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{
    "id": 865540,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/865540/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 120,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "The Deputy Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "requested the Speaker to give a detailed ruling on two things; one on what constitutes matters concerning counties; and two, on the application of Standing Order 1. For those Senators who may have an interest in making observations along that ruling; I will issue that ruling at 4.00 p.m. on the request of Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. He is held up somewhere on House related Business and, therefore, I accepted his request that I give the ruling at 4.00 p.m. However, I will give it, whether he is present or not. I kindly request you to indulge me until that time. Regarding this petition, I want to make the following remarks very briefly. As we all know, devolution is the crown jewel upon which the 2010 Constitution is built. Devolution is the single most important innovation of the 2010 Constitution. In my view, were it not for the dispersal of power and resources to the grassroots through the Chapter on Devolution, this country would be in a total mess. Consequently, the peace and harmony that you are seeing now would not be there. This is because where we had reached before we brought in the new Constitution; the anger, desperation and the division in this country because of centralization of power and resources was so grave that we were almost losing our country. The grievances are still there today, but at least there is some level of comfort in every part of this country at the local level. There is at least a bit of resources and dispersal of power and responsibilities; and public participation that makes people feel part of the big project, which is Kenya. This House has been tasked with the momentous responsibility of making sure that the most important subjects in the governance of our country; and the constitutional application of our country – which is devolution – survives. When some people discuss the role of the Senate, I keep on wondering and asking myself whether there is a greater responsibility in this country today - talking of structures of governance - than a role being played by an institution to make sure that devolution survives. In my view, this role is not only sacred, but holds the key to the future stability, prosperity and unity of our country."
}