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{
    "id": 572584,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/572584/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 152,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "The Speaker (Hon. Ethuro)",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Order Senators. I do not think that these are matters that we need to canvass in the Plenary. This Bill has been on the cards for a while now. Representations were made to my office to put it in abeyance – it was not withdrawn, maybe, that is what people are confusing with – pending consultations. The Chairperson of the Committee came and requested for more time, which was given to him. The House appreciates that there are challenges in this particular matter and we convened a meeting two weeks ago where all stakeholders were brought on board. This is the framework in which the discussions are taking place. Without a framework and a foundation, what are you building your house on? I am happy to report that I was at that particular meeting and I could see the passion from the very beginning. I am reliably informed that towards the end of the meeting, they agreed on some framework. I have given my commitment and knowing how important the matter is, it is expected that these kinds of things will happen. The Committee that was formed under the Transition Authority, under the Chairmanship of the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, agreed on some frame work which we all believe will work.That is one way to make sure that we get a Bill that is acceptable across the board. In the mean time, we are grappling with the issue of the process. The argument by Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. raises the concern as to when one is entitled to talk when they bring a Bill. The time to contribute is gone no matter what you raise now. It is reasonable that we proceed on the process that we know. We will vote on the Bill and it is your right to vote either way. I agreed that we would even do more than what we agreed on at the Boma Hotel; that even at the time of the amendments, we would still call the critical stakeholders and involve the entire House in looking at the proposed amendments before we put the final stage which is the ultimate decision making. You can accept the Bill as it is, propose amendments, change it completely or throw it out. According to me, that stage is yet to come. I hope that I am making sense. It is sensible that we proceed in the manner in which it has been proposed. We will lose nothing by doing that. You will still have an opportunity to make the necessary interventions, but we cannot keep saying that we are not ready in our Committees whenever we are just about to make certain decisions. The rule that governs committees is that if you do not bring your report within 30 days, the House should proceed. This one has taken more days and that is an understatement. 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."
}