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{
    "id": 491509,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/491509/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 129,
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    "content": "they are under the ambit of Governors. It is important to note that county assemblies, being the legislative arm within the counties, are not part and parcel of the county executive. Therefore, there is an impression created sometimes by some of our brothers, the governors, that since they head county governments, they actually do head the county executive together with the county assemblies. This Bill goes a long way in ensuring that both the governors and county assemblies are able to understand their responsibilities, mandates, powers and privileges. In so providing, we are able to give an opportunity to our county assemblies to function. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, some of the successes that we have seen in this country in terms of the oversight legislation and representation roles of the two Houses – the Senate and the National Assembly - have been achieved because the Members of this House and those of the Lower House have been able to conduct their responsibilities; understanding very well their powers and privileges. It is important to ensure that our county assemblies are treated the same way. This is because, as a matter of fact, they do carry out exactly the same responsibilities, only that they do it within the smaller geographical spaces within our counties. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for us to allow MCAs to bring forth Bills that are of great importance in terms of moving our counties forward and debate Motions without fear, we must be able to provide this immunity and privileges. This Bill helps us in addressing some of these issues. I would want to give some of the examples that we have seen in the recent past. I am aware that some of the Committees in this House are working on some of the processes that try to address some of the challenges being faced in our counties. But it is very sad to see that we have had situations in this country where members of the public or county executive have even made attempts to raid our county assemblies in a bid to try and influence the processes and the on-goings there. The example that was witnessed by this country last week in Makueni raises a lot of questions, in terms of how secure our county assemblies and MCAs are while executing their mandate. In a short while, most of the county assemblies will be discussing very sensitive issues. They will be discussing motions of great importance; touching on some of the powerful figures within their county assemblies. Knowing the history of this country and some of the challenges that even Members of Parliament in the earlier days faced, where even arrests were being done within the Chamber; we need to lay the right foundation in all our 47 county assemblies, to ensure that our MCAs are secure and have their powers and privileges. They should have space to execute their mandate. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as we discuss this Bill – and I know that it will provide for this framework – it is more important to discuss even the funding for our county assemblies. The independence of our county assemblies will not be achieved if they are not autonomous in terms of the way they handle their resources. It worries to read of county assemblies whose finances are purely managed by the county executive committee members in charge of finance in our various counties and that the county assemblies are unable to engage the right staff for them to carry out their responsibility of oversight. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am fond of giving the example of one of our oversight Committees led by Dr. Boni Khalwale. The Committee is able to ask the right questions 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"
}