Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 835268,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/835268/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 348,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Pareno",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13180,
        "legal_name": "Judith Ramaita Pareno",
        "slug": "judith-ramaita-pareno"
    },
    "content": "receive these petition; there is a register for them. So, there is no discrimination and haphazard way of handling them. There is a register and they are addressed to the clerk and county assembly. When a petition is addressed we will be able track; that it was received, processed and we are waiting a particular number of days, and thereafter, we will get a feedback. When we get that feedback, we will go down to it and check what the recommendation is. If that recommendation has not been met, it will be easier to track and check that it is enforceable. Madam Temporary Speaker, this is a better way to handle these grievances by the citizens. We will hear their cries and at the end of the day, they will have been served, because we, as the Senate, and the county assemblies exist as servants of the people. When we serve and give them resolutions that are enforceable, they will be happy. Madam Temporary Speaker, we have a precedent and so, this is not unique. There is the Petition to Parliament Procedure Act No.22 of 2012 by the National Assembly. This is just devolving some of the services and precedents that can help us serve better. If this is adopted, it will mean that the county assemblies will also have a way of doing it, like the National Assembly has. Madam Temporary Speaker, Clause 3 of this Bill, as read with the First Schedule provides for the form of the petition. There is a form that will be guiding them, so that we do not get letters, left right and center, that are not in the proper format. This is a simple form which is easy to understand. It has guidelines which provide clarity to the public on how to lodge a petition, in a manner that clearly sets out the objectives of a petition and the action requested to be taken by the county assembly. You can imagine if you get a form that just clearly tells you what you require and you are able to fill it up. Madam Temporary Speaker, Clause 4 provides the procedure for presenting petitions. This clause is important because it outlines the procedure to be followed by the county assembly and sets the timelines for communication of a decision on the petition. This is what I had said earlier on. It gives the guidelines and sets a time limit. Clause 5 provides for a register of petitions at the county assembly. This will ensure the proper tracking of petitions and enhancing the public’s right to access to information. So, they will have information and they will be able to track how the petition is being processed. The Bill, therefore, seeks to bring a harmonized and uniform way of procedure to handle these petitions all over in the county assemblies. In conclusion, Madam Temporary Speaker, this Bill will not only sort out the county assembly procedures, but also help us realize and effect the right of the citizens to participate and their sovereignty. They will be able to participate in the decision making processes by putting this petitions forth, being heard and getting answers. Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to move and ask Sen. Madzayo to second this Bill."
}