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{
    "id": 1158941,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1158941/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 181,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Murkomen",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 440,
        "legal_name": "Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen",
        "slug": "kipchumba-murkomen"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance and Budget, Sen. Kibiru, whom we had a lot of arguments with yesterday on whether we should proceed with Divisional Revenue Bill before this Bill or not. I want to thank the House for collectively taking the wise decision to first start with this very important Bill. We have been grappling with the question of grants to county governments. From 2013, nearly all Senators in this House had complained about the equitable distribution of grants from national Government to counties. Innovatively and slowly, first of all through a court decision, but eventually by the intervention of the Committee, we have come up with a very important Bill. Two things are important about this Bill. One, the contents makes sure that the Senate and the National Assembly plays a role in equitable distribution of the resources. Not only that, but also, we will play a role in clear oversight, with parameters being set. Those of us who have served in County Public Accounts and Investments Committee have found ourselves in a situation where when we summon county governments to ask them about grants, from both development partners and national Government, it has been very difficult because they hang on the provision of the Constitution only and say there is no legislative framework to hold them accountable. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the other thing is that we have won a great deal. Just like The Division of Revenue Bill, The County Grants Bill will be brought to the House annually for appropriation and proper transfer to county governments. This is very good. As we were saying yesterday, this will help colleagues who are going to serve in the county governments and those of us who will remain here to provide support and accountability. It will ensure that counties can budget. For example, if you receive grants for development of Siaya town, you do not need to appropriate again for county funds for the same projects that will be done in the areas that you will develop. This gives a lot of certainty in terms of planning and application of resources. Lastly, I thank Sen. Kibiru in person because of his leadership in this very important Committee. I have never doubted his capacity and capability since he came to this House. Since he is exiting, I want the people of Kirinyaga County to know that they have a very competent citizen who has served very well in this House."
}