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{
    "id": 1016852,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1016852/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 456,
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the consequence of this Bill is that we shall now have a framework for prompt payment of monies due to suppliers of goods to national and county entities, as well as the private sector, once we get to the Third Reading. We have always asked ourselves why we have pending bills. As the Senate, we have really battled this issue. The Procurement Act says that you shall not procure what you have not budgeted for, and your budget as a county government has been done based on your revenue allocation. The Constitution states that counties get the full complement of what was allocated to them, and the first charge is on any pending payments. I do not understand why we have pending bills in this country. It is just lack of good manners, and it is corruption. As a result of that, we will reduce the amount of pending bills that have plagued the budgets of governments at both the county and national level, and thus give effect to the principle of prudence in the management of public finance and accountability in the use of public funds. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we will also ensure that persons who undertake business with the Government receive their dues in a timely manner, in a bid to create a conducive environment for business. Kenya ranks highly and has been improving on the ease of doing business index. I want to thank the different agencies; the Office of the Attorney-General and the work we did as Parliament on some of the legislations. However, it is said that ‘ kwa ground vitu ni tofauti .’ We might get big international rankings in terms of the ease of doing business, but you just take a walk and talk to business people. My county is the biggest county, and I have the highest number of business people. Just go down the street to Nyamakima and ask my people there. There is the chairlady called Nyokabi. They are importers and do a lot of business with the Government. Ask them whether there is ease of doing business. They will say that, that is the English for the Senate, and there is no ease of doing business there. When they do business with the Government, they just know that it will come at a huge cost. The same applies to the county government. Contractors know that. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, unless we give a true indicator of not just access, registering your business and how easy it is to get information of how to pay your permits The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}