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{
    "id": 515808,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/515808/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 103,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Ethuro",
    "speaker_title": "The Speaker",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 158,
        "legal_name": "Ekwee David Ethuro",
        "slug": "ekwee-ethuro"
    },
    "content": " Hon. Senators, your many interventions; almost 13 of them, just demonstrates the importance of this particular matter. That is why when Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale raised the matter, I gave it some thought because the primary function of a Legislature is oversight. Without that, we have no other business in town. Again, I cannot be the one to propose a Motion to that effect; that is your job. Mine is to deal with the matter that is brought to me. I will just respond to a few which I hope will capture the rest. How do we ensure that the Attorney-General gets more money and how do we become proactive? Those are issues raised by Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale. First I want to persuade Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale that it is not the office of the Speaker - I think the other Members have raised the same matter – to give more money. You have the power. As the Chairperson of the County Public Accounts and Investments Committee that is on a daily basis interacting with that office. It is you actually to be pro- active the way you have done in seeking the Statement and find out from the Auditor- General - as you have done - what his needs are. Liaise with your colleagues, particularly the Chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Commerce and Budget. Approach even your counterparts in the National Assembly because budget making is not the sole duty of the Executive; Parliament actually participates. Unfortunately in terms of the figures, we, as the Senate, are disadvantaged in the sense that power has been given to the National Assembly on our collective behalf. So, it is a matter for us to assess what the Auditor-General needs and we make representations as a House. We have started that process in terms of the Budget Policy Statement. I see from your own recommendation you say:- “Although the report tabled before the National Assembly by the Budget and Appropriations Committee on 2015 Budget Policy Statement, as given on page 29, Kshs1 billion for enhancing county audit under the office of the Auditor-General.” So, some progress is being made in that direction. However, it is important that we determine what is the actual quantum needed and then Parliament should be able to provide that money. This is not just a matter for the Senate. It will equally affect the National Assembly and the county assemblies. That is a proposal that both Houses should easily agree to without much ado. What do we do to Article 110? I think Article 110(3) is an old beaten story. We have gone to the Supreme Court and made a resolution that every other Bill that goes out of that routing will meet the same consequences; that is so clear. I have said before, this is a democracy. We are not going to start fighting and grabbing things. Everybody knows 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."
}