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{
    "id": 591473,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/591473/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 196,
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    "content": "It is also important for both Houses to have a role in the budget making process because that is what gives a House stature. The whole process of budget making and appropriating the funds is critical. Probably that is why Kenyans do not understand the critical role played by this House. The Division of Revenue Bill and coming up with the formula for division of revenue is something that this House continues to debate and deliberate on to see that there is equity in terms of division of resources that go to the counties. Therefore, it is important for us not just to say that 40 per cent go to the county, but it is critical for the Senate to be involved in the whole process of budget making. Madam Temporary Speaker, there are also other issues that are pertinent. We need to ensure counties work; and separation of power between the executive and the county assemblies is paramount to ensure that there is independence. The county assemblies should also perform their duties without being tied to the executive at the county. We also hope that the Senate and the National Assembly will have separate commissions so that our work is not impeded because of certain reasons. We disrupted Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale on a number of times when he was speaking on the issue of representation. It is a crucial issue because many Kenyans are talking about the bloated system of governance that we have. As we continue to enjoy the fruits of the Constitution, we realize what needs to be done and corrected. On the issue of representation and as we talk about affirmative action, we could come up with a competitive way to achieve gender balance. However, we have to agree that the playing ground is not leveled. I will not be the same, if I do not have a chance to sit in this House after the next election. If we can make the process competitive even for the affirmative seats, and create a level playing ground for all the other groups, then we will succeed. The problem is about this tokenism. We have to agree that as a country, we have faced several challenges to get to where we are today and cater for the different interest groups. These are conversations that we continue to have even as we continue thinking about implementing the two-thirds gender rule. These are some of the conversations that we will continue to have with our colleagues and see how best to achieve them without dismissing the different roles played by different interest groups in the leadership positions they hold. Madam Temporary Speaker, it is also important to note that until now the distinguished Senators in this House do not have any fund that they manage. It is commendable that the Senators have continued to execute their mandate without funds. When we asked for a kitty to assist us in doing our oversight role, it was denied by the National Assembly. However, Senators have continued to play their oversight role even without funds. When Senators proposed to have a board that would facilitate consultations in the counties, it was also denied. We know that the role of the Senators is not being felt in the counties. That is why debate has continued that the Senate needs to be scrapped. The Senate needs to be strengthened for posterity. In conclusion, it is interesting to see the bipartisan approach to this issue. When we just came to the Senate, there was discussion about strengthening the Senate. I do not know what scattered us then, but we have now done our job. Earlier on, we were just shouting at funeral, weddings and other functions about strengthening the Senate. We have now done it properly. I hope and pray that the same approach that we have seen today will be seen in the different fora that we will have as we continue to deliberate on 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."
}