that may have been taken by the Chair of the Council of Governors and the others may be individual position rather than the position of all the Governors in this country. We have many Members of the County Assemblies who have expressed support for these County Development Boards whereas we have a few others who have expressed their doubts as to the intention of this Bill. I think with time, some of these things will be clear. We hope that we can finalize the process, enact this Bill into law, it goes to the Lower House it is discussed and approved so that by the time we are 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"
}