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{
    "id": 1283804,
    "url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1283804/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 206,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Faki",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13211,
        "legal_name": "Mohamed Faki Mwinyihaji",
        "slug": "mohamed-faki-mwinyihaji-2"
    },
    "content": "has now stopped issuing any approvals for foreign travel to county executives and county assemblies without the authority and approval from the State Department of Devolution. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this illegal procedure has created delays in processing of travel outside the country for county employees attending courses and important meetings outside the country which are beneficial to the county governments. This bureaucracy has further curtailed budget implementation by county governments, which will impact on budget absorption at the end of the financial year leading to unnecessary audit queries. This in turn negatively impacts on the budget performance of our county governments. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the clearance is personally issued by the Principal Secretary for Devolution and the delays have on many occasions caused panic on the part of the county officials and in some instances, necessitating payment of illegal inducements to fast-track the issuance of the clearance. I am told the payment is Kshs5000 per delegate who is traveling. This in turn opens up avenues for corruption. Our Constitution under Article 6(2) provides for two independent and distinct governments; one at the national level and the other one at the county level. Any oversight and accountability matter should be addressed by the respective assembly. I am not aware of any provisions in law that allow the PS for Devolution to vet travel by officials of the county governments. This, in my humble opinion, is a grave violation of the Constitution and usurpation of the powers of the county governments. The Senate should not remain silent when the county governments are being oppressed by the Executive. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I kindly urge the relevant Committee to take interest in this Statement as the Circular has very grave repercussions on our county governments. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker."
}