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{
    "id": 798740,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/798740/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 311,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "FURTHER AWARE that the Commission is expected to carry out its mandate in accordance with the values and principles set out in the Constitution and other laws of Kenya; COGNIZANT that the right to access public service and fair administrative actions is critical to delivery of services to the people both at the National and the county levels of government and in other related public institutions; CONCERNED that the Commission has its headquarters in Nairobi with satellite offices in the counties of Mombasa, Kisumu, Isiolo and Uasin Gishu; FURTHER CONCERNED that the absence of the Commission offices in the rest of the Counties has made it difficult for members of the public to report allegations of maladministration, delay, administrative injustice, discourtesy, incompetence, misbehaviour, inefficiency or ineptitude within the public service; NOW THEREFORE, the Senate calls upon the Commission on Administrative Justice to urgently establish satellite offices in all other remaining counties to decentralize its services to facilitate members of the public to interact with the Commission and report allegations of maladministration in the public service with ease. Madam Temporary Speaker, the Commission is the protector of public interest and exists to be the citizens’ watchman in the management of public affairs. The act bestows upon the Commission powers to conduct investigations on its own initiative or on a complaint made by a member of the public. It can issue summons and require that statements be given under oath, adjudicate on these matters that relate to administrative justice, obtain relevant information from any person or Government authorities and to compel the production of such information. This Motion seeks to address the need for devolution of the services of this Commission to the counties, which is very paramount. The cost of travel to Nairobi for many aggrieved citizens to seek justice is prohibitive. At present, the Commission has four satellite offices in Mombasa, Kisumu, Isiolo and Uasin Gishu counties. While we laud this effort to decentralise services, further satellite offices need to be opened in the remaining 42 counties, if we are to give counties valid jurisdiction in line with devolution. Claims should be addressed at the county level and its devolved units so as to eliminate red tape technicalities that prevent citizens from receiving services at the county level. Creating offices of the Commission on Administrative Justice at the county level will compel institutions concerned to deliver services to the public in a timely manner and increase accountability of public officials in the counties. Madam Temporary Speaker, in its present centralized status, the office of the Commission on Administrative Justice deals with hundreds of issues of delay due to collection of information from distant counties. There is no follow up on matters under investigation. 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."
}