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{
"id": 1571692,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1571692/?format=api",
"text_counter": 198,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "South Mugirango, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Silvanus Osoro",
"speaker": null,
"content": "then, the core impact remains unchanged. This House must stand firm and support this Bill so that the Fund is entrenched in the Constitution. There is also NGAAF. Women play a critical role in our society. When you travel across counties, you will notice the impact NGAAF has created. Though the allocations, about Ksh6 million to Ksh8 million per constituency, or about Ksh42 to Ksh60 million per county, are relatively small, the outcomes are visible. We have seen water tanks installed, bursaries awarded, and other critical services provided. These women leaders do their best to balance these small allocations for maximum impact. That is more than can be said of some billions sent to counties, where often little is seen on the ground. If there is a Fund we should support and even increase, it is NGAAF. As we entrench it in the Constitution, we must also scale it up. It is practical and effective. Water remains a challenge in most parts of this country. Yet our women leaders have provided tanks to schools and homes, helping us harvest rainwater. Pupils are no longer being sent to rivers with jerrycans. This is progress. I say again, NGAAF is worth defending, and our gracious women have shown what leadership and stewardship look like. Finally, I must mention the matter of oversight. One of the reasons the Senate looks crippled in its oversight function is that it is under-resourced. When you call a governor, who controls billions, to appear before a Senate Committee, and yet the Committee lacks even basic resources, it is an unfair fight. They look down on you. They view you as a pauper. Even making oversight visits to counties is a challenge for the Senators. They struggle to get to counties. There is no special budget for their facilitation to counties. I recently saw Senators visiting some hospital in one of the counties. They displayed quite disturbing images of three female patients sharing beds in the maternity wing. It is a very sad situation. We need to empower Senators through the Senate Oversight Fund so that they can work when they see such things. With those many remarks, I beg to support. I urge Members to appear in large numbers in the afternoon to vote for this Bill to ensure meaningful development in our society. Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker."
},
{
"id": 1571693,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1571693/?format=api",
"text_counter": 199,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Martha Wangari",
"speaker_title": "The Temporary Speaker",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Next is the Member of Seme, Hon. (Dr) James Nyikal."
},
{
"id": 1571694,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1571694/?format=api",
"text_counter": 200,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Seme, ODM",
"speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr) James Nyikal",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Thank you for this opportunity. The Bill seeks to entrench the National Government Constituencies Fund (NGCF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and the Senate Oversight Fund (SOF) in the Constitution. Constituencies’ funds has done what other Funds have not done. The argument of those who have been sporadically going to court regarding this fund and the other decentralised funds is that this is against devolution. However, they should remember that the NGCF is part of the national component of revenue. Even if abolished, the share will not go to counties. It would still be part of national government funds. Hon. Temporary Speaker, people have talked about separation of powers. As we know, the role of a Member of Parliament is representation, legislation, and oversight. If you look at it, their role in the NGCF and the Senate Oversight Fund will be purely oversight. The National Government Constituencies Development Fund NG-CDF has a clear structure where there is no participation by the constituency Member of Parliament. It has a national board with representation like all other boards. We vet the chairperson here just like we did for all other boards and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) of the national government. That is part of our legislative responsibility. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
},
{
"id": 1571695,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1571695/?format=api",
"text_counter": 201,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Seme, ODM",
"speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr) James Nyikal",
"speaker": null,
"content": "The NG-CDF has a constituency committee in whose structure we do not take part. Like anyone else, we may try to see who gets there but it is still in the hands of the Deputy County Commissioner. People apply to be members of that committee. The Deputy County Commissioner chairs the meeting and thereafter people are picked. The Member of Parliament has absolutely no role. The Project Management Committee (PMC) may be the reason the NG-CDF is particularly popular. This is because funds allocated to constituencies clearly indicate the use and Vote. Of course, public participation is conducted prior to that and people decide what they really want done in their areas. Money from the board is allocated directly once that decision is made. The PMC purely comprises constituents who manage it and this is one of the strengths of the Fund. The truth is that a Member of Parliament has no role. What role would you have as a Member of Parliament if the Deputy County Commissioner who is the chairperson of the NG- CDF committee in the constituency and the Fund Account Manager decide to exclude you from what they are doing? You would have none at all. The truth is that the Fund can run without a Member of Parliament present. In that context, I do not see the issue that people have with it. Some people claimed this is just pocket money for Members of Parliament. How does this money even get into our hands? The head of the school who is either a secretary or chairperson of PMC is a signatory before payment is made for instance to a school. That is once money has gone to the Project Management Committee. The Member of Parliament is not a signatory anywhere. Therefore, I do not see why it is claimed that this money is for Members of Parliament. Why is this Fund popular? One is access. I have not seen a single Fund to which people have access like the NG-CDF. The chairperson and members of the community will sit once there is a problem. For instance, a school's dormitory has burnt down. They will decide whether to use the emergency component of the Fund and the work will be done immediately. The Member of Parliament does not play any role in it. Which other Fund gives people such direct access? During the project, the people oversee the job. Although many people come to us to complain about progress of projects, we just have to oversee what is happening. That is one of our oversight roles. A Member of Parliament may meet with the Sub-County Security Committee in need to know what is happening to security. That is oversight. That is exactly how we relate with the NG- CDF. There may be an ongoing education programme. For instance, Members of Parliament get involved during examinations. I do not see how Members of Parliament can be accused of owning or misusing the NG-CDF. Regarding the Senate Oversight Fund, I actually sympathise with Senators and Women Representatives. They have a huge area to oversee. Now, a Women Representative or a Senator in Parliament cannot start legislating without opportunity or ability to go to the constituency level to find out what exactly is happening. How will they work? The Senator and the Women Representatives need money. Otherwise, it will just be a talk show for them. They have to go and see what is happening. I think this Fund and the other decentralised Funds have been accused wrongly. Members of Parliament have also been wrongly accused of misusing these Funds. In my view, we should entrench these Funds if the people have found them useful. The only argument I have consistently heard is that it is unconstitutional. Why do we make constitutions? We create constitutions to guide our lives in a manner that we find most useful and productive. If we discover a structure that proves to be highly efficient, why should we not amend the Constitution to incorporate elements that work The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
},
{
"id": 1571696,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1571696/?format=api",
"text_counter": 202,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Seme, ODM",
"speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr) James Nyikal",
"speaker": null,
"content": "effectively and are popular with the people? The overhead costs in the NG-CDF are indeed the lowest. With that, I support this Bill."
},
{
"id": 1571697,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1571697/?format=api",
"text_counter": 203,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Martha Wangari",
"speaker_title": "The Temporary Speaker",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Member for Laikipia County."
},
{
"id": 1571698,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1571698/?format=api",
"text_counter": 204,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Laikipia County, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Jane Kagiri",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to support this Amendment Bill. As I stand in support of this amendment, I am reminded of my childhood when I was excited to attend a boarding secondary school. Unfortunately, during those years, Laikipia County did not have a boarding secondary school for girls, so my parents had to send me to another county for my secondary education. Over the years, I have often wondered what had caused the lack of schools in our area. Laikipia County has long been neglected, and we are one of the counties that seek equalisation due to historical injustices. Years later, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) was introduced. Today, I can proudly refer to NG-CDF as the equaliser in this country. Due to the efforts of the Members of Parliament elected in Laikipia, we can now take pride in having boarding schools for both boys and girls in our county. Furthermore, many needy students have gone through school thanks to the bursaries provided by our Members of Parliament in our counties and constituencies. Currently, Laikipia County has achieved 70 per cent completion with semi- permanent structures in our schools. By seeking more funding for NG-CDF, I believe we can eliminate these semi-permanent structures and provide equal opportunities for students in Laikipia County, enabling them to receive an education just like their peers in other counties. As I support these amendments, I would like to discuss the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF). I am the chairperson of the 47 county Members of Parliament. Allow me to share some statistics from last year. the National Government Affirmative Action Fund supported 50,000 students across the country with bursaries. Although 50,000 may seem like a small figure, I urge us to envision 50,000 children being granted an opportunity in this country. That is nearly the size of an entire constituency. My question is: what if we had more funding for NGAAF? We could potentially be speaking of hundreds of thousands of students receiving opportunities. In my own county of Laikipia, last year, I was able to send 430 students for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and another 362 for catering classes. I reflect on this and consider that these opportunities have provided students with a means to secure their futures - offering them a fishing line rather than simply giving them a fish. Such opportunities create employment and empower our young people. Hon. Temporary Speaker, last year we supported around 3,000 groups through NGAAF. While this number may seem small, envision the women, youth, and persons with disabilities who now have a daily source of income thanks to this funding. We have been able to empower individuals with trolleys, shaving kits, and tools of trade that enable success in their businesses. For instance, during a recent visit to Nanyuki, I provided my labour group in Nanyuki town with a concrete mixer. I believe this will enable them to empower themselves and, in the future, become property owners in that town. As women representatives, we also seek to ensure access to clean drinking water for our people. Unfortunately, our funding remains inadequate to guarantee that every school and administration institution has water tanks, ensuring our people are served with clean water and resources for better living conditions. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
},
{
"id": 1571699,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1571699/?format=api",
"text_counter": 205,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Laikipia County, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Jane Kagiri",
"speaker": null,
"content": "According to the Education Act, we are only allowed to provide sanitary towels to students in basic education. However, secondary students are often in even greater need of sanitary towels. Our resources currently do not cover all students, both in basic and secondary education. With increased funding for NGAAF, we will provide more children with sanitary towels, ensuring that our girls remain in school as they should. Finally, we are not merely seeking an increase; we are advocating for the consideration of a percentage of the national revenue. As we move forward with this amendment, we, as women representatives, are requesting a 2.5 per cent allocation of the national revenue to NGAAF to support our women, youth, and persons with disabilities. I support and I submit. Thank you."
},
{
"id": 1571700,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1571700/?format=api",
"text_counter": 206,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Martha Wangari",
"speaker_title": "The Temporary Speaker",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Member for Kitui Central, Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu."
},
{
"id": 1571701,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1571701/?format=api",
"text_counter": 207,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Kitui Central, WDM",
"speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for this opportunity. I join my colleagues in supporting this Constitution (Amendment) Bill, and before I delve into the details of the Bill, I wish to thank the movers, Hon. (Dr) Otiende Amollo and Hon. Chepkonga. I would like to provide some facts so that those following this debate understand what we are discussing. This Bill proposes the introduction of three funds: the National Government Constituency Fund (NGCF), the Senate Oversight Fund, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF). When it comes to sharing resources in this country, we have two levels of government: the national government and the county governments. The Division of Revenue Bill determines how much funding goes to each level. After establishing the allocation for both the national government and the county governments, we will introduce these funds. Therefore, those who suggest that if this money is not allocated to the NGCF, the Senate Oversight Fund, and NGAAF it will go to the county governments are mistaken. The reality is that even if this money is not allocated to these three funds, it will not go to the county governments. The only way it could flow to the county governments is through conditional grants, meaning that the national Government would have to withdraw part of its share and distribute it to the counties in the form of conditional grants otherwise, there will be no additional resources for the counties if these funds are not established. Furthermore, these funds ensure equity in the distribution of resources. By equity, I mean that these are the only funds that guarantee that, at the end of the day, every constituency and every county receive funding from national resources, regardless of who they voted for. It therefore addresses the equity issue that we have consistently advocated for in resource sharing across the country. Through these funds, we can ensure that every part of this country has access to public resources. Another critical aspect is that the NG-CDF serves as a successful development model. If we were to assess the models we utilise to deliver development across this country, the NG-CDF stands out as the best which has been proven beyond reasonable doubt. I ask myself, if one is genuinely Kenyan, why would they not want their fellow Kenyans to benefit from this effective development model? It has minimal recurrent expenditure and the highest development expenditure, indicating growth in our economy. Hon. Temporary Speaker, let me highlight the impact of the NG-CDF on the Kenyan people. In my constituency, I did not mobilise anybody to advocate for or against it; the response was overwhelmingly positive. The people, on their own accord, chose to advocate for the continuation of the NG-CDF because it has made a significant impact on educational and The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}
]
}