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{
    "id": 956583,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/956583/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 18,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Lusaka",
    "speaker_title": "The Speaker",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Our sincere gratitude also goes to the great people of Kitui County for the friendly welcome and the hospitality extended to us. Hon. Senators, one of the most fundamental provisions of the 2010 Constitution is the devolved system of government which aims at bringing services closer to the people as a means of accelerating development and enhancing the collective responsibility. A core creation of this Constitution is the Senate whose main function is, inter-alia, to represent the counties, and serve to protect the interests of the counties and their governments. The sittings of the Senate outside its traditional seat at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi is designed as an innovative way of enhancing interaction between the national and county levels of government, which are distinct and interdependent. In this manner, we bring the Senate, and indeed Parliament, closer to the people both symbolically and functionally. Specifically, these unique sittings are expected to – (i) promote the work and role of the Senate, and highlight opportunities for greater public engagement; (ii) give an opportunity to County Assembly Members and staff to interact with and borrow practices from the Senate; (iii) develop and strengthen partnerships at the county level by creating interest among the public regarding the business and work of the Senate; and (iv) hold public hearings on key legislative proposals and petitions, particularly on issues relating to the area and region where the sittings are held. Hon. Senators, following on the success of the inaugural Senate sittings held in Uasin Gishu County in September last year, the sittings of the Senate outside Nairobi open up the scope for the Senate to operate amidst the people, beyond our country‘s capital. Let us face it; the Senate is all about our people and their needs. This is reflected through our programs this week for both the plenary and Committees. It is imperative to mention that the national Executive has, since 2016, adopted this concept for the celebration of national holidays every year in various counties and regions of our country. These have since been held in Nyeri County which hosted the Madaraka Day celebrations on 1st June, 2016, Machakos County which hosted Mashujaa Day on 20th October, 2016, Nakuru County which hosted Madaraka Day on 1st June, 2017, Meru County which hosted Madaraka Day on 1st June, 2018, Kakamega County which hosted Mashujaa Day on 20th October, 2018 and, most recently, in Narok County which hosted Madaraka Day on 1st June, 2019. The Mashujaa Day celebrations are scheduled to be held next month in Mombasa County. This outreach endeavour resonates with the evolving practice of the Senate, with plans to hold sittings in each region of the country during the current term of Parliament. Hon. Senators, through this Senate Mashinani Initiative, the Senate is making its contribution towards nurturing more inclusivity in the management of public affairs in our country. Beginning yesterday, and over the next four days, there are various activities lined up including plenary and Committee sittings, as well as public participation fora, which"
}