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{
    "id": 111446,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/111446/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 401,
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    "content": "take care of all the communities, particularly the minority communities. I believe that we should increase these counties from 47 to 74 which were proposed during the Bomas Draft so that we can incorporate other communities that have been left out. For example, in western Kenya, we have minority communities which we believe should be included in the counties. Otherwise they will be disadvantaged in many areas. In this regard, I am talking of the Teso community in western Kenya, the Mt. Elgon community in western Kenya. I believe if we increase the counties to 74, we shall be able to take care of so many other areas that have been left out. I am very happy with the chapter on public finance. At least for the first time, this chapter is looking at how we can have equitable sharing of our financial resources. So, I believe this chapter sets up a good foundation on how this country will share its financial and other resources. So, I want to support in total what has been proposed in this chapter. I believe that what we came up with in Kabete should be incorporated in this through an amendment where at least we should have 30 per cent of the GDP being allocated to the counties rather than 15 per cent. Out of the 30 per cent, at least 20 per cent should go to the counties and 10 per cent should go to the constituencies. I also want to laud the inclusion of the equalization fund which will be very crucial for areas that have been ignored for many years, particularly marginal areas where no development has taken place. We are talking of areas like North Eastern Kenya and other areas. I believe this fund will be able to bring these areas to faster development so that they can catch up with the rest of Kenyans. Under this chapter I am very happy that they have now included a clause which clearly says that no law may exclude or authorize the exclusion of a state officer from payment of tax. This means that all of us will pay tax. This is good. I have not always felt comfortable when we MPs are told we do not pay tax. I believe this clause will put all of us at the same level so that we can all pay tax. I want to laud and ask all hon. Members to support this clause so that it remains. Finally, the chapter on amendment of this Constitution is very strong and I think we need to support it. With those comments I wish to support this draft constitution."
}