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    "id": 571060,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/571060/?format=api",
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    "content": "responsibility given to the CASB under this Bill would be to ensure that there is decorum and public confidence in the county assemblies. Two weeks ago, the whole nation was shocked when one MCA before he addressed a press conference, he undressed himself. These are the kind of things that we do not expect to see of serious legislators in this country. This Bill will ensure that the CASB will take necessary measures to ensure that proper discipline and decorum is achieved within the counties. The other value and principle is that the CASB under this Bill will foster a better understanding between the county executive and the county assembly in the context of their autonomy and complementarity. It is important to note that we are not saying that we have two governments in the counties. We have one government with two arms; the county executive and the county assemblies. Whereas the county assemblies have to play their oversight role, we expect that they will work in a harmonious manner with the county executive. We do not want to see many conflicts between the county executive and the county assemblies. We need to see proper working systems and ensure that we have harmony in the county and, at the same time, not compromise their responsibility of oversight. Madam Temporary Speaker, under the code of conduct, some of the issues that we expect from the CASB is to promote gender equality and respect for the rights and freedoms of others. Since most of the county assemblies in this country are made up of elected male representatives, there is a tendency of employing men as members of staff. However, it is important to ensure that there is gender equality in the counties. That is one of the issues that the CASB must address. They must also maintain appropriate confidentiality about the dealings that the employees have with the county assemblies and its committees. We have seen sensitive information being leaked to members of the public and the media in the county assemblies. Whereas the right to information is provided for under the Constitution, some of the information must remain confidential. It is not fair to expose personal information of staff and MCAs to members of the public when it is not necessary. Madam Temporary Speaker, it is also important to disclose and take reasonable steps to avoid any conflict of interest, real or apparent in connection with the service. In the course of employment and giving out tenders for the renovation of the county assemblies and services within the county assemblies, it is important not to cause conflict in counties. We have seen situations where MCAs award contracts to companies associated with them and members of their families. It is important for them to note that conflict of interest, whether real or apparent, must be looked into so that we inspire confidence among members of the public. The other important information is that members of the CASB must not provide false or misleading information in response to the request for information that is meant for official purposes. Sometime in my county when members of the civil society groups wrote to the county assembly requesting for a copy of the budget, the MCAs and the responsible officers gave out the wrong version of the budget. This is the kind of misleading information that this Bill seeks to address. If members of the public are asking 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."
}