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{
    "id": 978720,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/978720/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 435,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Omogeni",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13219,
        "legal_name": "Erick Okong'o Mogeni",
        "slug": "erick-okongo-mogeni"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. At times, desperate situations require desperate measures as long as they are done within the confines of the Constitution and the rule of law. So, for me, as a lawyer, if what was done yesterday is supported by our Constitution and by our laws, I am in full support. Let us not trivialize a very important article in our Constitution. Article 187 has a rider. Discretion is given to the two levels of Government. There are functions that can be transferred to another level of government if the other level of government can perform them more effectively. We live in this country and we know what has been happening in the County Government of Nairobi. I sit in the Committee on Health; we know what was happening at Pumwani Maternity Hospital. We know the state of county planning; it has reached a level where high-rise buildings are being approved in estates that are zoned for single dwelling units. That is something that we should not take lightly. We are here as the people’s representatives. We are here to ensure that services are delivered to the people that we represent and serve. The case that we have seen from the County Government of Nairobi is a situation where even the professionals working in the Planning Department have not been able to approve plans. The economy of this county is coming to a halt. It does not serve public interest if we allow that situation to persist in the name of defending devolution. There are two sides to a coin; we must support governors who are able to deliver and those who are not able to deliver should take a break. I support this move. Let this be as a study case for all of us. If, indeed, the transfer of functions can give solutions to the problems that the people of Nairobi are facing, so be it. I state here without any fear of contradiction that if health services can be delivered better by the national Government to the people of Nyamira, I will support it any day. This is a matter that is supported by our Constitution. The County Government Act Section 26(5) merely states that once the memorandum is signed, the county assembly should be notified. There is no obligation for prior approval by the County Assembly of Nairobi. I am fully in support of what happened yesterday and I hope that the people----"
}