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{
    "id": 798288,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/798288/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 170,
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    "content": "The speech of the President acknowledges that in implementing the Constitution, we have really managed to at least operationalize the Constitution that Kenyans yearned for in terms of devolution and the counties are now in place and devolution is being implemented. This is a vice that is disturbing Kenyans. In his Speech, the President expressed concern over issues of corruption and misuse of public resources by the people who are in the national Government and the county governments. It is time for Kenyans to fight corruption. Today, corruption has spread to all levels of the society to the extent that most people believe that they cannot get jobs once they are advertised unless they are assisted by someone. It is important for us, as leaders, to support the fight against corruption. The institutions that are mandated to fight corruption, especially the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), must be strengthened and capacitated. The Auditor-General, who is supposed to look at the finances of the Government, must also be supplemented in terms of funding and capacity. This is because today, unlike the old times when we had one level of Government, we have 47 county governments. We should have proper systems in place so that our institutions can do their jobs properly. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the President also talked about the importance of peace in Kenya. Every Kenyan wakes up in the morning as an individual; they do not wake up as a tribe or a group. It is the leaders who make Kenyans what they are. This is attested by the fact that when President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga shook hands everything in the country calmed. The leadership of this country must be at the forefront to bring Kenyans together, so that they can enjoy their democratic rights. As leaders, we must commit ourselves to the service and, in particular, maintain the highest level of integrity. The President said that the days when governors or Cabinet Secretaries thought that they can do whatever they want with the public resources are gone. We are here to work for Kenyans and must respect the law. The culture of corruption has also gotten into our children to the extent that some of them cheat during examinations. I thank the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology which was led by the former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Matiang’i, for curbing the culture of cheating in examinations. Stealing has gone to various levels. It is unfortunate that we are instilling the same character into our youth. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the President said that Kenyans expect the cost of living to go down, live comfortably and get jobs for their children. This is what Kenyans yearn for. As a nation, we should fulfill this obligation. The Government is trying and it is important that we work together to achieve that goal. As leaders, we should work for the people. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the President talked at length about infrastructure. When we look back to 2003, our infrastructure was totally dilapidated. I thank the governments of President Mwai Kibaki and President Uhuru Kenyatta for the successful implementation of infrastructural projects especially roads, airports and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). Many roads have been worked on, starting with the main arteries from Mombasa all the way to Malaba and Nairobi, all the way to Moyale. There is also a plan to construct a road from Turkana to Lokichogio and the border with South Sudan. A lot of 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."
}