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{
    "id": 505231,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/505231/?format=api",
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    "content": "This also involves connecting the Government to the people which has been missing for the last 50 years because national Government has been disconnected from people. That is why some problems we are facing today as a nation emanate from a disconnection between the people and their Government. Devolution was supposed to reverse this trend and provide governments that are not only close to the people and which are not based on what some people decide, but governments which have a different paradigm of interacting and enabling residents and people to participate in the priorities of that Government. I have said that one way of ensuring that people connect with the Government is to provide a forum where people can have an input in the priorities, policies and programmes of their governments. One way of creating this linkage is by using established institutions. The Bill is very clear about recognised and professional bodies in the county. This is not about any professional. You do not want to create an opening for all situations. You should recognise professional bodies that are based in that county. So, this kind of interaction is good. The professionals of a county - I can say this without any fear of contradiction - have intellect, qualifications, expertise and their experience is very invaluable. However, they do not have an opportunity to contribute even on voluntary basis to share their experiences, talents and expertise in their counties. I meet many people who come from the county that I represent, Tharaka-Nithi. They tell me that they are experts in environmental science and have ideas on how they can curb desertification and ensure that they green the county. However, they have no avenues to share the great ideas that they acquired abroad. These people are not asking to be paid. These are people who want to volunteer their services. Therefore, there must be a forum. In principle, I think it is a good idea, not only to have professionals participating in Government matters and in realization of the objectives of county governments. However, I will be happier to see other institutions of society, including the civil society take part. I know that many counties are coming up with public participation laws to enable civil society and other interest groups to participate in county development. The only thing that will need a bit of further thinking is whether it is adequate to provide for a forum between county governments and professionals. Looking at the purposes of that consultative forum which will be chaired by the Governor and, in his absence, by the Deputy Governor, and in the absence of the two, a CEO member designated by the Governor, the only issue that requires further thinking is whether this is appropriate, especially given that this Senate has already passed legislation. On a more inclusive forum, the County Development Board which includes representation of all shades of political, professional, county government, national Government interests, is a forum which is between heads of departments at the county level and the professionals is not bad in itself. There should be further thinking so that we do not duplicate or, at worse, undermine the proposed role of county development boards which has been discussed, analysed, approved and passed, not only by the Senate of the Republic of Kenya, but also 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."
}