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{
    "id": 633577,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/633577/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 478,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "This Bill also provides the legal framework for the establishment of committees on Delegated Legislation in the counties. As a Parliament at the national level, the Delegated Legislation Committees both in the National Assembly and the Senate are established via the Statutory Instruments Act. Therefore, what we are all seeking to do through this Bill is to ensure that the same privilege and mandate is given to the county assemblies at the county level. I thank the county assemblies that have contributed because as I indicated initially, this was a Bill born out of the interaction with the county assemblies. Their contributions have been captured in this Bill. I hope that we can fast track the process of passing this Bill. We will include amendments in the Third Reading as suggested on the Floor of the House so that we can have a better Bill that gives the county assemblies an opportunity to carry out their responsibilities. Madam Temporary Speaker, the role played by the county assemblies in ensuring that devolution succeeds cannot be over-emphasized. The success of devolution depends on the capacity and performance of county assemblies. Therefore, any legislation that seeks to provide the much needed enhancement of capacity by county assemblies should be given the first priority so as to ensure that they play their rightful role in terms of enactment of legislation, oversight and budgeting process at the county assembly. Even ahead of the passage of this Bill, counties must be allowed to have the necessary expertise in terms of staff in the assemblies to help the committees in the county assemblies to perform. The reason there is increased oversight on national Government institutions is because Parliament is carrying out its role effectively. This is because our Committees are well resourced in terms of resources and manpower. The counties do not have the expertise like we have in the Senate and the National Assembly. We must invest in qualified staff at the county level to ensure that county assemblies are able to carry out their activities. I wish to thank all Members of this House who have contributed to this Bill, particularly the Members of the Committee on Delegated Legislation for having taken their time, made contributions and supported this Bill. With those few remarks, I beg to reply and pursuant to the Standing Order No. 54(3), I request that you defer the putting of the Question on this Bill for the Second Reading to tomorrow."
}