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{
    "id": 499274,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/499274/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 141,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon Wakhungu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1889,
        "legal_name": "Chrisantus Wamalwa Wakhungu",
        "slug": "chrisantus-wamalwa-wakhungu"
    },
    "content": "to the issue of water, when you go to Schedule Four of the Constitution, it is equally devolved but we are going to have an apex body which is going to be like a parastatal; it is going to be a water regulatory authority. This authority will have a board, which will be overseeing the management of the operations of this regulatory authority. So, my comment on this is that when we look at the issue of the board, it is crucial that the counties be represented. This is because when you look at the composition of board members you see PS Lands, a representative of Treasury, and because this is a devolved function, it will add more value if we have a representation from the counties. That was my suggestion, and we will bring some amendments when it comes to Committee of the whole House to take care of that. Hon. Deputy Speaker, looking at the Bill, there is this issue of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). When you look at the qualifications of the CEO, it is indicated that the CEO must be a degree holder. In this era, we have specialisations in aspects of water management. So, when it comes to the Committee Stage, we are going to propose some amendments, so that we do not just say that we want a CEO who has a degree; we will say that we want a CEO who has a relevant degree when it comes to matters of water management. Indeed, local universities have established some courses in water management. We even have water engineers and so on. In line with job description and job qualifications, this will be very critical for--- When you look at employees, it is saying the terms and conditions of service of the employees of this authority are going to be determined by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Public Service; in matters of salaries, they are going to be guided by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Again our Constitution is very clear that we have the Public Service Commission (PSC). Instead of having an individual, who is the Principal Secretary in charge of the Public Service, why do we not replace this because now--- At the Committee of the whole House stage we will propose some amendments, so that instead of the Cabinet Secretary we say that the terms and conditions of service of the employees are going to be determined by the Public Service Commission, which is actually the body that is in charge of all this. When it comes to salary issues, they will be guided by the SRC, which is headed by Ms. Sarah Serem. Hon. Deputy Speaker, water is critical for life and food security in this country. So, the Bill is very good. We are going to support it. I do not have much more to say but I support the Bill. Thank you."
}