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{
    "id": 1186127,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1186127/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 372,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Osotsi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13588,
        "legal_name": "Osotsi Godfrey Otieno",
        "slug": "osotsi-godfrey-otieno"
    },
    "content": "I will support any amendment to remove this particular schedule from this Bill. After all, it is misplaced and very discriminatory to other counties. To lump Vihiga County among the rich counties is very unfair. There are so many places in my county which qualifies as hardship areas. I believe the Government needs to change the criteria of determining which areas are hardship and which ones are not. Clearly, we see some areas are listed as being non- hardship when, in fact, they are areas which have a lot of challenges with poverty and infrastructure like those other counties that have been given priority in this. Madam Temporary Speaker, what is important is that this Bill is long overdue. It will unlock Kshs32 billion to the counties. I believe the Committee needs to move with speed so that we conclude this matter in this House before we go for recess. We hope that the National Assembly will do the same, so that this money is released to counties as soon as possible. This money will go into various aspects of our county development, including improvement in health, agriculture, rural inclusivity, climate change, water and sanitation and even informal settlements. Counties have been waiting for this money. I believe we will do service to this country if we pass this Bill within the shortest time so that our counties receive this money. I also want to concur with Sen. Tobiko on the issue of county headquarters. It is very strange that some counties are still constructing headquarters 10 years after devolution. This is really surprising. This matter has to be investigated further by the relevant Senate Committee to find out why there is a huge delay yet these counties have been receiving money. Madam Temporary Speaker, this Bill also introduces very strong mechanisms of accountability on all the money that are taken to the county in form of grants, loans and from development partners. I hope that upon the passage of this Bill, we will have strong mechanisms on the ground to ensure that every single coin that is sent to the counties in form of additional allocation is used for its intended purpose and that there is value addition to the citizens of this country. Madam Temporary Speaker, you are well aware that some of the counties have been misappropriating this money. To a large extent, I believe this Bill will help in enhancing transparency and accountability. In fact, this Bill under Clause 9, proposes some mechanism of reporting where it expounds on the reporting to be done on matters of transfer on monthly basis. This will enhance information flow. As Senators, it will help us track the movement of monies to counties and oversight the funds effectively."
}