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{
    "id": 549408,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/549408/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 206,
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    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "I listened to our junior Senator, recently elected, Sen. M. Kajwang and he made a lot of sense in what he said. For example, the proposal that the secretary of the committee be the Clerk of the Senate would not work because the Clerk of the Senate is the Secretary to the PSC. Therefore, it would not be in order for him to be the secretary of that committee. Similarly, the Chair of the PSC is the Speaker of the National Assembly and he would not be the appropriate person to chair that committee. These are amendments that can be done during the Committee Stage. I want the distinguished Senators here to appreciate the work that we have done as commissioners. There is enormous development taking place. We are not perfect, but we have done our best. We are not unique in Kenya; the Senate, the National Assembly or the Congress, whatever you call it, there are always those issues of superiority and so on. In fact, in the Senate of Canada or the House of Commons, there is a line drawn showing where Senators reach and where the National Assembly Members reach. I do not think we want to get to that stage. Through these committees, I am sure we can have a cohesive institution of the Parliament of Kenya. We can facilitate members according to their needs. Let us also know that this committee will not be a solution to many issues like the salaries, allowances and so on because that is out of reach of the PSC. The answer would be, and I am saying this with all seriousness, for the two Houses to realise the need to change the Constitution in order to create a service commission for the Senate and one for the National Assembly. Indeed, that is what is happening in many jurisdictions. This can only be achieved through change of the Constitution. That is why the call by CORD for Okoa Kenya is not misplaced. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I propose that that we consider amending certain clauses of the Constitution. I was in the committee that was formulating the Constitution. At that time, we thought that the Senate would just be a council of elders. The way it is now, is that this House must be treated and regarded as the Upper House. This can only be achieved through amendment of the Constitution. With those few remarks, I beg to support."
}