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{
    "id": 698646,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/698646/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 269,
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    "content": "building a democratic and accountable exercise of power. In fact, to the contrary, few governors appreciate the very essence of oversight or accountability. The other object of devolution is to foster national unity by recognizing diversity. One of the things that have been functionally devolved, particularly counties that are organized on basis of clans from northern Kenya--- People have alienated other clans and used devolution for selfish greed and perpetuation of clan and pastoral interests. In fact, diversity is under threat. Therefore, the Senate, in terms of oversight, must stretch its imagination beyond just money. It must also audit some of these Articles of the Constitution which gave rise to devolution. The other object of devolution is to give powers of self-governance to the people and enhance the participation of the people in the exercise of the powers of the State and in making decisions affecting them. This Constitution intended to build a model of citizen engagement, so that citizens can feel ownership of their counties, resources and decision making processes. This was not simply to, once in a while when debating a budget, carry an advert for people to assemble in a hall. It was about building a model of citizen engagements. The county governors are given the powers to appoint administrators at all levels, so that, that model can be realised. You are not supposed to appoint your sycophants, supporters and people to mobilize for you politically, but to put in place a model of citizen engagement. We need to audit the priority areas of county governments. County governments today tarmac roads, where people need water. We need to have better priorities. This is because Article 174(f) says:- “To promote social and economic development and the provision of proximate, easily accessible services throughout Kenya” It is intended to ensure that as per the functions of county governors, we enhance access to water, basic sanitation, health care, decent and affordable housing. That was supposed to be the impact of devolution. It was to instill dignity in our people. We are not supposed to mirror the national Government. Let the national Government deal with major infrastructure while the county governments deal with the things that improve the livelihoods of our people. Politics in this country is exercised without anybody giving consideration to Article 10 and Chapter six which is about national values, inclusivity, gender parity, social justice, human rights, equity and equality. These are all national values that were supposed to be the makeup and framework of how a Government becomes a Government of the people, for the people and by the people. Which governor internalizes these issues? When I structure my audit, it will go beyond the parameters of whether the balance sheet adds up, to whether the values also add up. How many of us today in our appointment and conduct of our politics are conscious that there is a Chapter Six that exists on leadership and integrity? How many governors or their associates have undermined the very credibility of various offices? How many governors today, are conscious that they must give decorum to their offices? Let us, therefore, audit widely. Let us ensure consciousness in the Kenyan public so that we energize them. It must not be lost on us that this oversight that we intend through the oversight fund that has been mentioned here is coming so late into the day. It might be value 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"
}