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{
    "id": 859333,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/859333/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 236,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Baringo North, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. William Cheptumo",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 50,
        "legal_name": "William Cheptumo Kipkiror",
        "slug": "william-kipkiror"
    },
    "content": "Members of Parliament as per Article 127(2) (d) of the Constitution. Clause 10 sets out the procedure for the removal from office of Members of the Commission which includes Petitions. Clause 11 is very important. I want to encourage Members that when they get the Report of the Committee, they should focus on this clause. It sets out further functions of the Commission in addition to the functions set out in Article 127(6) of the Constitution. Allow me because I want to make this issue very clear to Members to refer to the Constitution Article 127(6)(a). The Commission is responsible for providing services and facilities to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of Parliament. I want to emphasis the words “providing services and facilities to ensure, efficient and effective functioning of Parliament.” Clause 11 will bring on board and distinguish what SRC can do and determine for Parliament. We are not going to take away that power because constitutionally that is the function of SRC. Article 127(6)(b) distinguishes the functions and powers of the Commission. This particular clause deals with matters of medical cover, official transport, housing accommodation, mortgages, car loans and grants, travel allowance and public participation of legislative business of Parliament. I want my colleagues to understand that for the first time now, we will be able to put SRC at its rightful position in determining certain benefits for MPs. This is by empowering the Commission to determine certain benefits for MPs, as I have mentioned. Sometimes we read in the newspapers some very disturbing comments that Parliament is deciding to allocate cars and houses to Members. What we have done in this Bill and it is important for the leadership of the House to really get this point since I have seen Hon. Mbadi and my leader consulting, I want to make this issue on Clause 11 to be very clear. Our House leadership has sometimes been accused unfairly for some of these decisions. For the first time, if this Bill is passed we will isolate the functions of SRC in terms of determining certain benefits for Members by empowering the Parliamentary Service Commission as an independent Commission under the Constitution to identify areas that are empowered in law to determine for MPs matters of medical cover, official transport, housing and accommodation. I want to inform the country from this House today that there is no time Parliament has decided to allocate itself certain privileges and benefits. We are passing a law to give powers to the Commission just like all other commissions under the Constitution have powers to deal with certain benefits of their Members and staff. Therefore, that perception should be corrected from the word go. I want to be very clear here, just like we have the Public Service Act, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Act, and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Act, setting rules and regulations to deal with their staff, so will the Parliamentary Service Commission. Therefore, I want to plead with Kenyans not be distorted in their perception of this law. We are passing a law which will comply with the Constitution."
}