Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 776899,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/776899/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 182,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "I am saying this because those who are going to serve in the PSC have an onerous task beyond their political parties. Some came through Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM), Amani National Congress (ANC), Jubilee Party, and others through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). That is not what is important at the moment. What is extremely important is for them to rise to the occasion and understand the challenges that Parliament is going through. Mr. Speaker, Sir, more often than not, many people think that the only reason why they are going to sit there is to look into our salaries. However, there is a greater duty to ensure that the constitutional responsibilities of Parliament as a House, whether as a Member of the National Assembly or a Senator in person, are discharged in the best interest of the people of Kenya. When they are there, it is not just our welfare but the welfare of the institution of Parliament itself to ensure that it is functioning. This is the place where, when Kenyans bring their petitions, there is enough capacity in both Houses to process those petitions. When a Member would like a certain legislation to be passed by Parliament, there are mechanisms provided for in Article 118 and 119 of the Constitution and they are well facilitated to ensure that the interests of the people of Kenya are served. These commissioners must restore the confidence of both Houses on the functionality of the PSC. They must show respect on the desired requirement that the Senate performs its functions just like the National Assembly must perform its functions. It is important to note that the Constitution allowed the Chairman of the Commission to be the Speaker of the National Assembly. However, it also recognised that the Clerk of the Senate will be the Chief Executive Officer. There was a reason to that; so that there is a balanced relationship and consideration of all interests. I have no doubt that the tradition already established will ensure as the Speaker of the National Assembly is the Chair, the Vice Chair will be a Member of this House. That will ensure that the respect of the institutional relationship between the National Assembly and the Senate goes on. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have heard rumours but I do not want to confirm rumours in the Senate because the Senate is a House of record. I hope the stories we hear from people that the Senate will be given less money because we are 67 Members remains a rumour. It is the responsibility of Sen. George Khaniri, Sen. Aaron Cheruiyot, and Sen. Beth Mugo to ensure that they make a case in the PSC for the respect of the institution of Parliament and the respect of the institutions and Committees of the Senate to have their resources to perform their functions. We have also had the opportunity to discuss the matter of facilitating Senators to carry out their oversight functions through an Oversight Fund. Again, I hope by ensuring 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"
}