Republic of Kenya County Assembly of Laikipia
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REPUBLIC OF KENYA COUNTY ASSEMBLY OF LAIKIPIA A Report of the County Public Accounts and Investments Committee on the Visit to Isle Of Man, 14th to 18th July 2014 THIRD SESSION 19TH MARCH, 2015 1 1.0 PREFACE The County Public Accounts and Investment Committee was established on 24th April 2014 and in consists of the following members: Hon Peter Thomi -Chairman Hon Michael Kinyua -Vice Chairman Hon Catherine Waruguru -Member Hon Jacob Endom -Member Hon Rose Maitai -Member The mandate of the County Public Accounts and Investment Committee has been stipulated in the S.O 185 and shall be as follows: 1. There shall be a select committee to be designated the County Public Investment and Accounts Committee. 2. The Public Investments and Accounts Committee shall be responsible for: (i) The examination of the accounts showing the appropriation of the sum voted by the County Assembly to meet the Public expenditure and of such other accounts laid before the county Assembly as the Committee may deem fit. (ii) The examination of the audited reports, accounts and workings of the County Public Investments. Whether the affairs of the County Public investments are being managed. (iii) To examine the report, if any of the Auditor General on the public investments. (iv) The examination, in the context of the autonomy and efficiency of the County Public Investments are being managed in accordance with sound financial or business principles and prudent commercial practices. 2 2.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The County Public Accounts and Investment Committee extends its gratitude to the Speaker of Laikipia County Assembly, the office of the Clerk and the staff of the County Assembly for their continuous support, assistance, and commitment. The Committee also wishes to thank and appreciate the firm support of the Committee Members for the successful conclusion and compilation of this report. The committee also extends its gratitude to the President, the Clerk, the Deputy Clerk and the entire Tynwald for their hospitality and commitment in ensuring that the delegation was able to abide by the programme and learn about Tynwald and Isle of Man in general. 3.0 BACKGROUND The County Public Accounts and Investments Committee embarked on a trip to the Isle of Man with the aim of visiting the Isle of Man Parliament-Tynwald to get an in depth understanding and identification of the public investments and systems that will ensure development in Laikipia County. The Committee also undertook the trip in order for the members to forge an integrated relationship with the Island being that just like Kenya, Isle of Man is part of commonwealth. The County Public Accounts and Investments was to attend a Select committee sitting to experience its proceedings. The trip was organized through communication between the Speaker’s office, Office of the Clerk and Tynwald. The delegation to Isle of Man comprised of the following members:- 1. Hon. Peter Thomi- Chairman, County Public Accounts and Investments Committee 2. Hon. Micheal Kinyua- Vice Chairman, CPAIC 3. Hon. Jacob Endom-Member, CPAIC 4. Hon. Catherine Waruguru- Member, CPAIC 5. Hon. Rose Maitai- Member, CPAIC 6. Purity W. Kairu- Committee Clerk, CPAIC 7. Stanely Ngwiri- Driver, County Assembly The members of Laikipia County Public Accounts and Investment Committee resolved to travel to the Isle of Man for a benchmarking trip and to experience how the Assembly in Isle of Man operates and how they have been able to experience development. The delegation departed from the Jomo Kenyatta international Airport on Saturday 12th July 2014 after two stopovers one at Doha Airport and another at Manchester Airport, the delegation arrived in the Isle of man Airport-Ronaldsway on Sunday 13th July 2014 evening where they took a taxi to the hotel in Douglas, the capital and largest town in Isle of Man, where they would stay for the rest of their period in Isle of Man. 3 Welcome sign at Ronaldsway Airport The first observation that the members made on the arrival to Isle of Man was how different seasons are as compared to Kenya. During summer in Isle of Man there are long days and short nights. The members arrived at the hotel at around 7.00pm in the evening and by 9.00pm it was still light outside as if it was daytime. The members held a brief meeting where they expressed their joy on having reached there safely all the way from Kenya. They then discussed on the way forward and expectations of the coming days based on the program that they had received from Tynwald which is the Isle of Man Parliament. 4.0 HISTORY The Isle of Man is also referred to as Mann, it is a self-governing Island under the British Crown and it is located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Since it is under the British Crown, Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state and she is the Lord of Mann. She is however represented in the Island by Lieutenant Governor but its foreign relations and defense are the responsibility of the British Government. Between 1400 and 1765, the King who was ruling the Island was titled the Lord of Man. National Symbols Flag Court of Arms 4 Traditionally, the Island residents conversed in Manx Language which is still used upto date; some schools in the island conduct their classes in Manx Language. The parliamentarians in Tynwald are also allowed to use Manx Language during debate; however, the individual has to translate his sentiments into English Language. They were shown the sword of State whose origin dates back to 1400s. There has been 3 swords used so far since the sword was used as a symbol during the Viking Millennia. In 1884, women were allowed to vote, which made the Isle of Man to be among the first Country/state that allowed women to vote. The residents also have a right to petition the King/Queen, making it the second state able to do so other than Arabia. 5.0 TYNWALD The delegation assembled at the reception area of the hotel that they were staying in. They were met at the hotel by Mr. Jonathan King, the Deputy Clerk of Tynwald who welcomed the delegation to Isle of Man; he enquired on their well-being and also informed them that he was very glad that they had arrived there safely. The chairman then introduced the members of the delegation and expressed his gratitude to Mr. Jonathan King for his warm reception. The delegation left the hotel and took a walk to the Legislative Buildings. Members with Mr. Jonathan King 5 At the legislative building the Deputy Clerk showed the delegation around including his office and also introduced them to the members of staff. Tynwald Building Mr. Jonathan King addressing the delegation He also led them to the office of Roger Philips who is the Clerk of Tynwald and also serves as the secretary of House of King. The delegation was given a brief on the history of Tynwald, which according to the Clerk originated from the Vikings. They were also informed that on that day the Isle of Man’s Youth Parliament would be holding a session that afternoon. The Clerk informed the delegation that the youth parliament consists of young people who are aged 16 years to 18 years old. The youth parliament meets once per year at Tynwald to get educated on the Assembly process as well as to pose questions and interact with the ministers. They were informed that voting rights have been given to young people from the age of 16 years old. Tynwald is tricameral, and the deemster is the high court judge. The delegation made the following observations: . Proceedings in the assembly are recorded through a voice activated software by the Hansard department. Isle of Man also exports the technology to the Islands surrounding them. Members of Parliament are also elected as independent candidates since there are no parties. These members are then appointed to form committees in the Assembly. 6 The members agreed that a youth parliament could be organized in Laikipia to ensure that the youth in Laikipia feel more represented, and that they are included in important county matters. The youth will also be able to interact with their leaders. 5.1 Junior Tynwald (Isle of Man’s Youth Parliament) During the parliament session, a presentation is made concerning a particular topic which has been raised. There are contributions by different people and questions are raised. The Madam President, who is in charge, gives direction and guidance to the youth, and she calls out the people who are to make contributions. This youth parliament imitates the main parliament in every sense. Each youth represents a different position in the parliament, for instance the position of acting minister; he then makes amendments to the motion. The members then take electronic vote for any amendment to the motion i.e. Green to represent those who are for the motion and Red to represent those who are against. Results are reflected on a screen according to the sitting position of each person. On that particular day, there was a motion on assisted suicide which was opposed. The process that a motion goes through in Tynwald is the same as that in Laikipia County Assembly i.e. Reading of motion, there is a mover, a person who seconds, then debate arises that includes amendments. The mover is then called to reply, then a question is put. The only difference is that voting in Tynwald is done electronically, and then members are divided in terms of council of ministers.