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{
    "id": 705649,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/705649/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 132,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Wetangula",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 3036,
        "legal_name": "Timothy Wanyonyi Wetangula",
        "slug": "timothy-wanyonyi-wetangula"
    },
    "content": "There is also the oversight role that the county assemblies are supposed to perform. There will be a framework for them to follow when dealing with issues of overseeing the county government’s performance. If you look at the way the Board will be constituted, you will realise that we shall have to relook into some of the things mentioned because I know the way counties are established is not the same way the National Assembly and the Senate are constituted. Some of them are far flung in the rural areas and if we insist on this criterion, very many people will be discriminated against. They will be locked out because some counties may be lacking in these areas, and will not have people to fill these positions. The County Assembly Services Bill has highlighted that MCAs will respect the non- partisan and political character of the Service and shall not seek influence. This is very important because unless this Board is set on its own principles and independence, you will find that it will be thrown left, right and centre and will be influenced to make decisions that are not popular. If they make such decisions with MCAs, its members will be ejected. It is very important that county assembly members should respect the non-partisan manner that any member who has been appointed to this Board should serve in a way that is not serving any political interest of anybody. The performance and functions of the Board are also highlighted. Employees shall not seek or receive direction from any source external to the Service. This is also very important because if the members of the CASB are allowed to carry out their functions without anybody’s influence, they will make decisions that are well articulated. They will also set standards on how to manage the affairs of the county assemblies Clause 6(2)(e) sets out the code of conduct. It says that they will treat all persons with respect and courtesy and in particular protect persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups against any form of abuse, harassment or ill treatment. It is important that we have a code of conduct that respects the rights of people and will make sure everybody gets equal treatment when they come to get service from the Board. This is also in line with the Constitution that every person should be treated with respect and should be accorded due diligence when it comes to the service of the Board. We have Clause 11 which promotes ideals of parliamentary democracy as set out under Article 127(d) of the Constitution. This is also a very important component that the service board will perform and try to further implement the Constitution at the lowest level of devolution. It will make devolution more efficient. There has been chaos at the county level because of lack of this service. This will bring in professionalism and make sure that county assemblies perform their role with discipline and respect for the rule of law. With those few remarks, I beg to support the Bill. It has come at the right time. It is a milestone that will move county assemblies away from the defunct local government. Most county assemblies borrowed heavily from the local government which was bedevilled by corruption and inefficiency. I beg to support the Bill."
}