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{
    "id": 893602,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/893602/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 309,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Pareno",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13180,
        "legal_name": "Judith Ramaita Pareno",
        "slug": "judith-ramaita-pareno"
    },
    "content": "have a say on everything that we do in this country because of the history that we had, as a country. It was felt that the citizens did not determine what was happening to them as far as the running of this country was concerned. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, public participation has led to development because when they participate, they own the projects and feel that they belong. They even monitor projects, report progress and evaluate decisions being made that touch on their daily lives. I, therefore, believe that this Bill will ensure that there is accountability. This is because when the citizens are given room and are facilitated to participate, then people are bound to be accountable. This is for both those who implement the decisions and the citizens who follow up on what is done. This Bill seeks to enforce what the Constitution provides, and also to strengthen public participation. What I like about it is the provision for the necessary structures that are required for a proper public participation. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have a problem when it comes to public participation and people being satisfied that a public participation has been undertaken. Sometimes people tell us that they do not know how people are picked for public participation. Instead of having something like a public baraza, it is as if only a few people are selected for public participation. Bringing out the proper way of doing public participation and providing for the necessary structures that are required for a proper public participation will be in line with what the Constitution provides for. We have heard that some public participation is done under trees in some of our counties. This Bill will, therefore, ensure that we have, at least, halls for people to sit in and make their submissions. They will not just be halls but halls with the necessary facilities. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, you can imagine telling people to sit under a tree to contribute meaningfully to a budget; or to propose the projects that they want or wish to have, yet you do not have the necessary facilities like toilets and where they can take water. That is not proper public participation. Some might even shy away from appearing to give their views, because they might not want to sit under trees. We have cases where people have to cover some long distances in some areas, like the places where we come from. For example, my constituency starts from Athi River and ends at Chyulu Hills. Therefore, when you call people for a public participation even in a ward, it has to be properly arranged. You need to go an extra mile to facilitate them to attend the public participation exercise because when the area is big, mothers with children cannot come and talk about what they think should happen in their wards. Therefore, providing the necessary infrastructure for public participation will help us to realise what was intended. This Bill will ensure that, that is done. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have seen governors proposing in their budgets to set aside Kshs150 million, Kshs300 million or even Kshs350 million for their residences. That means that they can provide for halls---"
}