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"content": "Hon. Senators, as you are aware, at the rise of the Senate today, Thursday, 5th December, 2019, the House will proceed on recess until Tuesday, 11th February, 2020 as per the Senate Calendar. Hon. Senators, it has been a long and hectic year for all of us and I am sure everyone is looking forward to this well-deserved break and enjoying time with family, friends and constituents during the festive season. This long recess also provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our achievements and challenges throughout the year. This retrospection is ideal in a relaxed environment, devoid of the hustle and bustle of our busy legislative schedules and committee operations. Looking at what the Senate has considered during the Third Session in terms of Bills, Motions, Petitions and Statements, I can say without any fear of contradiction that we have been truthful to the role assigned to us particularly in Article 96 of the Constitution. Specifically, I site the Sittings of the Senate held in Kitui County from 16th to 20th September, 2019, as a major achievement of this Session, at which event, the Senate rose above its normal call of duty to engage with the residents of Kitui County and provide solutions to their everyday challenges through legislative interventions. Thanks to our individual and collective efforts, the counties in particular and the devolved system of government in general are in a good place and the future is secure. Hon. Senators, however, looking at the general status of the business of the Senate, the House will require a moment of introspection to plan for the Fourth Session, bearing in mind that the next session will be the midway point of the term of this Parliament. Towards this end, the office of the Speaker undertakes to provide a forum, in consultation with the House Leadership, for the Senate to undertake this exercise. Further communication on this matter will be given in the coming weeks. Hon. Senators, in preparation for the next Session, the coming recess affords an opportunity for the officers of the Senate to take their annual leave and join their families and friends to celebrate the festive season, as well as to reinvigorate and re-energize in preparation for the Fourth Session in February, 2020. Consequently, I direct all meetings of Select Committees be suspended, as is the tradition, with effect from 13th December, 2019 to 31st January, 2020. I take this opportunity to thank you for your service, commitment and dedication in upholding the mandate of this House, in this Session and to wish you a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year, 2020! I thank you."
}