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{
    "id": 508240,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/508240/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 347,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Committees that have done wonderful reports which they have translated into Bills. I want to appreciate all our Committees. The Committee on Education came up with the Early Childhood Education Bill, the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights chaired by the indomitable Attorney-General Emeritus, Amos Wako, has brought numerous legislations, including the County Assemblies Service Boards Bill and others. Previous to this Motion, we have seen what the ad hoc Committee that our sister Sen. (Dr.) Zani was chairing was able to produce. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this year has been very productive for us, especially on the legislative front. I say so, because it is not my intention to demean the value of the various Motions that we have passed. We have passed over 68 Motions. However, the impact of Motions passed here cannot be compared with the impact of legislation. Therefore, every time this House is able to process a Bill, we are impacting on the lives of Kenyans, especially in our counties because that is our focus. I want to take this opportunity to thank even those who have sponsored Motions. Many of those Motions have actually generated legislative proposals. It is through the passing of Motions and the debates that ensue that we have been able to develop many of them into Bills. I also want to thank the Senators, especially through the various Committees, again, for doing fantastic work at Committee level. I want to single out for mention the County Public Accounts and Investment Committee (CPAIC) which was put in place during the current Session. It has come out very strongly. It has attracted a lot of publicity and interest countrywide. I see no contradiction to say that actually the eyes of the Kenyan people are on the Senate, especially the audit and accountability work that is being spearheaded by the County Public Accounts and Investment Committee of this House. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I have said it before that there is a lot of consensus countrywide when Senators talk about their mandate to protect counties and county governments. There is a lot of consensus and everyone is happy. But the moment, you touch Article 96(c) on oversight and accountability, you start seeing resistance which is expected. It is not surprising. Everybody will celebrate you when you are helping them achieve their mandate, but very few people are happy when you start asking questions of accountability. It is a difficult job, but I dare say that it is the most important job of this Senate. I say so, because as much as there is national consensus that we must ensure that counties get adequate resources, but more fundamentally is to ensure that every shilling that is devolved to counties is utilized to positively impact on the lives of the ordinary people. This is the difficult task that this Senate must carry without fear or favour and without ill will or affection. I want to say; so far, so good. In my own estimation, 2015 will be even rougher because the kinds of reports we are getting in the audit reports that are coming are a clear indication that unless we stamp our authority and put our foot down, more resources will just be more resources to help one or two individuals and not to help the Kenyan public. I have heard critics ask why the Senate is so keen on accountability of money sent to counties and yet it is not as critical with regard to the accountability of resources that go to national Government. The answer is simple. The Constitution has shared the roles of 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."
}