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"speaker_name": "Hon. (Prof.) Nyikal",
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"legal_name": "James Nyikal",
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"content": "What I have just said also underlines some of the discussions that we had. I rise to support the Motion because there are two issues here. Whether we are talking of Motion or Bill or report, we need to look at the issues in detail and substantively for the benefit of the people of Kenya and allow hon. Members make their contributions and be seen to be doing so by their electorates. I have also realised that the work we have has two aspects. One is the perception of the people and the other one is the reality of what we can achieve for the people of this country. The reality of what we can achieve depends on the time we put in looking at an issue and discussing it. The perception may take only a few minutes – we are seen to be acting. Therefore, I support the Motion as it is. I also support the position taken on Bills and reports. However, we must balance the two issues very carefully. We should put more time in the substance that we put in. Therefore, when we need to reduce the speaking time for Members, as we sometimes do, the reduction should not be less than five minutes. Quite often, people just stand up and even before the camera captures them, their time is up. In such a case, no work will have been done. The Member’s constituents will not have seen him on television. He will also not have contributed. So, the minimum speaking time should be five minutes. With regard to reports of committees and other reports, there has been a limitation in the past. Reports come late. In many instances, we received reports as we entered the Chamber. Some of the reports were voluminous. I find difficulty in substantively discussing a report that is brought to the House as its debate starts. There should be maximum effort to make sure that we get the reports earlier and digest them so that we can make substantive contributions. We need to plan our contributions so that we can make good use of the limited time that we will be given. My last point is probably the most important. I will be really grateful if we get every report in good time. With those remarks, I beg to support."
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