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{
    "id": 1019620,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1019620/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 334,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Seme, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr.) James Nyikal",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 434,
        "legal_name": "James Nyikal",
        "slug": "james-nyikal"
    },
    "content": "I support this Bill because it reinforces that provision of the Constitution. What is important is a uniform system of collection. I like the Bill because it also provides for standards like integrity. In Clause 2 (160A), it is very clear. It has provided for processes in 160B. It is clear on the processes and what needs to be done. So, to that extent, it is comprehensive. Furthermore, it gives a timeline that will force the county finance executive to take action. It also provides for sanctions. I have noticed that some Members are worried that you cannot withhold funds because the county governments are not adhering to this. That is something that we must enforce. People who have been given a responsibility must know that if they do not do it, the people who elected them and the people they represent will suffer. That is the biggest force that will make them do what they are supposed to do. This Bill provides two extremely important examples to us in implementing devolution; the issue of standards and policy. We know the national Government is responsible for standards and policy but, up to now, in all areas, not just in finance, there are no provisions to ensure that policies and standards are adhered to. This is the first Bill I have seen that says: If they do not do that at the county level, action will be taken against them. It is a national policy and direction. This is why we have problems everywhere. The 47 governments plus the national Government want to work independently and yet, we have one country, one policy and one standard. To that extent, I support the Bill. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, as Hon. Makali had earlier said, we need to look at the Finance Bill even a little further. There are other areas as enumerated. We need financial devolution to go a little further. In the health sector, many facilities at the sub-county level, for example, Level 4, 5 and 6 hospital facilities collect money that goes to the counties. The money never goes back to the facilities. In 2012 after the Constitution had been passed before elections, there was a feeling that the Executive should provide basic structures of finance, procurement and human resource to guide the governors. Politically, it was said that the Executive is trying to preempt devolution. I remember the Head of the Civil Service saying that if governors come in without those structures, there will be great loses of funds and many of them will go to jail. Thank you. I support."
}